Cape Verde Explorer: Santiago Trails and Fogo Volcano

After enjoying a tasty breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation in Praia and set off for the quaint village of Calabaceira.

In Ribeira Calabaceira, follow an easy and accessible trail suitable for all hikers as you explore the lush valley known for its baobab trees, which Charles Darwin noted, and its historical significance as an escape route for enslaved individuals. Next, learn about the local wildlife and plant life while visiting a rum distillery. Here, you'll have the opportunity to connect with local farmers and their fields of sugar cane, mango trees, cassava, bananas, and more.

Arriving in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll tour the São Francisco Convent, the renowned Banana Street, Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church, and Pilourinho. Take a break for lunch at a beachfront restaurant to enjoy some local specialties while learning about the history of the slave market at Pilourinho.

After lunch, explore the ruins of Sé Catedral and the Royal Fortress of São Filipe, where you can discover how the fortress was designed to defend against pirate attacks. Finally, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Praia for an overnight stay.

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

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The day starts with a pickup from your hotel in Praia, followed by a trip to the traditional Assomada Market located inland. Explore the lively stalls and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this island hub, where you can observe locals bargaining for goods (available only on Wednesdays and Saturdays).

Next, you'll drive to Serra Malagueta Natural Park, where your trekking adventure begins. Accompanied by your guide, venture into the lush landscapes of the 774-hectare park, which is home to the Serra Malagueta mountain range, over 124 plant species, and 19 bird species. During the hike, your guide will provide insights about the unique local flora and fauna that can only be found in this area. Once you've built up an appetite, take a break in a picturesque location to enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch amidst the forest.

After your trek, head to Tarrafal Beach for some leisure time by the shore. Finally, you'll be dropped off at your hotel in Praia for an overnight stay.

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

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your accommodation before being picked up and transferred to Nelson Mandela International Airport for a short 35-minute flight to Fogo Island.

Upon your arrival, make your way to São Filipe, the island's capital. In São Filipe, take the time to explore the “Sobrados” and stroll through this delightful town adorned with vibrant colonial-style houses.

Next, visit the Municipal Museum to appreciate the simplicity of items that reflect the local history.

Make a stop at Igreja Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a local church, before heading inland to the small villages of Achada Furna and Cabeça Fundão. Here, you will learn about the residents' history and their homes that were buried under lava from the volcanic eruption in 2014.

Arrive at Chã das Caldeiras National Park, where you can enjoy stunning views of the volcano and the rugged landscape around it. Take in the breathtaking sights from the base of Cape Verde's highest mountain, the active volcano, which is one of the country's top attractions.

Afterward, enjoy a well-deserved lunch in a local setting and, if you wish, purchase or sample one of the finest wines in the world. Spend the night in Chã das Caldeiras.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Chã das Caldeiras and accompanied by your guide as you make your way to the base of the volcano. Begin your ascent, allowing your local guide to adjust the climbing pace to suit your abilities. After approximately three hours, you will reach the summit of Cape Verde, Pico do Fogo, which stands at 2,829 meters and is the third highest mountain in the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you can take in the breathtaking views of one of the world's steepest and most impressive volcanic cones, which last erupted in 2014.

Following your climb, enjoy a well-deserved picnic while soaking in an unforgettable 360-degree view of the entire island of Fogo. Then, experience the thrill of descending through the ash for half an hour, immersing yourself knee-deep in Lapilli—a truly memorable adventure. Finally, you will be dropped off at the Cha das Caldeiras Hotel for an overnight stay.

DURATION: Every day, from 6 am to 1 pm.

Extension: 9 Km
Total Walking Duration: 4 - 5hours
Difficult degree: Difficult
Ascent: ~2800 m
Path quality: Tilted and Narrow. Ramping up steeply through ash and sliding

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will be picked up from your hotel in Chã das Caldeiras to begin your hiking journey through the protected forests in the north and along some descending paths. Hike through the steep northeastern slope of the volcano and be captivated by the stunning coastal views, including sights of the nearby Santiago Island. Follow the trail past small homes built on lava rock terraces, as well as banana, orange, and coffee plantations. Experience the local atmosphere, surrounded by untouched nature filled with the fragrance of oranges and the sounds of children playing and roosters crowing.

After passing through Pai António, you'll reach the heart of Mosteiros, where you can experience an unforgettable local vibe in this primarily agricultural municipality, known for its main crops: coffee, grapes, cotton, and purgueira. Much of Mosteiros is covered in lava from various volcanic eruptions that have occurred over time.

After your hike, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch in a local setting before being transferred to Salinas de São José. If the weather permits, you can take a refreshing swim in its beautiful natural pool, one of the best spots for bathing on the island.

Finally, you will be dropped off at the Sao Filipe Hotel for an overnight stay in São Filipe.

DURATION: Every day, from 8 am to 3 pm

Extension: 10 Km
Path quality: Steep descents through the hike. Navigationally easy.
Difficult degree: Moderated
Total Walking Duration: 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin your final day with a tasty breakfast at your lodging, then spend your free time based on your flight schedule. Check out from your accommodation in São Filipe and, at the scheduled time, be picked up for your transfer to Fogo airport. Board your flight back to Santiago and bid farewell to Fogo.

Upon arrival at Praia Airport, you will be transferred to the city center. After a lunch break, make your way to the historical district of Plateau.

Start your walking tour at the Jaime Mota Military Barracks, passing by the Presidential Palace and Alexandre Albuquerque Square. Visit the Monument to Diogo Gomes, the official discoverer of Santiago Island, and enjoy a guided tour of Praca Alexandre Albuquerque, the main square.

If it’s not a Sunday, explore the Municipal Market where you can interact with locals and discover a variety of local fruits and vegetables.

In the evening, you'll be taken to one of Santiago Island's most popular restaurants. There, you can enjoy live local music while savoring Cape Verde's most famous dish, Katxupa—a slow-cooked stew made with corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, fish or meat, and more. The tour will conclude with a drop-off at your accommodation.

DURATION: Every day, from 9 am to 3 pm and 7:30 pm to 11 pm

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your last day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation in Praia and then enjoy your free time according to the flight schedules. Check out from the accommodation and at agreed time be picked up and transferred to Nelsom Mandela international airport. Take your international flight back home and say goodbye to "La Morabeza Crioula".

Hotel check-out time: 12h00

Meals: Breakfast