Mindelo Carnival
Sao Vicente, Santo Antao
Mindelo Carnival
Number of part.
From 4
Duration
8 days
Price
860€ per person
Private tours, flight tickets, all inclusive, ...
DESCRIPTION
The Mindelo Carnival is one of the most lively and colorful events in the archipelago. For several days, the streets of Mindelo, Cape Verde's second largest city, transform into a spectacle of dance, music, and festive parades. After experiencing the excitement of the Mindelo Carnival, you'll embark on an equally captivating adventure on the island of Santo Antão. You'll be amazed by the diverse landscapes, from lush green valleys to rugged peaks, refreshing waterfalls, and terraced plantations. You'll also have the opportunity to meet warm and welcoming locals, sample local cuisine, and learn more about Cape Verdean culture.
Carnival
Cultural
Immersive
Unique
To customize your trip, click here
GENERAL
Level: 🥾
Tour Type: Itinerant
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Portage: Only your daytime belongings
Transfers: By minibus
Supervision: Cape Verdean guide
Guardian for groups of 4 or more
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival in Mindelo: February 15, 2026
Arrival at Cesária Évora International Airport in Mindelo. Welcome by your guide and transfer to your hotel and check-in. For 3 nights, enjoy free time to relax and explore the city. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to sample Cape Verdean cuisine.
Meals not included.
Accommodation. Boarding
Day 2 - Discovery of Mindelo: February 16, 2026
In the morning with your guide, visit Mindelo to explore its main tourist sites.
Start with a visit to the bustling fruit and vegetable market, where you can discover local produce and the colorful atmosphere. Next, visit Amílcar Cabral Square, one of the city's most important squares, surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafés.
Stop at the Sea Museum to learn more about Cape Verde's maritime history. End the day with a stroll along the bustling harbor, where you can admire the colorful fishing boats and enjoy breathtaking ocean views. In the evening, we join a Samba Tropical group to witness the final activities before the official Mindelo Carnival.
Breakfast included
Accommodation. Boarding
Day 3 - Excursion to São Vicente Island - Mindelo Carnival in the evening: February 17, 2026
In the morning, accompanied by your guide and driver, we set off to visit Monte Verde, the island's highest peak, with its panoramic view of the city and surrounding islands. Continue by car to explore the beautiful beach of Baía das Gatas and enjoy a refreshing swim in its crystal-clear waters. Return to Mindelo at the end of the day.
Free afternoon to prepare for Carnival. In the evening, attend the Mindelo Carnival, one of the most lively and colorful in Cape Verde, with parades of music and dance groups.
Breakfast included
Accommodation. Boarding
Day 4 - Heading for the island of Santo Antao: Cova Crater – Aguada Village: February 18, 2026
Morning boat to Santo Antão. Arrival at the Port of Porto Novo, then transfer to Espongeiros towards the Corda road, passing the Cova crater. From there, various routes allow you to descend to the village of Aguada, a spectacular sight with its large sugarcane plantations, ynhame, cassava, and other plains. Overnight stay with a local family.
Walking time: 4 hours
Elevation gain +: 100m
Elevation gain - : 800m
Breakfast, picnic and dinner included.
Accommodation: Guest house.
Day 5 – Cha de Pedras Valley – Caibros – Cha de Igreja: February 19, 2026
After breakfast, we leave the pretty village of Aguada and pass through the Chã d'Pedras Valley. We follow a beautiful balcony trail with stunning views of the surrounding valleys, before reaching the village of Caibros. In the afternoon, transfer to Cha de Igreja, then settle in for the night at a guesthouse.
Walking time: 4h30
Elevation gain +: 650m
Elevation gain - : 650m
Breakfast, picnic and dinner included:
Accommodation: Guest house (Casa Adilsa)
Day 6 - Cruzinha - Ponta do Sol Hike: February 20, 2026
After breakfast, continue to the village of Cruzinha. Followed by a lovely coastal hike along a luminous path carved into the mountain. We pass through the villages of Formiguinhas, Corvo, and Fontainhas, a famous hilltop village. Overnight stay in Ponta do Sol.
Walking time: 5 hours
Elevation gain +: 500m
Elevation gain – : 500m
Breakfast and picnic lunch included. Dinner not included.
Accommodation: hotel (Casa Celeste)
Day 7 - Hike in the Paul Valley – Return to Mindelo: February 21, 2026
Morning transfer 15 minutes, to the end of Paul's road. The Cabo de Ribeira cirque, highly cultivated, where coffee, oranges, guavas, vegetables and tubers of all kinds are harvested according to the seasons, and where rum is distilled. After the hike, return to Mindelo. (Boat at 5 p.m.). Overnight at a hotel.
Breakfast and lunch at a local's home included. Dinner not included.
Accommodation: Hotel (Hotel Avenida or similar).
Day 8 - Departure from São Vicente: February 22, 2026
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Breakfast included.
PRICE DETAILS
Price per person based on 4 people : 860€
What the price includes:
7 nights included
Sao Vicente – Santo Antao round-trip ferry tickets;
Baggage transfers;
Necessary transfers by private car for the normal course of the trip
Tourist tax 2 €/person/night;
Bed and breakfast accommodation
Meals mentioned as included
Local French-speaking guide for this entire tour
Activities as indicated in the program
What the price does not include
Drinks (water & others)
Meals not mentioned as included (count around €5 for lunch, €12 for dinner, excluding drinks)
The international and internal flight plan
Personal expenses and tips
The TSA (Airport Security Tax)
Repatriation insurance. Below is the link where you can purchase travel insurance: link
Anything not listed in "Prices include"
WHAT THEY SAY
CONTACT US
