Santiago & Fogo
Culture, Nature & Flavours

Cape Verde Small Group Tour: Santiago & Fogo

12.11.-26.11.2026

This Cape Verde small group tour takes you to the fascinating islands of Santiago and Fogo. Discover vibrant culture, spectacular volcanic landscapes and authentic encounters far away from the usual tourist routes.

Experience the authentic way of life on two of the archipelago's nine inhabited islands. Colourful markets, historic sites such as Cidade Velha and encounters with welcoming locals who are eager to share their culture and stories make this journey truly special. Along the way, you'll gain unique insights into everyday life in Cape Verde.

Your journey then continues to Fogo, home to the still-active Pico do Fogo volcano. During your stay, you'll enjoy fascinating visits to local family-run businesses, from a traditional cheese dairy to a wine tasting with local winemakers. Of course, you'll also have the opportunity to sample Fogo's famous volcanic wines.

Back on Santiago, you'll discover yet another side of Cape Verde. Inland, the Serra Malagueta mountain range offers lush valleys, rugged peaks and picturesque villages – a paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Afterwards, relax on the beautiful sandy beach of Tarrafal with its crystal-clear turquoise waters.

You'll also experience the island's rich handicraft traditions. In small workshops, traditional pottery is still handmade, fired and carefully decorated using techniques passed down through generations. This centuries-old craft remains an important part of the local culture.

This Cape Verde small group tour combines culture, nature and local flavours in a truly unique way. Throughout the journey, you'll be accompanied by Andreas, a Swiss-Cape Verdean tour leader. Together with experienced local guides, he will ensure you experience the islands from an authentic perspective and create unforgettable memories.

Blick auf den Vulkan Pico do Fogo auf der Insel Fogo, Kapverden

Pico do Fogo, the highest mountain in Cape Verde at 2,829 metres above sea level, is still an active volcano.

Tour Dates & Prices – Santiago & Fogo

12.11.-26.11.2026

The Islands of Santiago & Fogo

Max. 8 participants

mid-range ***

From CHF 2'895.00 p.P. (double room)
From CHF 3'275.00 p.P. (single room)

Included in the Price

Domestic flights with Cabo Verde Airlines from Santiago to Fogo and from Fogo to Santiago, 8 nights' accommodation in a mid-range hotel with breakfast, 6 nights' accommodation in a mid-range hotel with half board (dinner excluding drinks), and all group transfers according to the itinerary.

Guided excursions

Santiago:
Half-day city tour of Praia including a museum visit, an art walk and a visit to a local grogue distillery, half-day excursion to Cidade Velha including hotel transfers, Batuko workshop with local dancers, hike to Lagoa in the Serra Malagueta including a culinary workshop at a local family farm, entrance to the museum in Chão Bom and a traditional couscous workshop at a local family farm, as well as a boat trip with local fishermen.

Fogo:
Guided city tour of São Filipe including museum admission and a coffee tasting, followed by a guided tour and cheese tasting at a local cheese dairy, hike to Pico do Fogo or Pico Pequeno, mountain bike tour (approx. 3.5 hours) and a wine tasting in Chã das Caldeiras.

Additional Meals & Tastings

Dinner (excluding drinks) on Days 2 and 4, coffee, wine and cheese tasting on Fogo, lunch (Cachupa, excluding drinks) at Casa Cécilio on Fogo, lunch (excluding drinks) with a local farming family in Lagoa on Day 10, traditional couscous meal on Day 11, lunch (Cachupa, excluding drinks) on Day 13, and a BBQ dinner (excluding drinks) on Day 14.

Additional Included Services

Services of a Swiss–Cape Verdean tour leader and tourist tax (approx. EUR 2.50 per person per night).

Extras

International flights (e.g. direct flights from Zurich with Edelweiss Air until March or with TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon), travel insurance, and the mandatory entry registration fee (approx. EUR 31.00 per person).

Entry Requirements for Swiss and EU Nationals

A passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date and completion of the mandatory entry registration (either online before departure or upon arrival). o Ritmo is happy to assist you with the registration.

The sandy beach of Tarrafal on the island of Santiago is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Travel itinerary

Day 1: Arrival on Santiago

Day 2: Half-Day City Tour of Praia

On today's half-day excursion, we explore the vibrant capital of Praia. A walk through the historic Plateau district takes us to the Ethnographic Museum, where we gain fascinating insights into Cape Verdean culture. Along the way, we discover impressive street art, sample the local spirits Grogue and Ponche, and immerse ourselves in the lively atmosphere of the local market. We also visit the bustling Sukupira Market – a place full of colours, flavours and authentic local life.

