Gir Carnaval
Between samba, volcanoes and lush valleys, experience the authentic soul of Cap-Vert.
Duration
8 days
From
€787/pers.
The spirit of travel
Discover Cap-Vert through the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão, between culture, music and spectacular landscapes. Experience the unique atmosphere of the Mindelo carnival, nicknamed the "little Brazil of Cap-Vert", with its samba parades and colorful traditions.
Explore Santo Antão, the nature island, its lush valleys, its volcanic mountains and its panoramic trails. Discover the famous Corda road, the valley of Ribeira de Torre and the luxuriant landscapes of Paul.
Share an authentic moment with locals with a cooking workshop around the traditional cachupa and take on the most beautiful hikes of Santo Antão, between isolated villages, terraced crops and ocean views.
End your journey in the footsteps of Cesária Évora, the barefoot diva who made Cape Verdean music shine throughout the world.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Mindelo, cultural capital and tropical samba
Cultural capital of Cap-Vert on the island of São Vicente, The City of Mindelo charms with its warm atmosphere, its cafés, bars and restaurants, its musical heritage and its volcanic mountain setting dominated by the Monte Verde.
Former city of the legendary Cesária Évora, the "diva with bare feet", it invites you to discover the colorful houses of the Porto Grande port, the fish market, the Fortim d'El Rei and the replica of the Belém tower.
As night falls on Carnival Monday, the Samba Tropical school opens the festivities with a colorful parade. Since 1989, it has distinguished itself by not taking part in the Tuesday competition between samba schools, preferring to dedicate this evening to revealing all the splendor of its themes and costumes.
A meeting that has become a must-see of the Mindelo carnival.
The Mindel Hotel enjoys a privileged location in Mindelo, as it is close to attractions such as the Torre de Belem, the Mindelo cultural center, Art D'Cretcheu and the Mindelo municipal market. This charming establishment houses well-appointed rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen television, Wi-Fi connection and a private bathroom. You can start the day with a delicious buffet breakfast. The hotel's facilities include a restaurant, a bar and a terrace.
São Vicente, Between Volcanic Landscapes and Carnival
Discover the treasures of São Vicente during a half-day exploration. From the city of Mindelo, the cultural capital of the island, reach the top of Monte Verde to enjoy a panoramic view, before continuing to the village of Salamansa and its beach renowned for kitesurfing.
The excursion ends at Baía Das Gatas, famous for its music festival and its natural pool, where free time is provided for swimming. If you travel during Carnival, you will attend one of the largest celebrations in Cap-Vert.
From Friday to Ash Wednesday, the streets of Mindelo vibrate to the rhythm of parades: after the children and schools, the spectacular Mandingas group animates Sunday. On Tuesday, the samba schools compete with costumes, sequins and music to win the title of best school, making São Vicente a true "little Brazil".
Ponta do Sol and the Stunning Landscapes of Santo Antão
At the far north of Santo Antão Island, Ponta do Sol enchants with its peaceful atmosphere, charming paved town center, historic buildings, excellent restaurants and colorful fishing boats moored on a promontory facing the Atlantic.
Appreciated even by the president of Cap-Vert, who owns a residence there, this city is also an ideal starting point for exploring the coast and savoring delicious seafood as well as Cape Verdean specialties.
Discovery continues along the mythical Corda road, offering spectacular panoramas at over 1,600 meters altitude.
Along the way, several stops allow you to admire the landscapes, with the possibility of enjoying a pleasant one-hour hike around the Cova Crater, before reaching the nature park and the lush Ribeira de Torre valley, renowned for its banana plantations and verdant landscapes.
Located in the heart of Ponta do Sol in Cap-Vert, Residencial Trilhas & Montanhas is situated between the mountains, the sea and the city, making it an ideal option for vacationers looking for an ideally located and relaxing getaway. The hotel offers a selection of eight comfortable rooms. You can enjoy refreshing drinks at the on-site bar. Popular activities in the area include hiking and fishing.
Gourmet Immersion in the Heart of Santo Antão
Live an authentic experience by sharing the daily life of a Cap-Vert family on Santo Antao Island. Much more than a simple cooking workshop, this encounter is a genuine invitation to discover morabeza, the art of welcoming that is the hallmark of the island's inhabitants.
Welcomed in a local home, you will discover the traditions and way of life of a Cap-Vert family before getting your hands dirty preparing cachupa, the national dish, made with corn, beans, vegetables and meat, simmered over a wood fire.
This convivial immersion ends with the tasting of this traditional meal, accompanied by water, coffee and seasonal fruit for dessert.
Coastal hike between Ponta do Sol and Cruzinha
Set off on one of the most beautiful hikes in Santo Antão by following the spectacular north coast of the island. From Fontainhas, surrounded by numerous plantations, the trail leads to Selada de Corvo, offering an exceptional panorama over Ponta do Sol and Corvos.
The descent continues to Ribeira, renowned for its permanent water sources, before reaching Formiguinhas, a small village overlooking the ocean.
