Day 1: City of origin – Praia
Arrival in Praia, visa formalities and transfer to the hotel in Praia. Start of the trip Trekking Sotavento Then we will move to the small village of Calabaceira, where we will make a first trekking downhill through cultivated areas. The hike ends in Cidade Velha, the first settlement of the island and a UNESCO heritage site. We will visit the remains of the fortress and the cathedral. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Return to Praia and hotel accommodation (-/A/-).

Day 2: Praia – Sao Filipe – Cha das Caldeiras. Bordeira Trekking
Breakfast. At the agreed time transfer to the airport to take an internal flight to Sao Filipe, the capital of the island of Fogo. The landscapes that we can see from the windows of the plane are worthy of a movie, landing on an island with a volcano almost 3000 meters high. The last eruption, one of the wildest, took place on
November 2014, when rivers of lava wiped two small villages in the crater of Cha das Caldeiras off the map, fortunately no casualties were to be regretted. The inhabitants of Fogo Island have always shown a more than positive attitude to surviving in this threatening land, as, despite the inclement weather and government recommendations to evacuate the villages, they have always chosen to stay and live in Cha with their families.
Arrival Sao Filipe and transfer to Cha das Caldeiras, at the foot of the Fogo volcano at almost 2000 meters altitude. Meeting with the guide and walk along the Bordeira, the lava wall that surrounds Cha with picnic included. Rest of the afternoon free to walk around and meet the local people of Cha. Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.
(D/P/C)

Day 3. Cha. PICO DO FOGO TREKKING
Early breakfast (5.30 am). Early in the morning pick up by the guide. Day dedicated to the ascent to the summit of the volcano Pico Grande de Fogo of 2829 meters. We will start the excursion with a first stretch of flat volcanic terrain to the foot of the peak where the most demanding part begins.
The ascent will be done by volcanic tartar slopes looking for the most stable and rocky terrain to advance. After 4/5 hours from the beginning of the ascent, we will reach the summit, where we will enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view over the island of Fogo. Stop to drink, eat and enjoy the views. The descent will be made by the slope of Small Peak where we will contemplate the trace of the last eruption of 2014. Arrival in Cha and rest of the afternoon at leisure. Lodging.
(D/P/C)

Day 4. Cha – Mosteiros. TREKKING MONTE VELHA
Breakfast. In the morning we will do the Monte Velha trekking, which will take us from Cha das Caldeiras to the shores of the Atlantic in the village of Pai Antonio, near Mosteiros. The route has about 10 km and 1300 meters of negative slope, so it is a bit demanding, although for us it is 100% recommended.
The trail has two very different parts. The first is on a comfortable cobblestone and dirt track that leads away from Chã in a northerly direction. Then we cross the village of Bangaeira and enter the forest of the Monte Velha forest reserve.

The second part begins; an intense mist takes over the environment and the road becomes a narrow and steep path that runs down the forest in the most direct way. Here the landscape forgets the great volcano and gives way to the more intense green of eucalyptus, mango, papaya, banana and coffee plantations. This vegetation covers the views until the arrival at the village of Pai Antonio, where we find the road to Mosteiros.dinner and lodging.
(D/P/C)

Day 5. Mosteiros – Sao Filipe – Praia – Rui Vaz
Breakfast at the hotel. At scheduled time transfer to the airport for flight back to Praia. Arrival and transfer to Rui Vaz, in the interior of the island of Santiago. Rui Vaz is a perfect and authentic sample of the rural life of the island and will also be a good opportunity to get in touch with the local people. Staying in a local guesthouse, we will be able to enjoy the terraces and a nice sunset. Lodging and dinner in guesthouse.
(B/-/D)
*If the schedule allows it, we can make a medium trekking in the botanical garden of Sao Jorge dos Oragos.

Day 6. Rui Vaz. ANTONIA PEAK TREKKING
Breakfast at the hotel. Day dedicated to trekking Pico Antonia, the highest peak of the island. Guide, transfers and picnic included. A short transfer by road takes us to the top of Monte Chota, where a small military base with communication antennas and weather radars is located. Here begins the trail that will take us, after 1 hour crossing hills, to the base of the summit ridge of Pico de Antonia. A steep summit with 360 degree panoramic views. Return to Rui Vaz. Overnight and dinner in guesthouse.
(D/P/C)

Day 7. Rui Vaz – Serra Malagueta – Tarrafal. TREKKING SERRA MALAGUETA
Breakfast. Early in the morning, transfer to the Sierra Malagueta National Park to enjoy a trekking with spectacular views. We will walk through the Gom Gom valley to appreciate the flora and the ravines that surround the valley. It will be a good time to see first hand the rural life of the small communities that live there. Picnic lunch. Return to the hotel in Tarrafal. Overnight at the hotel.
(D/P/-)

Day 8. Tarrafal – Praia – Spain
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning in Tarrafal. At the agreed time transfer to the airport for return flight with stopover in Lisbon.
End of the Trekking Sotavento trip and of our services.
(D/-/-)