SANTIAGO & FOGO
Tradition, Nature and Culinary Delights
You’ll dive into the authentic life of two of the archipelago’s nine inhabited islands. Colorful markets, historic sites like Cidade Velha, and encounters with people who openly share their culture and stories – that’s what awaits you. Time and again, you’ll be invited to look behind the scenes and gain a deeper understanding of daily life.
The journey then takes you to Fogo – the island shaped by its still-active volcano. During your stay, you’ll gain insight into the life and work of small family-run businesses: from traditional cheese-making to a delightful wine tasting at a local vineyard, where the wine is crafted with passion and care. Of course, tasting the island’s renowned Fogo wine is a must!
Back on Santiago, you’ll discover another side of the island. Inland, the Serra Malagueta mountain range rises with lush green valleys, rugged peaks, and small villages – a haven for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. The north of the island, by contrast, reveals a different atmosphere: the sandy beach of Tarrafal, with its turquoise waters, invites you to relax, swim, and unwind – an idyllic contrast to the wild, untouched highlands. In this region, you’ll also experience a piece of living craftsmanship. Traditional pottery is still practiced in small workshops – shaped by hand, fired, and lovingly decorated. This age-old technique is passed down from generation to generation and remains deeply rooted in local culture.
This combination trip offers a unique blend of tradition, nature, and culinary enjoyment. You’ll be accompanied by Andreas, your Swiss-Cabo Verdean guide, who, together with local experts, will ensure you dive deep into the culture and enjoy unforgettable, authentic encounters.
The still-active volcano Pico do Fogo, and at 2,829 metres above sea level, the highest mountain in Cabo Verde.
DATES AND PRICES Group Trip Santiago & FOGO
There are currently no new dates available for this group trip. If you are interested, please get in touch via our contact form.
Included in the package
Domestic flights with Cabo Verde Airlines from Santiago to Fogo and return (Fogo to Santiago)
Accommodation
8 nights in mid-range hotels as per program, including breakfast.
6 nights in mid-range hotels including half-board (dinner, excluding drinks).
All transfers as per itinerary, with the group.
Guided excursions
On Santiago, the program includes a half-day city tour in Praia with a museum visit, art walk, and a visit to a local grogue distillery. Also included are a half-day excursion to Cidade Velha with hotel transfers, a Batuko workshop with local dancers, a guided hike to Lagoa in the Serra Malagueta with a culinary workshop on a local family farm, museum entry in Chão Bom, a couscous workshop, and a boat trip with local fishermen.
On Fogo, you will enjoy a guided city tour in São Filipe with museum entry and coffee tasting, followed by a visit and cheese tasting at a local cheese factory. Also included are a hike to Pico do Fogo or Pico Pequeno, a 3.5-hour mountain bike tour, and a wine tasting in Chã das Caldeiras.
Meals and Tastings
Dinners (excluding drinks) are included on days 2 and 4. On Fogo, you’ll enjoy coffee, wine, and cheese tastings. Also included are a traditional Cachupa lunch (excluding drinks) at Casa Cécilio on Fogo, lunch with a local farming family in Lagoa, a couscous meal, another Cachupa lunch on day 13, and a barbecue dinner on day 14 (both excluding drinks).
Other Inclusions
The trip is accompanied by a Swiss–Cape Verdean tour leader. The local tourism tax (approx. EUR 2.50 per person) is also included.
Extras
International flights, e.g. direct flight to/from Zurich with EDELWEISS Air (until March) or TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon, travel insurance, entry registration (approx. EUR 31.00 per person)
Entry requirements for Swiss citizens
Passport valid for 6 months beyond the return date and entry registration (either online or on arrival). o Ritmo is happy to help.
Tarrafal Beach in the north of the island Santiago
Travel itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cabo Verde
Arrival in Praia on the island of Santiago. Reception at Praia airport and transfer with the group to the hotel. Stay including breakfast until day 4.
Day 2: Half-day excursion City Tour Praia
On today’s half-day excursion, we discover the lively capital Praia: a walk through the historic Plateau takes us, among other places, to the ethnographic museum. We discover impressive street art, taste the local spirits Grogue and Ponche, and immerse ourselves in the colorful hustle and bustle of the market. A visit to the lively Sukupira market, a place full of impressions, colors, and contrasts, is also included.
Day 3: Half-day excursion to Cidade Velha
Our trip leads us to Cidade Velha, the first capital of Cape Verde, formerly known as Ribeira Grande. The Portuguese slave trade has left deep marks here – especially visible at the well-preserved pillory, the famous Pelourinho, which stands silently in the village square as a reminder of the colonial history. On a guided tour, we learn more about this sad chapter. After lunch (individual), we return to Praia.
