Trekking in Cape Verde: Santiago and Fogo
A group trip through breathtaking landscapes and authentic culture.
Description of the trek
Santiago and Fogo: a journey between volcanoes, traditions and soul paths
Two islands, one heartbeat.
An itinerary that combines the deep breath of nature with the beating heart of Cape Verdean culture.
On Santiago, the largest island, we will move among green mountains, silent ribeiras and villages that smell of history.
We will walk along ancient paths that connect fertile lands and villages suspended in time, where life flows slow and authentic.
We will lose ourselves among the vibrant colours of the markets, the sounds of batuku and the vibrant energy of Praia and Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Then it will be time to ascend to the incredible island of Fogo, where the volcano reigns.
Trekking among lava flows, vineyards that defy the ash and breathtaking lunar landscapes.
In the village of Chã das Caldeiras, at over 1700 metres above sea level, we will meet a resilient and proud people, guardians of a land that lives and breathes.
But the real journey happens within:
- In dishes with intense flavours.
- In dances that tell stories.
- In the emotions that only Cape Verde can offer.
Santiago and Fogo: walk. Discover. Live. One wonder after another.
Cosa rende questo viaggio unico?
Two islands, two different and complementary souls
- Santiago is the historical and cultural heart of Cape Verde: colourful markets, batuku music, authentic villages, colonial cities.
- Fogo is natural power in its purest form: an active volcano, vineyards growing in the ash, surreal landscapes that seem to come from another planet.
Authentic experiences, away from mass tourist circuits
- You walk on ancient paths frequented only by locals.
- Meet communities that welcome you with morabeza (Cape Verdean hospitality).
- Taste of true Creole cuisine, cooked in lava stone houses or traditional huts.
Trekking for all levels, with views that change with every step
- From the green ribeiras of Santiago to the lava flows of Fogo: every day a different landscape.
- Accessible yet thrilling experiences, suitable for those seeking nature, culture, and connection.
The ascent (or the view) of the Fogo volcano
- An experience that leaves a mark: walking among volcanic rocks, observing the caldera, breathing the living earth.
- Possibility to sleep in Chã das Caldeiras, in the heart of the crater: a magical place that does not exist elsewhere.
A total immersion in Cape Verdean culture
- It’s not just trekking: it’s music, dances, stories, smiles, Creole spirituality, and intense flavours.
- Visit Cidade Velha, the first European settlement in the tropics, rich in history and symbolism.
The Added Value
- Everything is organised in a professional and local way, with expert guides and carefully selected facilities.
- You are not just a tourist: you come into real contact with the people, the land and the traditions.
- In 12 giorni vivrai 3 isole, 3 climi, 3 culture… in un’unica, potente esperienza di viaggio.
- And all this for an accessible investment, already optimised to offer you maximum value, minimum stress.
- We speak your language: you will have support and assistance in Italian, with no language barrier.
Cape Verde
(Santiago + Fogo)
Format
Great Trek
Duration
8 Days
Type:
Residential
Difficulty:
Easy / Medium
Treatment:
Half Board
Daily Itinerary
Flight from Italy to Cape Verde arriving at the international airport of Praia Nelson Mandela.
Transfer to accommodation.
Welcome Dinner with Live Music
Overnight in Praia, the capital of the island
An intense day, between memory, culture and vibrant glimpses.
We start from the beating heart of the Cape Verdean capital: Praia, with its colonial and contemporary soul intertwining through the streets of the Plateau, the historic district.
We will stroll through sunny squares, elegant churches, authentic markets and the colourful art street of Ponta Belém, down to the bustling and popular market of Sucupira, where the true Praia shows itself without filters.
Then, a short transfer takes us back in time: welcome to Cidade Velha, the cradle of Cape Verde.
Founded by the Portuguese in the 15th century, it is the first colonial city in sub-Saharan Africa and today is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Among cobbled alleys and ruins steeped in history, we will visit:
- The majestic Fort of São Filipe, which dominates the bay from 100 metres high and tells stories of pirate attacks and courage.
