Santo Antão: Hiking Ribeira Grande – Coculi – Boca das Ambas Ribeiras – Chã de Igreja
A challenging journey through volcanic valleys, colonial waterways, and mountain villages on one of the Atlantic's most dramatic islands.
This full-day guided hike on Santo Antão hiking trail takes walkers deep into the island's interior, tracing a route shaped by centuries of agriculture, Portuguese colonial engineering, and volcanic geography. From the riverbed of Vila de Ribeira Grande to the clifftop promontory of Chã de Igreja, every kilometre reveals a new layer of the island's character.
The trail passes through active banana plantations and past a traditional windmill still used by local residents to draw water, before climbing toward the village of Coculi and its prominent Santo Crucifixo parish church. A knowledgeable local guide explains the native flora and fauna encountered along the way, adding ecological depth to a visually striking landscape.
One of the route's most historically significant features is a slender aqueduct constructed by the Portuguese in 1956, which continues to channel water across the valley today. After a picnic stop at Boca das Ambas Ribeiras with sweeping views down to the valley floor, the path winds through the settlement of Selado do Mocho before concluding at the promontory of Chã de Igreja.
Tour Highlights
Follow a cobbled zigzag path through volcanic terrain connecting four distinct valley communities.
Discover a functioning Portuguese aqueduct from 1956 that still irrigates sugarcane plantations today.
Learn about endemic flora and local fauna from a guide with deep knowledge of Santo Antão's ecosystems.
Visit the Santo Crucifixo parish church in Coculi, a landmark of the island's religious heritage.
Enjoy a scenic picnic at Boca das Ambas Ribeiras with a vertiginous view over the valley below.
Finish at the promontory of Chã de Igreja and meet residents of one of the island's most remote villages.
Itinerary
1
Vila de Ribeira Grande – Departure Point
The hike begins at the riverbed of Vila de Ribeira Grande, heading inland past scattered houses, banana plantations, and a working windmill used by locals to collect water from the valley.
2
Coculi Village – 1 Hour In
After approximately one hour of walking, the route arrives at Coculi, a hillside settlement anchored by the Santo Crucifixo parish church. The guide provides context on the village's history and its place within the broader valley network.
3
The 1956 Aqueduct and Sugarcane Plantations
Passing through the second Ribeira Grande at the confluence of two valleys, walkers move between sugarcane fields to reach a slender aqueduct built by the Portuguese in 1956. The structure remains operational, a testament to mid-century colonial engineering on the island.
4
Boca das Ambas Ribeiras – Picnic Stop
Roughly half an hour beyond the aqueduct lies the small village of Boca das Ambas Ribeiras, meaning Mouth of Both Valleys. A picnic is enjoyed here with an open panorama over the steep valley floor far below.
5
Selado do Mocho and Ribeira Garça
After the picnic, a cobbled zigzag path leads through the compact settlement of Selado do Mocho and alongside the Ribeira Garça, offering a quieter stretch of trail through increasingly rugged terrain.
6
Chã de Igreja – Finish and Return Transfer
The walk concludes at the promontory of Chã de Igreja, where there is time to meet local residents before the return transfer delivers walkers back to their accommodation.
What's Included
Included
Local expert guide throughout the hike
Picnic lunch at Boca das Ambas Ribeiras
Return transfer to accommodation
Flora and fauna interpretation along the route
Not Included
Personal travel insurance
Drinks beyond what is provided
Gratuities for the guide
Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
This is a challenging hike rated for experienced walkers. Participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable with steep, uneven terrain over a six-hour period.
Duration
6 hours including picnic stop and transfer back to accommodation.
Meeting Point
Vila de Ribeira Grande riverbed, Santo Antão. Precise coordinates confirmed upon booking.
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking footwear, sun protection, a light rain layer, at least 1.5 litres of water, and a small daypack.
Cancellation
Please review the cancellation policy at the time of booking. Standard terms apply for this activity type.
Accessibility
This trail is not suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with limited mobility. Terrain includes cobbled paths, steep ascents, and uneven volcanic rock.
Age Range
Recommended for participants aged 12 and above who are in good physical health. Younger children are not advised on this challenging route.
Ready to Hike Santo Antão?
Secure your place on this challenging valley trail and experience the agricultural heritage, colonial history, and raw landscape of one of Cape Verde's most rewarding islands on foot.
This tour is rated challenging. It involves steep ascents, cobbled paths, and approximately six hours of walking across volcanic and agricultural terrain. A reasonable level of fitness and prior hiking experience is recommended.
Is lunch provided during the hike? ▼
Yes, a picnic lunch is included and is enjoyed at the village of Boca das Ambas Ribeiras, which offers panoramic views over the valley floor.
Will there be a guide throughout the entire route? ▼
Yes, a local guide accompanies the group for the full duration of the hike and provides information on local flora, fauna, and the history of the villages passed along the way.
How do participants return after the hike ends at Chã de Igreja? ▼
A return transfer is included in the tour price and will take participants back to their accommodation following the conclusion of the hike at Chã de Igreja.
What type of footwear is recommended? ▼
Sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended due to the cobbled, rocky, and uneven surfaces encountered throughout the route.
Is this tour suitable for children? ▼
The hike is recommended for participants aged 12 and above who are physically fit. The challenging nature of the trail makes it unsuitable for young children.
This tour takes place on Santo Antão, the northwesternmost island of Cape Verde (Cabo Verde), situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. Santo Antão is widely regarded as the premier hiking destination in the Cape Verde archipelago, characterised by dramatic volcanic ridges, deep ribeiras (river valleys), and terraced agricultural slopes. The route covered in this tour spans the municipality of Ribeira Grande, passing through the communities of Coculi, Boca das Ambas Ribeiras, Selado do Mocho, and Chã de Igreja — all located within the island's rugged interior highlands. The area sits at varying elevations, offering hikers exposure to microclimates ranging from arid lower valleys to greener, more humid upper zones. The 1956 Portuguese aqueduct encountered along the route is a recognised piece of colonial-era infrastructure that continues to serve local agriculture. Santo Antão is accessible via ferry from the island of São Vicente, making Porto Novo the main entry point for visitors to this hiking region.
Activity Type: Guided Hiking Tour | Destination: Santo Antão, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) | Region: Ribeira Grande Municipality | Difficulty: Challenging | Duration: 6 Hours | Terrain: Volcanic Rock, Cobbled Paths, Valley Trails | Themes: Nature, Cultural Heritage, Colonial History, Rural Agriculture | Best For: Experienced Hikers, Nature Enthusiasts, Cultural Travellers | Season: Year-Round (dry season October–July recommended)
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