A Native Son’s Invitation to Explore Cape Verde
Dear Wilderness Traveler,
I am thrilled to be leading Wilderness Travel’s newest hiking journey, Hiking Cape Verde (with departures in April and October).
I was born in Cape Verde, like my ancestors over the past 200 years, and grew up in Portugal with vivid mental images from this enchanting and remote region. After a career change from accounting to mountaineering guide, I traveled to Cape Verde to rediscover my family’s origins, and what I found was even more fascinating than the memories I had and stories I heard as a child.
On this trip, we’ll explore Santo Antão Island, an undiscovered treasure where well-defined trails weave through hidden valleys and dramatic cliffs, including the stunning coastal hike from Cruzinha to Fontainhas. We’ll make the ascent up Fogo Island’s majestic volcano, Pico do Fogo, offering a sweeping 360-degree view, and we’ll spend time with the people of São Vicente Island, my birthplace, who have a unique warmth. Their island’s culture revolves around leisure, music, and social gatherings.
Music and cuisine play an irreplaceable role in island life, and each day we’ll focus on a unique theme deeply connected to the place we are visiting. We’ll listen to ballads sung in Cape Verdean Creole, enjoy a cooking class, learn about the local production of grogue (the national drink), wine, and coffee, and explore the strong Jewish heritage on Santo Antão—I am a descendant of the Jewish group that settled on the island in the 19th century. Our carefully selected hotels will provide an authentic local experience.
I am excited to share my homeland with you and reveal the essence of this small yet extraordinary country. Please join me this fall or next spring.
All my best,
David Monteiro, Trip Leader
