Key Features
• Stunning mountain scenery and verdant ribeiras
• Ascend the active crater of Pico de Fogo
• Portuguese architecture and African influences
Included
8nts hotel, 2nts basic pension; 10 breakfasts, 4 lunch & 4 dinner included.
Transport
Minibus transfers/Ferry/Inter-island flights as itinerary.
Group Size
Approx. 12 to 16.
Tour Staff
Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides.
Colonial Santiago
Our adventure begins and ends on Santiago; the island with the most African feel to it and also the largest of the group. Santiago was the first of the islands to be colonised by the Portuguese and is host to the archipelago's capital city, Praia. During our time here we'll trek to Monte Xota from our base in the village of Rui Vaz and may also have time to explore the island's old capital, Cidade Velha, with its 16th century fort and cathedral - ruins of its once wealthy past.
Pico de Fogo Volcano
Fogo is an active volcano which last erupted in 1995. Due to the volcanic nature of the island the soil is extremely fertile, producing a fruity wine and excellent coffee! We spend two nights in Chã das Caldeiras, a village which is situated inside the volcano crater itself where the houses are made of volcanic rock. From here we'll make an optional ascent to the summit of Pico de Fogo (2829m). The soft volcanic sand becomes rockier as we climb and the views of Fogo and Santiago are spectacular. Hiking down towards the Atlantic coast through a barren moonscape, we'll spend a night in the island's capital, Sao Filipe.
Ribeiras of Santo Antao
Passing through Sao Vicente we then spend a few days exploring the island of Santo Antao with its breathtaking mountain scenery and its ribeiras - deep valleys carved into the volcanic rock by erosion. Our walks on Santo Antao could arguably be the most beautiful in the archipelago from hiking up Ribeira da Torre to a stunning coastal walk to the picturesque village of Fontainhas.
Comment
Island walks are moderate (3-6hrs) and flexible, with a more strenuous, but optional, ascent of Pico de Fogo volcano (2829m).