Luxury Guided Hiking in Cabo Verde: Volcano to Valleys
Introduction
Discovery of São Vicente, Santo Antão, Fogo and Santiago / 13 days and 12 nights
Discovery of São Vicente, Santo Antão, Fogo and Santiago
Explore the diverse islands of Cape Verde on this 13-day journey, from the volcanic landscapes of Fogo and the lush valleys of Santo Antão to the vibrant culture of São Vicente and Santiago. Experience scenic hikes, local cuisine, and the unique charm of each island, blending adventure with relaxation and a touch of luxury.
13-day Volcano to Valleys: 72.5 km
8 walking days: Walking time: 31.5 hours
Elevation: +3,755 m / -6,095 m
Highlights & Journey
Map
A. Praia Airport
Nelson Mandela International Airport, Praia, Santiago, Cape VerdeB. Quebra Canela Beach
Quebra Canela Beach, Praia, Santiago, Cape VerdeC. Cidade Velha
Cidade Velha, Santiago, Cape VerdeD. São Filipe Airport
São Filipe Airport, Fogo, Cape VerdeE. Chã das Caldeiras (Fogo Volcano Crater)
Chã das Caldeiras, Fogo, Cape VerdeF. Mosteiros
Mosteiros, Fogo, Cape VerdeG. São Filipe
São Filipe, Fogo, Cape VerdeH. Mindelo
Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape VerdeI. Laginha Beach
Laginha Beach, Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape VerdeJ. Porto Novo (Santo Antão Ferry Port)
Porto Novo, Santo Antão, Cape VerdeK. Ribeira das Patas
Ribeira das Patas, Santo Antão, Cape VerdeL. Janela
Janela, Santo Antão, Cape VerdeM. Vila das Pombas
Vila das Pombas, Santo Antão, Cape VerdeN. Paul Valley
Paul Valley, Santo Antão, Cape VerdeO. Cruzinha
Cruzinha, Santo Antão, Cape VerdeP. Ponta do Sol
Ponta do Sol, Santo Antão, Cape VerdeQ. Monte Verde
Monte Verde, São Vicente, Cape VerdeR. Baía das Gatas
Baía das Gatas, São Vicente, Cape VerdeS. Calhau
Calhau, São Vicente, Cape VerdeDay 1 - Arrival in Praia, Santiago island
Arrive in Praia and Relax by the Beach
Arrival airport: Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI), Praia, Santiago, Cape Verde.
As soon as you arrive at Praia Airport, your guide will be waiting to take you to your guesthouse, located near Quebra Canela Beach, where you can spend the afternoon swimming. You can also visit the city center and its markets.
Dinner
Dinner included at your guesthouse near Quebra Canela Beach.
Salav Guest House
Salav Guesthouse is an exceptional starting point for those staying on the island of Santiago, whether for business or vacation. It’s perfect for exploring the island, hitting the must-see hot spots, and immersing yourself in the vibrant daily life of the city in Praia.
Day 2 - Discovery and Hike around Cidade Velha
Hiking and Exploring Cidade Velha UNESCO Site
Hike from Calabaceira to Cidade Velha
Duration4.2 km, 1 hour 30 minutes, +10 m / −190 m
The day begins with a transfer to Calabaceira, the starting point of your hike. A short walk will take you from Calabaceira to Cidade Velha, an African historical site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll descend into the irrigated Ribeira Grande valley, rich in crops, before climbing back up to a small waterfall (active during the rainy season) that marks the end of the canyon. Then, you’ll follow the valley to Cidade Velha to explore the ruins of this former slave trading post. In the afternoon, a vehicle will take you back to your accommodation.
Dinner
Dinner included.
Day 3 - Fogo Island Arrival and Volcano Crater Stay
Flight to Fogo Island and Transfer to Chã das Caldeiras
Transfer to Praia Airport according to your flight schedule and take your flight to São Filipe on Fogo Island. On arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to Chã das Caldeiras, in the heart of the volcanic crater, where you will stay for two nights. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to hike Petit Pico (optional; duration to be confirmed).
