PACKAGES
PACKAGE 5 NIGHTS AND 6 HIKES
Summary
DAY 1: ISLAND OF SÃO VICENTE – ISLAND OF SANTO ANTÃO: HIKE FROM COVA TO PAUL VALLEY
DAY 2: LUXURIOUS VALLEY OF PAUL AND PICO D’ANTONIO
DAY 3: ALTITUDE PLATEAU – JOÃO AFONSO VALLEY
DAY 4: HIKE BOCA DE AMBAS RIBEIRAS TO CHA IGREJA
DAY 5: HIKE CRUZINHA – PONTA DO SOL
DAY 6: SECRET VALLEY OF JANELA
Itinerary
DAY 1:
Departure by boat to reach the island of Santo Antão, the second-largest island in the archipelago known for its rugged terrain. Docking in Porto Novo, transfer through the old mountain road to the Cova crater.
HIKE FROM COVA CRATER TO PAUL VALLEY
Duration: 4-5 hours +100 -1200 12 km
Known as a paradise by locals, Paul Valley boasts subtropical temperatures, fostering abundant fruit and vegetable growth. Descend from Cova Crater along ancient cobbled paths to Paul Valley, passing terraced fields of sweet potatoes, Congo beans, and orchards of banana, almond, and mango trees. Lower in the valley, sugar cane is cultivated for grogue production, a popular local spirit. Encounter the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans as you traverse small hamlets. Depending on the season, you may visit a grogue distillery. The descent can be strenuous, so walking poles are recommended. Overnight in Paul.
DAY 2: LUXURIOUS VALLEY OF PAUL AND PICO D’ANTONIO
Duration: 4-5 hours +650 -450 10 km
Explore tropical cultures and rural life in the heart of Paul Valley. Ascend through a small pass, transitioning to the yam valley via extraordinary terraced staircases. Traverse banana and sugar cane plantations, along with cassava and sweet potato fields, irrigated by an intricate network of canals fed from carefully stored reservoirs. Witness the lush foliage of yam plants along the valley floor. Overnight in Paul or Ribeira Grande.
DAY 3: ALTITUDE PLATEAU- JOÃO ALFONSO VALLEY
Duration: 4 hours +200 -1200 8 km
Begin with a transfer to the starting point, passing the famous Delgadin viewpoint. Hike across altitude plateaus dominated by grasses and corn, descending to the edge of towering cliffs (1200 m). Enjoy panoramic views of the island, with the ocean’s blue expanse in the backdrop. Descend through volcanic foothills adorned with aloe vera, sisal, euphorbia, and endemic flora. Arrive in the upper João Afonso Valley, adorned with banana trees, sugar cane, and picturesque terraces. Overnight in João Afonso or Ribeira Grande Valley.
DAY 4: HIKE BOCA DE AMBAS RIBEIRAS TO CHA IGREJA
Duration: 4-5 hours +500 -600 8 km
Ascend the steep slopes to the pass overlooking the Mocho Valley from the end of Ribeira Grande. Enjoy a breathtaking panorama before descending along well-established mule paths, passing through hamlets and spectacular mountain scenery. Lunch can be arranged in a private house upon request. Overnight in Cha Igreja or Cruzinha.
DAY 5: HIKE CRUZINHA- PONTA DO SOL
Duration: 5-6 hours +550 -550 15 km
Depart early for a scenic hike along one of the island’s most beautiful trails: a paved path suspended over the ocean, providing access to remote villages such as Corvo and Forminguinhas. Explore Fontainhas, a vibrant hilltop village, before descending to Ponta do Sol, known for its historical charm. Overnight in Ponta Sol.
DAY 6: SECRET VALLEY OF JANELA
Duration: 4 hours +500 -500
Transfer via the coastal road to the fishing village of Pontinha de Janela. Embark on a hike to uncover rural life in the valleys of Janela and Penedo. Traverse paved paths amid banana, mango, and orange orchards, leading to a small pass with breathtaking vistas. Descend to the thriving Janela Valley, followed by a transfer to Porto Novo via the coastal road. Ferry to São Vicente.
Included:
Duration: 5 nights and 6 hikes
- Accommodation: guesthouse or hotel based on availability
- Tourist taxes
- Guide
- Transfers and luggage transport
- Breakfast
Excluded: meals, drinks
If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!