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

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Overview

Available languages

German
Portuguese
English
Italian
French
Spanish

144 hours

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please bring sandals/flip flops, a towel, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen.

Note that the visit to Assomada Market is only on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Sevices not mentioned in the program Personal expenses.

Lunch and diner includes fish, meet or main dish + dessert + water.

Picnic includes soft juice + sandwich + fruit. Vegetariam food available upon request.

We do not include all meals in the package to make your trip more flexible. Take this opportunity to choose between the restaurants near your accommodation and try Cape Verdean cuisine according to your preference. Your travel representative will be delighted to help if needed.

We reserve the right to alter the order of the itinerary or substitute a hotel of similar class if deemed necessary. The same will be informed to the traveler before departure.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

What‘s Included

Custom and private arrival and departure airport transfers; Luggage Transfers;

Accomodation - 5 Nights

Local Assiatance 24 hours a day.

All Fees and Taxes

All entrance fees;

Hotel pick up and drop off for all the tours;

Tours as mentioned in the program;

Tourist tax (Paid locally: 2 Euros/Person/Night);

Visa or Airport Security Tax fees (TSA).

International Flights;

Sevices not mentioned in the program; Personal expenses.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Day 1

Arrival - Airport Transfer – Check in & Praia City Tour

Accommodations

Casa Sodade **** or similar; • Hotel check-in starts from 2 pm.

1

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.

15 minutes • Admission Included
2

Praia

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.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 2

Santiago Island: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha

Accommodations

Casa Sodade **** or similar

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

1

Praia

After being collected from your accommodation in Praia, depart toward the small village of Calabaceira.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

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.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable
3

Cidade Velha, Historic Centre of Ribeira Grande

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included
4

Pelourinho

After lunch, visit the former slave market, the ruins of the Sé Catedral, and the Royal Fortress of São Filipe.

30 minutes • Admission Included
5

Fortaleza Real de San Felipe

From the top, enjoy a beautiful view over the whole old town and find out about the system of defense used against pirates.

30 minutes • Admission Included
6

Praia

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.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 3

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

Accommodations

Quinta da Montanha *** or similar

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

Picnic (soft juice + sandwich + fruit)

1

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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Pico de Antonia

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.

4 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
3

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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 4

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

Accommodations

Hotel Vista Mar*** or similar

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

Picnic (soft juice + sandwich + fruit)

1

Assomada Market

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
2

Serra de Malagueta

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.

3 hours • Admission Included
3

Tarrafal Beach

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.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
4

Tarrafal

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.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 5

Free day in Tarrafal

Accommodations

Hotel Vista Mar*** or similar

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

1

Tarrafal Beach

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.

7 hours • Admission Not Applicable
2

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.

Admission Not Applicable
Day 6

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

Food and Drinks

BREAKFAST

Breakfast

LUNCH

Lunch

1

Calheta de Sao Miguel

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.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable
2

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
3

Praca Alexandre Albuquerque

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
4

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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
5

. 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.

2 minutes • Admission Not Included
6

The tour concludes with drop-off at Nelsom Mandela International airport. Say goodbye to Cape Verde longing for "La Morabeza Crioula".

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

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

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

3
0
0
0
0
  • Cape Verde Santiago hiking

    keithrW7721TQ,

    Jan 18, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    MY trip was a slight variation of the 6 day hiking trails tour and arranged just for myself in accordance with my wishes. All the arrangements for my personalised itinerary in Santiago went extremely smoothly - the hiking and day tours and the organisation were excellent and everything went according to plan. I would highly recommend Bu country tours. My main interest was hiking but I am sure they would take some beating for organising any itinerary and on the other islands as well

  • Outstanding family experience in magnificent Santiago Island Cabo Verde

    Eric Montreuil 13,

    Jan 10, 2021

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    The tour was one of my best experience travelling with the family around the world. Admilson, Rita, Walter and all the nice people we met along the tour made this experience truly unforgettable with their dedication and personal attention to details went above and beyond. All the activities were very interesting and really made us feel immersed in the local culture and discover the magnificent landscapes of Santiago Island. The team made sure that all the sanitary measures were taken place to ensure we could make the best of this experience during the on-going COVID-19 Pandemic. The food was excellent and all the accommodations we stayed at during our stay were very good. Highly recommend this tour, we already decided to go back in a couple of months to visit more islands with Bu Country Tour. Obrigado!

From €939.00

5.00
3 reviews
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