Baía do Inferno and Monte Angra Hiking Route
Santiago Island · €91 · 3 to 4 days (28 km, 4 sections) · Rating 4.8/5 · Confirmed on request
A 28 km hiking trail divided into 4 sections, connecting the fishing villages of Porto Mosquito and Porto Rincão to the mountain village of Entre Picos de Reda. Cross the imposing canyons of the Santa Clara and Angra Rivers, with unique landscapes, wild fauna, and welcoming communities. Includes the possibility of boat trips to discover deserted beaches and observe the impressive gravitational collapse of the cliff.
Baía do Inferno is Santiago's best-kept secret: 28 km of wild coastline, 400m vertical cliffs, deep canyons, and beaches accessible only by foot or boat. In 2003, it was declared a Natural Park due to its marine and terrestrial biodiversity — including endemic birds such as the guincho-vermelho and plants unique in the world.
The hiking route is divided into 4 sectors that can be done individually or linked together over 3–4 days: Porto Mosquito → Aguas Belas, Aguas Belas → Ribeira da Barca, Ribeira da Barca → Porto Rincão, and the inland sector to Entre Picos de Reda. Each sector includes stops in fishing communities where freshly caught fish is served for lunch, and the program can include a boat trip in a traditional vessel to discover deserted beaches and observe the impressive gravitational collapse of the cliff.
Highlights
- accommodation: Overnight stays in fishermen's houses in Porto Mosquito and Ribeira da Barca (2–3 nights, depending on chosen sections).
- group: Maximum 6 people. Certified local guide and, in remote sections, a second support guide.
- activities: Trekking in 4 sections (28 km), optional boat trip in Baía do Inferno and observation of endemic birds.
- transport: Transfers from Praia to starting and return points. Optional boat hired from local fishermen (€30 extra).
- meals: Full board in fishermen's houses: grilled fish, limpets, conch and seafood cachupa.
Community impact: Supports the fishing communities of Porto Mosquito and Porto Rincão and the conservation of the Baía do Inferno and Monte Angra Natural Park.
Your local host: Associação de Pescadores de Porto Mosquito
We are the fishing community that has lived at the mouth of Baía do Inferno for generations. We know every cave, every current and every bird's nest on these cliffs. Hosting trekkers and taking them by boat to our beaches is how we supplement our fishing income — and protect the park from illegal fishing and uncontrolled construction threats.
FAQ
- Can I do just one sector?
- Yes. Each sector (6–8 km) can be done as a 1-day trip. The most popular is Porto Mosquito → Aguas Belas (most spectacular in terms of cliffs). The complete 28 km version requires 3–4 days.
- What is the difficulty?
- Moderate to high depending on the sector. There are sections with natural staircases, exposed stretches next to cliffs, and elevation changes of 200–400m. Not recommended for those with vertigo or little trekking experience.
- Is the boat trip mandatory?
- No, it is optional (€30 extra per person). But it is the only way to see the most spectacular part of the bay — including the gravitational collapse zone. If the sea allows, we highly recommend it.
- How does the payment support the park?
- 70% stays in the fishing communities (accommodation, meals, boat) and with the park management association, which monitors endemic bird nests and supervises illegal activities.