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HIKES

The Painful

Trek with guide


The Painful
Beach holidays? Anybody can do that. This tour is for all those who want to burn off energy. We´ll try our best to make your muscles blaze and to discover the islands from another perspective by climbing the top of the highest mountain of Cape Verde (2829m), crossing the mountain pass of Santo Antão, mountain biking, stand-up paddeling and canyoning. Beauty knows no pain.

STAY
INFO
PRICES

STAY

Type of stay :
Trek with guide

Island(s) :
Santiago
Fogo
São Vicente
Santo Antão

Localities visited :
Praia, Chã das Caldeiras, São Filipe, São Domingos, Rui Vaz, Engenhos, Tarrafal, Mindelo, Espongeiros, Vila das Pombas

Length : 13 days
(included 9 of walking)

Maximum difficulty : 4

The peak of the vulcano of Fogo, the pirate valley of Santiago, Mindelo Bay on a surf board, São Vicente behind us climbing the mountain pass of Santo Antão, the plateau of Santo Antão by bike and the view through the waterfalls of green Paúl valley - there is nothing more beautiful and exceptional than these strenuous excursions. Arriving exhausted, wet and soaked with sweat at the end of the tour, but happy and satisfied with us and the world - thats our ambition.

INFO

Day 1
Arrival at Praia Airport, where we breathe in our first puff of Cape Verdean air. And there we go - in 4 strokes, we're ready to go! We are in Santiago, the largest Capeverdean island. The culture, atmosphere, life style are more African than in the rest of the archipelago - for geographical and historical reasons. Night in the Plateau, Praia's historic centre.

Included services:
- Transfer airport - accommodation
- ON/DBL Hotel Santa Maria, Praia
- (-/-/-)

Day 2 Hike 4, 5 h // level 2-3 // + 300 m/ - 300 m
We head to the Fire island. Everything in Fogo is out of the ordinary: not only the size of the volcano, but its colours, the fragrances, the atmosphere, the people; Upon arrival we're heading towards the famous crater... Suddenly the landscape is breathtaking. The volcano stands before our eyes, quiet, sunny and simply impressive. We gradually explore the caldeira (literally "the cauldron") until we reach the ancient villages that have been completely destroyed by the eruption of 2014. As we walk through this Capeverdean Pompeii with its spectacular lava fields, the many different colors seem surreal to us. We still have the chance to explore some caves that result from the previous eruptions of 51 and 95. Your accommodation for the night is on the foot of the big cone - without water and electricity, but don't worry, it is more than enough : )

Included services:
- Transfer airport - starting point of the hike
- luggage transfer to accommodation
- Guided hike Pico Pequeno
- Lunchbag and Dinner
- ON/DBL Casa Marisa, Cha das Caldeiras
- (B/LB/D)

Day 3 Hike 5 h // Level 4** // + 1100 m/- 1100 m
Before dawn, we eat our breakfast by candlelight, not only because it's romantic, but also because you need to leave early as to avoid the excessive heat of the day. Once we reach the summit (2829 metres/9281 feet), and if the weather allows it, we are rewarded by an astonishing view upon the crater and ancient or recent laval flows. A second reward lies in the descent: we have the choice between running, sliding or rolling down the pozzolan gravel... It's so much fun, we'll want to hike up to be able to go down again! We spend another night facing the volcano, in an accommodation without running water and electricity - still an adventure!

Included services:
- Guided hike Pico Grande
- Lunch
- Transfer to Sao Filipe
- Dinner
- ON/DBL Pousada Belavista, Sao Filipe
- (B/L/D)

Day 4 Hike 4 h // Level 3 // + 500 m
After breakfast, we head to the airport for our flight back to Santiago. Upon arrival in Santiago and along with our guide, we set out to conquer the achadas (highlands) and the ribeiras (valleys) that we knew to be characteristic of Santiago's landscapes. But we surely were not expecting terraced fields, valleys covered with tropical plants, abundant water irrigating a still traditional agriculture... Nor were we expecting to spot one of the monkeys living in the area.

