Hiking the Heights of Santiago Island

Difficulty

Challenging

Duration

6h

Group size

1-8 tourists,
over 16 y.o.

Join us on an unforgettable hiking adventure through the heart of Santiago Island! Enjoy comfortable pickup from your accommodation in Praia before heading to the charming village of Longueira, where your journey begins at 485 m above sea level. Wander through local homes and vibrant fields of corn, mango, coffee, and papaya, and meet a welcoming local family.

Climb toward the majestic summit of Pico D’Antónia, the island’s highest peak at 1394 m. Savor a well-earned picnic with breathtaking views—on clear days, spot Fogo Island’s distant volcano. Continue through the pristine Monte Tchota Natural Park, home to rare endemic plants and birds, then discover a secret viewpoint offering one of Santiago’s most stunning panoramas.

Your hike concludes in the peaceful village of Rui Vaz at 1000 m, followed by a relaxing transfer back to your accommodation. Adventure, culture, and unforgettable landscapes await!

National Park Tours

Admilson G. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese

While working at a hotel on Santiago Island, I noticed that many guests sought unique local experiences. With over a decade in event planning, I began introducing clients to my family and my mother’s traditional Cuscuz. This simple idea led to the co-founding of our travel company, now a leader in custom holidays and tours in Cape Verde. We aim to provide exceptional experiences with a focus on social and environmental responsibility, fostering rural tourism and supporting local economies.

View Admilson`s tours

Tour highlights

Explore Monte Tchota Natural Park

This area is home to endemic plants and endangered bird species

Cultural Immersion in Longueira

Engage with the local community and learn about their daily lives and farming practices

Summit of Pico D'Antónia

Hike to the summit of Pico D'Antónia, the highest point on Santiago Island at 1,394 meters

Route details

Start your tour with a pickup from your accommodation in Praia, then travel to the village of Longueira in São Jorge dos Órgãos, where your hiking adventure begins. Begin the hike at 485 meters above sea level, walking through local homes and agricultural fields featuring crops like corn, mango, coffee, tomato, and papaya, depending on the season. Visit a local family to learn about their daily life before continuing uphill to the summit of Pico D'Antónia, the highest point on Santiago Island at 1394 meters. Take a well-deserved picnic break while enjoying breathtaking views, and if the weather is clear, you may catch a glimpse of the distant Fogo Island volcano.

Next, explore the pristine Monte Tchota Natural Park, where you can see and learn about endemic plants and endangered bird species. Then, head to a secret viewpoint for one of the best views on the island. Your hike concludes at 1000 meters above sea level in the village of Rui Vaz. Finally, you'll be picked up and returned to your accommodation in Praia.

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Tour provider's comments

Suitable for walkers with some fitness and no health problems.

Note that this is a very difficult hike and is suitable for travelers in great physical shape.

Not recommended for those who are afraid of heights.

Option 1: Trail Distance +/- 9 km || Total Walking Duration: +/- 6 hours || Degree of difficulty: Very Difficult || Elevation gain: +/- 1050 m || Elevation loss: +/- 600 m || Max Elevation: +/- 1390 m || Min Elevation: +/- 485 m || Trail type: One Way || Path quality: Tilty, narrow
Option 2: Trail Distance: +/- 6 km || Total Walking Duration: +/- 4 hours || Degree of difficulty: Difficult || Elevation gain: +/- 585 m || Elevation loss: +/- 186 m || Max Elevation: +/- 1160 m || Min Elevation: +/- 485 m || Trail type: One Way || Path quality: Tilty, narrow.
The difference between the two options is that the first goes up to +/- 1395 m, very difficult, and the second up to +/- 1160 m, difficult.

It's important to know

What's included?

pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia;
transportation;
tour guide (English, French, Portuguese and Spanish);
liability insurance;
picnic (soft juice + sandwich + fruit).

We strongly advise wearing hiking pants, especially from August to November. Additionally, bring hiking shoes and walking sticks as some trails may require level 1 climbing. Don't forget to wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and carry water.

Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions for the included picnic.

Shared group tour option is subject to a minimum of 2 participants. In the event that the minimum number is not met, we reserve the right to propose an alternative date; to charge an extra fee to run the trip privately or to cancel a customer's booking for a full refund.