Cape Verde: Green Escape to Santiago - Nature & Beach 9 Days Pack
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About This Experience in Praia
Why Visit Praia?
Praia, Cape Verde offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Praia provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Praia
You can reach Praia, Cape Verde by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- Custom and private arrival and departure airport transfers; Luggage Transfers;
- Service charges and VAT;
- Local Assistance 24 hours a day.
- All entrance fees;
- Hotel pick up and drop off for all the tours;
- Tours as mentioned in the program;
- Accommodation (8 Nights);
What's Not Included
- International Flights;
- Tourist tax (Paid locally: 2,5 Euros/Person/Night);
- Travel insurance;
- Visa or Airport Security Tax fees (TSA).
- Personal expenses.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Lunch and diner includes fish, meet or main dish + dessert + water.
- The rum production season runs from January 1 st to May 31st
- Please bring passport, sandals/flip flops, Hiking shoes, confortable shoes, a towel, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen;
- We reserve the right to alter the order of the itinerary or substitute a hotel of similar class if deemed necessary. The same will be informed to the traveler before departure.
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Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Pickup Time: 10 minutes before departure
Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.
Itinerary
Arrival - Airport Transfer (Praia Airport to Hotel in Praia) – Check in
Be welcomed by our professional driver and a... 15 minutes
Be welcomed by our professional driver and a licensed guide at Nelson Mandela Airport. Enjoy a high quality private transfer to your accommodation in Praia, including free waiting time.
Our team will also take you from door... 15 minutes
Our team will also take you from door to door with complete security and professionalism, providing all relevant information about your stay.
Santiago Island: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha
After being collected from your accommodation in Praia,... 20 minutes
After being collected from your accommodation in Praia, depart toward the small village of Calabaceira.
Start your 3-hour hike from the top of... 3 hours
Start your 3-hour hike from the top of the valley, with an oasis of vast vegetation emerging in its interior. Follow a simple and accessible trail for any hiker and explore the green valley famous for both its baobab trees mentioned by Charles Darwin and its use as an escape route for slaves during slavery. Next, discover the local fauna and flora and experience the production of a local rum-making distillery (The Rum production season runs from January 1 st to May 31st). There, get in touch with local farmers and their agricultural fields of sugar cane, mango trees, cassava, banana, and more.
Arrive in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage... 2 hours
Arrive in Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the São Francisco Convent, the famous Banana Street and Nossa Senhora do Rosário church. Have a break for lunch and savor local delights in a typical restaurant right on the seafront.
After lunch, visit the former slave market, the... 30 minutes
After lunch, visit the former slave market, the ruins of the Sé Catedral, and the Royal Fortress of São Filipe.
From the top, enjoy a beautiful view over... 30 minutes
From the top, enjoy a beautiful view over the whole old town and find out about the system of defense used against pirates.
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia 20 minutes
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.
Santiago Island: Scenic Tour to Banana Plantation, Workshop of Cuscuz and Rui Vaz Tour
Get picked up at your hotel in Praia,... 30 minutes
Get picked up at your hotel in Praia, then depart toward the interior of the island.
Travel for approximately 45 minutes and arrive at... 2 hours
Travel for approximately 45 minutes and arrive at the largest banana and coconut plantation in the country. Take a walk inside the agricultural fields while the local guide explains the varieties of fruits and dozens of plants that exist along the route.
Continue inland until you reach São Jorge dos Orgãos 2 hours
Continue inland until you reach São Jorge dos Orgãos. There, learn how to make cuscuz (a traditional cake made from corn flour) and fidjós (fried banana mixed with wheat) with a local family. Then, head to the foot of the highest mountain on the island, visit the traditional local rum distillery (The Rum production season runs from January 1 st to May 31st) and Lemba Lemba Eco Bar.
Next, head between rocks and valleys to the... 1 hour
Next, head between rocks and valleys to the village of Rui Vaz at an altitude of 800 meters and have lunch at a mountaintop restaurant. The tour conclude with drop-off at your hotel in Rui Vaz.
Trekking: Natural Park of Monte Tchota to Pico D’Antónia (the highest mountain on the island)
Your day begins with a scenic drive to... 30 minutes
Your day begins with a scenic drive to Rui Vaz, followed by the climb through the Natural Park of Monte Txota. Located at an altitude of 800 meters and with its own microclimate, this is one of the coolest places on the island with lots of biodiversity.
Then, continue towards the Pico D'Antónia 4 minutes
Then, continue towards the Pico D'Antónia. With an elevation of 1394 meters, this is the highest point of Santiago Island. When you get close to the top you will enjoy panoramic views of the São Jorge Valley, and possibly Maio Island and Fogo Island Volcano, with the weather permitting. Your trek will take about 4 hours, with a stop for a small picnic and views of beautiful landscapes along the way. Route File: Extension: 3000 meters Descent: ~400 m//Ascent: 672 m Difficulty degree: Difficult Total Walking Duration: 4 - 5 hours Path quality: Mediun tilt, narrow and safe.