Included services:
- airport transfers in Fogo and Santiago
- domestic flight Fogo > Santiago
- Transfer to starting point of the hike
- luggage transferto accommodation
- guided hike Sao Domingos > Rui Vaz
- Lunchbag & Dinner
- ON/DBL Quinta da Montanha, Rui Vaz
- (B/LB/D)

Day 5 Hike 7, 5 h // Level 3 // + 400 m
A lot of going up and down! This is our favourite hike, no less! It's the most authentic tour, revealing the secret and hidden beauty of Santiago. Most of the time, we have an outstanding view upon the surrounding peaks. The road may be a little long, but that's the price to pay if we want to be alone and off the beaten paths : ) The arrival in Assomada is also a special moment. Transfer to and overnight in Tarrafal.

Included services:
- Guided Hike Rui Vaz > Engenhos
- Transfer to Tarrafal
- luggage transfer
- ON/DBL Hotel Casa Strela, Tarrafal
- (B/LB/-)

Day 6 Hike 3 h // Level 3 // -150 m/ +350 m
Today we take one of the public transportations called 'aluguer' until we reach the starting point of our roadbook hike up to the Natural Parc of Serra Malagueta. A typical Santiago panorama is awaiting you. At the end of the day after our hike, let us reward ourselves with a little swim in the ocean or a nap on the beach, protected by the shade of palm trees. Night in Tarrafal.

Included services:
- hike with roadbook Mato Brazil - Serra Malagueta
- Lunchbag
- ON/DBL Hotel Casa Strela, Tarrafal
- (B/LB/-)

Day 7
From the southern island we are moving northwards. First day in Mindelo, the proud cultural capital, with its music, the Carnival, the sailors' taverns - and let's not forget about the view upon the bay, considered as one of the 30 most beautiful bays in the world (no less!). Cesária Évora once sang: "who does not know Mindelo, does not know Cape Verde"; the barefoot diva brought attention to the town where she was born, and from which she departed. Night in the historic centre of Mindelo.

Included services:
- airport transfers in Santiago and São Vicente
- domestic flight Santiago > São Vicente
- ON/DBL Casa Colonial, Mindelo
- (B/-/-)

Day 8 Hike 3 h // Level 3 // -150 m/ +350 m
In the morning, we wander through Mindelo, its small alleys, its lively markets, its relaxed plaza; Our roadbook tells us about its history, many anecdotes make sure we fall in love a bit more with this city. Finally, we reach Rua de Lisboa, the heart of the city. Mindelo's is lively, effervescent, full of life - certainly not shy or moderate - the only moment where it grants itself some rest is on Sunday. After lunch we continue our journey by enjoying a Stand Up Paddle lesson and why not ending the day with some relaxation time on the most brazilian beach of the country - Laginha. Night in the historic centre of Mindelo.

Included services:
- city tour with roadbook
- lunch
- Stand-Up-Paddle lesson
- ON/DBL Casa Colonial, Mindelo
- (B/L/-)

Day 9 Hike 6, 5 hours // Level 3 // + 950 m / - 100 m
Today is the ultimate prove that Santo Antão is an island capable to amaze and surprise anyone by its hudge variety of landscapes. We start from a very arid area, hiking up and realising in first hand how the landscape changes and continuously surprises us with it large variety of colours and shapes. We continue our hike though a high plateau that allows us to have an eye on big part of the island, it's smiling inhabitants and most of the time the neighbouring island of São Vicente as well. Night in Espongeiro.

Included services:
- transfer to the harbour
- ferry from São Vicente > Santo Antão
- guided hike Ribeira Fria > Espongeiro
- lunchbag & dinner
- ON/DBL Casa Espongeiro, Espongeiro
- (B/LB/D)

Day 10 Mountainbiking
Why not add a litle bit more adventure and emotion to our trip. With our host we will do some mountainbiking in between the peaks and valleys of the island. He will adapt the tour to our level. The fresh breeze touching your face and the sun warming your blood - or should this be the adrenaline rising up? The surrounding landscapes will definitely contribute to leave you in awe. Night in Espongeiros.

