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A Dream Walking Holiday in Cape Verde | Santo Antao Island

In this 12-day trek we will get in touch with the still untouched nature and the lunar landscapes of the northwest of Santo Antao Island;

12 DAYS | 11 NIGHTS | 7 WALKS

Local Expert | Hikes | Accommodation | Transfer | Meals

OVERVIEW

For its challenging trails and its natural beauty the island of Santo Antao is the destination preferred by the walkers in Cape Verde. The north coast of Santo Antao is simply stunning! This trekking follows ancient tracks frequented by the people, who used them for commercial routes and migration, following by valleys and mountains. Some plants are endemic, not being found in any other region in the world. In this 12-day trek, we will travel 85 km along the north coast of Santo Antao and we will see several scenarios of this nature little explored.

walking trails in santo antao island

Monte Trigo -rural community in Santo Antao

The lunar landscapes of Santo Antao

walking trails in santo antao island

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+ 238 9507600

Monday To Sunday 9 am to 6 pm
(English time)

HIGHLIGHTS:

Discover Mindelo, the capital of culture of Cape Verde;
Get in touch with the still untouched nature and meet the greenest valleys;
Look closely Fontaínhas, named by National Geographic Magazine, the 2nd best located location in the world;
The forest park of the East Plateau (Espongeiro);
The lunar landscapes of the northwest of Santo Antao Island;
The Natural Park of Tope de Coroa (1979 m altitude);
Meet Monte Trigo and Tarrafal with its beautiful beach of basaltic sand;
Try the traditional Cape Verde drink: Grogue and Pontche;
Delight in the Cape Verde gastronomy through a good fresh fish dish.

DAY 1: SAO VICENTE ISLAND AIRPORT (arrival)

You will be welcomed by our driver in the airport Cesaria Évora in São Vicente and take you to your hotel in Mindelo. The First night in the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: SAO VICENTE FULL-DAY TOUR

In a day trip you see the best the Island of Sao Vicente has to offer. We visit the historical sites of the city of Mindelo and offer a spectacular tour around the island, taking in spectacular sights such as Monte Verde and the beautiful Baía das Gatas, beach where annually runs the most famous music festival of the country. To enjoy an appetizing lunch of fresh fish we visit Calhau, a charming fishing village. You will be accompanied by one of our highly knowledgeable drivers on your journey that will provide the information and history on the area.

Overnight in Mindelo. Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Dinner free).

DAY 3: SAO VICENTE - SANTO ANTAO ISLAND

At 07:15 A.M. we pick you up in your hotel (Mindelo) and drive you to São Vicente port. The ferry will take one hour to reach the island of Santo Antão.

Walk: Volcano Crater Cova | The Paul valley
At 09:00 A.M- our driver will welcome you at Porto Novo port and in less than 20 minutes you will be in Cova, volcano crater at 1522 meters altitude, where you start the descent to the majestic valley Paul accompanied by a local guide to tell the history of the beauty surrounding you. You have a picnic that you can enjoy on route. Transfers to Ponta do Sol to spend the night.

Walking time: 5hrs | Distance: 12,5 Km | Elevation: + 300 m / - 1320 m

Type of accommodation: Guesthouse | Meals: Breakfast, Picnic and Dinner.

DAY 4: WAL: RIBEIRA DA TORRE VALLEY

After breakfast we pick you up at your hotel, and we transfer you to the starting point of the hike. Today we can look forward to some fantastic and relaxing walk along the famous Ribeira da Torre valley. The views that everyone wants to see - picturesque mountain peaks, among many crops native to this beautiful valley: bananas, sugarcane, cassava, tomatoes, and and others. You have a picnic that you can enjoy on route. After this beautiful walk, transfer to Ponta do Sol, to spend the night.
Walking Time: 3h30 | Distance: 8 Km | Elevation: + 560 m / - 710 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse | Meals: Breakfast + Picnic + Dinner

DAY 5: WALK: ESPONGEIRO - JOÃO AFONSO

After breakfast, transfer following the path of the mountains (stopping in the sights of Corda) for the starting point of the hike, in Espongeiro to Lagoa semi-desert altitude plateau . From there, a scenic trail (we cross the sugarcane crops and small rural hamlets) descends towards João Afonso, where we spend the night. You have a picnic that you can enjoy on route. Dinner prepared by the inhabitants of the valley.

Walking Time: 4h | Distance: 10,7 Km | Elevation: 170 m / - 820 m |

Type of accommodation: Homestay. Meals: Breakfast, Picnic and Dinner.

