At a Glance
Explore the best of Cape Verde’s greenest island of Santo Antao on this breathtaking 8 days self-guided experience. Discover Paul Valley, Cova Crater, Fontainhas and Ribeira Grande Valley on foot as you traverse mountain paths, ocean and lush valleys with unforgettable local encounters.
Your walking adventure begins with an overnight stay in the picturesque colonial town of Mindelo. Next morning you will be transferred to the ferry port where you’ll embark on a serene 1-hour cruise to Santo Antao the western point of Cape Verde, and your base for your walking journey. Truly a hiker’s paradise, take in breathtaking sights of chiseled canyons, terraced mountainsides, a vast network of hiking trails and fertile river valleys that is uniquely and remotely spectacular. During this 8-day adventure, you’ll unearth the natural wonders of ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 nights’ accommodation in hotels on a twin share basis]
- All meals as specified
- All hotel, airport and trail transfers
- Ferry between Sao Vicente Island and Santo Antao Island
- Detailed English routes notes with integrated maps
Itinerary
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Upon arrival in Mindelo Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your accommodation at The Casamarel, a lovingly restored 1910 house. Spend time unwinding in your spacious ensuite rooms with stunning views of Mindelo city and its serene bay. Whisk away in the skylight atrium or its cosy lounge overlooking the terrace and pool while indulging in some afternoon tea or a drink. Or take a refreshing dip at the salt water swimming pool. This evening, you will be treated to a dining affair bursting flavours of locally sourced ingredients and delights. |
The Casamarel, Mindelo
Dinner |
Approx 8km (5 miles), 3.5 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 100m (328 ft) Today, you'll transfer to the ferry port for a serene 1-hour cruise to Santo Antao, the westernmost point of Cape Verde. It is the second largest island in the archipelago ruptured with canyons, gorges and valleys. Upon arrival in Porto Novo, journey by taxi to the central peaks where you’ll begin your hike. Along the way, you'll unearth the Cova crater, a volcanic caldera that houses patchwork fields of maize and beans embraced by pines and mimosas. Descend on a winding path and be captivated by the breathtaking northern valleys to Cha de Manuel dos Santos before continuing onwards to the Passagem old garden. On a clear day, you will be able to enjoy a fantastic view over one of the most fertile valleys of Cape Verde – the Val do Paùl. Be transferred to Ponta do Sol, an authentic fishing village where you’ll stay at the Coraçao Hotel. An oasis after a day of hiking, refresh with a swim by the outdoor pool, laze by the sun terrace or unwind with a drink by the open bar. |
Coraçao Hotel, Ponta do SolBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 14km (8.7 miles), 6.5 hours walking, Moderate grade, Elevation Gain: 650m (2132 ft) This morning you’ll transfer to Vila das Pombas to begin today’s hike where the highlight is traversing the spectacular Paul Valley. Along the way, marvel at one of the greenest on the island as you wind along the valley’s terraced slopes, ascending and descending over its many ridges. Descend through hamlets and terrace crops of sugarcane, banana and coffee trees. You’ll reach the summits of Pico Antonia giving ample time to soak in sweeping views of the picturesque Paul Valley. Be treated to a glass of local liquor, a specialty of Santo Antao, in between your hiking. You’ll be transferred back to your hotel with time to relax and soothe the muscles. Tonight, tantalise your tastebuds with the catch of the day, a fresh lobster dinner. |
Coraçao Hotel, Ponta do SolBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 15km (9.3 miles), 5 hours walking, Easy to moderate grade, Elevation Gain: 750m (2461 ft) Today, embark on a beautiful coastal walk where the hike begins from your hotel. Journey on a picturesque path carved in the rock to the village of Corvo. You’ll traverse a coastal path through abandoned villages that overlook the Atlantic Ocean with constant views of mountains and stunning rock formations. Be captivated by some of the most picturesque villages including Fonatainhas, where colourful houses enthrone on a giant cliff. Keep your eyes peeled to chance upon dolphins, turtles and whales. Along the way, indulge in a picnic lunch amongst serene vistas. You’ll pass a beautiful black sand beach where you can savour the sunshine and absorb the serene views before reaching your final destination at the village of Cruzinha where you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. |
Coraçao Hotel, Ponta do SolBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 4.5 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 500m (1640 ft) Today, be transferred to the breathtaking Ribeira Grande Valley boasting spectacular landscapes of cultivated agricultural terraces and small houses along the way. Your hiking journey crosses hills while passing through terraced crops, colourful gardens with banana trees, mango trees, sweet potatoes, guavas and coffee trees. You’ll arrive in Chu Chu (XOXO) Village where serene views of the valley of Ribeira Grande can be admired. Along the trail, enjoy a picnic lunch. Embark on a 1.5 hours transfer to Ribeira das Patas, on the west side of the island. You’ll stay at a large farmhouse located on the edge of the huge crater of Ribeira das Patas. Unwind in your spacious rooms complete with a private terrace and absorb the tranquil views of Santo Antao Mountains. Relax in the picturesque outdoor swimming pool, indulge in a drink by the bar or simply take a lovely stroll amongst its vegetable garden. |
Quinta Cochete, Curral das VacasBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 14km (8.7 miles), 5.5 hours walking, Easy to moderate grade, Elevation Gain: 700m (2297ft) You’ll be left in awe today as you walk one of the most beautiful trails of Cape Verde, The Bodeira, a crater rim! Begin with a short transfer to Curral das Vacas. Your hike traverses a very arid landscape with a stunning winding old paved path leading to a plateau. At top, be captivated by sweeping panoramic views of the valley and the island of Sao Vicente. The further path leads, sometimes in vertiginous heights, along the mountain slope to a point where the landscape abruptly changes to bizarre rock formations of water-storing pumice stone. Be treated to a picturesque picnic lunch as you savour in the most beautiful vistas of your adventure. |
Quinta Cochete, Curral das VacasBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 8km (5 miles), 3.5 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 500m (1640 ft) Today, you hike to the natural wonder of a canyon. You will be amazed at how strong the volcanic eruptions were thousands of years ago looking at real lava walls and Basalt peaks. Your journey on foot see’s you traversing the summit giving sweeping views of breathtaking vistas of terraced crops, small stone bridges and levadas. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch before capping off your hiking adventure down to the village of Alto Mira where you’ll transfer to Porto Novo. Embark on a serene ferry ride back to Mindelo on Sao Vicente Island before a transfer to your hotel back at The Casamarel. Spend the rest of your day soothing your muscles with a refreshing dip by the pool or simply laze by its cosy lounge with a drink in hand. |
The Casamarel, MindeloBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Enjoy one final breakfast amongst the tranquil Cape Verde, a great time to reflect on your incredible walking adventure. You’ll be transferred back to Mindelo Airport for your onward travels. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Please contact us for group bookings. Peak/festival season surcharge applies.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Mindelo
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Mindelo. The closest major international airport is São Pedro Airport and is 8 km from the centre of Mindelo.
Cape Verde has a very dry tropical climate with low rainfall and lots of sunshine year-round. Cape Verde has an enviable climate and good to visit at any time of the year. The hottest month of the year is September with an average daily maximum of 31 C and an average low of 25 C.
Accommodations are subject to availability at time of booking. In case they are not available, we will offer accommodation of a similar standard or in a superior category. Any change of accommodation may lead to a price change. Changes in taxes including VAT may occur at any time forcing us to change our prices accordingly.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A single supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
