Cape Verde Grand Islands Discovery

Following your pickup from your accommodation in Praia, head towards the quaint village of Calabaceira. Begin your 3-hour hike from the valley's summit, where a lush oasis of vegetation unfolds within. Navigate an easy and accessible path suitable for all hikers as you explore the verdant valley, renowned for its baobab trees noted by Charles Darwin and its historical significance as a refuge for enslaved individuals.

Next, witness the local wildlife and plant life while witnessing the rum production process at a local distillery (rum production occurs from January 1st to May 31st). Engage with local farmers and observe their sugar cane, mango, cassava, and banana fields.

Arrive in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can tour the São Francisco Convent, the iconic Banana Street, and the Nossa Senhora do Rosário church. Take a break for lunch and enjoy traditional dishes at a seaside restaurant.

After your meal, explore the former slave market, the ruins of the Sé Catedral, and the Royal Fortress of São Filipe. From the fortress, take in stunning views of the old town while learning about the defense mechanisms established against pirate attacks. Spend the night in Praia.

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.

Your day starts with a pickup from your accommodation in Praia, followed by a trip to the traditional Assomada Market. Explore the lively stalls and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this island center while observing locals negotiate for their goods (available only on Wednesdays and Saturdays).

Next, you'll drive to Serra Malgueta Natural Park, where an exciting trekking experience awaits. Accompanied by your guide, venture into the lush landscapes of the 774-hectare park, which features the Serra Malagueta mountain range and is home to over 124 plant species and 19 bird species. As you trek, your guide will provide insights about the unique flora and fauna found in the park, including opportunities to spot wildlife such as playful monkeys, various reptiles, and colorful butterflies.

After working up an appetite, take a break in a picturesque location to enjoy a well-earned picnic lunch in the forest. Once you've eaten, continue along the trail until you reach its end, then head to Tarrafal Beach for some leisure time by the shore. At the conclusion of this memorable day, relax on your journey back to Praia, where you'll spend the night.

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your lodging before being picked up for your transfer to Nelson Mandela International Airport, where you'll catch a 35-minute flight to Fogo Island. Once you arrive, make your way to São Filipe, the island's capital. Here, you can explore the “Sobrados” and stroll through this quaint town adorned with vibrant colonial homes.

Next, visit the small Municipal Museum to appreciate the modest artifacts that reflect the local history. Continue inland to the villages of Achada Furna and Cabeça Fundão, where you'll learn about the residents whose homes were buried by lava from the 2014 volcanic eruption.

Arrive at Chã das Caldeiras National Park, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the volcano and its rugged landscape. Take in the stunning scenery from the base of Cape Verde's tallest mountain, an active volcano and one of the country's top attractions. Afterward, enjoy a well-deserved lunch in a local setting and, if you wish, sample or purchase some of the finest wines in the world.

Spend the night in Chã das Caldeiras, Fogo.

DURATION Every day from 8 am to 3 pm (7 hours)

Be picked up from your lodging in Chã das Caldeiras and go on a guided walk to the base of the volcano. Begin your ascent, allowing your local guide to tailor the climbing pace to your abilities. After three hours, you'll arrive at the highest point in Cape Verde.

From Pico do Fogo, which stands at 2,829 meters as the third tallest mountain in the Atlantic Ocean, take in the breathtaking views of one of the world's most impressive volcanic cones, the last eruption of which occurred in 2014. Following this, enjoy a well-deserved picnic while soaking in an unforgettable 360-degree panorama of the entire island of Fogo before diving into the exciting part of your day.

Explore the crater and experience the sensation of being above the clouds. Then, begin your descent down the steep ash slope for about half an hour, sinking knee-deep into Lapilli—a truly memorable experience. After enjoying one of the top activities in Cape Verde, the tour concludes with a return to your accommodation in Chã das Caldeiras for an overnight stay in Fogo.

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

Extension: 9 Km

Ascent: ~2800 m

Difficult degree: Difficult

Total Walking Duration: 4 - 5hours

Path quality: Tilted and Narrow. Ramping up steeply through ash and sliding

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your lodging before getting ready to explore your next destination, São Vicente Island. You'll enjoy a private transfer from Chã das Caldeiras to Fogo Airport, where you'll catch your flight to São Vicente.

