Pico Do Fogo
Pico Do Fogo
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Dom
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK323 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
It's why you came to Fogo, right?
The hike will take about 4 hours to get to the top and possibly three to get down if you come down the 'fun way' (down the scree slope at the back)
Get a local guide, not only because you need it but also to support the local economy.
It's 1,000m up and a round trip of 14 km.
Not everyone makes it up but we're in our 50's and not especially fit and we made it.
PS Stay at the nearby Casa Marisa. They will sort the guide and everything else you need.
The hike will take about 4 hours to get to the top and possibly three to get down if you come down the 'fun way' (down the scree slope at the back)
Get a local guide, not only because you need it but also to support the local economy.
It's 1,000m up and a round trip of 14 km.
Not everyone makes it up but we're in our 50's and not especially fit and we made it.
PS Stay at the nearby Casa Marisa. They will sort the guide and everything else you need.
Written December 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Compass40176584230
7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We loved it.
Fabulous view and quiet.
We like to take walks, it was the desire to go to the summit of the volcano do Fogo that made us go to Cape Verde. We went to the summit of the volcano with rain, but we liked the same, it was an excellent experience, especially the descent. The weather improved and the clothes dried for the next day, we made a new walk, this time to the crater of 2014, a super quiet walk.
We were happy to return and spend more time exploring nature and the quiet environment of the island.
Fabulous view and quiet.
We like to take walks, it was the desire to go to the summit of the volcano do Fogo that made us go to Cape Verde. We went to the summit of the volcano with rain, but we liked the same, it was an excellent experience, especially the descent. The weather improved and the clothes dried for the next day, we made a new walk, this time to the crater of 2014, a super quiet walk.
We were happy to return and spend more time exploring nature and the quiet environment of the island.
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Written December 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel M
Bullion, France377 contributions
Sep 2024 • Solo
A difficult climb with 1100 m of elevation up to 2800 m. It’s not mountaineering but it’s sometimes a bit ambitious for someone like me not used to what is already a mountain race with rocky ridges that impose a Guide. Mine Joao was found by my host and was perfectly adapted: patient and encouraging! With natural he led me to the top and accompanied me in the descent that is suitable for sliders but that is not my area either. On arrival at the cottage my summary was "dead but happy to have done it".
Automatically translated
Written September 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Must Do Travels
World467 contributions
Mar 2019
Had an amazing trip, can't wait to go back with my friends.The mountain rises to an elevation of 688 m above mean sea level.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter T
Amsterdam, The Netherlands14 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
This is obviously the #1 thing to do in Fogo. We were staying in a hotel in Sao Filipe and were very lucky to find an excellent local guide (number below) the evening before we made this trip. It's a long walk after a taxi trip up the mountain, so he advised us to start early (6 AM). We did, and it was worth it. We spent a few hours climbing, first through the caldera and then up, and it was an incredible experience with fantastic views. We made it all the way to the top of the volcano; you definitely do not want to do this without a guide, in particular the last part. The descent through knee-deep gravel was spectacularly fast, and the giddiest thing we've done in years.
Tips:
- Do go early and avoid climbing in the hottest hours of the day.
- We paid € 80,- for taxi up + guide + taxi down; it was a good deal.
- Use sturdy shoes. I could throw away my crappy ones afterwards.
- I can recommend our guide. Nice guy, fluent in French, good in English.
Tips:
- Do go early and avoid climbing in the hottest hours of the day.
- We paid € 80,- for taxi up + guide + taxi down; it was a good deal.
- Use sturdy shoes. I could throw away my crappy ones afterwards.
- I can recommend our guide. Nice guy, fluent in French, good in English.
Written September 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenske87
1 contribution
Sep 2017 • Couples
We had a great time on Fogo. The Island is very beautiful, but the absolute highlite of our vacation was climbing Pico Do Fogo. We had the best guide one can imagine. Fabio, who grew up at Cha das Caldeiras, knows the vulcano from the inside out: every rock and every square inch. He told us a lot about his village, which was destroyed during the eruption in 2014, and what it was like to live there.
