Santiago Island: 4-Hour Calabaceira Valley Hike & Guided Tour to Cidade Velha
Santiago Island: 4-Hour Calabaceira Valley Hike & Guided Tour to Cidade Velha
Enjoy a 2-hour trek in the Green Valley of Calabaceira with a local guide. Admire the lush vegetation, and explore the history of the first city built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa, Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Praia
After being collected from your accommodation in Praia depart toward the verdant volcanic valley of Calabaceira.
30 minutesIgreja Calabaceira
Start the hike through the greenery, follow a simple and accessible trail for any hiker and discover the famous giant baobab tree mentioned by Charles Darwin during his passage through the island. Get in touch with local farmers on their agricultural fields of sugar cane, mango, cassava, banana, and more.
2 hoursConvento de Sao Francisco
The Convent of São Francisco was built in the middle of the 17th century, having served as a place of worship and formation.
10 minutesRue Banana
It was the first hurbanized street built by the Portuguese in sub-Saharan Africa
10 minutesIgreja Nossa Senhora do Rosario
Here is the oldest colonial church in the world, built in 1495, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, in Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) style.
10 minutesPelourinho
Was built in 1512, with white marble, and was used as a slave market
10 minutesSe Catedral
Visit the ruins of the Sé Catedral, that was the first Catedral built, in África, by Portuguese
10 minutesFortaleza Real de San Felipe
Please, note that the €5 per person for Fortress entrance is not included.
20 minutesPraia
The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation in Praia.
20 minutesIncluded
- Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Praia or Cidade Velha
- Transportation
- Tour Guide
- Liability insurance
Not Included
- Lunch
- Entrance fee (€5 for São Filipe Fortress)
Good to Know
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Please bring decent footwear, hat, sunscreen and water
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Activity for travelers over 6 years old.
- Route File: Walking Distance: +/- 5 km // Total Walking Duration: +/- 2 hours // Degree of difficulty: Easy // Elevation gain: +/- 3 m // Elevation loss: -/+ 186 m // Max Elevation: +/- 200 m // Min Elevation: +/- 14 m // Trail type: One Way // Path quality: Medium tilt, narrow at the beginning and safe.
- Most travelers can participate
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.