Cape Verde: Best Hikking Trails of Santiago Island - 6 Days

Explore the best hiking trails on Santiago Island in the company of a certified local tour guide and visit the Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mingle with the locals at Pico D’Antónia, Rui Vaz, Praia, Serra Malagueta Natural Park and relax on the most beautiful beach of Santiago Island, Tarrafal Beach.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival - Airport Transfer – Check in & Praia City Tour

Stop At: Nelson Mandela Praia International Airport, Cidade da Praia - Ilha de Santiago - Caixa Postal nº 265, Praia, Cabo Verde
After disembarking, be welcomed by Your travel representative who will be waiting for you at Nelson Mandela International Airport with a sign displaying your name, as informed by you.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Praia, Praia, Santiago
Then, enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Praia. Our team will take you from door to door with complete security and professionalism, providing all relevant information about your stay. Overnight in Praia.
Duration: 15 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Casa Sodade **** or similar;
• Hotel check-in starts from 2 pm.

Day 2: Santiago Island: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha

Stop At: Praia, Praia, Santiago
After being collected from your accommodation in Praia, depart toward the small village of Calabaceira.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Ribeira Calabaceira Cidade, Universidade de Cabo Verde, Praia, Cabo Verde
Start your 3-hour hike from the top of the valley, with an oasis of vast vegetation emerging in its interior. Follow a simple and accessible trail for any hiker and explore the green valley famous for both its baobab trees mentioned by Charles Darwin and its use as an escape route for slaves during slavery. Next, discover the local fauna and flora and experience the production of a local rum-making distillery (The Rum production season runs from January 1 st to May 31st). There, get in touch with local farmers and their agricultural fields of sugar cane, mango trees, cassava, banana, and more.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande, Igreja de Nossa Sra. do Rosario, Cidade Velha, Santiago 1110 Cape Verde
Arrive in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the São Francisco Convent, the famous Banana Street and Nossa Senhora do Rosário church. Have a break for lunch and savor local delights in a typical restaurant right on the seafront.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Pelourinho, Hauptplatz, Cidade Velha, Santiago 7629 Cape Verde
After lunch, visit the former slave market, the ruins of the Sé Catedral, and the Royal Fortress of São Filipe.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Fortaleza Real de San Felipe, Rua de Forteleza, Cidade Velha, Santiago 7629 Cape Verde
From the top, enjoy a beautiful view over the whole old town and find out about the system of defense used against pirates.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Praia, Praia, Santiago
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.

DURATION Every day from 9 am to 3 pm (6 hours)

ROUTE FILE:
Extension: 4500 meters
Ascent/Descent: ~300 m
Difficult degree: Easy
Total Walking Duration: 2 hours
Path quality: Mediun tilt, narrow at the beginning and safe.

Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
•
•
Accommodation included: Casa Sodade **** or similar

Day 3: Trekking: Natural Park of Monte Tchota to Pico D’Antónia (the highest mountain on the island)

Stop At: Monte Tchota, Cabo Verde
Your day begins with a scenic drive to Rui Vaz, followed by the climb through the Natural Park of Monte Txota. Located at an altitude of 800 meters and with its own microclimate, this is one of the coolest places on the island with lots of biodiversity.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Pico de Antonia, Ponta Verde, Santiago Cape Verde
Then, continue towards the Pico D'Antónia. With an elevation of 1394 meters, this is the highest point of Santiago Island. When you get close to the top you will enjoy panoramic views of the São Jorge Valley, and possibly Maio Island and Fogo Island Volcano, with the weather permitting. Your trek will take about 4 hours, with a stop for a small picnic and views of beautiful landscapes along the way.

Route File:
Extension: 3000 meters
Descent: ~400 m//Ascent: 672 m
Difficulty degree: Difficult
Total Walking Duration: 4 - 5 hours
Path quality: Mediun tilt, narrow and safe.

Duration: 4 minutes

Stop At: Rui Vaz, Cabo Verde
The route will end with the return to the Monte Txota Natural Park and the ride back to your hotel in Rui Vaz, Quinta da Montanha.

DURATION Every day from 9 am to 4 pm (6 - 7 hours)

ROUTE FILE
Extension: 3000 meters
Descent: ~400 m//Ascent: 672 m
Difficult degree: Difficult
Total Walking Duration: 4 - 5 hours
Path quality: Mediun tilt, narrow and safe.

