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

g for you at Nelson Mandela International Airport with a sign displaying your name, as informed by you.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ce museum, used to imprison political prisoners who fought against the dictatorship. Overnight in Tarrafal.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There, relish at your expense the real country’s nacional dish called Katxupa and enjoy the dinner while a local band plays traditional music.

Say goodbye to Cape Verde longing for "La Morabeza Crioula".