Day 4: Flight from Praia to São Filipe on the island of Fogo
Transfer with the group to Praia airport and take the domestic flight to Fogo. Transfer to the hotel in São Filipe and stay including breakfast until day 5. After check-in, we meet for a group dinner (included).
Day 5: City tour São Filipe and transfer to Chã das Caldeiras
A walk through the colonial old town of São Filipe shows us the charming town and its atmosphere. The Municipal Museum of São Filipe and the local market are also on the program. We watch a local baker at work, and during a coffee tasting, we get to know the aromatic Fogo coffee. Afterwards, we drive to the volcano in Chã das Caldeiras. On the way, a cheese tasting at a local cheese factory awaits us. Overnight stay at the accommodation in the volcanic crater including half board (dinner excl. drinks) until day 8.
Day 6: Hike to Pico do Fogo or the small Pico
For active hikers, the ascent to the mighty Pico do Fogo (2,829 m) offers an intense experience with spectacular views. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can choose to hike to Pico Pequeno, the smaller crater of the last volcanic eruption. Both routes lead through impressive lava landscapes and bring us close to the raw power of nature. Afterwards, we meet for lunch (included) at Casa Cécilio.
Day 7: Chã das Caldeiras
Today we explore the fascinating landscape of Chã das Caldeiras by mountain bike. Hardened lava, small villages, and vineyards shape the surroundings of Pico do Fogo. In the afternoon, we visit the wine production of Adega Chã, where we learn about the special aromas of Fogo wine during a wine tasting. The evening is spent together with a group dinner (included).
Day 8: Flight from Fogo to Santiago
Transfer with the group to the airport and take the domestic flight to Santiago. Drive to the island’s interior to the Serra Malagueta Nature Park. Stay including half board (dinner excl. drinks) until day 11.
Day 9: Free morning & Batuko workshop in the afternoon
The morning is free. In the afternoon, a special cultural experience awaits us: a local group introduces us to the world of Batuko – a traditional music and dance style with deep roots in Santiago’s history. During the workshop, we experience rhythm firsthand.
Day 10: Hike to Lagoa and culinary workshop
In Lagoa, we visit a farming family and take part in a culinary workshop. Fresh local products are prepared into a traditional Cape Verdean lunch. We enjoy the shared moment in nature as well as the dinner (included) at our accommodation.
Day 11: Transfer to Tarrafal and visit to the Chão Bom Museum
The journey takes us to the north of the island to Tarrafal. In the afternoon, we visit the museum in Chão Bom, which impressively documents the history of the former political prison and Cape Verde’s independence movement. Afterwards, we stroll through the Colonate area and learn, surrounded by nature, how traditional couscous is prepared by hand – from processing the corn to the finished plate – a piece of everyday Cape Verdean culture to participate in and enjoy. Stay at the accommodation in Tarrafal including breakfast until day 14.
Day 12: Free day
A free day is planned. Enjoy it at the beautiful beach of Tarrafal. The evening is also free.
Day 13: Pottery workshop & Cachupa lunch
“Trás di Munti” is a rural region above Tarrafal, located behind Monte Graciosa – the “great father” of the region. Pottery has a long tradition here. We visit the local pottery center and take a look at the artistic, traditional handiwork of the region. After a workshop, a treat awaits us: Cachupa, the national dish of Cape Verde, will be served. We return to Tarrafal on foot – along a beautiful path through the valley. The hike takes about 2.5 hours.
Day 14: Boat trip with local fishermen & opportunity to fish
Together with local fishermen, we explore the coast of Santiago from the sea. We experience the traditional lifestyle of people who have lived from fishing for generations.
The nutrient-rich waters off Tarrafal are home to many marine creatures – with some luck, dolphins or turtles may accompany us on our trip. In the evening, we meet for a joint beach BBQ with live music and reflect on the journey
Day 15: Transfer to the airport in Praia and departure
Transfer to the airport and departure.
*Program subject to change. The order of excursions may vary.
Andreas Schäfer – your Swiss-Cabo Verdean tour guide
Andreas Schäfer has been living in Cabo Verde for over 15 years and is the founder of Strela Tours. With extensive knowledge and strong local connections, he organizes authentic travel experiences off the beaten path together with experienced local guides – whether it’s hiking through the Serra Malagueta, meeting local producers, or enjoying quiet moments in untouched nature.
He also places great importance on sustainability, comfort, and cultural connection in his personally managed accommodations. The staff come from the region and contribute significantly to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Thanks to his experience and commitment to fair, local tourism, Andreas Schäfer is a reliable partner for tailor-made journeys.