The route then passes through the abandoned village of Aranhas, then by Ribeira Seca beach, where white and black sand contrasts with lava caves, perfect for a picnic break.
Finally, the trail follows Motcho beach before reaching the picturesque village of Cruzinha, in the heart of magnificent coastal landscapes.
13 km / 5 to 6 hours estimated / Level 2
Ascent 1078m
Descent 1014m
Located in Ponta do Sol, Tiduca Hotel features a fitness center, a bar, a common lounge and free Wi-Fi. It has a 24-hour front desk, a restaurant and a terrace. The establishment offers room service and luggage storage. All rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Each room is equipped with air conditioning and some accommodations at Tiduca Hotel have a terrace. A continental breakfast is served every morning on site. This establishment has also been well-rated for its excellent location in Ponta do Sol! Guests are happier about it compared to other establishments in the area.
Hiking in the heart of the lush Paul Valley
Discover the Paul Valley, nicknamed the garden of Cap-Vert and considered the greenest and most lush region of the archipelago.
Along a path connecting the cottages, you cross vegetable crops of cabbage, tomatoes and lettuce, as well as tropical plantations of banana trees, guava trees, sugar cane and yams.
This hike is an opportunity to meet the locals and discover their way of life, between agriculture and botany.
By taking the old mule trails arranged at the foot of the levadas (irrigation channels) and terraced crops, you immerse yourself in the heart of the rural life of Santo Antão.
7 Km / 4h estimated / Level 1
Ascent 550m
Descent 700m
Mindelo in the footsteps of Cesária Évora, the barefoot diva
This day is dedicated to discovering the history and legacy of Cesária Évora, the famous "barefoot diva" and one of the most recognized Cape Verdean voices in the world. Born in Santo Antão but having grown up and lived her entire life in the City of Mindelo, she developed her love of music there.
The tour begins with a visit to the Cesária museum, housed in the former Governor's Palace, where photographs, clothing, accessories, press articles and mementos from her career are on display.
You will then discover the emblematic places of her life: the Lombo neighborhood with its bars and gaming rooms, the military barracks where she gave her first major concert at age 16, as well as Eden Park, one of her favorite venues.
The tour continues in front of the house where she recorded her first CD, now an arts and crafts center, then in front of her downtown house where she loved to settle barefoot in her yard.
Finally, you will pass through the cemetery of Monte Sossego, where the artist rests, before discovering the guitar workshop of the famous craftsman Aniceto Gomes.
Located on a marginal avenue in Mindelo, the Ouril Hotel Mindelo offers 107 rooms with stunning views of Porto Grande bay from their balcony. Each room is equipped with a television, safe, air conditioning and Wi-Fi connection. During their stay, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in the pleasant restaurant. The Ouril Hotel Mindelo also offers additional facilities to make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable, such as a conference room, jacuzzi, fitness room, spa, bar-lounge, swimming pool and laundry service. Whether guests wish to relax, unwind or be more active, the Ouril Hotel Mindelo has something to offer everyone.
Last moments in Cap-Vert
After this immersion in the heart of volcanic landscapes, traditions and Cap-Vert culture, enjoy your last moments in Mindelo.
Depending on your flight schedule, a transfer will take you to Mindelo airport for your return journey, your head full of unforgettable memories between authentic encounters, exceptional hikes and musical discoveries.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Consumption and services not mentioned
- TSA- 34€ per person
Included
- The Hotels
- The accommodation tax
- All transfers (Car/Maritime)
- Excursions
- Combined lunches
- Flights
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Cape Verde for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Cape Verde, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date into the country and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Cape Verde.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry into the territory, renewable once in-country with Cape Verdean immigration services, up to a limit of 90 days per year.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation booking for the duration of your stay.
EASE (Electronic pre-registration)
Before your arrival in Cape Verde, you must complete the online registration form EASE (Electronic Authorization for Sustainable Entry), established by Cape Verdean authorities.
This digital form allows you to transmit to immigration services the necessary information for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details
address of your first accommodation in Cape Verde
personal contact details and health declaration
The form must be completed online before your departure. A digital confirmation or QR code will be issued to you and may be requested when passing through immigration.
Health
No vaccines are officially required to enter Cape Verde from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, it is recommended to update routine vaccinations and consult a doctor or travel clinic before departure.
Vaccination against yellow fever may be required if you are arriving from a country where this disease is endemic.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization for departure from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Cape Verde in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance plan, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Cape Verde, a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay is required. An airport security tax (AST, €31) is mandatory and must be paid online before departure. The specific conditions for visa-free entry depend on your nationality; we recommend checking with the Cape Verde consular authorities the rules applicable to your country before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, expect between 150 and 240 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, inter-island transfers and activities. International flights (500-800 euros return) are additional. The TSA (31 euros per person) is added upon entry.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. Together, you fine-tune every detail until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your next trip to Cap-vert
Cape Verde Escape Creator, based in Mindelo, São Vicente
Cape Verde is an archipelago of character. Each island has its own rhythm, its light, its energy; my role is to help everyone find the one that suits them.
— Théo