The climb is not easy, but Fabio will get you on top, adjusting his pace to whatever his clients need. (he himself runs up there in one hour (!!!)).
I can definetly recommend climbing Pico Do Fogo, it's absolutely worth the sweat. But do go with an experienced guide, and then Fabio is the best! (his contact details are in the picture I added.)
The climb is not easy, but Fabio will get you on top, adjusting his pace to whatever his clients need. (he himself runs up there in one hour (!!!)).
I can definetly recommend climbing Pico Do Fogo, it's absolutely worth the sweat. But do go with an experienced guide, and then Fabio is the best! (his contact details are in the picture I added.)
Written October 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MiaGlobetrotter
Paris, France1,011 contributions
Mar 2012 • Friends
I was with a French group and we had a local guide named Carlos. He was excellent, knowing exactly how to pace the group because otherwise we'd have been quite spread out. One must be in fairly good shape to do this climb, although it is quite accessible. the most important thing is to go at your own rhythm and take the time you need to catch your breath. Some areas are slippery and for every step you take you often take another half step backwards. This takes up extra energy. It took us just under 3.5 hours to reach the summit at 2800m, leaving from the village below which is at 1700m. Some may be able to do the climb much quicker. I was thankful we left at dawn in order to avoid the heat. We had a clear day with no clouds or fog whatsoever. Go equipped, bring water, food, a hat and sunscreen. The views from the summit are breathtaking. There is a bit of smoke visible and a slight smell of sulpher. Going back down the summit can be dangerous in the rocky section so take extra care. One member of our group took a very nasty spill and cut up her face, both arms and legs. Once on the black volcanic "sand" part you can let loose and tear down the mountain at full speed. This run back down is unforgettable and so rewarding after the climb up. But be prepared for the dust! Protect your cameras! Wearing long pants or gaiters can help otherwise your boots will be full of rocks and sand since you pretty much sink to your calves while running down. Fogo was the absolute highlight on this trip to Cabo Verde. If you love intense hiking don't miss the island of Santo Antao. Equally breathtaking!
Written March 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jose Maria Fernandez Gallego
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain36 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
I was atraccted to Fogo and specifically to the village of Cha for the recommendation of a voyageur not a mass tourist and it exceeded my wildest dreams.The spectacular volcanic landscape and the possibilities of trekking plus the magnificent conditions for stargazing and the warmth of the people made me feel at home since I arrived.Cha forms part of an untouched Natural Park,so DO NOT expect luxuries.But,don´t worry,you will be compensated for the silence and the beautiful surroundings!I was lodged in Pousada Pedra Bravo.Simple but lovely food and spartan but spotless accommodation.The manager,Mr. Mustafa,polyglot and helpful and his staff will make your stay a pleasant one.The recommended stay is 2-3 days.The main atracctions are the trekking to Pico Grande Volcano,a bit stressing and the much easyier Pico Pequeno Volcano.The Grande,wonderful panorama from the top of near 9.000 feet.The Pequeno ( last eruption lasted 21 days in 1995) is a wonder of incredible lava colours and a walk of 90 minutes from Cha. Don ´t ever go without a guide .Zucka is a well known one.And finally, for the lovers of stargazing a surprising piece of news : the latitude of Cha,15 grades North,will allow you to see most of the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.I had an unforgettable sight of the Southern Cross and "the Pointers".The weather is springtime type but don´t forget sturdy shoes or boots.You will be understood in English,French,Italian,Spanish,German and,of course,
Portuguese!
Last comment : Very good value for your money.
Portuguese!
Last comment : Very good value for your money.
Written May 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CalMac35
Dorset, UK467 contributions
Jul 2012 • Couples
We went on the TUI organised trip ftom Boa Vista,
Flew out and the pilot flew over some of the other islands then came in over Foco and gave us a bit of commentry.
We were met by guide and we drove into town were we had a bit of a sightseeing tour and then stopped for some coffee and breads
The bread was some of the best I have every tasted, anywhere.
We then re boarded bus and set off to the volcano, what a breath taking drive with some really wonderfull views.