Dinner
Dinner included.
Day 4 - The ascent of Pico
Ascend Pico Volcano and Wine Tasting
Exploration on foot of the crater and ascent of Pico
Duration6 hours 30 hiking Elevation +1100 -1100
Exploration on foot of the crater. Ascension, of the volcano Fogo (2800m). Second night in the crater. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine tasting of local production.
Lunch
Lunch included.
Dinner
Dinner included.
Day 5 — Descent to Mosteiros and Transfer to São Filipe
Descend Volcano, Hike to Mosteiros and São Filipe
Descent of the volcano to the sea
Duration6 hours hiking Elevation +100 /-1200
Descent of the volcano to the sea, forests of eucalyptus and mimosas, orange groves and coffee trees. From Mosteiros, transfer by the coastal road to São Filipe for one night.
Lunch
Lunch included.
Dinner
Dinner included.
Day 6 - From São Filipe to São Vicente
Flight to São Vicente and Explore Mindelo
Transfer to the airport and flight to São Vicente
Transfer to the airport and flight to São Vicente. Arrival in São Vicente, welcome and transfer to Mindelo. Visit of the city to adapt to the time of arrival. The colonial architecture and the cobbled and colorful alleys all around the bay give Mindelo an overseas charm, embellished by the vegetable and fish markets, and by the small beach of Laginha. For a Sunday arrival, the city slumbers and the animation is concentrated around the beach.
Dinner
Dinner included.
Day 7 - North Plateau - Santo Antao Island
Hiking the Norte Plateau and Volcanic Trails
Transfer and Ferry to Santo Antao
Early in the morning, transfer and drop-off at the port of Mindelo. Ferry crossing to Porto Novo on the island of Santo Antao. After an approximately one-hour journey, continue by transfer through the lunar-like landscapes of the island’s southern foothills, passing Ribeira das Patas and Caranguejeiro, the starting point of your hike. The ascent to the Norte Plateau offers panoramic views of a barren volcanic peak on one side and the valley below on the other, where captured springs irrigate lush green oases. Lemons and sugarcane are the predominant crops in this region of the island. The descent follows an impressive paved cliffside path through rugged volcanic terrain. The walk ends directly at your accommodation.
Hiking Norte Plateau
Duration5 to 5.5 hours. Elevation +720 -920
The ascent to the Norte Plateau offers panoramic views of a barren volcanic peak on one side and the valley below on the other, where captured springs irrigate lush green oases. Lemons and sugarcane are the predominant crops in this region of the island. The descent follows an impressive paved cliffside path through rugged volcanic terrain. The walk ends directly at your accommodation.
Lunch
Lunch included.
Dinner
Dinner included.
Casa d’Any
Accommodation (Guest House): Casa d’Any.
Day 8 - Janela e Penedo valleys
Hiking Janela and Penedo Valleys, Ocean Views
Transfer to Ribeira de Janela
Transfer via the coastal road to Ribeira de Janela. Janela and Penedo are the valleys at the tip of the island, near the lighthouse that guides sailors. The trail rises from the seaside and climbs up through the Penedo valley, alternating between flat stretches and ascents, until it crosses over to a high ridge to reach Janela, where the descent begins, passing through coffee plantations and mountain hamlets, but never losing sight of the ocean below, where the sugarcane fields stretch out and the colorful fishing boats bob on the waves. Transfer in the afternoon to the village of Vila das Pombas, where you will spend the night.
Hiking Janela and Penedo Valleys
Duration4 to 5h. Elevation + 580m - 580m
The trail rises from the seaside and climbs up through the Penedo valley, alternating between flat stretches and ascents, until it crosses over to a high ridge to reach Janela, where the descent begins, passing through coffee plantations and mountain hamlets, but never losing sight of the ocean below, where the sugarcane fields stretch out and the colorful fishing boats bob on the waves.
