Cape Verde:
Trails & Trade Winds
December 17 - 24, 2026
Booking Deadline: September 18, 2026
Reserve Your Spot with Flexible Payment Plans
Welcome to Cape Verde, a country of ten volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa where the music has shaped diaspora sound for generations and the landscapes stretch from rugged mountain valleys to crystal-clear ocean. This eight-day journey through São Vicente and Santo Antão takes you deeper into the archipelago's most breathtaking terrain, from the cultural heartbeat of Mindelo to the trails and villages of Cape Verde's most stunning hiking island. Designed with intention for Black queer travelers, this experience blends cultural immersion, community connection, and real adventure. You will hike through tropical valleys, swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat, dine at cliffside restaurants, and gather with a small group of travelers ready to explore Cape Verde a little more off the beaten path.
This experience is designed for a small group of up to 12 travelers, allowing for real intimacy, flexibility, and a truly immersive experience.
This Trip vs. Our New Year's Cape Verde Trip
If you are seeing this and wondering how it compares to our other Cape Verde trip, here is the short version. Our New Year's Cape Verde 2026 trip is our celebratory island-hop with a big group, ringing in 2027 with community and culture. And since that trip sold out fast we decided to create another trip for those still interested in seeing this beautiful destination. This Cape Verde trip is a smaller, more adventure-driven experience focused on the islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão, with more hiking, more nature, and more off-the-beaten-path moments. Both are beautiful. This one is for the travelers who want to explore Cape Verde a little more deeply, a little more actively, and in a smaller crew.
Photos are examples; actual room may vary slightly based on availability and accommodation alignment.
The Accommodations
our home throughout this journey features thoughtfully selected stays that reflect the character of each island. In Santo Antão, you will settle into a beautiful beachfront property in Ponta do Sol with direct sea access, garden and mountain views, a sun terrace, and the kind of quiet, restorative energy the island is known for. Continental breakfast is served daily, and the property offers modern amenities including free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
In São Vicente, you will stay at a stylish 4-star hotel in the heart of Mindelo, featuring two outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, a restaurant with local and international cuisine, a bar, and a private beach just a short walk away. Rooms include modern amenities and some feature beautiful pool views, with a full daily breakfast included.
NOTE: ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Day One (Thursday, December 17th)
BEM VINDO A CABO VERDE
Your journey begins in São Vicente. Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the airport for transfer to the port, where you will take an afternoon ferry to Santo Antão. On arrival, another private transfer will bring you to your hotel to settle in. In the evening, we come together for our welcome dinner featuring the flavors of Cape Verde and the warm hospitality that sets the tone for everything ahead.
Dinner included.
Day Two (Friday, December 18th)
SANTO ANTÃO UNFOLDS
Today, Santo Antão reveals itself. Your private guide leads you on a full-day tour of the island's most breathtaking landscapes, from the famous Paul Valley with its Grogue distillery, along the old Corda mountain road to the stunning Delgadinho viewpoint, through the lush Ribeira da Torre valley, into the capital of Ribeira Grande, and finally to the fishing village of Ponta do Sol. This is Cape Verde at its most cinematic, and the perfect introduction to the island before we lace up for the trails.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day Three (Saturday, December 19th)
ON THE TRAIL
Today, we hike. This 15km trail from Ponta do Sol to Fontainhas to Cruzinha is one of the most beloved routes in all of Cape Verde. Panoramic ocean views, steep climbs and descents, and the chance to visit Fontainhas, a village so beautiful that Spain's National Geographic officially recognized it. Lunch is served facing the ocean. This is a full-body, full-heart kind of day.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day Four (Sunday, December 20th)
A TASTE OF TRADITION
Today, we slow down and cook. Join a hands-on Cape Verdean cooking class centered on Totoco, a traditional cornmeal dish slowly cooked to develop its distinctive texture and rich flavor. The experience begins with an introduction to the history of some of Cape Verde's most iconic dishes and the deep importance of corn, a staple ingredient that has shaped Cape Verdean history, culture, and daily life. You will leave with new skills, a full plate, and a deeper appreciation for the food that carries Cape Verdean identity.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day Five (Monday, December 21st)
BACK TO SÃO VICENTE
This morning, we return to São Vicente by ferry and settle into our new home in the heart of Mindelo. The afternoon and evening are yours to unwind, explore your surroundings, take a walk to the nearby beach, or enjoy the pool at the hotel. This is a soft transition day designed to help you shift gears before we dive back into activity.