\the driver stopped in lots of locations to allow everyone to take pictures & have a wee strech of the legs.
Amazing is all I can say when you reach into the crater itself, you really have to see it for yourself.
We had a lovely lunch, you will meet some lovely children, they will be selling some small trinkets that have been made from the lava well worth a few euros,
then some wine tasting,
Well worth taking a couple of bottles home.
Then back to the airport.
I have kept my review pretty brief as I really cannot emphsise what an excellent trip this is, you must do it.
Please take a couple of bags of sweets for the children, they will love you for it.
WORTH EVERY EURO and more just for the smiles from the children
Flew out and the pilot flew over some of the other islands then came in over Foco and gave us a bit of commentry.
We were met by guide and we drove into town were we had a bit of a sightseeing tour and then stopped for some coffee and breads
The bread was some of the best I have every tasted, anywhere.
We then re boarded bus and set off to the volcano, what a breath taking drive with some really wonderfull views.
\the driver stopped in lots of locations to allow everyone to take pictures & have a wee strech of the legs.
Amazing is all I can say when you reach into the crater itself, you really have to see it for yourself.
We had a lovely lunch, you will meet some lovely children, they will be selling some small trinkets that have been made from the lava well worth a few euros,
then some wine tasting,
Well worth taking a couple of bottles home.
Then back to the airport.
I have kept my review pretty brief as I really cannot emphsise what an excellent trip this is, you must do it.
Please take a couple of bags of sweets for the children, they will love you for it.
WORTH EVERY EURO and more just for the smiles from the children
Written June 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saronic
Zurich, Switzerland29,071 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
Our original plan had been to stay at Casa Marisa and go up the Pico do Fogo with a local guide. Due to a back injury of mine a few days earlier on São Vicente island we had to give up this idea. At least we still managed to do a 3 hours walk (at my slow pace) to the Pico Pequeno (the small peak) at the foot of the big Pico.
We left our taxi at the road somewhere in the middle of the Caldeira and walked towards the well visible Pico Pequeno, which came into being with the eruption of April 1995. Just about 100m away from its crater another eruption took place in November 2014.
The walk starts at about 1600m asl, ascends for a bit more than 300m and goes down again to 1600m at the village of Portela. There is no clear path, but visibility is good and one can see, where one has to go to. Walking is over rocks and sand, especially at the descent.
At the Pico Pequeno with great vistas over the Caldeira and the Bordeira (crater edge) in the back one can well see the two most recent lava flows: black the most recent one, brownish the a bit older one. Here also is visible the trail in soft volcanic sand coming down from the Pico do Fogo. Also at the Pico Pequeno are sulfur holes.
Especially on the descent from here one encounters various plants in man-made hollows like apples, tomatoes, corn, but especially vines, from which the excellent Fogo wines get produced. Some might have seen a similar technique of agriculture on the island of Lanzarote in the Canaries.
In the end we arrived at the village of Portela, where our taxi was waiting for us. Here it is most impressive to see how the lava flow of 2014 has destroyed all the houses and how the villagers have started to build new ones on top of still warm lava. This interesting and beautiful walk is best completed with a lunch by the top chef Marisa at the 'Casa Marisa'.
We left our taxi at the road somewhere in the middle of the Caldeira and walked towards the well visible Pico Pequeno, which came into being with the eruption of April 1995. Just about 100m away from its crater another eruption took place in November 2014.
The walk starts at about 1600m asl, ascends for a bit more than 300m and goes down again to 1600m at the village of Portela. There is no clear path, but visibility is good and one can see, where one has to go to. Walking is over rocks and sand, especially at the descent.
At the Pico Pequeno with great vistas over the Caldeira and the Bordeira (crater edge) in the back one can well see the two most recent lava flows: black the most recent one, brownish the a bit older one. Here also is visible the trail in soft volcanic sand coming down from the Pico do Fogo. Also at the Pico Pequeno are sulfur holes.
Especially on the descent from here one encounters various plants in man-made hollows like apples, tomatoes, corn, but especially vines, from which the excellent Fogo wines get produced. Some might have seen a similar technique of agriculture on the island of Lanzarote in the Canaries.
