Cape Verde Island-hopping
Cape Verde Island-hopping
Cape Verde Island-hopping
12 Days Starting in Mindelo, Cape Verde and ending in São Vicente, Cape Verde
Visiting: Mindelo, Santo Antão, Fontainhas, Ribeira Grande, João Afonso Valley, Porto Novo, Praia, Fogo, Pico do Fogo, São Filipe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
493
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable island-hopping adventure in Cape Verde, where you'll explore the stunning landscapes of São Vicente, Santo Antão, and Fogo. Begin your journey in Mindelo, the vibrant capital of São Vicente, and immerse yourself in the local culture with visits to the Cesária Évora Museum or relaxing at Laginha Beach. Traverse the lush Paúl Valley and the dramatic coastal paths of Santo Antão, where you'll encounter terraced fields, charming hamlets, and breathtaking views. Experience the unique volcanic terrain of Fogo, climbing the majestic Pico do Fogo and exploring its lava tunnels. This tour offers a perfect blend of hiking, cultural exploration, and relaxation, with comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine to enhance your experience. Whether you're trekking through verdant valleys or marveling at volcanic landscapes, this Cape Verde adventure promises an enriching and exhilarating escape.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Mindelo, São Vicente
Location: Mindelo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Mindelo
A private transfer takes you from the airport to your accommodation in Mindelo, the island of São Vicente’s capital. Depending on your arrival time, visit Cesária Évora Museum to learn about the life and work of the famous singer Cesária Évora, who was born in the city. Alternatively, head to Laginha Beach to relax before your first day of walking.
Day 2 : São Vicente – Paúl Valley, Santo Antão 8Km
Location: Santo Antão
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Ponta do Sol
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A transfer takes you to the ferry port for a crossing to Porto Novo, on the island of Santo Antão (1h, included). Upon arrival in Porto Novo, a transfer takes you to the starting point of your hike in Pombas. The hike crosses Paúl Valley, one of the greenest valleys among Cape Verde’s islands. The route descends through hamlets and terraces of bananas, mangoes, passionfruit and sugarcane. Begin your ascent up Pico de Antónia (1,392m), taking in the view over Paúl Valley. At the end of the walk, a transfer takes you to your accommodation in Ponta do Sol. Walking for the day: 8km, 4-5h, ↑650m ↓400m
Day 3 : Fontainhas – Boca De Coruja
Location: Fontainhas
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Boca de Coruja
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with a trek to Fontainhas, the starting point of today's coastal hike. Follow a path carved into the rock, heading towards the village of Corvo, from where the route joins a coastal path, leading through abandoned villages. Stop for a rest at Praia das Aranhas, a black sandy beach where you may spot turtles nesting in season, before arriving in the village of Cruzinha. A transfer takes you from Cruzinha to your accommodation in the village of Boca de Coruja.
Walking for the day: 15km, 5h, ↑650m ↓650m
Day 4 : Ribeira Grande Valley
Location: Ribeira Grande
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Boca de Coruja
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short transfer to Coculi (included) to the start of the hike, before commencing the walk through Ribeira Grande Valley starts from your accommodation. Head through terraced fields and luscious gardens, surrounded by an abundance of banana trees, mango trees and coffee plants. For lunch, Augusta, an inhabitant of the João Alfonso hamlet, will prepare a traditional Cape Verde dish: the cachupa. Continue through the valley, before following the route back to your accommodation in Boca de Coruja.
Walking for the day: 15km, 4-5h, ↑500m ↓500m
Day 5 : João Afonso Valley – Curral Das Vacas
Location: João Afonso Valley
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Curral das Vacas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk along a partially paved path in the João Alfonso valley, passing through terraced crops of corn and sisals. The path winds around basalt cones, ridges, through pastures and small hamlets before reaching the high plateaus of Espongeiros, amongst pine and eucalyptus trees.
Walking for the day: 8km, 5h, ↑1,200m ↓100m
Day 6 : Bordeira De Norte
Location: Porto Novo
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Curral das Vacas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving from your accommodation in Curral das Vacas, walk to Bordeira do Norte, with a path that overlooks Ribeira das Patas. Follow the ascending path through an ochre-coloured landscape to reach the plateau, where views extend over the island and Tope de Coroa (1,979m). Descend to the village via a very steep paved path, arriving back at your accommodation.