Duration: 10 minutes

Meals included:
•
• Lunch: Picnic (soft juice + sandwich + fruit)
Accommodation included: Quinta da Montanha *** or similar

Day 4: Full Trekking in Serra Malagueta Natural Park + Visit to Assomada Market

Stop At: Assomada Market, Durchzugstrassevon Praia nach Tarrafal, Assomada, Santiago 7310 Cape Verde
The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Tarrafal and heads inland to the traditional Assomada Market. Wander around the vibrant stalls and soak up the hustle and bustle of this island hub whilst watching the locals haggle for produce.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Serra de Malagueta, Hauptstrasse von Praia nach Tarrrafal, Santiago Cape Verde
Drive to Serra Malgueta Natural Park next, where your trekking adventure awaits. Follow your guide as you head into the luscious landscapes of the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, which covers 774-hectacres. The park is home to the Serra Malagueta mountain range as well as over 124 species of plant, and 19 species of bird. Throughout the trek, listen to your guide share information about the local flora and fauna, many of which can only be found here in the park. There’s also the opportunity to see wildlife, including playful monkeys, a variety of reptiles, and colorful butterflies. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, find a scenic spot for a well-deserved rest and enjoy a picnic lunch in the middle of the forest.

ROUTE FILE
Extension: 4200 meters (1 way)
Ascent/Descent: ~200 m
Difficult degree: Easy
Total Walking Duration: 3-4hours
Path quality: Flat, wide and safe.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Tarrafal Beach, Strand von Tarrafal, Tarrafal, Santiago 7110 Cape Verde
After lunch, continue the walk to the end of the trail, then drive to Tarrafal Beach where you can spend some free time chilling on the shore.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Tarrafal, Tarrafal, Santiago
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Tarrafal. Overnight in Tarrafal.

DURATION Every day from 9 am to 5 pm (8 hours)

ROUTE FILE
Extension: 4200 meters
Ascent/Descent: ~200 m
Difficult degree: Easy
Total Walking Duration: 3-4hours
Path quality: Flat, wide and safe.

Duration: 10 minutes

Meals included:
•
• Lunch: Picnic (soft juice + sandwich + fruit)
Accommodation included: Hotel Vista Mar*** or similar

Day 5: Free day in Tarrafal

Stop At: Tarrafal Beach, Strand von Tarrafal, Tarrafal, Santiago 7110 Cape Verde
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation and then explore Tarrafal on your own. You can enjoy simply relaxing on the white sands of the most picturesque and beautiful beach on the island of Santiago, Praia do Tarrafal, known for its white sands and clear waters.
Duration: 7 hours

Pass By: Campo de concentração, Unnamed Road, 7774+HCM, Chão Bom, Cabo Verde
You may also like to visit the Chão Bom Concentration Camp, the current resistance museum, used to imprison political prisoners who fought against the dictatorship. Overnight in Tarrafal.

Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Hotel Vista Mar*** or similar

Day 6: Visit to Rabelados Community, Praia City Tour and Goodbye Santiago Island

Stop At: Calheta de Sao Miguel, Calheta de Sao Miguel, Santiago
Get picked up at your accommodation and then return on the island's east coast. Make your first stop in Espinho Branco and visit the religious community of Rabelados, the only community that still lives in thatched houses and preserves Cape Verde's oldest customs and beliefs. There, see the local handicraft production and have the opportunity to buy handmade paintings from local artisans.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
Travel for approximately 45 minutes and arrive at the largest banana and coconut plantation in the country. Take a small walk inside the agricultural fields while the local guide explains the varieties of fruits and dozens of plants that exist along the route.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Praca Alexandre Albuquerque & Av Amilcar Cabral, Praia, Santiago Cape Verde
Next, forward to the historical center of Plateau and there start the walking tour through the Jaime Mota Military Barracks, passing by the Presidential Palace and the Alexandre Albuquerque Square.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Plateau, Praia, Cabo Verde
In the Municipal Market (closed on Sundays), meet locals, find a diversity of local fruits and vegetables. There, find a little of everything and experience the daily life of the Cape Verdian family. Finish the tour with special touch of the local gastronomy at Casa Katxupa. Relish the real country’s nacional dish, Katxupa. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Quintal da Música, Av Amlicar Cabral, Av Amilcar Cabral, Praia 7600, Cabo Verde
. Finish the tour with special touch of the local gastronomy at Quintal da Música. There, relish at your expense the real country’s nacional dish called Katxupa and enjoy the dinner while a local band plays traditional music.
Duration: 2 minutes

Stop At: Nelson Mandela Praia International Airport, Cidade da Praia - Ilha de Santiago - Caixa Postal nº 265, Praia, Cabo Verde
The tour concludes with drop-off at Nelsom Mandela International airport. Say goodbye to Cape Verde longing for "La Morabeza Crioula".
Duration: 15 minutes

Meals included:
•
•
No accommodation included on this day.

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.