Breakfast included.
Day Six (Tuesday, December 22nd)
SÃO VICENTE, IN FULL
Today, we explore São Vicente end to end. From panoramic views over Mindelo, to fishing villages like Salamansa, through rugged inland terrain to the crystal-clear waters of Baía das Gatas, up to the summit of Monte Verde, and along the picturesque coast to Calhau. São Vicente is small but rich with soul, and by day's end, you will feel it.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day Seven (Wednesday, December 23rd)
A SWIM OF WONDERS
Today is full-body magic. In the afternoon, we head into the Atlantic for an eco-responsible experience swimming with sea turtles in their natural habitat, guided by a local expert. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided, and the connection with these peaceful creatures is unforgettable.
In the evening, we gather for our farewell dinner, sharing stories, laughter, and one last meal steeped in the hospitality of these islands.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Day Eight (Thursday, December 24th)
ADEUS CABO VERDE
Your Cape Verde journey wraps today. Enjoy breakfast and a slow morning before your private transfer to São Vicente airport for your flight home. You leave Cape Verde carrying trails, ocean, community, and the kind of memory that keeps calling you back.
Breakfast included.
What’s Included✨
Airport Pickup & Drop Off
Ferry Transfers between São Vicente and Santo Antão
8 Day 7 Night in multiple boutique hotels
Daily Breakfast, 4 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Domestic Transportation to Activities on the Itinerary
Full Day Santo Antão Island Tour
Ponta do Sol to Fontainhas to Cruzinha Hike
Full Day São Vicente Island Tour
Cape Verdean Cooking Class
Swimming with Sea Turtles Experience
Sightseeing
English-Speaking Guides
Travel Guide
On-ground team to ensure you have an amazing time!
What’s Not Included
International Flight
Your Flight from your Home country to Cape Verde and your flight back Home is not included - but we can help you figure both out.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Lesbifriends Travel trips and a great way to protect your investment. When you book, WeTravel offers a free, no-obligation quote for basic coverage. You can easily select this option when registering. You’re also welcome to purchase your own policy from any provider. Some credit cards include built-in travel insurance if you pay for the entire trip with that card but be sure to check their terms to confirm your full trip cost is covered.
Any Applicable Vaccines
Meals not Mentioned
You are responsible for lunches and dinners outside of what is listed in the itinerary.
Personal extras
Additional tours and excursions not included in the itinerary.
Tips and gratuities
You are responsible for all tips and gratuities, including those for accommodation staff, meal service (even for included meals), drivers, tour guides, and other service providers. We recommend budgeting $100–$200 for gratuities to ensure you can tip appropriately throughout your trip.
⭐ Lock in Founding Member rate before Dec 31.
Receive $100 Annual Trip Credit (stackable if unused)
Grab your spot in the Passport Club. → Join Now
Pricing
Booking Deadline: September 18, 2026
Payment Plans Available - All Listed Prices Are Per Person
Please review the booking terms and conditions and frequently asked questions section before booking a package.
A Quick Note on Booking Together
If you are traveling with a friend or partner and plan to share a room, we recommend that each of you book individually so payments and registration can be managed separately. Just include your roommate's name during registration and we will be sure to place you in the same room. If you book under one registration, all payments will be tied to the original booker and cannot be split later.
Double Occupancy
$2,500
Deposit: $100
1 OR 2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
Single Occupancy
$3,300
Deposit: $100
1 BED AND 1 PERSON IN THE ROOM.
Disclaimer
THIS TRIP ISN'T FOR EVERYONE
Cape Verde is a West African island; their standards are not the same as the USA.