The route will end with the return to... 10 minutes
The route will end with the return to the Monte Txota Natural Park and the ride back to your hotel in Rui Vaz, Quinta da Montanha.
Santiago Island: Ribeira da Barca + Boat trip to the Cave and BBQ on the beach
Get picked up at your accommodation and head towards Ribeira da Barca Village 7 hours
Get picked up at your accommodation and head towards Ribeira da Barca Village. On the way, enjoy photo stops at the lovely towns of Picos and Assomada, before arriving at the small bay of Ribeira da Barca. Next, enjoy a 25-minute trip on board a traditional fishing boat and take stunning photos of the crust formed by the volcanic eruption during the formation of the island. Arrive at Pilon de Achada Leite and admire one of the island's 7 Wonders, the spectacular rare rocks surrounded by small crabs. Next, head to Àguas Belas (which means "beautiful waters") and if the sea is not too rough, go swimming and snorkeling inside its caves. Get to know the local marinee life while our staff prepares a delicious barbecue on the beach. Relax on the black-sand beach as you enjoy your special meal. After lunch, head back to Ribeira da Barca and conclude your tour with drop-off at your hotel in Tarrafal.
After lunch, head back to Ribeira da Barca... 45 minutes
After lunch, head back to Ribeira da Barca and conclude your tour with drop-off at your hotel in Tarrafal.
Full Trekking in Serra Malagueta Natural Park + Visit to Assomada Market
The day begins with pickup from your accommodation... 1 hour
The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Tarrafal and heads inland to the traditional Assomada Market. Wander around the vibrant stalls and soak up the hustle and bustle of this island hub whilst watching the locals haggle for produce.
Drive to Serra Malgueta Natural Park next, where your trekking adventure awaits 3 hours
Drive to Serra Malgueta Natural Park next, where your trekking adventure awaits. Follow your guide as you head into the luscious landscapes of the Serra Malagueta Natural Park, which covers 774-hectacres. The park is home to the Serra Malagueta mountain range as well as over 124 species of plant, and 19 species of bird. Throughout the trek, listen to your guide share information about the local flora and fauna, many of which can only be found here in the park. There’s also the opportunity to see wildlife, including playful monkeys, a variety of reptiles, and colorful butterflies. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, find a scenic spot for a well-deserved rest and enjoy a picnic lunch in the middle of the forest. ROUTE FILE Extension: 4200 meters (1 way) Ascent/Descent: ~200 m Difficult degree: Easy Total Walking Duration: 3-4hours Path quality: Flat, wide and safe.
After lunch, continue the walk to the end... 1 hour
After lunch, continue the walk to the end of the trail, then drive to Tarrafal Beach where you can spend some free time chilling on the shore. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Tarrafal.
Free Day in Tarrafal
Day off to explore by your self 24 hours
Day off to explore by your self. You may like to relax on the white sand of the most picturesque and beautiful beach on Santiago Island, Tarrafal Beach, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters.
From Tarrafal: Visit to Rabelados Community + Praia City Tour
Get picked up at your accommodation and then return on the island's east coast 2 hours
Get picked up at your accommodation and then return on the island's east coast. Make your first stop in Espinho Branco and visit the religious community of Rabelados, the only community that still lives in thatched houses and preserves Cape Verde's oldest customs and beliefs. There, see the local handicraft production and have the opportunity to buy handmade paintings from local artisans.
Travel for approximately 45 minutes and arrive at... 1 hour
Travel for approximately 45 minutes and arrive at the largest banana and coconut plantation in the country. Take a small walk inside the agricultural fields while the local guide explains the varieties of fruits and dozens of plants that exist along the route.
Next, forward to the historical center of Plateau... 1 hour
Next, forward to the historical center of Plateau and there start the walking tour through the Jaime Mota Military Barracks, passing by the Presidential Palace and the Alexandre Albuquerque Square.
In the Municipal Market (closed on Sundays), meet... 30 minutes
In the Municipal Market (closed on Sundays), meet locals, find a diversity of local fruits and vegetables. There, find a little of everything and experience the daily life of the Cape Verdian family. Finish the tour with special touch of the local gastronomy at Casa Katxupa. Relish the real country’s nacional dish, Katxupa. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.
Goodbye Santiago Island
Enjoy your free time according to the flight... 15 minutes
Enjoy your free time according to the flight schedules and then be picked up in Praia and depart toward Nelsom Mandela international airport.
Take your international flight back and say goodbye to "La Morabeza Crioula"
Take your international flight back and say goodbye to "La Morabeza Crioula" !!!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure…
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
