7-Day Trekking Tour | Acc. |
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Capverdian History - Cidade Velha
After your arrival to Santiago you drive to Cidade Velha and move into your private accommodation of former emigrants (french).
The old capital Cidade Velha is the place where the history of the Cape Verdes began. Next to the oldest church of West Africa and the Convent you can find the Pelorinho, which is a memorial of the slave trade. It is right in the middle of the - otherwise - sleepy place.
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Cidade Velha
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Ascent to the Monte Txota
Either you take a taxi to the starting point of today's hike, or you hike about 2-3 hours in the early morning along the Ribeira Grande and Calabaceira until you get there.
In an evergreen and fertile oasis, the 4-hour ascent to the top of the Monte Txota begins. Along a curvy and hilly landscape it continually goes up. To your right you have wide views across the south of Santiagon and even to the capital Praia
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Monte Txota
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Pico da Antonia - the Roof of Santiago
Today you really find a highlight on this tour. With a local guide you make a start on the Pico da Antonio. This rather demanding challenge to the "roof" of Santiago rewards you with good weather with even more unique (in)sights of large parts of the island.
For groups that prefer an easier tour we would recommend you to make a trip to the surroundings of the Monte Txota.
Tonight's comfortable accommodation offers brilliant scenery. The restaurant's dishes are cooked with self-cultivated products and have an outstanding quality.
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Monte Txota
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At the Foot of the Pico da Antonia to St. Catarina
Today you hike at the foot of the Pico da Antonia along Picos de Sima to St. Catarina.
Again and again you come along small hamlets. A couple of tobacco and coffee fields still witness the fertility of this area which preceded the dry period since the 6os.
You can spot the main road to Assomada in the distance but you enjoy fascinating views on your hike that no motorized tourist will ever be aware of.
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Assomada
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Plateau Hike to the Banana Plantation
From your accommodation you start an easy but longer plateau hike in direction of the coast.
You pass numerous little villages and hamlets, which lay between fields of beans and corn. We pass tobacco plantations and arrive at a fertile and agriculturally used Ribeira. The huge banana cooperative Augustina Lopes marks the end of the hike.
In the evening, the second special highlight of this week awaits us: In the fishing harbour of Calheta Celeste serves superb capverdian cuisine in his restaurant Esperanca. We all can peter out the day in the bar.
Option 1: Whoever gets up early can make a small detour down to the Poilon, the oldest Kapok tree.
Option 2: If you take a collective taxi from the plantation you might still have time for a swim in the surf or just a swim at one of the sand beaches in Calheta.
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Calheta
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Up to the Serra Malagueta
Brave ones leave early in the morning and walk 2 hours on foot to the meeting place above the Ribeira de Sao Miguel, where the guide already awaits you. Whoever prefers the easy way may take an Aluguer Collectif.
Within 5-6 hours you hike along open woods (Pine, Cypresses, Eucalyptus) and cross terraced fields on remote paths. High Agaves stem the way along the ridge and show beautiful and impressive views across the surrounding valleys to the sea.
With a good view you can see across the sea to the island Maio on the one hand, and Fogo on the other hand. From the inland part you can marvel at the Ribeira Principal. The Pico da Antonia greets you above the plateau of Assomada.
The remaining distance to Tarrafal is too far to get to, so you take the Aluguer Collectif for the rest.
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Tarrafal
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Scenic Plateau Hike and Descent to the Silver beach
From Tarrafal you get there with a Collective where you have left the route yesterday evening.
On an old well preserved pass way you hike up - nearly effortless - to the ridge. The panoramic hike holds marvelous views. At the end of the exciting descent, Coco palms wave at you in the silver grey sand beach with the variety of different fishing boats and their nets, all spread out to dry let dreams of an old almost forgotten originality come true.
The guide is optional on this hike!
Option 1: You forgo the last stage and spend the day in Tarrafal (having a beach-day, shopping in town, going for dinner) |
Tarrafal
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The following Program
Depending on the flight's departure time, you go back with your luggage along the coast or through the countryside to Praia to continue your program. (e.g. to Fogo or S. Vicente/Antao or Sal/Boa Vista) or you digest the various impressions of this tour with a couple of more days at the beach on Santiago. (either Tarrafal or Praia Baixo))
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Luggage transfer: main luggage Praia - Tarrafal only with a beach extension in Tarrafal
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Kap Verde
Cabo Verde
Cape Verde