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Santo Antão’s Signature Trek: Cova Crater into Paúl Valley – 5K, Cape Verde

Cape Verde

Experience one of the most sought after treks on the Island of the Mountains, Santo Antão. Trek into the Valley of Paúl

Cancellation policy

Review the supplier policy below before booking.

Duration 6 hours

Duration supplied by the experience provider.

Languages

German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, Dutch

Group size

2–50 travelers

Full description

Upon arriving in Porto Novo, your local guide will greet you at the terminal and take you on a journey by car through the mountains to the summit of our ancient Volcano Crater, Cova. This MUST-SEE destination! From the top of Cova crater, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the vast green valley below.

Our trek down Cova crater to Cabo de Ribeira will be a mostly descending adventure, leading us through the valley of Paúl. Along the way, we will encounter small villages where agriculture is a part of daily life. Here, we will witness the cultivation of mango, papaya, goiaba, oranges, apples, passion fruit, avocado trees, sugarcane fields, banana, and coffee plants.

After our trek, we will savor a delectable lunch at a traditional local restaurant. To conclude our journey, we will return to Porto Novo along the picturesque coastal road, traversing mountain tunnels and charming villages until we reach the ferry terminal.

Itinerary

Porto Novo meet your Guide. Meet your local guide who will have a sign with your name, waiting inside the Garemaritima. Begin your journey traveling along the Old Mountain Road through the Mountains with breathtaking sights.

Old Road to Cova Crater. Begin your journey traveling along the Old Mountain Road through the Mountains with breathtaking sights.

Cova Crater View Point. A must see! Atop of Cova crater you will have breathtaking views of the immense lush green valley below, where traditional farming is the way of life.

Cabo da Ribeira. On this mostly descending adventure down Cova crater to Cabo de Ribeira, we will pass through small local villages where agriculture is the daily lifestyle, beholding mango, papaya, goyaba, oranges, apples, passion fruit, avocado trees, sugarcane fields, banana and coffee plants.

Lunch stop at traditional local establishment. We will make a stop of lunch to enjoy some of the local flavors which are grown on the Island of Santo Antão.

Valley of Paúl. Immerse yourself in the lifestyle and witness the traditional thatched roof homes in one of the most breathtaking valleys on the Islands of Cabo Verde.

Distillery visit. A rum extracted from sugar cane. Farmed, harvested and distilled, it's the  Islands local rum, Grogue.  Visit the distillery to see how it's made, and if you wish, have a tasting of the Grogue.

Coastal Road. After an adventurous day, enjoy the views while driving along the coastal road, witness the immense waves crashing against the mountains, passing colorful towns, the lighthouse positioned on high, then return  to Porto Novo. 

Porto Novo. We return to Porto Novo in time to take the afternoon ferry to São Vicente, however, if you are staying overnight in Santo Antão, we may drop you off at your accommodation* let us know where you will stay?*Depending on your drop off location, there may be additional costs.

What’s included

Included

  • Guide
  • Transfer
  • Pick-up and Drop-off at Porto Novo (if you have another pick up and drop off location, let us know, we can accommodate, however there may be additional costs)
  • Private transportation
  • Professional local guide (English, Portuguese, French, Spanish and Creole)

Not included

  • Ferry tickets
  • Lunch
  • personal expenses 
  • gratuities (optional)

Important information

Meeting point

Cape Verde

Don’t forget

If you have any health issues, problems with knees or back, you may want to consider a flat walk… Let us know your doubts?Please be advised to travel through roads with high altitude. If there are any dietary restrictions or food allergies we should be aware of, please inform. Note: This is an open group excursion, if there is a need, the guide will speak more than one language. Wear comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, hat, sunglasses (sun protection), walking sticks (optional) also, bring a sweater for the cool ocean and mountain air on our travels (it is cooler during the months of November through March) and bring a bottle of water.We will make a stop for lunch, the restaurant accepts euros and escudos (local currency), no credit cards; lunch can be from 10 to 20 euros.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation if cancelled more than 24 hours before start. 100% charge if cancelled within 24 hours of start.

Your host

VE

Verified Local Host

With GetExperience since 2026

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From€95.00 / person