Upon arrival at Cesária Évora International Airport, you'll be taken to your hotel in Mindelo. Spend a relaxing afternoon soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and enjoy a local dish at a nearby restaurant.

In the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to one of Mindelo's most popular restaurants. There, you can enjoy live music while indulging in local specialties. The evening will conclude with a transfer back to your accommodation for an overnight stay in Mindelo.

You will be picked up in São Vicente and taken to Mindelo harbor, where you'll go on a one-hour ferry ride to Porto Novo in Santo Antão.

Upon arrival, you will meet your professional guide, who will be holding a sign with your name. From there, you'll be transferred to Cova Natural Park, an extinct volcano, to begin one of the most popular hikes among visitors in Santo Antão. As you hike, you'll be amazed by the lush vegetation that flourishes within the crater at an elevation of 1,100 meters, where locals cultivate their fields. Reach the edge of the crater for stunning views of the breathtaking green valley of Paul below and the beautiful ocean, located 10 kilometers away.

Next, you'll tackle the winding sections of the hike, learning about the local flora and fauna while passing through vibrant plantations of sugarcane, bananas, mangoes, avocados, coconuts, and more.

Finally, you'll have the opportunity to witness the production of local rum at a traditional distillery and sample the renowned “Grogue.” You'll spend the night in Ponta do Sol.

DURATION Every day from 6 am to 2 pm (5 - 6 hours)

Extension: ~12 Km

Ascent: ~249 /Descent: ~1329 m

Difficult Level: Moderate

Total Walking Duration: 4 - 5 hours

Path quality: Good, narrow at the beginning and safe.

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your accommodation before going on a walk from Ponta do Sol, a charming fishing village by the water known for its vibrant houses. Take a stunning route along rocky cliffs that rise above the ocean, providing a picturesque backdrop. Then, navigate a narrow, winding road atop a mountain, surrounded by deep valleys, leading you to the scenic village of Fontainhas, recognized by National Geographic as one of the top ten villages with the best views in the world.

Descend steeply along a footpath, passing through Corvo and Formiguinhas, and enjoy breathtaking heights as you make your way to Aranhas Valley. Your journey will bring you to the beautiful black sand beach of Praia das Aranhas, a turtle nesting site where swimming is possible depending on the sea conditions. Find a lovely spot to relax and have a picnic by the shore.

Afterward, set off on a 2.5-hour hike through volcanic rocks alongside the ocean, offering spectacular views until you reach Cruzinha, a quaint fishing village with stunning coastal vistas. Spend the night in Ponta do Sol.

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

Extension: 15 Km

Ascent/Descent: ~249 m

Difficult Level: Medium

Total Walking Duration: 5 - 6 hours

Path quality: Very Long, narrow at the beginning and safe.

The day starts with a pickup from your accommodation in Ponta do Sol and proceeds to São Vicente. Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to explore Mindelo, the island's capital, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The tour continues along Avenida Marginal to Praia da Bote and then to the island's first bustling African market, where the initial community was formed. Wander through the colorful stalls, enjoy the variety of sights and smells, and interact with the locals as they go about their daily routines. Next, you'll drive to the eastern part of the island, where you can observe native wildlife, unique plants, and picturesque farmland in the beautiful Calhau Valley.

To wrap up your adventure, enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Salamansa with a laid-back atmosphere. Afterward, visit the village of Baía das Gatas and take a leisurely walk along the pristine sand dunes by the sea. Later, head to Monte Verde Natural Park for breathtaking views of the entire island and other Cape Verde Islands. You'll spend the night in São Pedro.

DURATION: Every day, from 7 am to 4 pm

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your lodging before venturing out to discover Mindelo on your own.

You might enjoy unwinding on the stunning white sands of Laginha Beach, renowned for its beautiful scenery and turquoise waters.

Spend the night in São Pedro.

Begin your final day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel, then take advantage of your free time based on your flight schedule.

Check out of your accommodation in Mindelo, and at the designated time, you will be picked up and taken to Cesária Évora International Airport.

Board your international flight home and bid farewell to "La Morabeza Crioula."