Lunch
Lunch included.
Dinner
Dinner included.
Information
Day 9 - Valley of Paul
Hiking and Exploring Paul Valley's Lush Landscapes
Transfer by the coast and up the lush Paul Valley
Transfer by the coast and up the lush Paul Valley, the greenest and cultivated valley of the archipelago. Terraces planted with coffee, banana trees, guava trees, sugar canes, orange trees and vegetables of all kinds. The end of the walk takes you back to your accommodation.
Hiking Paul Valley
Duration5h hiking. Elevation + 550 m - 750m.
Lunch
Lunch included.
Dinner
Dinner included.
Day 10 - Coastal path: Cruzinha – Ponta do Sol
Hiking Coastal Path from Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol
Morning transfer to the Ribeira Grande valley and the village of Cruzinha
Morning transfer to the Ribeira Grande valley and the village of Cruzinha. From here you continue along the coastal path that passes through the abandoned village of Zaranhas, the green valley of Corvo and then the perched and colorful village of Fontainhas before reaching Ponta do Sol, the ancient floral port of the island, where you settle one night.
Hiking Coastal Path Cruzinha to Ponta do Sol
Duration5h 30 hiking. Elevation +: 800m / Elevation - 800m.
Lunch
Lunch included.
Dinner
Dinner included.
Day 11 - Back to Mindelo by the Road of Corda and Island Tour
Scenic Drive, Monte Verde, Calhau Volcano Walk
Activity
Duration 45-minute Optional walk around an ancient volcano near Calhau
Morning transfer to Porto Novo and tour of the island
Morning transfer to Porto Novo along the historic paved road of Corda. This road unrolls its cobblestones over 36 kilometers and makes you discover the multitude of varied landscapes that it crosses. Upon arrival, you’ll head straight to a tour of the island: explore Monte Verde, the island’s highest point. From the summit, a magnificent panorama opens up over Mindelo, the coast, and, on a clear day, several islands in the archipelago. You’ll then descend toward the east coast to reach Baía das Gatas, a peaceful bay much loved by the island’s residents for its calm waters and relaxed atmosphere. The route continues along the stunning Praia Grande beach to the fishing village of Calhau. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take a short 45-minute walk around an ancient volcano by the sea, discovering impressive volcanic landscapes: petrified lava, rock formations, and natural blowholes. In the afternoon, return via the central oasis of Calhau, where market gardeners cultivate small irrigated plots, the produce of which is then sold at the markets in Mindelo. At the end of the day, drop you off at your accommodation in Mindelo, where you will spend the next two nights.
Lunch
Lunch on your own in Calhau (not included).
Dinner
Dinner included.
Day 12 - Mindelo Free Day and City Exploration
Relax on Laginha Beach and Explore Mindelo
Free day in Mindelo
Free day in Mindelo: Spend the morning relaxing on Laginha Beach, then explore the city at your own pace. You can stroll through the narrow streets, visit the local markets, admire the colonial architecture, and sample local specialties at the small restaurants and cafés in the city center.
Suggested activities (optional, on-site arrangement)
For your afternoon/free day, we suggest the following activities, which can be arranged on-site for an additional fee:
1. Scuba diving / snorkeling with a local club
2. Stand-up paddle boarding lesson in the bay
3. Car, bike (traditional or electric), scooter, or electric scooter rental
4. Visit to the Madeiral oasis with a tasting of local products (Coração Verde Project)
5. Painting class with a local artist (souvenir included)
6. Creole language class (the country’s native language)
7. Yoga class, private or in a small group
8. Meeting with a musician or visit to a music school
Day 13 - Mindelo São Vicente – End of staying
Departure from Mindelo and End of Stay
Departure airport: Cesária Évora Airport (VXE), São Vicente, Cape Verde.
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule for your departure flight.
Breakfast
Breakfast only.