INFO

Regions covered : click

Level
For experienced and well-trained hikers

Departure
9: 00 from Porto Novo harbour

Day 1 (Hike: 3, 5 hours - level 2-3)
We leave the main harbour of the island (and incidentally civilisation) and head West, towards a region that may be isolated, but also rich in discoveries and pleasant encounters. Step by step, valley by valley, our sense of time and reality adjust to the local pace. The hospitality of our host family for the night makes us feel at home.

Day 2(Hike: 4, 5 hours - level 3)
We early birds bid our hosts farewell before hiking back the trail, lured by the blue ocean, far away. While descending a green fertile valley, we encounter and greet farmers. As we leave the terraced fields behind us, we wander through a gorge, and the sight of the ocean expands in front of us. A mild sea-breeze refreshes us while we wait for our transfer to a more arid area, where we'll spend two nights.

Day 3 (Hike: 7 hours // +1. 300 m / -1. 300 m // level 4**)
After a nice cup of tea at dawn, we start to climb the highest mountain of the island: Tope de Coroa (literally: the top of the crown), which peaks at 1979 metres (6493 feet). The sight of this moonscape and striking colours of the region will be engraved in our memories for a long time, so will the souvenir of the delightful dinner our host family cooked for us.

Day 4 (Hike: 7 hours - level 4**)
Another early start today, because we have the longest and loneliest hike the island can offer ahead of us. But the landscapes, the silence and the peaceful atmosphere are worth the trouble! We enjoy our dinner in Osvaldos house who is also sheltering us for the night (Night without luggage).

Day 5 (Hike: 4 hours// 10 km // + 600 m / - 630 m // level 3)
Last stage before reaching heaven - the view upon the sea and a rocky trail will be our only fellow travellers today. Green sceneries will soon replace the former moonscapes - we've reached our goal. Let's celebrate our reunion with our luggage by spending the rest of the day by the ocean, perhaps even by dipping our feet in the water or practicing our Creole with local fishermen.

Day 6
Back to civilisation. Another early start allows us to enjoy the beautiful landscapes illuminated by the morning sun, as we drive through a somewhat rough road back to the harbour. We bid our guide farewell and board the ferry back to Mindelo.
Level of difficulty: 1=very easy 2=easy 3=difficult at some points 4=difficult

** hike only with local guide

Info
Two nights without luggage

PRICES

Included
All transfers
Your guide during 5 days
4 picnics
1 lunch
5 dinners
Accommodation for 5 nights
Luggage transfer until Tarrafal
2 nights without luggage (Day 1 & 4)
Tourist tax

Optional
Possibility to add a few days in Tarrafal to this hike ; in this case, Day 6 transfer will occur on your last day of your extended stay.

Price per person

693 € based on two people

487 € based on four people

Extra charge (optional, price per person)

23 € for a single room (when available)