STAY
Type of stay :
Trek with guide
Island(s) :
Santiago
Localities visited :
Praia, São Domingos, Rui Vaz, Engenhos, Assomada, Chão Grande, Naus, Tarrafal, Flamengos
Length : 5 days
(included 3 of walking)
Maximum difficulty : 4
First island of the archipelago to be populated, Santiago was a melting-pot from the start, which shaped the Creole identity well before the Caribbean did. We quickly stop counting the small villages or hamlets we go through, built either on steep slopes, by the ocean or at the foot of ridges blessed by the pink or orange sunrays. This hidden spots are somewhat confidential, but we will share them with you all along this tour, one of our favourite.
INFO
Regions covered : click
Day 1 (Hike: 4 hours / +500m (+1640ft) / level : 3)
Along with our guide, we set out to conquer the achadas (highlands) and the ribeiras (valleys) that we knew to be characteristic of Santiago's landscapes. But we surely were not expecting terraced fields, valleys covered with tropical plants, abundant water irrigating a still traditional agriculture... Nor were we expecting to spot one of the monkeys living in the area.
Day 2 (Hike: 7, 5 hours / -400m (-1310 ft) (1) / level 4)
(1) a lot of going up and down
Our enthusiastic guide confides to us that we're about to do Cape Verde Trekking's favourite hike, no less! It's the most authentic tour, revealing the secret and hidden beauty of Santiago. Most of the time, we have an outstanding view upon the surrounding peaks. The road may be a little long, but that's the price to pay if we want to be alone and off the beaten paths : ) The arrival in Assomada is also a special moment.
Day 3 (Hike: 4 hours / -150m (490ft) / +350m (1150ft)/ level 3)
Departing from a high plateau, we wander through a deserted village before reaching an oasis of mango trees - could a picnic spot be any nicer? But keep your eagle eyes open: you might spot one of those monkeys again! Climbing another achada later enables us to admire the beautiful north region of Assomada. Let us reward ourselves with a little swim in the ocean or a nap on the black sand beach, protected by the shade of palm trees.
Day 4
Time flies in Tarrafal, small town to the north of the island, known for its beach and its coconut trees. Goggles and snorkel will be our friends for the day - let them take us on a tour in Ponta d'Atum (the tip of the tuna fish).
Day 5
After so much effort those last few days, we just enjoy being driven around, first through mountains then along the coast, all the way to Praia. The pace of the capital is hardly comparable to the beach or the achadas... We need to adapt to the new tempo, so let's pick a nice restaurant and later, why not have a drink and listen to live music somewhere?
Remark: this last day can also be spent hiking (with a roadbook) in the Serra Malagueta, if you crave for it : ) just mention it when you book!
PRICES
Included
All transfers on the ground
Luggage transfer during the hikes
English-speaking guide during 3 days
3 dinners
3 picnics
Accommodation for 5 nights
Tourist tax
Optional
Hike without a guide in the mountains of Serra Malagueta
Price per person
548 € per person, based on 2 people
386 € per person, based on 4 people
Extra charge (optional, price per person)
61 € for a single room (when available)
