Monte Verde: São Vicente's Verdant Peak
Discover panoramic views and endemic flora atop São Vicente's highest peak, a refreshing escape in Cape Verde's natural park.
Monte Verde, meaning "Green Mountain," stands as the highest point on the island of São Vicente, rising to 744 meters (2,441 feet). In contrast to the island's dry, clay-like terrain, Monte Verde is a green oasis, harboring a variety of endemic plant species within the Parque Natural Monte Verde. The ascent to Monte Verde offers a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The well-maintained path allows you to discover unique flora, traditional farming houses, and birdlife. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Mindelo, the coastline, and, on clear days, neighboring islands like Santo Antão, São Nicolau, and Santa Luzia. A tea house at the summit provides a spot to relax and savor local tea or coffee while soaking in the scenery. Monte Verde is more than just a scenic viewpoint; it's a protected natural park playing a vital role in preserving the island's biodiversity. Whether you choose to hike or drive to the top, a visit to Monte Verde promises an unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty with panoramic vistas.
Local tips
- Bring decent footwear, a hat, and sunscreen for the hike, as the trail can be steep and rocky.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and more refreshing climb.
- On a clear day, you can see the neighboring islands of Santo Antão, São Nicolau, and Santa Luzia from the summit.
A brief summary to Monte Verde
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Getting There
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Walking
From Mindelo, the hike to Monte Verde's peak is approximately 11km. Start in the city center and follow the road heading east towards the mountain. The initial part of the journey involves traversing the main ring road that surrounds Monte Verde. Once you reach the base of the mountain, a 5km paved road leads directly to the summit. Be prepared for a steady incline and allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for the ascent. There are no costs associated with walking.
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Public Transport
From Mindelo, take an 'aluguer' (minivan/pickup) towards Salamansa. Inform the driver that you wish to get off at the crossing to Monte Verde. From there, it's approximately 5km to the summit via a paved road. The 'aluguer' ride to the crossing will cost approximately 50-100 CVE. From the crossing, you can either walk or try to hitchhike to the top.
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Taxi
A taxi from Mindelo directly to the summit of Monte Verde is the most convenient option. Negotiate the fare before departure. A taxi ride from Mindelo to Monte Verde will cost around 1000-1500 CVE.
