Cape Verde · Culture

8-Day Carnival and Cultural Tour in Cape Verde with Santo Antão

8 Days Round trip from Mindelo Easy pace

Enjoy being a part of Carnival at Mindelo

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit a Carnival car workshop
02 See Carnival rehearsals
03 Enjoy the Carnival Parade
04 Walk in the forests of Água das Caldeiras
05 Visit a rum distillery on Santo Antão

Embark on an 8-day journey through the heart of Cape Verde, immersing yourself in the culture, traditions, and scenic beauty of São Vicente and Santo Antão. Explore São Vicente's vibrant streets, where colonial architecture and traditional music set the scene, connect with local communities, and take part in carnival preparations. Enjoy authentic meals, join a colorful Samba Parade and the Carnival Parade, then continue to Santo Antão for forest walks, a rum distillery visit, traditional farming, and a local cooking class.

Embark on an 8-day journey through the heart of Cape Verde, immersing yourself in the culture, traditions, and scenic beauty of São Vicente and Santo Antão.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Porto Novo, Mindelo, São Vicente

Languages English, French, Portuguese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in São Vicente and Mindelo City Tour

Arrive on the island of São Vicente and meet your tour guide at the airport. Transfer to the hotel.
Take a tour of the city, known for its traditional music and colonial architecture.
Have lunch and visit a workshop at Carnival Andores.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 02

Ribeira Bote Community Visit

Have an early breakfast and visit the community of Ribeira Bote, a subdivision of the city.
Have lunch at a local's house or in a local restaurant, then continue for Mandinga preparation.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 03

Sewing Studio Experience and Samba Party

After breakfast, visit a carnival dress sewing studio and participate in the work alongside local people.
Have lunch and continue with the sewing studio visit.
Take part in a Tropical Samba Parade and Tropical Samba Party.

Day 04

Mindelo Carnival Parade Experience

Have breakfast and relax for the rest of the morning.
After lunch, it is time for an amazing experience at the Carnival Parade.

Day 05

Transfer to Santo Antão and Forest Walk

After breakfast, transfer to a hotel at the pier.
Explore Santo Antão and walk in the forests of Agua das Caldeiras.

Overnight at Casa Espongeiro Guesthouse.

Day 06

Santo Antão Island Tour and Rum Distillery

Have breakfast and embark on a tour of Santo Antão, the westernmost island of Cape Verde.
After lunch, visit a rum distillery.
Later, enjoy dinner with live music.

Day 07

Traditional Farming, Cooking Class and Return to São Vicente

Have breakfast and head out to participate in traditional farming with a local farmer.
Then, attend a cooking class.
Transfer to Porto Novo and eventually to São Vicente after lunch.

Day 08

Departure from São Vicente

Depart for São Vicente Airport after breakfast, marking the end of the tour.

Where this trip takes you

Mindelo colonial streets, Carnival Parade, Santo Antão forest walks, Água das Caldeiras

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

English-speaking Mindelo tour guide
All transfers described
All accommodations described in the programme
All meals described in the program
Domestic ferry boat trip described
All transport referred to in the itinerary

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Dinner on the first and last night
Airport fee on arrival
Tips
Drinks
Souvenirs

What to bring

Backpack
Coat
Walking shoes
Sunscreen
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Water bottle

Know before you go

Experience being part of the Mindelo Carnival, held every year between February and March. Participate in the construction of carnival cars and beautiful dresses, and enjoy parades and carnival parties. Then discover one of the most beautiful islands of Cape Verde, Santo Antão. You will also visit a rum distillery and attend cooking classes led by locals.

Logistics