The South of the archipelago

Individual Hiking Tour

Santiago and Fogo

On this hiking and recreation tour, you will visit the southern islands of Santiago and Fogo. On the volcanic island of Fogo, you will explore the spectacular crater area around the country’s highest mountain, Pico do Fogo, on foot. There is also a stop in the cosy island capital of São Filipe. On Santiago, you will go on the most beautiful hikes on the main island and get to know the two mountain ranges as well as the former capital Cidade Velha and its surroundings. After these varied and impressive days, you can end your holiday on the beach at Tarrafal, to the north of Santiago.

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

Day 1: SANTIAGO – Arrival in Cape Verde

You arrive at Santiago airport and transfer to your accommodation, which is located in the centre of the capital Praia. You can easily reach numerous shops, restaurants and bars within walking distance from here.

Day 2: SANTIAGO – Discovery of Praia and Cidade Velha

Hike in the Ribeira Grande Valley // approx. 2 hours // -200 m // level of difficulty 2-3

After breakfast, you’ll travel with your guide to Calabaceira, the starting point of your first hike. You’ll descend into the verdant Ribeira Grande valley before the trail leads you through the dry riverbed, past sugar cane, mango trees, and baobabs. Later, you’ll explore Cidade Velha, the country’s first capital. You’ll visit the fort and take a stroll through the small town. Transfer back to Praia.
You’ll then have the opportunity to explore the capital’s centre on your own. Perhaps you’d also like to spend some time relaxing on one of the two small city beaches.

Day 3: Flight to FOGO – Onward to the crater

Transfer to Santiago airport and short flight to the neighbouring island of Fogo. Upon arrival, you’ll make your way to the famous volcanic crater: a winding road takes you past small villages, rolling hills, and lava formations to an altitude of 1,700 metres. You’ll spend three nights in a family-run guesthouse in this spectacular area.

Day 4: FOGO – The volcanic landscape

Hike through the crater landscape // approx. 4.5 hours // +/- 200 m // level of difficulty 2-3

Together with your guide, you will explore the fascinating volcanic landscape of Chã das Caldeiras. During a varied hike, you will discover the massive lava flows from the eruptions of 1951, 1995, and 2014, and learn exciting facts about the history and life within the crater. You will hike across solidified lava fields, pass the ruins of houses destroyed in the last eruption, and climb Pico Pequeno, the young eruption crater from 2014. The impressive power of this volcanic crater, situated at an altitude of approximately 1,700 metres, is ever-present and makes this place one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the Cape Verde archipelago. You will spend two nights in a family-run guesthouse located in the heart of the crater.

Day 5: FOGO – Climbing the volcano

Hiking ascent of the volcano // approx. 6 hours // +/- 1,100 m // level of difficulty 4

Enjoy 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. You’ll climb the mountain before the sun and can watch your rise from the heights. Successively, all the volcanoes in the crater will shine at you. Once at the top, you will see some of the Cape Verde Islands if the weather is good. And then comes the “descent” through the lava ash.

Day 6: FOGO – Farewell to the crater

Hike Portela – Campanas // about 7 hours // +250 / -700 m // level of difficulty 3-4

Today you leave the crater area through the north opening and plunge into an equally impressive panorama. You turn around one last time to see the lava flows and wave to your hosts and then enjoy the perfumed forest. On the horizon, you will see the endless ocean again and again. From the endpoint of the hike, you return to São Filipe by car.

Day 7: FOGO – Island capital São Filipe

With your roadbook, you’ll explore São Filipe, the picturesque capital of Fogo Island. The colonial architecture, colourful mansions, well-maintained squares, and relaxed atmosphere give the city a very special charm.

Day 8: FOGO – SANTIAGO

Transfer to Fogo airport and flight back to Santiago.
Then transfer to Rui Vaz, where you will move into your mountain lodge. Located on the edge of a national park, with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains.

Day 9: SANTIAGO – The surrounding of your accommodation

Hike to São Jorge // about 2 hours // -500 m // level of difficulty 2-3

You will hike downhill from Rui Vaz to São Jorge with a manual today. Time and again you have a spectacular view of the highest mountain on the island, Pico da Antónia. Along rock formations and a path lined with corn and bean fields as well as agaves, you will finally reach São Jorge, where you visit the botanical garden. You will then drive back to your accommodation.

Day 10: SANTIAGO – The surrounding of your accommodation

Hike around Rui Vaz // approx. 4 hours // +/- 400 m // difficulty level 2-3

As part of your varied circular hike, you will get to know the surroundings of Rui Vaz. Impressive views, small villages and agricultural areas…

Alternatively, you can take a hike to the secondary peak of Pico da Antónia.

Day 11: SANTIAGO – The Serra Malagueta

Hike in the Serra Malagueta // approx. 3 hours // +340 m / -470 m // level of difficulty 3

Today, you will go to the Serra Malagueta, which will also impress you. Along your hiking tour, hills and mountains alternate with achadas, the lava plains. You will then drive to Tarrafal. The small town is located to the north of Santiago and offers a small, light-coloured sandy beach surrounded by palm trees.

Days 12/13: SANTIAGO – Day at leisure in Tarrafal

Enjoy your time on the beach in Tarrafal. You can also take a walk through the small town with its main square, church and historic town hall.

Day 14: SANTIAGO – Day at leisure in Tarrafal

You have another full day at your disposal. In the evening, transfer to the airport and return flight home.

Who we are:

We are a Cape Verde–based travel agency with over 20 years of experience organising round trips across all the Cape Verde islands. Our international team combines deep local knowledge with the reliability and clear communication standards international travellers expect.

By working directly with trusted local partners, accommodations, drivers and guides, we ensure seamless connections between islands and authentic travel experiences. We also provide on-the-ground support throughout your trip, offering flexibility and peace of mind while travelling between islands.

Our multilingual team speaks English, German, French and Portuguese, assisting travellers from the UK, Europe and around the world from the first enquiry to the end of their journey.

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 travel price

• Domestic flights with CVsky Santiago > Fogo > Santiago including taxes and fees, standard fare incl. main luggage 23 kg p.p.
• 13 nights in a double room with breakfast including accommodation tax
• Day room on the 14th day of travel
• Other meals: 7x packed lunch, 6x dinner
• Programme as described*: 6x hike with guide, 1x hike with roadbook, 1x city tour with guide, 2x city tours with roadbook; for your information: guides speak English
  *For your information: the programme can be done together with other travellers.
• All airport, port and all other transfers as per itinerary
• Our 24-hour emergency number

Services Not Included:

• Airport tax TSA
• International flights.
  *You are welcome to book your international flights through us from an airport near you.

Request personalized offer
(free, no obligation):

The South of the archipelago