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From Coves to Ridges

São Vicente, São Nicolau and Santo Antão

From Coves to Ridges

Number of part.

From 2

Duration

15 days

Price

1550€ per person

Private tours, flight tickets, all inclusive, ...

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DESCRIPTION

A wild and varied itinerary between São Vicente, São Nicolau, and Santo Antão, for lovers of hiking off the beaten track. Between misty ridges, secret valleys, isolated villages, and volcanic beaches, you'll explore the archipelago's most beautiful panoramas. An intense adventure combining immersion, authenticity, and breathtaking landscapes.

Adventure

Savage

Panoramas

Immersion

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GENERAL

Level: 🥾🥾🥾
Tour Type: Itinerant
Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
Portage: Day trips
Transfers: Inter-island flights, ferry, and minibus
Accommodation: Guesthouses, hotels, homestays
Guide: Local French-speaking guide

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival in Mindelo (São Vicente)

Arrival at Cesária Évora International Airport. Welcome upon arrival and transfer to your accommodation in Mindelo. Check-in and free time to explore the cultural city of Cape Verde.

Night in Mindelo.

Accommodation: hotel


Day 2 – Flight to São Nicolau – Welcome & transfer to Ribeira Brava

Morning flight to São Nicolau Island. Upon arrival, you'll be met by our local driver and transferred to Ribeira Brava, the island's charming capital nestled among the mountains. Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the colorful streets.

Night in Ribeira Brava.

Accommodation: 2 nights in Ribeira Brava


Day 3 – Morro Brás – Juncalinho Hike & Local Lunch

Early morning departure by private transfer to Morro Brás. Start a magnificent, gently descending hike to the peaceful coastal village of Juncalinho, crossing rocky, semi-arid landscapes dotted with acacia and palm trees.

Typical lunch at a local restaurant by the ocean. Return to Ribeira Brava in the late afternoon.

Walking time: 4 hours of walking

Negative elevation: -500 m / Positive elevation +500

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: in a guesthouse in Ribeira Brava


Day 4 – Ribeira Brava – Queimadas hike & rural immersion

Departure on foot from your hotel. Guided tour of Ribeira Brava, its market, colonial houses, and missionary history.

Then a gradual climb through the green valley of Ribeira Brava de Cima, following the old mule tracks to the small farming village of Queimadas. Accommodation in a typical house in the heart of sugarcane, corn and bean crops. Overnight stay in Queimadas with a local (3 nights).

Walking time: 4 hours of walking

Negative elevation: -350 m / Positive elevation +350

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: in a guesthouse in Queimadas


Day 5 – Covoada – Ribeira Funda Hike: the adventure towards the sea

After breakfast, a short transfer to Faja de Cima, the starting point of the hike. An exceptional day through wild and remote landscapes awaits you. You'll cross two passes offering spectacular views before descending to the mysterious Ribeira Funda, a now almost abandoned village. Here, the story of Mr. Quirino, a man who lived alone in this isolated hamlet for over 30 years, resonates with poetry and solitude. A place frozen in time. Return to Queimadas at the end of the day. Overnight in Queimadas.

Walking time: 5h30 walking

Negative elevation: -1100 m / Positive elevation +850

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: in a guesthouse in Queimadas


Day 6 – Monte Gordo Hike – Primary Forest & Volcanic Crater

Morning transfer to climb Monte Gordo, the island's highest peak (1,312 m). Hike through a misty, eucalyptus forest in the heart of the Parque Natural, with panoramic viewpoints across the entire island.

Gentle descent then short transfer back to Queimadas.

Last night in Queimadas.

Walking time: 4 hours of walking

Negative elevation: -350 m / Positive elevation +350

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation: in a guesthouse in Queimadas


Day 7 – Trek Fajã de Cima – Ribeira Prata & cultural visit – Tarrafal

Short transfer to the hamlet of Fajã de Cima, a rural setting nestled among the mountains. The descent to Ribeira Prata begins, with farm trails and spectacular views of the north coast.

Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up for a tour of Casa da Morna, an iconic venue for Cape Verdean music. A stop will then be made at the Carbeirinho geological site, a gem of rock formations sculpted by marine erosion. Overnight stay in Tarrafal de São Nicolau.

Walking time: 4 hours of walking

Negative elevation: -500 m / Positive elevation +500

Breakfast and lunch. Dinner not included.

Accommodation: in a guesthouse in Tarrafal


Day 8 – Relaxation in Tarrafal – Baixo de Rocha Beach

Free day in Tarrafal, a charming fishing village. Opportunity to visit the beautiful white-sand Baixo de Rocha beach, ideal for a relaxing swim or a stroll on the warm sand.

Enjoy the small cafes, the fish market, and the relaxed pace of life. Spend the night in Tarrafal.

Breakfast. Lunch and dinner not included.

Accommodation: in a guesthouse in Tarrafal


Day 9 – Return flight to São Vicente

Transfer to the airport and return flight to the island of São Vicente. You can extend your stay or continue your adventure to Santo Antão.

