Home | Walking & Hiking | Walking on Santo Antao | The Classic Trails 5 Days

Walking Santo Antao | The Classic Trails in 5 Days

Best Of SANTO ANTAO

Cova volcano crater, Xôxô, Ribeira Grande, Ponta do Sol, Fontaínhas, Paul valley

5 DAYS | 4 NIGHTS | 4 WALKS

Local Expert | Hikes | Accommodation | Transfer | Meals

Overview

The natural treasure of Santo Antao island: Medium-level volcanic hike (4-5 hours of walking per day) to understand the geological pattern of the island. Discover the Cova volcano caldera, the mountain ranges and the black sand beaches through an unforgettable network of hiking trails.

A great walking adventure in a short time

1/4

When?
All year round

How long?
5 days / 4 nights

How much?

Please contact us! Our team will answer you quickly.

Price includes

Tansport, guiding and food & accommodation

Fitness level: 12345
Min. 1, max. 8 guests

Pick up points:

Mindelo (Sao Vicente Island), Porto Novo or anywhere else on request (surcharge)

Highlights:

Hike in the majestic mountains of the protected area of the eastern plateau of Santo Antao island;
Get in touch with the still untouched nature and meet the greenest valleys of Cape Verde;
Look closely Fontaínhas, declared the second most beautiful village in the world by National Geographic magazine;
Discover Pombas, Ribeira Grande and Ponta do Sol, cities of Portuguese colonial architecture;
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 - Santo Antao Island

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

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 lunch that you can enjoy en route. Transfers to Ponta do Sol to spend the night.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic-lunch and Dinner.

Type of accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 2: Walk: Ribeira Grande - Ribeira da Torre - Ponta do Sol

Today we can look forward to some fantastic relaxing walking after the ups and downs of the previous stretch. We head down to Ribeira da Torre valley and we will stop in Xôxo for the lunch under the trees. In the late afternoon we return to Ponta do Sol. Walking Time: 3h30 | Distance: 8 Km | Elevation: + 560 m / - 710 m
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic-lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 3: Walk: Espongeiro - Lin d'Corvo - Joao 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. From there to Lagoa, semi-desert altitude plateau, more precisely, the Lin d'Corvo locality. A scenic trail (we cross local cultures sugarcane crops and small rural hamlets) descends towards Joao Afonso, where we spend the night. You have a picnic lunch that you can enjoy en route. Dinner prepared by the inhabitants of the valley.
Walking Time: 4h | Distance: 10,7 Km | Elevation: 170 m / - 820 m

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

Day 4: Walk: Cruzinha | Fontainhas | Ponta do Sol

After breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the hike in Cruzinha. Superb ride along the fantastic coast, passing through rugged cliffs and wonderful small rural villages; Cruzinha, Corvo and Fontaínhas. We have a picnic lunch that we can enjoy en route. Continue to Ponta do Sol, to spend the night. Dinner at restaurant. Walking time: 4h30 | Distance: 11 Km | Elevation: +690 m / - 710 m

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic-lunch and Dinner.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 5: Santo Antao - Sao Vicente Island

After breakfast, head back to Porto Novo port via newly built island coastal road.
At 09:00 A.M. - the ferry-boat will get you back to São Vicente Island.
At 10:00 A.M. - we transfer you back to your hotel in Mindelo.

Meals: Breakfast.

End of Stay

NOTE:

This program depends on weather conditions and may be modified by us on site for your safety;
You might be able to make some modifications to the current tourist programme based upon your personal preferences.

The Price Include:

Transfers from the hotel to the port Sao Vicente IN/OUT;
Ferry-boat tickets IN/OUT;
4 nights in twin or single room;
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 4 Days (D1, D2, D3, D4);
The meals mentioned in the program and 4 breakfasts;
Tourist taxes;
Our hotline (5D/5D).

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

Reserve now & pay later! Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today. With us you can book your tour without prepayment.

Payment in cash either US $, EURO or in local currency (ECV) at our office in Santo Antao. Payment with other currency will convert based on daily exchange rate. No hidden charge and no need deposit.

Get special discount for group booking
If there are 5 or more (up to 8) people in your group use the tour inquiry form to send us inquiry or you can contact directly via email |call |WhatsApp |messenger. We create your tailor-made tour with good prices.

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.