Fogo and Santo Antão

Individual Hiking Tour

On this hiking tour, you will explore the volcanic landscape of the island of Fogo and the green mountains of the island of Santo Antão. After a first impression of Cape Verde on the island of Santiago, you will climb the volcano Pico do Fogo on the island of Fogo, explore the green north of the island on foot and visit the friendly island capital São Filipe. Visit the island’s capital São Filipe. On Santo Antão you can hike through the diverse island landscape. On day tours from accommodation to accommodation, you will see spectacular mountains, green valleys and rugged coasts. Enjoy the warmth of the people you will meet on your trails.

If you’d rather leave your hiking boots at home, this trip is also available as a round trip with excursions by car.

It is bookable throughout the year at the date of your choice!

Day 1: Santiago – Arrival in Cape Verde

When you arrive at Santiago airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the capital, Praia. Your hotel is on the plateau, which is the historic centre of the town. From here you can easily find the vegetable market and numerous shops, restaurants, and bars on foot.

Day 2: SANTIAGO – The Ribeira Grande Valley and Cidade Velha

(Hike in the valley of Ribeira Grande // approx. 2 hours // – 200m // level 2)

With your guide, you will drive to Calabaceira, which is the starting point of your first hike. Here you descend into the green valley of Ribeira Grande, before the path takes you through the dry riverbed, past sugar cane, mango trees and baobabs. Later on, you will get to know Cidade Velha, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first capital of the country. Then you visit the fort and take a walk through the small town.

Day 3: To FOGO – Up to the crater

Take the bus to Santiago airport and a short flight to the neighbouring island of Fogo. After arriving there, you will make your way to the famous volcanic crater: by car, it is a serpentine drive past small villages, hilly country and lava formations up to an altitude of 1,700m. In this spectacular area, you will spend the night. You will stay overnight in this spectacular area.

Day 4: FOGO – The Great Pico

(Ascent of Pico do Fogo // approx. 5 hours // +/- 1,000m // level 4)

You will have a candlelit breakfast before setting off early to climb Pico de Fogo, which is the highest point in Cape Verde. The lava crunches under your soles with every step. Before the sun, you climb up the mountain and can watch your rise from the heights. Successively, all the volcanoes in the crater will shine at you. Reaching the top, you will see some of the Cape Verde Islands if the weather is good. Then comes the “descent” through the lava ash. What fun…
We are pleased to offer you an easier alternative hike.

Day 5: FOGO – Through the forest to the north

(Hike Crater – Pai António // approx. 5hrs // + 200m / – 1300m // level 3)

You will leave the crater today and hike almost to sea level. The way is quite long and steep, but you’ll be rewarded with the scent of the forests, the constant view of the sea and fascinating varied landscapes. In addition, you will pass coffee plantations. In Pai Antonia, you will be picked up by our driver and drive to the island capital São Filipe. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to swim in natural sea pools at Salinas (weather permitting).

Day 6: FOGO – Island capital São Filipe

With your roadbook in English, you will discover the friendly island capital of the fire island of Fogo. You will be captivated by the colonial, small-town charm of São Filipe: it doesn’t matter whether you pass quiet, well-kept squares or historic stately homes – the appeal of the place is hard to resist.

Day 7: To SÃO VICENTE

Continue with a short transfer to Fogo airport and fly via Santiago to Sao Vicente. Arriving at the airport, your driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in the centre of the colonial port city of Mindelo, where the historic centre and nearby restaurants and shops are within easy walking distance.

Day 8: Nach SANTO ANTÃO – From the plateau to the valley

(Hike to Caibros // approx. 5 hours // 14.5 km // +400 m / – 1,350 m // level 3)

You’ll take the ferry from São Vicente to Santo Antão and be greeted by your guide upon arrival at the port. On the old trade road from Porto Novo you drive up to Espongeiro, where you begin the first hike on this spectacular mountain island. Starting from the plateau, you will embark on a grandiose descent with breathtaking views of the landscape time and again. Along the way, you may be lucky enough to be offered goat’s cheese, a typical product of the local area. You will spend the night in a family-run guesthouse in Coculi.

Day 9: SANTO ANTAO – Hike to the village of the church

(Hike to Chã de Igreja // approx. 4hrs // 8.9 km // + 85 m / – 1100m // level 3)

We will bring your main luggage to the accommodation where you will spend the night the following day. You will set off with your guide after breakfast and first climb approx. 500 metres in altitude. Time and again you will enjoy the view of the mighty Ribeira Grande valley. After crossing the pass, you continue the hike on the old mule track and descend to the village of Mocho. You then continue to Chã der Igreja, where the next hospitable guesthouse awaits you (overnight stay without main luggage).

Day 10: SANTO ANTÃO – Along the cliff coast

(Hike to Ponta do Sol // approx. 6 hours // 18km // +/- 1000m // level 3)

Explore one of the most spectacular hikes in the archipelago: alongside the bizarre cliffs from Chã de Igreja to Ponta do Sol, enjoying the views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coast. Shortly before your destination, however, you will pass the picturesquely situated village of Fontainhas with its numerous small field terraces. Stay in the pleasant fishing village of Ponta do Sol.

Day 11: SANTO ANTÃO – In the greenest valley of the island

(Hike in the Paúl Valley// approx. 4hrs // +/- 250 m // level 2-3)

With your guide you drive from Ponta do Sol to the greenest valley of Cape Verde, the Paúl Valley. On the next hike, you will pass through spectacular mountain scenery and tropical vegetation. You’ll pass sugar cane and banana fields and discover mango and papaya trees. After these lovely hours, you will enjoy the national dish of Cape Verde, Cachupa, which is served in the middle of the valley, before heading to Vila das Pombas.

Day 12: SANTO ANTÃO – Relaxation in Cidade das Pombas

Today is at leisure.

Day 13: Back to SÃO VICENTE – Mindelo

In the morning, you will take the shared taxi to the port of Porto Novo, where you will return to São Vicente by ferry. Then you will explore – together with your roadbook – the colonial port city of Mindelo. Be enchanted by the lively markets and historic squares.

Day 14: SAO VICENTE – Back to Europe

Transfer to São Vicente airport. We wish you a safe journey home.

Who we are:

We have been organising trips to the Cape Verde Islands for more than 15 years with a German/Cape Verdean team of almost 20 people. Together with our drivers and guides, we work hand in hand on all nine inhabited islands of the archipelago. Looking forward to a trip organised by people who know the local area inside out and also have a lot of fun at work.

What you can expect from us:

• Competent advice on planning your trip
• Consideration of your individual wishes when creating the travel offer
• Carefully selected accommodation and drivers
• Qualified English speaking guides
• Varied excursions
• Detailed travel documents
• A 24-hour service number on-site during your trip

Services Included in the price:

• Domestic flights Santiago – Fogo – São Vicente incl. taxes and fees
• Ferry São Vicente – Santo Antão – São Vicente
• 13 nights in a double room with breakfast including accommodation tax
• Other meals: 5x packed lunch, 2x lunch, 4x dinner
• Programme as described: 7x hike with a guide, 1x city tour with a guide,
  2x city tour with road book; for your information: guides are English-speaking.
• All airport, port, and other transfers as per itinerary
• Travel documents

Services Not Included:

• Airport tax (3,400 ECV or €31)
• International flights.
  *You are welcome to book your international flights through us: With TAP Air Portugal, from an airport near you.

Booking request individual hiking tour:
Fogo and Santo Antão Individual Hiking Tour