- The remnants of the Cathedral, the Convent of São Francisco, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário – the oldest religious building in West Africa.
- The mythical Rua Banana, the first street laid out by the colonists.
- The touching slave market, with the stocks still standing, a symbol of a past that cannot be forgotten.
An excursion that is not just a visit, but a deep connection with the historical soul of Cape Verde.
Nel pomeriggio Trasferimento da Cidade Velha al festivale del mais a Baragem.
At the end of the excursion, return to Accommodation, dinner and overnight stay
Breakfast at accommodation and Departure
The day begins with a flight to one of the most fascinating islands of the archipelago: Fogo, the island of the volcano.
Upon arrival, a spectacular transfer awaits us to Chã das Caldeiras, a unique village in the world nestled in the heart of the crater. Here, nature speaks with the voice of silence, among lava flows and vineyards that grow in the ash.
We will visit the renowned traditional wineries of Fogo, where a volcanic wine with an intense and unmistakable flavour is produced, a symbol of the resilience and creativity of this people.
The overnight stay will be in a simple and authentic accommodation, lacking modern comforts such as hot water, but immersed in an extraordinary context: sleeping at the foot of the volcano, under a clear and starry sky, is an experience that is unforgettable.
A total immersion in the power of nature and the truest soul of Cape Verde.
At the end of the excursion, return to Accommodation, dinner and overnight stay
Today an epic adventure awaits you: the ascent to Pico do Fogo, the highest peak in Cape Verde (2829 metres).
An intense, exciting, unforgettable hike.
We depart from Chã das Caldeiras, in the heart of the crater, among ancient lava flows and vineyards that defy the ash. The ascent, guided by local experts, is a crescendo of breathtaking views and absolute silences. Each step reveals the power of nature, each breath is charged with primal energy.
Upon reaching the summit, you will literally feel on top of the world.
The view embraces the entire caldera, and on clear days, you can even glimpse the island of Santiago on the horizon.
The air is thin, the ground warm beneath your feet, and a faint smell of sulphur tells you that the volcano, down there, is still alive.
In the afternoon, descent and transfer to the historic city of São Filipe, nestled by the ocean, to conclude this day with eyes full of wonder and a heart brimming with adventure.
Technical data:
- Starting point: Chã das Caldeiras (about 1,700 m above sea level)
- Summit: Pico do Fogo – 2,829 m above sea level
- Positive elevation gain: approx. +1,100 m
- Negative elevation loss: approx. –1,100 m
- Total distance (return): 8–10 km
- Average duration: 5–6 total hours (3–4 h ascent, 2 h descent)
- Difficulty: High – level 4/5
- Terrain: volcanic sand, rocks, steep and unstable sections
- Type of route: out and back, linear path
- Local guide required: Yes (for safety and orientation)
At the end of the excursion, return to Accommodation, dinner and overnight stay
Breakfast at accommodation and Departure
Prepare to change scenery, breath and pace.
Today a spectacular trek awaits you: from the lunar landscape of the volcano to the lush northern coast of Fogo.
We will depart from Chã das Caldeiras, where the black earth tells stories of fire and rebirth. As we move away from the caldera, the landscape transforms: we enter the forest of Monte Velha, an oasis of coolness populated by eucalyptus, cypress and tropical trees, where the scent of nature changes with every step.
The path gently descends towards the community of Pai António, where the forest gives way to coffee, banana and cultivated fields, in a riot of green and rural life. A true contrast to the lava, another face of the island.
Finally, we will reach Mosteiros, a coastal village immersed in tranquility and surrounded by the ocean. Here a traditional lunch, with a sea view and local flavours, awaits us to beautifully conclude one of the most varied and surprising days of the journey.
