Hiking: Monte Tchota Natural Park – Pico DAntónia (1394m) – Longueira

Exploring Santiago Island’s Highest Point: The Monte Tchota Natural Park and Pico D’Antónia Tour

This detailed review takes you through an exhilarating hiking experience to the summit of Pico D’Antónia (1394m), the highest point on Santiago Island, Cape Verde. While we haven’t personally been on this tour, the glowing reviews and comprehensive itinerary paint a clear picture of a day packed with scenic vistas, cultural encounters, and outdoor adventure.

What makes this experience stand out?

• The chance to reach Santiago’s highest elevation, offering sweeping views that stretch to Fogo Island’s volcano, weather permitting.
• The opportunity to learn about endemic plants and local agriculture, making the hike both scenic and educational.
• Visiting traditional houses carved into Longueira’s mountains and chatting with local families — the authentic culture that Cape Verdeans are proud of.

A final consideration? The tour is quite challenging, with demanding trails and a difficulty level marked as “difficult.” It’s best suited for travelers with good physical fitness and some hiking experience. If you’re after a comfortable sightseeing tour, this might not be the right fit. But if you love combining fitness with culture and nature, this adventure is a real gem.

Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for active travelers who want to push their limits while enjoying Cape Verde’s natural beauty and local life. It’s best suited for those over 16, with no health problems, and prepared for a trail that’s steep, narrow, and sometimes tilty.

Key Points

• Spectacular Views: Reach the highest point on Santiago and, weather allowing, enjoy views of Fogo’s volcano.
• Authentic Cultural Encounters: Visit traditional houses carved into the mountains and meet local families.
• Expert Guidance: Led by passionate local guides, ensuring safety and enriching your understanding of the landscape and culture.
• Balanced Experience: Combines strenuous hiking with cultural visits, picnic lunch, and relaxing moments afterward.
• Value for Money: At $98.72 per person, it offers a full day of active adventure with meaningful local interactions.
• Limited Group Size: Max of 8 travelers, providing a more personalized and intimate experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Hike Experience

Starting Point: Praia Hotel Collection and Pickup

The day begins early, with a pickup from your hotel around 8:30 am. The transfer is brief—about 10 minutes—so you’ll arrive at the start of the trail ready to go. This short transport time means less fuss and more focus on the adventure ahead.

The Trail to Pico D’Antónia

The hike kicks off through the Monte Tchota Natural Park, an area teeming with endemic plants and native bird species. The trail covers approximately 9 km in total, with an elevation gain of about 660 meters, making it a demanding but doable challenge for those with a solid fitness level.

Travelers like Paulo_G appreciated the guidance, noting that guides like Cátia and Nilton “were both wonderful” — passionate about their country and eager to answer questions. Their local knowledge adds depth to the experience, making the hike not just physical but educational.

Reaching the Summit: Panoramic Views and Picnic

The highlight? Making it to the top of Pico D’Antónia at 1394 meters. If the weather cooperates, you’ll be treated to sweeping views, with Fogo Island’s volcano visible on the horizon — a spectacle that makes the effort worthwhile.

The guides ensure you get a well-earned break to enjoy a picnic lunch, which is a lovely way to refuel after the climb. The reviews mention how satisfying it is to sit with a packed lunch, soaking in the scenery and the sense of achievement.

Descending and Cultural Exploration

After pausing at the summit, the trek continues downhill, through steep rocks and lush agricultural fields. Depending on the season, the fields bloom with crops like mango, coffee, corn, or tomatoes.

A special part of the tour involves visiting houses carved into Longueira’s mountains and chatting with local families. This interaction offers a glimpse into daily life that many travelers find enriching and authentic. As one reviewer mentioned, these visits provide insights into the local culture that no guidebook can offer.

Return to Praia

The day wraps up with a roughly 40-minute drive back to your hotel, giving you time to reflect on an active day surrounded by Cape Verde’s rugged beauty.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration & Timing:
The full experience lasts around 6 hours, starting at 8:30 am and returning by early afternoon. Be prepared for about 4-5 hours of actual hiking, with some rest breaks.

What to Bring:
Given the challenging trails, sturdy hiking shoes and hiking pants (from August to October) are highly recommended. Also, carry a walking stick, hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. The trail involves some level 1 climbing, so good footwear is essential.

Group Size & Safety:
Limited to a maximum of 8 people, this tour offers a more intimate vibe, guided by well-informed locals. While the hike is difficult, guides prioritize safety and pacing, making sure everyone stays comfortable.

Cost & Value:
Priced at $98.72, this tour offers a full day of active sightseeing, cultural exchange, and scenic wonder. When you consider the personalized guides, the stunning views, and the authentic cultural visits, the value is clear — especially for those seeking more than just a walk in the park.

Weather & Cancellation:
The tour depends heavily on good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you can reschedule or get a full refund. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is free, giving flexibility in case of unexpected weather changes.

Authentic Reviews & What Travelers Say

One enthusiastic reviewer described the experience as an “amazing hike,” emphasizing the guides’ passion and safety. They appreciated the steady pacing and the opportunity to enjoy the scenery at leisure. The guides’ local insights meant they answered all questions and offered useful recommendations, making the day both fun and informative.

Another traveler highlighted the stunning views from the top, noting the “surprise” of Fogo Island’s volcano, which added a special touch to their achievement. The visit to local families was also a standout, providing a genuine glimpse into Cape Verdean life away from tourist spots.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure suits those who crave a challenge and want to combine physical activity with culture. It’s perfect for travelers over 16 with some fitness background, eager to see Santiago from its highest point. If you enjoy panoramic vistas, endemic flora, and meeting locals in their natural environment, this tour will tick all your boxes.

However, if you prefer leisurely sightseeing or have mobility issues, this might be more demanding than you want. Always consider your own fitness and weather conditions before signing up.

Final Thoughts

In Cape Verde, this hike offers a genuinely memorable way to experience Santiago Island’s rugged beauty and local culture. For those willing to put in the effort, the rewards are plentiful: breathtaking views, the thrill of reaching Santiago’s highest summit, and authentic interactions with local families.

The guides’ passion and expertise shine through, ensuring you’re safe and informed every step of the way. The combination of strenuous activity with cultural visits creates a well-rounded adventure that’s both fulfilling and eye-opening.

If you’re an active traveler looking to push your limits, love scenic views, and appreciate genuine cultural encounters, this tour is a fantastic investment in your Cape Verde trip. Just be sure to come prepared for a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or less-fit travelers?
This experience is designed for those over 16 with good physical fitness. It involves a difficult trail with steep and narrow sections, so it might not be suitable for younger kids or less-active individuals.

What should I wear for the hike?
Hiking shoes and pants are highly recommended, especially from August to October. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and walking sticks for safety and comfort.

How long does the hike last?
The walking portion is approximately 4-5 hours, covering about 9 km with an elevation gain of roughly 660 meters.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered from your hotel in Praia, and the return trip is a short drive back after the hike.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour maintains a small group of up to 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes. The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you can reschedule or receive a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

This hike to Pico D’Antónia combines adventure, culture, and stunning scenery, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking an active and authentic Cape Verde experience.