Mindelo, the cultural capital of Cape Verde
Explore more amazing tours
PARTNERS and CREDENTIALS
STAY CONNECTED
Type
Hike
Duration
8 Days & 7 Nights
Next Departure
02 Nov 2024
Status
Available
Price
1.750 EUR
Across the Mountains of Cape Verde
Get ready to immerse in the Across the Mountains of Cape Verde tour, and explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of this beautiful archipelago. Discover the most emblematic islands of Cape Verde! Hike through lush valleys, cross rugged mountain trails, and discover pristine beaches along the coastline. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, sampling traditional cuisine and experiencing the warm hospitality of the Cabo Verdean people. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a nature enthusiast, Cabo Verde is a paradise waiting to be explored.
São Vicente is considered the capital of music and culture. Mindelo, its city, is the birthplace of the famous “morna” immortalized by the warm voice of the barefoot diva, Cesária Évora, and many other natural singers of the island. Walking around Mindelo also means discovering beautiful, well-preserved colonial buildings. The island also hides beautiful corners and beautiful beaches that you can explore.
Santo Antão is an island of fertile valleys, where villages banana plantations, and sugar cane fields have been established. The paths rise to ridges and quickly open up to balconies above the ocean.
A journey of conviviality, sharing, and authenticity!
Highlights
Included
Excluded
- Tour Grade
Included and Optional Services
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival
Welcome to São Vicente!
On the first day of the Across the Mountains of Cape Verde, Our guide will pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodation for the first nights. Charming and delightful, Mindelo is the second-largest city in Cape Verde. Regarded as the cultural capital of Cape Verde’s music and colors, it’s a city that invites us to explore and discover its colonial buildings.
Make the most of the rest of the day by visiting this port city, strolling along its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, or, if you prefer, exploring its museums and historical monuments. Enjoy a unique experience in this captivating destination.
Transfer to hotel
00:30 h
Oásis Atlântico
Porto Grande Hotel
DAY 2
Xoxo Valley
Explore one of Cape Verde’s lushest and most beautiful valleys!
Today, we invite you on an extraordinary journey to the island of mountains! Following a delightful breakfast, a quick transfer (5min) from the hotel to Mindelo’s port awaits, where we’ll catch the ferry to Santo Antão. Upon arriving at Porto Novo’s pier on Santo Antão, a picturesque transfer (45m) will guide us through the famed Corda road, treating us to incredible views of the island’s majestic peaks. A transfer from the hotel will take you to the enchanting Ribeira da Vinha.
This scenic walk traverses a volcanic cone and unveils a magnificent 150m waterfall, offering a superb hike with a breathtaking 360º panoramic view. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings, abundant with vibrant flora and a refreshing atmosphere. Enjoy a delightful local lunch during the journey, adding a taste of authentic Cape Verdean cuisine to your experience. The day concludes with a transfer to your hotel in Ponta do Sol, ensuring you savor every moment of this picturesque adventure.
Ferry to Santo Antão
01:00 h
Hike Distance
5 km
Elevation Gain
+ 300 m
Hotel Paul Mar
DAY 3
Vale do Paúl
Discover Santo Antão, the island of mountains!
Our adventure continues as we embark on a captivating hike, ascending to the summit of Pico do António, where panoramic vistas await. Traverse the lush Paul Valley, Cape Verde’s verdant garden, along an exotic route nestled in the valley’s heart.
This unforgettable journey will lead us from one typical house to another, weaving through cultivated fields of vegetables. After the hike, a brief transfer will whisk us away to the hotel, ensuring you end your day of exploration with comfort and tranquility.
Hike Distance
9km
Elevation Gain
+ 600 m
Tiduca Hotel
DAY 4
Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha
Discover Fontainhas, one of the world’s most breathtaking views!
Today, an unforgettable hike is planned to introduce you to a village recognized by National Geographic for having one of the best views in the world: Fontainhas. Nestled in the mountains with a narrow access road along cliffs above the sea, it is the highlight of the day. The journey begins at Ponta do Sol and follows the narrow road of Fontainhas, unveiling various types of cultivation. We will then reach the ‘Selada’ de Corvo, where panoramic views await. Continuing to Formiguinhas, a small seaside village, we’ll pass through Aranhas, an abandoned town, and arrive at Ribeira Seca Beach, with its striking black and white sands and lava caves. The journey concludes in the picturesque fishing village of Cruzinha, ensuring a truly unique experience.
Hiking Distance
16 km
Elevation Gain
+ 1000 m
Tiduca Hotel
DAY 5
Janela’s Trail
Wander amidst nature and culture!
After savoring a delightful traditional breakfast, a transfer will escort you to Janela, the starting point of an extraordinary trail winding through banana, sugar cane, papaya, and mango plantations. This journey unfolds as an opportunity to marvel at and appreciate nature in its purest form—a leisurely stroll amidst valleys and farmers’ homes, providing the perfect occasion to discover and engage with the local community. As the day concludes, relish in a traditional and delectable meal, immersed in the vibrant colors and flavors of the unique sojourn awaiting you.
Hike Distance
7 km
Elevation Gain
+ 500 m
Santantao Art Resort
DAY 6
Ribeira das Patas & Alto Mira Valley
Marvel at panoramic views of the island!
After these incredible and unforgettable days, today we embark on an exploration of the southwest of the island. Here, we’ll encounter isolated villages and warm-hearted locals. Following a brief transfer (15min) to Alto Mira, we’ll embark on a short hike towards Ribeira das Patas, where we can engage with the local inhabitants and experience their daily lives, including witnessing their traditional and rudimentary methods of water transportation.
Along this trail, we’ll pass through sites like Forquinha, treating us to breathtaking panoramic views of Alto da Mira and Ribeira das Patas. As the day concludes, a transfer will take us to Porto Novo’s pier, where we’ll board a ferry to Mindelo. Upon reaching Mindelo, we’ll be chauffeured to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Hike Distance
6 km
Elevation Gain
+ 300 m
Ferry to Mindelo
01:00h
Oásis Atlântico
Porto Grande Hotel
DAY 7
Mindelo & Calhau Volcano Center
Embark on an extraordinary hike in the Calhau Volcanic center.
The day begins in Mindelo, the pride and joy of São Vicente island. After exploring this beautiful city, brace yourself for an extraordinary hiking adventure in the heart of the Calhau volcanic crater! Today, you’ll immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes of this dormant volcano, journeying through a world sculpted by ancient volcanic forces. Each step reveals breathtaking remnants of the Earth’s tumultuous past, showcasing awe-inspiring lava formations and rugged terrain that narrate a compelling geological tale.
As you explore the crater, soak in panoramic views of its vast expanse, allowing the sheer wonder of nature to captivate your senses. Following this exploration, a convenient transfer will take you to Praia Grande. Here, relish a leisurely walk by the ocean and seize the opportunity to swim in Baía das Gatas, a natural bay renowned for its scenic beauty.
Hiking Distance
4 km
Elevation Gain
+ 100 m
Oásis Atlântico
Porto Grande Hotel
DAY 8
Departure
That’s it! Our splendid program has come to an end.
Time flies when you’re having fun, but unfortunately, the Across the Mountains of Cape Verde tour has come to an end! We hope that the memories and experiences that we have created and shared stay with you forever. Get ready for your trip back home. Our guide will be ready to pick you up at the hotel. We hope you join us again soon to discover some more of Exotic Nature Trails!
Transfer
00:30h