Ultimate Cape Verde Expedition: Discover Sal, São Vicente and Santo Antão in 14 Days

Be welcomed by your travel representative for a door-to-door transfer to your accommodation in Santa Maria. Pick-up time scheduled according to your arrival flight time. 

Immerse yourself in the richness of local cuisine, savoring authentic Cape Verdean flavors in a unique experience with a local family. 

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After lunch, take an off-road trip to Shark Bay for a close encounter with lemon sharks. On arrival, put on your water shoes and step into the shallow waters of the ocean and walk until you reach the sharks.

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Then, unwind and enjoy a ""No Stress Adventure"" in Pedra de Lume, nestled within an extinct volcano crater. Enter the crater cave and float effortlessly in the mineral-rich thermal waters, similar to the Dead Sea, with natural minerals that invigorate your skin, providing a sensation of softness and rejuvenation. Feel the lightness and relaxation as you enjoy this natural wonder. 

Start your day with a pick-up from your accommodation and a transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to São Vicente Island.

Upon arrival in Mindelo, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, settle in, and begin soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of this charming island city.

Start your experience by exploring Mindelo, the island's capital, on a guided walking tour. Visit its vibrant markets, colorful colonial buildings, fishing market, and local church while your guide shares insights into the local culture and history.

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Next, enjoy a scenic drive to Monte Verde Natural Park for breathtaking views from the highest point in São Vicente. Discover endemic plants and learn about the local flora and fauna while tasting local tea.

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Continue to the fishing village of Salamansa, then head to Baía das Gatas for a refreshing dip in the sea or a relaxing moment on the shore. Conclude with a delicious lunch before exploring the majestic sand dunes of the Sahara along the Norte Baia-Calhau road.

After being picked-up at your accommodation you will be transfered to the port of Mindelo where you will board your ferry to Santo Antão.

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Embark on an exciting hiking adventure from the stunning Cova Natural Park's extinct volcano on Santo Antão Island. Get ready for jaw-dropping views as you drive over 1000 meters above sea level, where a verdant oasis of local agricultural fields awaits within the crater.

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Hike up to the crater's edge, soak in the breathtaking panoramas of the majestic Paúl Valley below and the ocean in the distance. Begin the zigzagging descent of the trail, learning about the native flora and fauna as you pass through plantations of sugarcane, banana, mango, avocado, coconut, coffee and more.

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Take a break to recharge with a delicious lunch before diving into the heart of local culture with a visit to a traditional rum distillery. Here, taste the unique flavors of ""Grogue,"" a renowned local spirit, as you learn about its production process. Savor every moment of this unforgettable journey through nature's wonders and cultural delights on Santo Antão Island.

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Trail Details - Extension: 7 Km || Hike uphill: 100 m || Hike downhill: 900 m || Difficult Level: Moderate  || Total Walking Duration: 3 hours (Approx.) || Path quality: The trail may overcharge your knees if you are not used to hiking downhill. Not recommended for those suffering from vertigo."

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Take in breathtaking views of lush nature, volcanic rocks, and ocean scenery on this guided hike trip from Ponta do Sol Cruzinha. 

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Meet your guide at your accommodation and start the hike on a scenic path that winds along rocky cliffs with unforgettable ocean views to the picturesque village of Fontainhas. According to National Geographic, Fontainhas is one of the top ten villages in the world with the best views.

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Create lifelong memories in this unique village, then continue through valleys and mountains to Corvo and Formiguinhas. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and visit the beautiful black-sand beach of Praia das Aranhas, a renowned turtle nesting site.

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Move along volcanic rocks and the ocean to Cruzinha, a charming fishing village with stunning coastal views. Conclude your adventure with a scenic transfer back after a delicious lunch in a local settlement, completing an unforgettable journey in Santo Antão.

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Total distance: ~10 km  || Duration: ~4 hours  || Total ascent: ±650 m || Total descent: ±600 m ||

Difficulty level: Difficult  ||  Route type: Continuous traverse with uphill, downhill, and flat sections.

Enjoy a relaxing day exploring the charming community of Ponta do Sol in Santo Antão. Stroll through the picturesque streets, admire the traditional architecture, and soak in the welcoming atmosphere of this village. You may also like to visit the Church of Nossa Senhora das Dores and be impressed by its beauty. Savor the delicious local cuisine at one of the restaurants in the area. Get to know the locals, exchange stories, and immerse yourself in the authentic culture of Ponta do Sol.

You will be picked up at your accommodation and head towards Ribeira de Torre, the most beautiful valley in Santo Antão, where the population dedicates itself to the cultivation of sugarcane, bananas, fruit trees, and small-scale trade.

This moderate hike invites you to explore one of the greenest valleys in Cape Verde, providing a unique insight into the heart of this fascinating landscape. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local, you will be guided through a breathtaking mosaic of sights, from lush banana plantations to the vibrant colors of cassava, sugarcane, and papaya. As you walk along the paths, admire the finely built local houses seamlessly integrated into the mountainside and gain an understanding of the traditional way of life in this stunning environment.

The trail reveals stunning scenes of green volcanic landscapes that resemble living paintings. Feel the tranquility of the surroundings and absorb the natural beauty that unfolds at every turn. However, the experience is not limited to the visual; it is a multisensory journey. Pause in a local settlement to savor the rich and organic taste of sugarcane juice, a delicious facet of local culture that adds a sweet touch to your adventure. The tour concludes with a return to your accommodation.

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Experience the magic of nature with your family on a sea turtle snorkeling adventure in São Vicente. Meet these majestic creatures and immerse yourself in their fascinating world.

Upon arrival, your guide will provide snorkeling equipment, a safety briefing, as well as an introduction to sea turtle life and guidelines on how to protect them.

You will then embark on a boat excursion to the observation site, where you can swim and get close to these spectacular animals. After this unforgettable experience, you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Mindelo.

Duration of the activity: 1.5 hours

After being picked up and transferred to São Vicente Airport you will have a flight to Sal Island.

On arrival at Sal Island you will be transferred to your accommodation in Sal Island.

Free beach day in Sal

Free beach day in Sal

Free beach day in Sal.

Start your last day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation and then enjoy your free time according to your flight departure time. At an agreed-upon time, be picked up and transferred to the airport before catching your international flight back home.