Santiago: Calabaceira Valley Trek & Visit to Cidade Velha
Ribeira Grande de Santiago, Cape Verde
Enjoy a 3-hour trek in the Green Valley with a local guide. Admire the lush vegetation, then explore the history of the first city built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa. Discover the former slave market of Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Calabaceira Valley Hike and Cidade Velha Tour
This guided tour from Praia combines a 3-hour hike through Calabaceira Valley’s tropical vegetation with sightseeing in Cidade Velha, suitable for all fitness levels.
Highlights
- Walk through dense tropical vegetation in Calabaceira Valley
- Visit a local rum distillery surrounded by native fauna and flora
- Explore Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- See the former slave market, Nossa Senhora do Rosário church, and São Francisco Convent
- Choose between a shared group or private tour
Description
Your tour begins with pickup from your accommodation in Praia, followed by a transfer to the village of Calabaceira. Start a 3-hour, accessible hike from the top of the valley, exploring an oasis known for baobab trees and its historical role as a slave escape route.
Along the trail, observe local wildlife and visit a rum distillery where you meet farmers cultivating sugar cane, mango, cassava, and banana.
After the hike, reach Cidade Velha to visit key sites including the São Francisco Convent, Banana Street, and Nossa Senhora do Rosário church. Enjoy a lunch break at a seafront restaurant with local dishes (not included).
Post lunch, explore the former slave market, Sé Catedral ruins, and the Royal Fortress of São Filipe. From the fortress, learn about historical defenses against pirates and take in views over the old town. The tour ends with drop-off at your Praia accommodation.
Includes
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Praia
- Transportation
- Tour guide
- Liability insurance
Excludes
- Lunch
- Entrance fee (€5 for São Filipe Fortress)
Important Information
- Trail distance: approximately 5 km
- Total walking duration: around 2 hours
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Elevation gain: about 3 m
- Elevation loss: about 186 m
- Maximum elevation: approximately 200 m
- Minimum elevation: approximately 14 m
- Trail type: One way
- Path quality: Medium slope, narrow at the beginning, safe
- Recommended gear: hiking pants (especially August to November), sturdy footwear, hat, sunscreen, and water
- Bring €5 cash for São Filipe Fortress entrance fee
Cancellation Policy
Full refund available for cancellations made up to 24 hours before the tour.
