Thursday, February 19, 2026 - Sunday, March 1, 2026
Cape Verde,
International,
Cape Verde
Join us for an eleven-day mixture of hiking and culture in Cape Verde, an archipelago off the western coast of North Africa. The Cape Verde islands are a remnant of Portugal's Atlantic expansion. We will explore four islands (São Vicente, Santo Antão, Fogo, and Santiago) to discover the best hiking and culture in this undiscovered gem. The islands contain volcanic craters, lush valleys, white sandy beaches, and traditional villages. Our introduction to Cape Verde begins in the pleasant town of Mindelo on São Vicente. The lively square will provide an introduction to the Cape Verdean atmosphere. We will then set off to explore the lush green valleys of the hiking paradise of nearby Santo Antao Island with views of volcanoes and dramatic seascapes. Four hikes amongst the rugged peaks, fruit-filled valleys, villages, and along the coast, will give us time to appreciate this magnificent island. Two short plane journeys then take us to Fogo, a volcanic island with lunar landscapes. Here, with a local guide, we will ascend the mighty Mount Pico, a simmering volcano that last erupted in 2014. At 9,281 feet, it is the highest peak in the country. After our hike, our guide will take us to explore an amazing lava tunnel, which we reach via a short descent on a metal ladder. A helmet and harness will be provided for this optional activity. After a magnificent descent to the coast, we arrive in the village of Paï Antonio and then transfer to explore São Filipe, one of the most beautiful cities of Cape Verde with its many old mansions with large wooden balconies. To finish the trip, we head to the lively city of Praia, the capital city of Santiago, the largest and most African of the islands. We will be joined by another local guide on Santiago to learn more about the culture and take in some live local music. Excluding breaks, on the seven hiking days, we will usually hike from five to six hours per day, between five and eleven miles, with a daily average elevation gain of about 2,000 feet. The terrain is rugged and steep in places and requires agility. One day has 3,300 feet of ascent, and one day drops 4,000 feet. We will hike at a moderate pace, permitting time for photos and rest breaks. Participants should be in excellent shape and be able to hike for most of the day several days in a row. This is a unique island-hopping adventure just off the coast of Africa, with spectacular hiking, creole food, and music, and rich in human encounters and natural curiosities. We will stay in small family-run hotels and guesthouses throughout.
