Rui Vaz: Hike for Beginners with Lunch

Leave the city behind and discover the green heart of Santiago during this beginner-friendly hike in Rui Vaz. After pick-up in Praia (or at the agreed meeting point), you will travel to the cooler highlands of Rui Vaz, an area known for its fresh air, fertile landscapes, and relaxed pace of life.

Your guide begins with a short briefing and then takes you along an easy and comfortable path through the green highlands. The route is accessible to all fitness levels and includes planned stops for water, photos, and viewpoints. Along the way, you will walk past small villages, traditional agricultural terraces, and green valleys that give Santiago its authentic character. Your guide shares accessible local background information about Rui Vaz and explains why this region is among the most fertile and picturesque areas of the island.

The walk continues at a leisurely pace towards the botanical garden, where you will enjoy an extensive visit with a guided tour of the gardens and the historic Charles Darwin Garden. This adds a cultural and educational dimension to the experience, making it more than just a walk.

To conclude the day, you will sit down for a relaxed local lunch at Restaurant D’Buit’s, including a visit to a museum about Cape Verde and a short VR experience. It is the perfect moment to recharge your energy, unwind, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the highlands before returning comfortably to Praia.