For this sixth destination of Exaequo Voyages, we take you to discover this “small country” independent since 1975, with various influences, at the crossroads of Europe, South America and Africa: Cape Verde. Ten islands make up this archipelago, each offering a different but always authentic journey.

The Cabo Verde Ribeira Trail makes you discover two raw and wild islands of Cape Verde: São Vicente and especially Santo Antão. This trail drawn between oceans and mountains immerses you in the most beautiful panoramas of the island with an impression of being at the end of the world. From the wild beauty of the landscapes to the discovery of the festive and musical universe of the Cape Verdeans, there is only one step. The Cape Verdeans display their smile and their joie de vivre and share their love for their country with us. A demanding trail of 5 stages, with routes offering beautiful positive and negative elevations. Two distances are proposed to you with a short distance necessarily more accessible:

• A short distance of 55 KMS 3800D+ 4700D-
• A long distance – 96KMS 6000D+ 8400D-

Arriving through Sao Pedro airport, we reach the capital of the island of Sao Vicente, Mindelo. A city that became known by the famous singer, Cesaria Evora, the woman from the port who became the “Barefoot Diva” who revealed the beauties of her archipelago to the eyes of the world. A bubbling city where we will stay several nights (two nights at the start of the stay and one night at the end of the stay).

Participants will be officially expected from Saturday 25 November at the airport.

Saturday and Sunday will be devoted to acclimatization, relaxation and various visits to the island to acclimatize and immerse yourself gently in Cape Verdean culture.

The next morning, the start of the trail will be given on this same island with a rather rolling first route. In total, 19KMS for the long distance and 10kms for the short distance. This stage 1 of Sao Vicente offers a first glimpse of the requirement of the routes but also of its riches with a route drawn between oases, villages and the seaside. You will have to work in the last meters to reach the Viana volcano before reach our point of arrival. After lunch in the small fishing village of Calhau, we will take the ferry to reach the island opposite, Santo Antao. One hour of crossing, to then discover Porto Novo and enjoy its hotel with swimming pool, located on the beach.

The 2nd stage, named Bordeira de Norte, is a volcanic plateau in the western part of the island, dry and arid. In total 18KMS or 10KMS. The first part offers trails between volcanoes, canyons and small cottages. After a technical descent, the second part of the route is a dizzying path between the mountains that offers breathtaking views of the island. A first feeling of the end of the world! A nice descent to finish and join the buses that will take us to our place of lunch. A sublime setting in the middle of the mountains where you can swim in a natural pool. We will then be back in Porto Novo for the evening and dinner.

The 3rd stage, the Vale de Paul, a mythical and unmissable stage with this lush valley contrasting with the arid landscapes seen the day before. It is the most complicated stage for the short distance 10KMS. Participants will alternate between walking and jogging between the many climbs and descents. Immersed in the heart of this valley, you will be carried away by the beauty of these landscapes between agricultural fields, villages and the smiles of the locals who will greet you as you pass. On the long distance, 20KMS, the participants will also have the opportunity to discover this valley but before they will have to make a loop around the cova de Paul, the island’s famous volcano. Greener and wetter landscapes, where it will be necessary to cover more, because it is not rare that in this denser vegetation, the clouds stagnate and remain clinging to the mountains, even offering you a few droplets of water retained by the trees. The junction to reach the valley will be at the cost of a demanding descent of more than 2kms in the mythical stairs characteristic of the paths of Cape Verde. A stage rich in points of view and encounters. The peasants knew how to tame this land and turn it into a green setting where scarce water is a precious and shared commodity. On the trail, you will also come across the locals who use it every day and if you listen carefully, you will even hear the many honks of the fishermen who warn the population of the arrival of fresh fish. A wonderful immersion in this valley which, without a doubt, will be a highlight of the stay.

Arrivals will be done slowly and lunch will be around Paul. An opportunity to discover the city before joining the charming holiday village where we will stay for two nights, Pedracin. Perched in the middle of the mountains, this complex offers all the necessary comfort with a swimming pool with a view of the mountains. The end of the afternoon will be devoted to rest (optional massages). Depending on the level of fatigue of each, we can stroll through the alleys of the city of Ponta do Sol, before eating in one of the restaurants in the city. A view of the ocean, Cape Verdean music to crown this beautiful day. Ponta Do Sol which will be the place of our final arrival of our trail.

The 4th stage around Cha de Pedras, is traced in what we could call the balconies of Ribeira Grande. The short distance will be easier than the day before with 9KMS while the long distance will be the most demanding stage with a course of 17KMS. This stage will once again be an immersion in this jagged valley with breathtaking views. After a last path along the irrigation canals, the arrival of the stage will be close to Ribeira Grande where we will have lunch before discovering this city.