Day 10 - Santo Antão Island: Forquinha Pass – Chã de Morte

Early in the morning, you'll embark on a one-hour ferry ride to Santo Antão. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting for you for a 30-minute transfer to Alto Mira, the starting point of your hike. You'll discover a spectacular landscape of arid valleys, green oases, and volcanic formations, before hiking to the village of Chã de Morte. Spend the night in a family-run guesthouse for a truly authentic and welcoming experience.

Breakfast, picnic and dinner included

Walking time: 4 hours Elevation gain: + 380 m / - 490 m

Accommodation: in a guesthouse in Cha de Morte


Day 11 – Hiking in the Paul Valley

Early in the morning, transfer to the Paul Valley, a veritable garden of Cape Verde. You'll take a lush trail through one of the archipelago's most spectacular valleys, amid sugarcane plantations, banana trees, cassava, coffee trees, and other tropical crops. At the end of the day, visit a traditional distillery with a demonstration of the grogue (local rum) production process, followed by a tasting.

Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner not included.

Walking time: 4 hours Elevation gain: + 350 m / - 750 m

Accommodation: in a hotel in Paul


Day 12 – Cruzinha - Ponta do Sol Hike

After breakfast, transfer to the remote village of Cruzinha, the starting point for a stunning coastal hike. The trail, carved into the cliff, winds between the sea and the mountains, offering spectacular views at every step. Along the way, you'll pass through the charming hamlets of Formiguinhas, Corvo, and Fontainhas, famous for its colorful houses clinging to the mountainside. Arrive in Ponta do Sol, a former fishing village, and settle into a guesthouse for the night.

Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner not included.

Walking time: 5 hours Elevation gain: + 600 m / - 600 m

Accommodation: in a hotel in Ponta do Sol


Day 13 - Loop, Ribeira da Torre Valley - Vinha Waterfall - Xoxo - Return Mindelo

After a short drive, you will reach the magnificent Ribeira da Torre Valley, a deep volcanic valley surrounded by cliffs and adorned with spectacular peaks. During this day, you will have the opportunity to explore rural life and discover local cultures in the heart of this unique landscape. Descending through fields of sugar cane and yams, you will appreciate the natural beauty of the region by visiting a magnificent waterfall, LA CASCADE DE VINHA. After the hike, you will take the spectacular Route de la Corde, climbing the southern foothills of the island to reach the forested ridges. Amidst the ridges is Cova, a large volcanic crater whose floor is cultivated and the perimeter is forested. Continue to Porto Novo, then boat back to Sao Vicente at 4 p.m. Arrive in Mindelo, meet our team, then transfer to your accommodation.

Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner not included.

Walking time: 3h30h

Elevation gain: + 300 m / - 400 m

Accommodation: in a hotel in Mindelo


Day 14 - Excursion to the island of Sao Vicente: Mindelo - Monte Verde - Baia das Gatas – Calhau

Departing from Mindelo, set off on an unforgettable adventure to discover the treasures of São Vicente.

Begin by climbing Monte Verde, the highest point on the island, from where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Mindelo and the neighboring islands. On the way back down, head to the charming Baía das Gatas, famous for its calm, crystal-clear waters, a favorite with both locals and visitors.

You'll then walk along the splendid golden sands of Praia Grande to the peaceful fishing village of Calhau. There, a short hike of about 45 minutes awaits you around an ancient volcano. Along the way, be amazed by stunning rock formations, ancient wind tunnels, and other geological wonders.

To conclude this day full of discoveries, you will reach Mindelo by crossing the green oasis of Calhau, a true haven of peace in the heart of a volcanic landscape.

Breakfast included.

Type of accommodation: in a hotel (Mindelo Residencial or similar)


Day 15 - Return Flight

Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule for your return.

Breakfast included


PRICE DETAILS

Price per person based on 2 people : 2200€
Price per person based on 3 people : 1830€
Price per person based on 4 people : 1650€
Price from 5 people : 1550€

What the price includes:

  • 15 nights included

  • Sao Vicente – Santo Antao round-trip ferry tickets;

  • Internal Flights (São Vicente São Nicolau – São Vicente)

  • Luggage transfers and transfers necessary by private car for the normal course of the trip;

  • Tourist tax €2/person/night;

  • Meals mentioned as included

  • Visit to a distillery in Paul

  • French-speaking guide for activities

  • Activities included as indicated in the quote



What the price does not include 

  • Drinks (water & others)

  • Meals not mentioned as included (count around €5 for lunch, €12 for dinner, excluding drinks)

  • Accommodations not mentioned as included

  • The international 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"

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHAT THEY SAY

Helene Christophe

Thank you to the entire Actour Trekking team. Our guide, Luis, was very welcoming and caring, and he introduced us to his island, Santo Antao. The landscapes were breathtaking, our hosts for the evening were friendly and warm, the food was delicious and abundant, and the drivers were always punctual and friendly.

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