IT IS FOR YOU IF:
You are open-minded
You enjoy hiking, walking, and being outdoors
You are physically able to complete a 15km hike with elevation changes
You are excited by nature, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and cultural immersion
You are open to meeting others and embracing the different personalities you will encounter in a smaller group setting
THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
You have a tendency to bring first world expectations with you everywhere
You have a tendency to be negative or create a challenging atmosphere for those around you
You are not physically able to hike or spend extended time on your feet
You're not into trying new things or stepping outside of your comfort zone
You don’t enjoy Cape Verdean cuisine; that is what we’ll be eating throughout the trip
You have very specific and particular travel preferences and tend to criticize everything around you
You can’t easily walk up stairs; if you find walking tough, then this trip isn’t suited to you
You are looking for luxury; Cape Verde standards are not the same as it is in the USA, however, if you keep an open mind, you will have a great time!
Important Information
Flights
Airport transfers are included in this trip on both arrival and departure days within the designated time windows listed below.
You must schedule your flight to arrive at Cesária Évora Airport (VXE) on Thursday, December 17, between 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
You must schedule your departure flight from Cesária Évora Airport (VXE) on Thursday, December 24, after 3:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included. There is one group transfer provided, departing around 11:00 AM.
If you arrive earlier on the arrival day, you are welcome to wait at the airport until your group’s scheduled pickup time so that you can join the included transfer. Otherwise, you are welcome to arrange your own transfer to the accommodations or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
The same applies for departure day. If your flight departs outside the included transfer window, you may coordinate your own transfer or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
Please forward your flight itinerary to hello@lesbifriendstravel.com as soon as you purchase your tickets so that ground transportation can be coordinated.
Entry Requirements
Passport: Six months of remaining validity required. One blank page required for entry stamp.
Visa Requirements: Not required for tourist travel under 30 days.
Health and Safety: There are currently no COVID-19-related entry restrictions. No vaccination certificates or pre-departure tests are required to enter Cape Verde.
Prior to Your Departure
Check if you need to update your passport, your expiration date needs to be six months from the date of the trip.
Sign up for State Department/Embassy alerts. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Trip Terms & Conditions
We believe in transparency and informed travel. Click HERE to review the complete Lesbifriends Travel’s trip terms and conditions that you will agree to once you book.
Money/Currency
The national currency of Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). Most hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments in major towns accept credit and debit cards, though smaller shops, local markets, taxis, and family owned businesses often prefer cash. Card transactions may include international processing fees and will follow the current exchange rate, which can vary. It is best to check with your bank before traveling to avoid unexpected charges. We recommend carrying some escudos for small purchases, tips, and local vendors, as ATMs can charge withdrawal fees and not all machines accept foreign cards.
Travel Insurance
Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Lesbifriends Travel requires you to have travel insurance for any trip you take with us. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. We want to make your travel experience seamless, so sign up and we will get a travel insurance policy for you or we can provide you with a no obligation quote. If you opt not to go with our preferred travel insurance provider, you are required to get your own and proof of insurance may be requested before the trip.
Payments and Payment Plans
Get 10% off your entire trip if you pay in full at the time of the initial booking. Use discount code FULL during check out to save on your trip package. This code expires 90 days after trip is announced. Please note that discount codes don’t apply to add-on options, and you can only use one code per booking.
All payments to Lesbifriends Travel are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Lesbifriends Travel has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines, and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
When you sign up for a trip, you are automatically signed up for monthly payments and your confirmation email will clearly note your due dates and amount. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
A $75 late fee will be applied to all payments made after the 3-day grace period. Your trip is subject to cancellation after two missed payments.
-
If you are traveling alone and do not want to spend the extra money for a single occupancy room, we are happy to match you with a like-minded traveler to be your roommate on this trip. We understand that the extra money spent in getting your own room takes away from the money available for you to splurge while on vacation.
For that reason, we extend each traveler the option of having us pair you with a suitable roommate for no additional cost. Roommates are paired based on room selection and a potential roommate questionnaire if there are several solo travelers. Before the trip, you will be introduced to your roommate, with plenty of time for you to get to know each other before we reach our destination.