Monte Tchota and Pico de Antonia Hike

Embark on a thrilling hike to the majestic Monte Tchota and Pico de Antonia, the highest elevations on Santiago island, with this remarkable journey departing from Praia.

Hike to Monte Tchota and Pico de Antonia

Your adventure begins with a pickup at your accommodation in Cape Verde's capital, from where we will proceed to Rui Vaz. This charming mountain village, nestled in a valley, serves as the starting point for our unforgettable hiking experience through Santiago island's interior. Don't forget your camera to capture the captivating natural vistas!

Our first destination will be a local cheese factory, where you can observe the process behind these delectable products. The 4-hour hiking expedition brings us to the tallest elevations of Santiago island. We will first ascend the 2600 ft Mount Tchota, renowned for its stunning Natural Park.

Reaching the summit, you'll be greeted by a distinctive microclimate, recognized as one of the cooler areas on the island. We will share insights about the local fauna and the rich biodiversity flourishing on these slopes. Next, we'll continue our trek, making our way to the peak of Pico de Antonia, which stands at an impressive height of 4500 feet.

Atop the island's highest peak, breathtaking panoramic views of the San Jorge Valley await. On a clear day, you may even catch sight of the distant islands of Maio and Fogo.

As we soak in the scenery, a savory picnic lunch will be enjoyed at the summit of Pico de Antonia. Following our meal, we will retrace our steps back to the starting location in Rui Vaz, followed by a return drive to Praia. The entire excursion lasts approximately 7.5 hours, concluding with your drop-off at the hotel.