Hiking Serra Malagueta Natural Park: 3-Hour Santiago Trail

Mountain trails at 1,000 meters with views across Santiago Island and the ocean.

A three-hour guided hike through Serra Malagueta Natural Park on Santiago Island, climbing scenic trails through lush mountains and deep valleys to natural viewpoints over 1,000 meters above sea level. The hike includes lunch and hotel pickup from Santiago. A live guide speaks English or French. Children are welcome from age 7.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided hike in Serra Malagueta Park

• Start guided hike in Serra Malagueta
• Follow scenic mountain trails
• Explore deep valleys
• Visit natural viewpoints
• Enjoy island and ocean views
• Complete hike after three hours

The experience

The hike climbs through one of Cape Verde's most iconic destinations, following trails that wind through the green heart of Santiago Island. You move through lush mountains and deep valleys, stopping at natural viewpoints where the views open across the island and out to the ocean. The elevation (standing over 1,000 meters above sea level) means the landscape shifts as you climb, and the park's untouched terrain is what draws nature lovers and anyone looking for a real adventure rather than a standard city tour.

A live guide leads the group in English or French, and lunch is included during the hike. Hotel pickup from Santiago is part of the booking, so the logistics are handled before you start. The three-hour duration fits into a morning or afternoon, leaving time for other activities on the island.

What’s included

• Guided hike with a live guide in English or French.
• lunch during the hike.
• hotel pickup from Santiago.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 11 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by RURAL TOURS

Is this one for you?This is a shared group hike led by a guide, so you follow the pace and route the operator sets. Choose it if you want the mountain trails and the views without navigating on your own, or if you prefer the company and the local knowledge a guide brings to the landscape.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (7 to 11 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

How difficult is the hike through Serra Malagueta?

The hike is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it does involve climbing to over 1,000 meters above sea level on mountain trails. The guide adjusts the pace to the group.

What is included in the hike?

Lunch is included during the hike, along with a live guide in English or French and hotel pickup from Santiago.

What makes Serra Malagueta Natural Park special?

The park sits over 1,000 meters above sea level and is one of Cape Verde's most iconic destinations, offering lush mountains, deep valleys, and natural viewpoints with views across Santiago Island and the ocean.

How long does the whole experience take?

The hike itself is three hours, plus time for hotel pickup and return to Santiago.