DAY 6: WALK: AMBAS RIBEIRAS - CHÃ DE IGREJA

After breakfast we leave the village of João Afonso: we pass some spectacular mountain scenerys steep and rugged until we reach the summit of Mocho, a high point with views awesome to the Atlantic Ocean horizon, before continuing to Cha de Igreja. We have a picnic that we can enjoy en route. Time to relax and having dinner in this typical and beautiful village. Overnight in Cha de Igreja.

Walking Time: 4 – 5 hrs | Ascent: 600m - Descent: 900 m | Accommodation: Homestay | Meals: BPD

DAY 7: WALK: CRUZINHA - FONTAÍNHAS - PONTA DO SOL

Superb ride along the north coast, passing through rugged cliffs and wonderful small rural villages; Cruzinha, Corvo and Fontaínhas (the 2nd best location in the world, according to the international magazine NatGeo). We have a picnic that we can enjoy on route. After a brief visit to the village, on the way up we admire the view of Fontínhas and the sea (how blue it is!) before we arrive at Ponta do Sol, to spend the night. Dinner at restaurant.

Walking time: 4h30 | Distance: 11 Km | Elevation: +690 m / - 710 m

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner | Accommodation: Guesthouse

DAY 8: PONTA DO SOL - TARRAFAL

After breakfast transfer to Porto Novo following the island's coastal road. The route from Porto Novo to Tarrafal takes approximately two hours with stops at the main tourist attractions so you can admire a breathtaking lunar landscape. Tarrafal is a wonderful place. The feeling of relaxation is next to the endless sea and the grandeur of the Topo de Cora volcano. The village is mainly populated by a traditional fishing community, boasts the best beach on the island and produces a significant variety of fruits and vegetables: yams, bananas, papaya, sugar cane, cassava, etc. The all afternoon is free to explore, walk along the beach, swim, snorkel or fish with locals.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - Type of accommodation: Guesthouse

DAY 9: WALK: TARRAFAL - MONTE TRIGO

You leave early (after breakfast) for today's walk. The trek runs through a trail at the base of the volcano (Crown Top, 1979 m) in an arid environment formed by ancient volcanic lava, witnessing the last eruption that occurred about 200 years ago. The village of Monte Trigo is very simple and people live basically from cultures and fishing. You have a picnic that you can enjoy en route. To return to Tarrafal we chose the sea route in company with fishermen, so that you enjoy the freshness of the calm and turquoise sea that surrounds you. This trip (by boat) can be cancelled due to security reasons! Walking Time: 4.5hrs | Elevation: +450m/-450m |
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner | Accommodation: Guesthouse

DAY 10: WALK: NATURAL PARK of TOPE de COROA

After a breakfast we start to climb the highest mountain of the island: Tope de Coroa (at over 1,979 meters altitude). Elected in 2013 one of the seven natural wonders of Santo Antão Island, for visitors the volcano and the landscape surrounding demonstrates all the beauty of the majestic island of the mountains. You have a picnic that you can enjoy en route. The descent is very quick. You meet your transfer vehicle back to Porto Novo where you enjoy a well deserved lunch. Walking Time: 4 – 5 hrs | Ascent: 959m - Descent: 959m

Santo Antao - Sao Vicente Island

At 17:00 A.M. the ferry will get you back to Sao Vicente Island. We transfer you to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Lunch | Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 11: MINDELO: FREE DAY

Free day in Mindelo to gather strengths, swimming on "Laginha" a beautiful white sand beach and why not buy souvenirs in this small city that has a lot to offer.
Meal: Breakfast - Accommodation: Hotel

DAY 12: SAO VICENTE AIRPORT (departure).

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the Airport Cesaria Évora, wishing you a nice flight home. Meals: Breakfast

End of Stay
This program depends on weather conditions and may be modified by us on site for your safety.

NOTE

You might be able to make some modifications to the current tourist programme based upon your personal preferences.

The Price Include:

Transfers from the airport to the hotel IN/OUT;
11 nights in twin or single room;
Transfers from the hotel to the port Sao Vicente IN/OUT;
Ferry-boat tickets IN/OUT;
Transfers from the hotel to the starting point of hiking;
Carrying luggage to the next stage of the hikes;
English-speaking guide specialized in the region 7 Days (D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D9, D10);
The meals mentioned in the program and 11 breakfasts;
Tourist taxes;
Our hotline (12D/12D).

The Price does not include:

Meals other than mentioned and any beverages;
Personal insurance, interruption of stay, loss of luggage, assistance;
All that is not in "The price includes";
Items of personal nature viz. tips, laundry, travel insurance, camera fees, etc;
Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusion section;
The flight to arrive in Cape Verde IN/OUT.

