Trekking Monte Tchota to Pico Leão
Santiago Island · €95 · 6 hours (1 day) · Rating 4.9/5 · Instant booking
Hike through the Natural Park to Pico Leão. Endemic plants and panoramic views.
Join a guided hike through the Monte Tchota Natural Park to the majestic Pico Leão (800m), one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Santiago. Traverse a unique microclimate filled with endemic plants of Cabo Verde, hidden streams, and panoramic views covering the island's interior and the Atlantic Ocean. The route is accompanied by a local guide specializing in botany and natural history, who shares ancestral knowledge from rural communities regarding the medicinal use of plants and the legends of the peaks. Halfway through the trail, we take a break for a traditional Cape Verdean snack prepared by a local family, directly funding the park's conservation projects.
Highlights
- accommodation: Does not include overnight stay — full-day tour with return to your accommodation.
- group: Maximum of 8 people per group. Certified local guide and assistant always present.
- activities: 6h trekking (moderate difficulty), botanical interpretation, endemic bird watching and traditional snack included.
- transport: Private round-trip transfer from Praia or Assomada included. Flights to Cabo Verde not included.
- meals: Traditional Cape Verdean snack and water included. Optional lunch at a local family's home (€12 extra).
Community impact: Contributes to the conservation of Monte Tchota Natural Park.
Your local host: João Tavares
Hello, I'm João! I was born in São Domingos, at the foot of Monte Tchota, and for over 15 years I have been accompanying travelers along the park's trails. My mission is to protect the endemic flora and show the true Cape Verdean morabeza. Each tour directly funds the community nursery of native plants that my family and I maintain.
FAQ
- When do the treks take place?
- Treks take place year-round, except on days of heavy rain (rare between November and July). Daily departure at 7:00 AM, returning around 2:00 PM. We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance.
- Who can participate?
- Anyone with basic physical fitness and aged 12 and over. The route is 8 km with moderate elevation gain (~400m). Previous trekking experience is not necessary, but hiking shoes and sun protection are mandatory.
- What should I bring?
- Trekking shoes or sneakers with good grip, a hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle (1.5L), a light jacket for the peak (it can be windy), and a camera. We provide hiking poles if necessary.
- Is it a private or group tour?
- By default, it is private (only your group). If you prefer to share with other travelers to reduce the cost, please indicate this in the booking — we form groups of up to 8 people.
- How does my payment support the community?
- About 70% of the amount stays in Cabo Verde: it pays the local guide, the family preparing the snack, the endemic plant nursery, and contributes to the maintenance of the Natural Park trails. It is direct-impact tourism.