Nature and Culture of Santiago
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Port
Praia, Ilha de Santiago, Cape Verde
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$130
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Discover the flora and fauna of Santiago Island as well as the Cape Verdes' deep cultural roots. You'll drive inland to the capital -- Santiago -- stopping en route at a local village. Step inside at the village cooperative where local arts and crafts are for sale.
The beauty of the Cape Verdean Botanic Garden is yours to discover in São Jorge dos Orgãos. During a scenic drive to Assomada, watch for little villages and catch a glimpse of the local life. You'll also visit a handmade pottery store. Assomada plays an important role in the islands' commercial wellbeing and it boasts a pleasant combination of urban areas and fields. The city center features many Portuguese-style colonial buildings. In the center of town, churches, shops and banks surround several town squares.
The market of Assomada is one of the largest on the island of Santiago, with a large variety of agricultural products and crafts. It is the central collection and distribution point for produce from the surrounding countryside. This wholesale market is very large and vibrant -- most of the trade is between middlemen (rabidantis), who on-sell the produce at larger national and international markets.
The nearby Norberto Tavares Cultural Center features permanent handicraft exhibitions. Your guide will point out the house of Amilcar Cabral, the Guinea-Bissauan and Cape Verdean agricultural engineer, writer, nationalist philospher and politician.
Descending from Assomada to Ribeira de Boa Entrada, keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the Cape Verdes' largest tree. It is a kapok (Ceiba pentandra) specimen, native to Latin America but doing very nicely in its adoptive home. At 600 years old, this landmark tree appears hale and hearty.
Next, relax for a scenic drive up to the Serra Malagueta Nature Park, 3,200 feet above sea level. 26 endemic plants, including 14 endangered species, grow here. Leave the coach for outstanding views and a breath of fresh air.
A picnic lunch will be served in these wonderful natural surroundings before you drive back to pier. Along the way you'll see the Barragem de Poilão dam, financed by Asian investors.
Please note: Tourism infrastructure is limited in Cape Verde; the coach may not have air-conditioning or a PA system. Public markets are closed on Sundays and holidays. Picnic lunch includes bottled water, juice, fruit, yogurt, snack bar and sandwich. Based on the state of preservation and/or blooming season, the visit to the Botanical Gardens may be replaced with a visit to the Eco Center.