Santiago: Monte Tchota Natural Park to Pico d'Antónia Hike

São Lourenço dos Órgãos, Cape Verde



Explore the diversity of Monte Txota Natural Park and the surrounding area on this trek. Climb Pico D'Antónia, the highest point of Santiago Island, and enjoy extraordinary views of almost all Santiago's cities and two more of Cape Verde's Islands.

This guided trek explores Monte Txota Natural Park and Pico D'Antónia on Santiago Island, ideal for experienced hikers seeking panoramic island views.

Highlights

  • Trek through Monte Txota Natural Park
  • Enjoy panoramic views from Santiago Island's highest point
  • See Maio Island and Fogo Island Volcano in the distance, weather permitting

Description

Your day starts with a drive to Rui Vaz, where the trek begins. You will climb through Monte Txota Natural Park, located at 800 meters altitude with a distinct micro-climate and diverse flora and fauna.

The trek continues to Pico D'Antónia, Santiago Island’s highest point at 1,394 meters. Near the summit, enjoy views of São Jorge Valley and, if the weather is clear, Maio Island and the Fogo Island Volcano. The hike lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, including a picnic break with landscape views. The route finishes back at Monte Txota Natural Park before returning to your hotel.

Includes

  • Pickup and drop-off at accommodations in Praia or São Jorge dos Órgãos
  • Transportation
  • Tour guide
  • Liability insurance
  • Picnic including soft juice, sandwich, and fruit

Important Information

  • Trail distance: approximately 9 km
  • Total walking duration: approximately 4 to 5 hours
  • Difficulty level: Difficult
  • Elevation gain: around 660 m
  • Elevation loss: around 1,280 m
  • Maximum elevation: approximately 1,400 m
  • Minimum elevation: approximately 485 m
  • Trail type: One way
  • Path quality: steep, narrow
  • Suitable for walkers with good fitness and no health issues
  • Minimum age: 16 years
  • Wear hiking pants (especially August to November), hiking shoes, and bring walking sticks for sections requiring basic climbing
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water
  • Extra fee applies for pick-up and drop-off outside Praia

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a guided trek on Santiago Island in Cape Verde that takes hikers through Monte Txota Natural Park up to Pico D'Antónia, the island's highest point.
The hike begins with a drive to Rui Vaz village on Santiago Island, where the trek into Monte Txota Natural Park starts.
The hike is suited for experienced hikers due to the elevation and terrain through Monte Txota Natural Park and up to Pico D'Antónia.
From Pico D'Antónia, you can see panoramic views of Santiago Island, and on clear days, Maio Island and the Fogo Island volcano are visible from Cape Verde.
No, the trek is recommended for experienced hikers familiar with moderate to challenging trails on Santiago Island.
The full guided trek typically takes a full day, including transport to and from Rui Vaz and time for the ascent and descent.
Monte Txota Natural Park features diverse flora and fauna adapted to its micro-climate at 800 meters altitude on Santiago Island, including endemic plant species.
No special permits are generally required, but it is advised to join a guided tour for safety and local guidance in Cape Verde.
The hike is available year-round, but weather conditions on Santiago Island can affect accessibility, so check with the provider for current availability.
Most guided tours include transportation from central locations in Santiago Island to Rui Vaz where the hike begins.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again