In the end we arrived at the village of Portela, where our taxi was waiting for us. Here it is most impressive to see how the lava flow of 2014 has destroyed all the houses and how the villagers have started to build new ones on top of still warm lava. This interesting and beautiful walk is best completed with a lunch by the top chef Marisa at the 'Casa Marisa'.
Written January 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeffrey l
Breda, The Netherlands
Hello,
I'm visiting Boa Vista in about 3 weeks, I want to visit Pico Do Fogo, but I can't seem to find a trip from Boa Vista to Pico Do Fogo and back. By any chance, can you guys help me?
I'm looking forward to your response.
Kind regards,
Jeffrey Lantinga
Written November 5, 2021
Que tipo de calzado aconsejais , y que guia recomendais para hacer la excursion hasta la cima?
Gracias
Written July 3, 2019
Bonjour,
Le guide doit-il être réservé avant ou il y en a au début de la randonnée ?
merci
Written January 16, 2019
Hoe boek je het beste een (dag)excursie naar Fogo vanaf Boa Vista?
Welke opties zijn er qua vervoer?
Wat is een richtlijn qua kosten voor 2 volwassenen ?
Written November 26, 2018
Hi,
We are thinking of climbing this in a couple of weeks, however I do have some vertigo issues, so would be keen to avoid the cable/rock face. Is it possible to avoid this, or would we have to negotiate this in order to do the descent?
Many thanks,
Eustache
Written November 13, 2018
Hello! Yes u can avoid this because as you get to the top you Will enjoy your view and the cable will be just to get to the highest point and if u dont want u dont need to pass this way so dont worry because u go down the same way . where you should do that the day you get to cha das Caldeira which is a 3 hour hike the most but i say about 2 hours if you good in hiking . So do that in the morning time start around 9 am and u can do this one without a guide just get a taxi in sao Felipe and the will show u the track and u should be good. And then go to( casa Ramiro) they have live music the wine and they are happy people u will love them and there they have cheap good rooms and you will find a guide there also to bring u to the top very nice guy doesn't speak to much English but am sure u will understand him .so u will go up the same way u come down and as u come down u have the fun part where u go down the black ash and jump up and down like a little kid! Hope this help a little !
Written November 14, 2018
Darf ich auch ohne Führer den Pico de Fogo besteigen? Z.B. wenn ich mir ein Leihauto nehme und auf eigene Faust zum Ausgangspunkt fahre und den Gipfel besteige?
Ist das irgendwie möglich?
Mfg Gertrude
Written September 25, 2018
Mit dem Leihwagen zum Ausgangspunkt zu fahren ist kein Problem. Ohne Führer loszulaufen ist nicht gestattet und für verantwortungsbewusste Menschen auch nicht zu empfehlen. Auf- und Abstieg sind anspruchsvoll. Zudem sollte man um 6 Uhr morgens starten. In Afrika wird's tagsüber warm...
Written September 30, 2018
How to reach pico de fofogo? There are 1 day trips from boa vista?
Written March 27, 2018
gostaria de saber como faço para encontrar o guia Fábio indicado aqui? alguém pode me passar o número. Também queria dividir o translado ao Povo pois estou sozinha. seria para agora, dia 23 de Fevereiro. obrigada
Written February 18, 2018
I would like to know more about hotels and prices for the hikes for Pico Do Fogo and if there will be any guided hikes up on Christmas day when my friend and I will be there? We would like to stay at Caldeiras the night before the hike and were also wondering how long/how much it would take to get there from Sao Filipe.
Thank you for your assistance!
Written December 9, 2017
Hi everyone,
My friend and I are thinking of doing the Volcano hike on the 25th of December. I was just wondering if anyone has any contact information for local guides? I saw on TripAdvisor that some people went with Fabio and Rosy? We just want to know 1. If there will be guides taking people up on Christmas day.
Any emails that anyone might have of local guides for this hike would be greatly appreciated!
Best,
Aly
Written December 9, 2017
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