Final stage of the Cabo Verde Ribeira Trail, you will have to overcome this stage 5 of Ponta do Sol to be the finisher of this beautiful immersion in Cape Verdean land: 22.5KMS or 15KMS depending on your choice. A demanding coastal path that goes up and down constantly but with breathtaking views of the ocean and the villages of Corvo and Fontainhas, two colorful villages perched in the middle of the mountains. A breathtaking stage! For the long distance, you will still have to be on your entry legs because a demanding climb awaits you for the first three kilometers before starting a descent with the ocean in your sights. An arrival by the sea to celebrate the end of the race. Once the step is complete, we will resume the direction of Mindelo passing by the rope route offering us the last panoramas of Santo Antão. In Mindelo, a festive closing evening in the Cape Verdean tradition will come to close a beautiful intense week of efforts and sharing.

Back in our departure hotel, a musical evening will be offered to you before enjoying the next day freely Mindelo before taking the plane to your home.

Please note that participants have the option of arriving in advance or extending their stay, by one or more days, but this extension of stay will be at their expense.

Participants are mainly expected at the airport on Saturday 25th November.

However, if it is impossible to book a flight on Saturday November 25, the organization will also welcome participants from Thursday November 23 and will offer an accommodation solution, at the participant’s expense. 

The program is likely to evolve at the margin according to flight schedules or other hazards.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25

• Transfer to the hotel
• Acclimatization jogging / Relax
• Briefing of the week and meal in Mindelo
• Night in Mindelo – Hotel Porto Grande

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26 – Acclimatization day in Mindelo (Sao Vicente Island)

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Discovery of Mindelo / Wake-up jogging / Relax
• Lunch by the sea
• Discovery of the island of Sao Vicente
• Meals and night at the hotel in Mindelo – Hotel Porto Grande

MONDAY NOVEMBER 27 – Stage 1

• Breakfast at the hotel
• 8h/11h: Race – estimated time of the last: long distance 3h / short distance 1h45
• Stage 1 – Sao Vicente: Long 19KM – 306D+ ​​and 685D- // Short 10KM – 154D+ and 240D-
• Lunch at the restaurant in Calhau
• 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.: Transfer by boat to the island of SANTO ANTAO
• Arrival on the island of Santo Antao
• Idleness / free visit to Porto Novo
• Briefing / meal at the hotel in Porto Novo
• Night at the hotel in Santo Antao Art Resort 4*

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 28 – STAGE 2

• breakfast at the hotel
• 9:30 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.: Race – estimated time of the last: long distance 3:30 / short distance 2:30
• Stage 2 – Santo Antao Island – Bordeira de Norte: Long 18kms – 894D+ and 1384D- // Short 10kms – 652D+ and 1154D-
• Lunch at the restaurant near the stage finish
• Free time in Porto Novo
• Briefing / Meals at the hotel or restaurant outside
• Night at the hotel in Santo Antao Art Resort 4*

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29 – STAGE 3

• breakfast at the hotel
• 8:30 a.m./1:00 p.m.: Race – estimated time of the last: long distance 4:30 / short distance 3:30
• Stage 3 – Santo Antao Island – Vale de Paul: Long 20kms – 1056D+ and 2292D- // Short 10kms – 774D+ 1005D-
• Lunch in Paul’s town or at Hotel Pedracin
• Afternoon: rest at the Hotel Pedracin / massages
• Stroll and meal possible in Ponta Do Sol or at the Pedracin hotel
• Night at the hotel Pedracin

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30 – STAGE 4

• Breakfast at the hotel
• 8am/12.30pm: Race – estimated time of the last: long distance 4h30 / short distance 2h30
• Stage 4 – Santo Antao Island – Cha de Pedras: Long 17km – 1704D+ and 1726D- // Short: 9km – 592D+ and 627D-
• Lunch at the finish of the stage
• Visit from Ribeira Grande
• Showers and rest at the hotel
• Stroll and meal possible in Ponta Do Sol or at the Pedracin hotel
• Night at the hotel Pedracin

FRIDAY DECEMBER 1 – STAGE 5

• breakfast at the hotel
• 7:30 a.m./12:00 p.m.: Race – estimated time of the last: long distance 4:30 / short distance 3:30
• Stage 5 – Santo Antao Island – Ponta do Sol coastal path: Long 22.5kms – 2039D+ and 2293D- // Short 15kms – 1617D+ and 1664D-
• Arrival and lunch in Ponta Do Sol
• Visit or free time in Ponta Do Sol
• Transfer via the rope route to Porto Novo
• 5 p.m.: Ferry to Mindelo
• Festive closing evening in Mindelo (musical evening)
• Night at the hotel in Mindelo – Hotel Porto Grande

SATURDAY 2 DECEMBER

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Self-guided tour of Mindelo – Free lunch
• Transfer to the airport

Note that participants have the possibility of extending their stay, by one or more days, but the rest of the trip will be at their own expense. 