Included services:
- guided mountainbike tour
- lunchbag and dinner
- ON/DBL Casa Espongeiro, Espongeiro
- (B/LB/D)

Day 11 hike 5 h // level 2-3 // - 1400 m
We are starting our day with freshly baked bread before we descend from the highest point of the northeastern part of the island. It begins with fairytale-like landscapes, mystic fog, high trees and here and there mountains poking through the clouds. And we will arrive in the middle of the Paùl valley, one of the most fertile and greenest valleys of Santo Antão. The scenery will set us in 'biologist mode' since we are surrounded by tropical plants. Overnight right by the ocean in Vila das Pombas. The dinner is simply delicious.

Included services:
- guided hike Pico da Cruz > Paultal
- luggage transfer to Paul
- lunchbag and dinner
- ON/DBL Black Mamba, Vila das Pombas
- (B/LB/D)

Day 12 Canyoning with hike of approx. 1 h // level 2-3 // + 200m/-200m
Today could be just like any other day, we would open our eyes asking ourselves where we are before remembering that we are on the most beautiful island in the world, we would take our breakfast, would pack our things before taking a transportation to another little charming village with a view over the ocean and looking into the 1000 smiling faces of the inhabitants.
But today will have more emotions than ever and incredible sensations: it is canyoning day with stunning rappel in the waterfalls. The landscape, water everywhere, tropical plants, the parfume of sugar cane, rocks: the decoration is perfect and it is exactly here that we will challenge our heart, it is exactly here that we will create memories for the next ten years. Night in Paul.

Included services:
- transfer back and forth to starting point of canyoning
- canyoning
- lunch and dinner
- ON/DBL Black Mamba, Vila das Pombas
- (B/L/D)

Day 13
We head back towards Mindelo - during the ferry ride, let us stay on the deck, trying to spot dolphins or flying fish. Once on dry land, let's take advantage of our free time to do some shopping. If we head to the market, we'll find the good malagueta (piripiri), the spicy chilli that we were able to enjoy with every meal. Here, "malagat'" is used to season fish, meat dishes but also catchupa.
Our tip: have a nice cup of tea while nibbling on the pasteis de midj (sort of doughnuts made of corn) at the Casa Café Mindelo, a very aesthetic place. Night in the historic centre of Mindelo.

Included services:
- harbour transfers in Santo Antão and São Vicente
- ferry from Santo Antão > São Vicente
- ON/DBL Casa Colonial, Mindelo
- (B/-/-)

Day 14
Alas, the time has come to carefully pack that (those!) bottle(s) of grog in your suitcase - it will help to mata sodad (kill the nostalgia) once you're home. If you've caught the virus of Cape Verde, you'll come back; don't worry, it happens to many people. See you soon!

Included services:
- transfer to airport
- (B/-/-)

PRICES

Included
Included services:
Domestic flights Santiago > Fogo > Fogo incl . taxes
Ferry tickets São Vicente - Santo Antão - São Vicente
13 overnights with breakfast, incl. Overnight tax
Included meals: 7x lunchbag, 3x lunch, 7x dinner
Program as described: 6x hike with englishspeaking guide, 1x Hike with Roadbook
1x City Tour with Roadbook, Stand-Up-Paddle Class, 1x Mountainbiking, 1x Canyoning
All airport-, harbour- and other transfers mentioned in the program
Our 24/7 emergency service

Not included services:
Visa for Cape Verde (25 EUR)
Travel insurance
Not mentioned meals and all drinks
Tips
All services that are not mentioned

Included meals are mentioned as follows:
B= breakfast; LB= Lunchbag; CB=coffeebreak; L= lunch; D= dinner

Price per person

1977 € per person, based on two people

1566 € per person, based on four people

Extra charge (optional, price per person)

219 € for a single room (when available)

The Painful The Painful The Painful The Painful The Painful The Painful The Painful The Painful The Painful The Painful The Painful The Painful

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Levels of difficulty:

1 = Easy cheesy
2 = Easy
3 = Difficult in some places
4 = Intense
5 = Do not even think of it
* = Only with a guide

Suggestions for other walks

The Mystical
Santiago + Fogo + Boa Vista
14 days - difficulty: 4
The Tenacious
Santiago + São Vicente + Santo Antão
17 days - difficulty: 4
The Flavourful
São Vicente + Santo Antão + Boa Vista
14 days - difficulty: 4*
The Radical
Santo Antão
8 days - difficulty: 4
The High and Green
Santo Antão
6 days - difficulty: 4*