Optional Services (arranged on request at additional cost)

Photography and video service (most popular);
Any other choice of hotels/Resorts;
Laundry, drinks, Tips and other personal expenses.

Trip Price
Please contact us! Tell about your trip to Cape Verde and what you expect from it. Our team will answer you quickly and help you build your tailor made adventure travel.

The tour is in private, that mean there is no other participant, just only you and your companion.

Booking Conditions

For services (booking of ferry tickets, transfers, hotel, excursions…), payment of a deposit of 40% of the total amount due. The remaining amount will be paid before the departure date by bank transfer or in cash in Santo Antão.

Our Payment Rules:
The price mentioned in the quote is in Euro (€). This price is valid for the duration specified in the pricing, the invoice or any other document distributed to the customer.

a) Cash: payment in cash is made in the office. In this case, the customer is not subject to any payment fees.
b) Bank transfer: International bank transfer fees will be paid by the customers.

Bank details:
BANK: CAIXA ECONÓMICA DE CABO VERDE
NAME: TRILHAS MONTANHAS SOC. T. SANTO ANTAO LDA
IBAN: CV64 0002 0000 26444857101 82
SWIFT / BIC: CXECCVCV

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation up to 30 days from the start of the trip: 12% penalty of the total amount. Cancellation between 29 or less days of the beginning of the trip: 25% fine of the total amount.

NOTE: International bank transfer fees will be paid by the customer.

HOW TO BOOK?

Fill The Booking Form below and make sure you put correct and valid email address, so we can reply after received your booking request.

Fill with hotel name if you already choose hotel, so we will not miss the pick-up.

VERY IMPORTANT:

Please at the time of the booking write the hotel name. We will pick you up at your hotel or at a nearby point.

After we received your Tour or Activity booking request we will we reply in the shortest possible time

Money
The official currency is the Cape Verdean escudo. 1 euros = 110,265 Escudos. The currency of the country can be withdrawn from the airport. The Euro is accepted in shops, hotels and banks. International credit cards are becoming more accepted. The VISA card is widely more accepted. The VISA credit card can be used mainly to withdraw money from banks, ATMs and some major hotels. It should be noted, however, that the MASTERCARD card is not accepted in all vending machines and in all SISP payment terminals.

Formalities of Entry/Stay in Cape Verde (VISA)
Those travelling to Cape Verde should be holders of the "Entry Visa" obtained at the Consulate of the Embassy of Cape Verde (about 44 Euros), which must be used within 90 days and grants the right to stay for 180 days, renewable at most, for an equal period of time. If you do not obtain it in your country of origin, the visa can be granted at the International Airport of arrival in Cape Verde (about 25 Euros). Individual Passports must have a minimum validity of 6 months.
Since January the 1st, 2019, European (EU) and UK travellers are visa-exempt for stays of less than 30 days. Customers must do absolutely nothing before departure, no steps on their side. To enter the territory you have to pay some kind of airport tax, which is called TSA. It's always easy to get on the arrival at the airport in Cape Verde (about 31 euros / 1 pax.). Your details will be required for services booking (ferry tickets, hotel, transfer...).

The Climate: The best time for hiking starts in October and ends in May. Usually it does not rain, the temperature is nice, but from January to February in the mountains the temperature can get colder (Min:+16Cº and Max:+23Cº);
> 1 cap and sunglasses;
> 1 small backpack to carry your belongings (camera, canteen, etc.) during walks;
> Pre-softened hiking boot;
> Fiber socks (coolmax) for walking;
> Sunscreen for face and lips;
> Moisturizing to prevent skin dryness
> 1 jacket "Pile" or Fleece;
> 1 pants type suplex or nylon
> Thermal clothes to wear underneath daily clothes (capilene - pants and t-shirt);
> 2 or 3 shirts with short or long sleeves;
> Private medicines and personal hygiene materials in small packages;

Health
Consult your doctor before departure! No vaccine, except in case of epidemic (covid-19), is mandatory. However, travellers traveling through Senegal or Brazil must be vaccinated against yellow fever and have an up-to-date international vaccination booklet. Ask your doctor or an international vaccination center for advice.
The hygiene conditions are good but it is not advisable to consume tap water, preferably drink mineral water or treated with pellets. Ensure a regular and careful washing of the hands. It is recommended to consume fresh products.

What you need to Bring For The TRECK
Sandals or walking shoes (already used), sunscreen, sunglasses, cap or hat. Guests do not need a sleeping bag. Customers may need a small bag to carry personal items (camera, phone, etc.) and a bottle of water.

Hospitality
It is a privatized trip; the customers will have a personalized follow-up. Our driver will be at the airport in Cape Verde (he will have a placard with the names on), all information will be provided on the arrival.