Known as one of the most popular festivals in Cape Verde, Carnival of São Vicente is very similar to the Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The carnival spirit and enthusiasm give birth to various groups to parade and compete. All preparations start two weeks before and the atmosphere in the city of Mindelo is very festive. On the day of the big carnival parade, a population of Mindelo takes to the streets to be part of this great event in an atmosphere of party, fantasy, drumming and adrenaline… A unique experience of living in Cape Verde.
Day 1
Arrive in São Vicente Island
Welcome by your guide in Mindelo. Depending on the time of arrival. Check in + Info
Welcome dring and enjoying the beach.
Day 2
São Vicente /Santo Antão
Paúl’s Valley From de inside
Boat crossing from Sao Vicente to Santo Antão. After an hour of navigation, we arrive in Porto Novo ,then We reach starting point of this magnificent hike, walking among potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes, papaia and other vegetables and fruits, as a starting point of the famous hike, over 600m, a magnificent hike. with many sugar cane terraces and of course the possibility to taste the local grogue and the punche. Lunch in a local restaurant
4h walking/9km
Accumulated elevation +500m /-700m
Level 1
Day 3
Pico da Cruz /Janela
From your hotel we wil drive you to the starting point of this beautiful hike.Crossing the village of Pico da Cruz an agriculture Village and then the green valley of janela in the middle of yam fields, bananas groves, sugar cane, papaya and then we descend to Ribeira de Penedo to reach the village of janela where we will get the lunch. Lunch in a local restaurant
6 h walking/15km
Elevation: + 1400m / -1600m
Level 1
Day 4
Ribeira da Torre /Rabo Curto /Xoxo
Ribeira da Torre, a deep volcanic valley surrounded by cliffs and dotted with pythons, where we spent the day discovering life and rural culture. Passing trough Ribeira de Vinha with its magnificent waterfall of 150 meters high and village of Lombo de Pico with its spectacular volcanic neck. The trail passes and the irrigation canals (levadas) they lead to the town of Rabo Curto, descent through fields of sugar cane and yams to the village of Xoxo. Lunch in a local restaurant
4h walking / 8km
Accumulated elevation +600m/-450m
Level 2
Day 5
Pinhao /Lombo Branco /Ribeira Grande
Short transfer to the small, colorful fishing village of Sinagoga with a small shipyard, then to Lombo Branco. We start the trek in the valley above Pinhao, crossing small villages through terraced crops. Arrival on foot in Ribeira Grande and visit of the city. At the end of the day, short transfer to Ponta Do Sol, a seaside village.
4 hours walking/8km
Accumulated elevation: + 450m / -700m
Level 1
Day 6
Ponta do sol /Cruzinha
From the town of Ponta do Sol, located on the northeast coast of the island, where people live mainly from fishing. We will climb to Fontainhas where we will find several plantations to arrive later at Selada de Corvo, panoramic view of Ponta do Sol and Corvo, descending into the valley there is water sources all year round, then to Formiguinhas, a small town overlooking the sea. From Formiguinhas we will arrive in Aranhas, an abandoned town, then we will arrive at Mezcla de Ribeira Seca beach with white and black sand, where we can take a dip to cool off, There are also caves formed by lava, a good place to have a picnic, then we will pass by Motcho beach to reach the town of Cruzinha. Lunch in a local restaurant
6h walking /14 km
Accumulated elevation +1000m
Level 2
Day 7
Cruzinha /selada de Mocho /Boca de Ambas as Ribeiras
Today we go up the arid valley of Mocho and reach the small village of Selada de Mocho perched at about 600 m above sea level. We continue to the pass of Ladeira da Garça and then descend into the Ribeira Grande.Transfer to Boca de Coruja, a small village nestled in the hollow of an agricultural village or we can continue walking to the hotel. Lunch in a local restaurant/
4h walking /9 km
Accumulated elevation +700m/-600m
Level 2
Day 8
Alto Mira/Ribeira das Patas- Retourn to São vicente
Early departure from your hotel on the way to Alto Mira.after a 40-minute walk, we will arrive in Forquinha, where we will have the pleasure of a double panoramic view, on Alto Mira and Ribeira das Patas, then descent towards Ribera das Patas, where we can see the daily life of the locals, and their hard day’s work, with the land and also the rudimentary and traditional form of transporting water. Characteristic landscape of, not only for the culture but also for the contrast of the black colors of the volcanic rock, characteristic of this archipelago.Lunch on an ecological farm.
At the end of the afternoon, crossing by boat from Porto Novo to Mindelo.
3h30 walking /8km
Accumulated elevation +450m/-500m
Level 1
Day 9
Goodbye Cabo Verde
End of your stay, return to the country of origin
São Vicente Island Airport (Departure)
Transfer from your hotel to Airport Cesaria Évora
Our guide will pick you up and transfer you to the airport wishing you a nice flight home
The programs was carefully selected and established according to the latest information known from our guides.The hikes are for couple, groups and solo travelers who wish to discover cape verde and its morabeza.Are always possible circumstances and situations beyond our control can change the program. Depending on weather and operational conditions, Soltur team reserves the right to modify the itinerary in order to best ensure the smooth running of the stay and your safety. Under no circumstances may these modifications give rise to a refund .
The price includes
The price does not include:
Clothes
– A scarf to protect the neck
– 1 or 2 thermal underwear (short or long sleeve T-shirts – )
-Cap or hat for the sun
– 1 light fleece or equivalent (warm for the southern winter months – T-shirts)
(short and long sleeves), preferably in technical material with quick drying
– A breathable waterproof windproof jacket with a Gore
– 1 long shorts or Bermuda shorts
-A pair of sunglasses (high protection factor)
– Sun protection cream (face and lips)
– A multi-purpose pocket knife
– A pair of telescopic hiking poles (recommended
– 1 comfortable walking pants
– 1 pair of waterproof, comfortable “trekking” shoes with a rising upper and grippy sole (Vibram
type). They must hold onto the ground well. The trails in Cape Verde can be both muddy and rocky
– 1 pair of sneakers or equivalent light shoes for the evening
– Pairs of walking socks
– Swimsuit
Farmacy
Your guide has a first aid pharmacy. However, it is recommended to bring your personal pharmacy:
elastoplast, iodized alcohol, aspirin, intestinal antiseptic, small scissors, tricosteril, sun protection
cream, personal medication …
Our Sales and Support Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to serve you better.