Technical Information:
Departure: Monte Trigo
Arrival: Tarrafal
Walking Time (h) 4 hours
Length (km) 11 km
Descent Elevation (m) -300
Ascent Elevation (m) +300
Maximum Altitude 220m a.s.l.
Difficulty: medium
At the end of the excursion, return to Accommodation, dinner and overnight stay
Breakfast and Departure
The day begins with the transfer to São Filipe airport, where we will leave the volcanic island of Fogo to return to Santiago, the land of green mountains and surprising contrasts.
Upon arrival, we head straight towards the next adventure: the trek to Pico d’Antónia, the highest peak of the island (1394 m), an intense and panoramic experience.
Starting from the quiet village of Picos, we cross rural landscapes dotted with cultivated terraces, hidden valleys, and spectacular views of the mountains.
The route will offer us authentic encounters: the majestic Dragoeiro, an endemic and symbolic tree; the typical stone houses; and the daily life of the farmers, who will welcome us with the simplicity and warmth of Cape Verdean morabeza.
After about 5 hours of walking (difficulty level 2), we will reach the village of Orgãos, the final stop of an itinerary that combines nature, culture, and discovery.
An excursion for those who love to walk off the beaten path, in the heart of Cape Verde's authenticity.
Technical Information:
Technical details
- Starting point: Monte Txota
- Total duration: 5–6 hours
- Estimated distance: 10–12 km
- Elevation gain: medium (+/- 600 m)
- Difficulty: 3/5 – Moderate hike, but rich in cultural content
- Type of route: Circular or linear depending on the variant
- Environment: Mountainous, agricultural, cultural
At the end of the excursion, return to Accommodation, dinner and overnight stay
Duration: approx. 6h | Elevation gain: +700 m / -800 m | Difficulty level: 3
Today we venture into the green heart of northern Santiago, among the spectacular landscapes of the Parque Natural da Serra Malagueta, one of the most picturesque and protected places on the island.
We start our journey from the park entrance, climbing towards the camping area until we reach a panoramic viewpoint from which breathtaking views open up: the gaze embraces Assomada, the lively inland capital, and the majestic Pico d’Antónia, the highest peak of Santiago.
The trek continues in an environment rich in biodiversity, among eucalyptus and pine trees, fragrant paths and skies that seem within reach.The descent, steep and panoramic, offers us
spectacular views of the Ribeira Principal valley and leads us through coffee plantations rural villages, and stone houses immersed in nature.Our final destination is
Hortelão, a quiet settlement where time seems to have stood still and where we can breathe in all the authenticity of Cape Verdean life., un tranquillo insediamento dove il tempo sembra essersi fermato e dove potremo respirare tutta la genuinità della vita capoverdiana.
A challenging but incredibly rewarding excursion: for those who love the wild nature, wide landscapes and trails that tell stories.
Morabeza Night Dinner "Goodbye Cape Verde" with live music
Breakfast in Hotel, Check out
Assistance and transfer to the airport
Travel Information
Outbound:
Departure from Malpensa, Turin or Rome to Santiago Island (RAI)
Return:
From Santiago Island (Praia Airport RAI) to Malpensa, Turin or Rome
Recommended Equipment:
- Trekking poles
- Hiking boots
- Day backpack
Sistemazione
- Characteristic accommodation in Santiago
- Characteristic accommodation in Fogo
Pasto
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Half Board Treatment
Pasto
- Shuttle / Private Bus
- Trasferimento In e out aeroporto / hotel / aeroporto
- Transfer to and from the start and end bridges of the trek
Flight
- International flights not included
- Domestic flights included
PARTICIPATION FEE
Fee: To see the participation fee click on the register button!
Numero minimo partecipanti: 18
Numero massimo partecipanti: 25
Payment Management In 3 Installments:
- First Installment deposit (30%):
- Second Installment (50%):
- Balance (20%):
Modalità pagamento Rata acconto (30%) + Seconda Rata (50%): Online o Bonifico
Payment method for balance: Online / Bank Transfer / Cards