Day 3: Half-Day Excursion to Cidade Velha

Today's excursion takes us to Cidade Velha, the first capital of Cape Verde, formerly known as Ribeira Grande. The Portuguese slave trade left deep marks on the town's history, most visibly at the well-preserved Pelourinho, the historic pillory that stands in the village square as a silent reminder of the colonial past. During a guided walk, we learn more about this important chapter of Cape Verde's history. After lunch (at your own expense), we return to Praia.

Day 4: Flight from Praia to São Filipe on the Island of Fogo

Day 5: Guided Tour of São Filipe & Transfer to Chã das Caldeiras

A guided walk through the colonial old town of São Filipe introduces us to its charming streets and unique atmosphere. We visit the Municipal Museum of São Filipe and the local market, watch a local baker at work, and enjoy a tasting of Fogo's aromatic coffee. Afterwards, we continue to the volcanic landscape of Chã das Caldeiras. Along the way, we stop at a local cheese dairy for a guided tour and cheese tasting. We spend the next three nights in accommodation inside the volcanic crater with half board included (dinner excluding drinks) until Day 8.

A guided walk through the colonial old town of São Filipe introduces us to its charming streets and unique atmosphere. We visit the Municipal Museum of São Filipe and the local market, watch a local baker at work, and enjoy a coffee tasting featuring Fogo's aromatic coffee. Afterwards, we continue to the volcanic landscape of Chã das Caldeiras. On the way, we'll stop at a local cheese dairy for a guided tour and cheese tasting. We spend the next three nights in accommodation inside the volcanic crater with half board included (dinner excluding drinks) until Day 8.

For keen hikers, the ascent of the mighty Pico do Fogo (2,829 m) offers a rewarding challenge with spectacular panoramic views. Those looking for a more leisurely option can choose the hike to Pico Pequeno, the smaller crater formed during the most recent volcanic eruption. Both routes lead through dramatic lava landscapes and offer a unique opportunity to experience the raw power of nature up close. Afterwards, we meet for lunch (included) at Casa Cécilio.

Tag 7: Chã das Caldeiras

Day 8: Flight from Fogo to Santiago

Day 9: Free Morning & Batuko Workshop in the Afternoon

Day 10: Hike to Lagoa & Culinary Workshop

Day 11: Transfer to Tarrafal & Visit to the Chão Bom Museum

Our journey continues to Tarrafal in the north of the island. In the afternoon, we visit the Chão Bom Museum, which offers powerful insights into the history of the former political prison and Cape Verde's struggle for independence. Afterwards, we head to the nearby village of Colonato, where, surrounded by nature, we learn how traditional Cape Verdean couscous is prepared by hand – from grinding the maize to the finished dish. A unique opportunity to experience and enjoy an authentic part of Cape Verdean daily life. We stay in Tarrafal with breakfast included until Day 14.

Day 12: Free Day

Day 13: Pottery Workshop & Cachupa Lunch

Today we visit Trás di Munti, a rural area above Tarrafal, nestled behind Monte Graciosa – the "great father" of the region. Pottery has been practised here for generations and remains an important part of the local culture. We visit the local pottery centre, where we learn about the traditional craft and take part in a hands-on pottery workshop. Afterwards, we enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Cachupa, Cape Verde's national dish. We then hike back to Tarrafal along a scenic trail through the valley. The walk takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Day 14: Boat Trip with Local Fishermen & Optional Fishing

Together with local fishermen, we explore the coastline of Santiago from the sea and gain an insight into the traditional way of life of those who have depended on fishing for generations. Those who wish can also try their hand at fishing. The nutrient-rich waters off Tarrafal are home to a great variety of marine life, and with a little luck, dolphins or sea turtles may accompany us on our journey. In the evening, we gather for our farewell beach BBQ with live music, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences we have shared throughout the trip.

Day 15: Transfer to the Airport & Departure

Foto Andreas Schäfer, Strela Tours Kapverden

Andreas Schäfer – Your Swiss–Cape Verdean Tour Leader

Andreas Schäfer has been living in Cape Verde for more than 15 years and is the founder of Strela Tours. With his extensive local knowledge and strong network across the islands, he creates authentic travel experiences together with experienced local guides – far away from mass tourism. Whether hiking through the Serra Malagueta, meeting local producers or enjoying peaceful moments in unspoilt nature, Andreas offers unique insights into the real Cape Verde.

He also places great importance on sustainability, comfort and cultural authenticity in the accommodations he personally manages. His team consists of local staff who contribute significantly to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Thanks to his many years of experience and his commitment to responsible, community-based tourism, Andreas Schäfer is a trusted partner for carefully designed and authentic journeys throughout Cape Verde.

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