Walking for the day: 14km, 5-6h, ↑900m ↓900m
Day 7 : Curral Das Vacas – Mindelo
Location: Mindelo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Mindelo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Follow a path in the western foothills of Ribeira das Patas, overlooking a high gorge. The route takes you past hamlets with mango, papaya and banana trees gardens, as well as sugarcane fields. A transfer takes you to Porto Novo, to take the ferry back to the island of São Vicente (included), where you are then transferred to your hotel in Mindelo.
Walking for the day: 7km, 3h, ↑600m ↓300m
Day 8 : São Vicente To Santiago
Location: Praia
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Praia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Mindelo airport for your flight to Praia. Upon your arrival, transfer to your hotel, and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 9 : Santiago – Fogo
Location: Fogo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Chã das Caldeiras
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A transfer takes you to the airport in Praia, for your flight to the island of Fogo (not included). Upon arrival in Fogo, a transfer picks you up from the airport, making a stop at Pico do Fogo, an active volcano, before continuing on to your accommodation in Chã das Caldeiras.
Day 10 : Pico Do Fogo
Location: Pico do Fogo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Chã das Caldeiras
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, climb Pico do Fogo (2,892m) with a local guide (included) and explore the crater. After the steep ascent, you are rewarded with extensive views over the island. Return to your accommodation for lunch, taking some time to unwind before setting off on a short circular walk to a lava tunnel, a cave created by a previous volcanic eruption.
Day 11 : Chã Das Caldeiras – São Filipe
Location: São Filipe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in São Filipe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s route heads north, descending towards the coastal town of Mosterios, with its coffee, banana and sugarcane crops. Explore old mansions and the abandoned airport to the west of the town. A transfer takes you to your accommodation in São Filipe, the capital of Fogo.
Day 12 : Departure
Location: São Filipe
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, a transfer takes you to São Filipe Airport on Fogo for your departure to São Vicente (not included), where you can then catch an international flight.
What's Included
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Private Airport Transfer
A private transfer takes you from the airport to your accommodation in Mindelo.
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Ferry Crossing
The ferry crossing from São Vicente to Porto Novo on the island of Santo Antão is included.
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Local Guide for Pico do Fogo
Climb Pico do Fogo with a local guide included.
What's Not Included
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Flight to Fogo
The flight from São Vicente to the island of Fogo is not included.
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Departure Flight
The departure flight from São Filipe Airport on Fogo to São Vicente is not included.
Mode of Transport
Experience seamless transfers with private transportation from airports to accommodations, ferry crossings between islands, and guided transfers to hiking starting points. Enjoy the convenience of included local transfers, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience throughout Cape Verde.
Accommodation
Stay in charming accommodations such as Casa Colonial in Mindelo, B&B Coracão Ponta do Sol, and Pedracin Village farmhouse in Boca de Coruja, offering a blend of comfort and local charm. Enjoy the rustic ambiance of Casa Marisa in Chã das Caldeiras and Pousada Bela Vista in São Filipe.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I do upon arrival in Mindelo, São Vicente?
Upon arrival in Mindelo, São Vicente, you can visit the Cesária Évora Museum to learn about the life and work of the famous singer Cesária Évora, or head to Laginha Beach to relax before your first day of walking.
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What is the highlight of the hike in Paúl Valley, Santo Antão?
The highlight of the hike in Paúl Valley, Santo Antão, is the descent through hamlets and terraces of bananas, mangoes, passionfruit, and sugarcane, followed by an ascent up Pico de Antónia, offering a view over Paúl Valley.
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What unique experience is offered during the hike from Fontainhas to Boca de Coruja?
During the hike from Fontainhas to Boca de Coruja, you will follow a path carved into the rock, pass through abandoned villages, and have the opportunity to rest at Praia das Aranhas, a black sandy beach where turtles may be spotted nesting in season.
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What can I expect during the walk through Ribeira Grande Valley?
During the walk through Ribeira Grande Valley, you will pass through terraced fields and luscious gardens, surrounded by banana trees, mango trees, and coffee plants, and enjoy a traditional Cape Verde dish, cachupa, prepared by a local inhabitant.
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What is the main attraction of the hike in João Afonso Valley?
The main attraction of the hike in João Afonso Valley is the diverse landscapes, including a forest of pine and eucalyptus trees, and the opportunity to explore the high plateaus of Espongeiros.
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What views can I expect from the Bordeira do Norte hike?
From the Bordeira do Norte hike, you can expect views over the island and Tope de Coroa, as you ascend through an ochre-colored landscape to reach the plateau.
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What is included in the climb of Pico do Fogo?
The climb of Pico do Fogo includes a local guide who will lead you to explore the crater, and after the ascent, you will be rewarded with extensive views over the island. The day also includes a short circular walk to a lava tunnel.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.