The «Cabo Verde Ribeira Trail», it is obviously a running stay above all. But it is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Cape Verdean culture through organized tours and free time.

FREE TIMES :

Main city of the island of Sao Vicente, Mindelo is particularly known for being the birthplace of the singer Cesaria Evora. Famous for its musical events including the carnival, this city will enchant you with its festive atmosphere, its colorful alleys and its houses with colonial architecture. 

In Mindelo, on the first and last day, you can stroll through Praça Nova, along Avenida Marginal, on Laginha beach or through the various markets, museums and points of interest.

During free time on the island of Sao Vicente you will discover small villages like Calhau, while on the island of Santo Antao you can visit the towns of Ribeira Grande, Paul.

You will also have time to stroll in the towns of Porto Novo where you will stay for two nights, or in Ponta Do Sol.

Because Cape Verde is also about music, several musical evenings will be organized both in Mindelo and at our lunch and dinner places. You will have the opportunity to discover the music groups that also play in the street.

ORGANISED VISITS :

For rum lovers, we will organize a visit to a distillery to observe the production of rum with sugar cane (to be confirmed).

AIR TRAVEL

The organization will not manage your air travel and your adventure will officially begin once you arrive in Sao Pedro, at Caesaria-Evora International Airport where you will be welcomed. The airline TAP Portugal does not allow group booking and that is why, exceptionally on this stay, we will let you book it by yourself.

As the Air Flight Paris / Sao Vicente Island (Césaria Evora International Airport) is not included in the registration, it is the responsibility of each participant to ensure the availability of flights before proceeding with their registration for Cabo Verde Ribeira Trail. Participants are expected at the airport on Saturday, November 25. However, if it is impossible to book a flight on Saturday, November 25, the organization will also welcome participants from Thursday, November 23 and will offer an accommodation solution, at the expense of the participant.

The adventure will officially end on Sunday, December 2, a shuttle will be made available to participants to make the transfer between the hotel and Caesaria-Evora International Airport. Note that participants have the possibility to extend their stay, by one or more days, but the rest of the trip will be at their expense.

The flights scheduled for Saturday, November 25 intended for the moment an arrival at Sao Pedro airport (Sao Vicente island) for 12:40 p.m. (departing from Paris at 6:40 a.m.).

ORGANIZATION OF THE RACE

The marking of the courses will be carried out the day before the races with a biodegradable ground bomb and/or biodegradable ribbons attached in the vegetation. 3 to 4 staff members will also be positioned in the race, especially in the lead and at the back, to guide the participants and ensure the safety of the group. A map of the route will be given to you as well as the GPX tracks on an application allowing you to guide you in case of problem.

A simple intermediate refueling (fruit and water bottles) will be set up over the long distance. In addition, a supply of water and fruit (dry and fresh) will be installed on the finish line. Participants must come with water bottles (attached to belts) or camelbacks that they must fill with water at the start of the races. It is also advisable to leave with gels and / or energy bars.

A medical staff with a doctor and guides trained in first aid gestures will accompany you.

A supply of water and fruit (dry and fresh) will be installed on the finish line. Participants will also have the opportunity to fill their running backpack with water at the start of the races.

ACCOMMODATION

You will stay in 3 or 4 star hotels, equipped with a swimming pool and located in beautiful settings:

• 3 nights at the Oasis Porto Grande hotel**** in Mindelo, depending on the date of your arrival. Right in the centre of the city, this modern hotel with a swimming pool is located very close to Laginha’s main beach.
• 2 nights at Santo Antao Art Resort**** in Porto Novo. A 2-storey building decorated by Cape Verdean artists and craftsmen offers rooms with modern comforts. This one is located at the foot of a volcanic beach.
• 2 nights in Pedracin Village***. Surrounded by green valleys, and in the middle of the mountains, Pedracin Village is inserted in an agricultural property located in Boca de Coruja. This eco-tourist complex consists of thatched basalt stone houses, built respecting the local architecture. A swimming pool offers a splendid view of the mountains. A haven of peace in a beautiful environment.

All these hotels offer all the necessary comforts. Nevertheless, located in an area where water is a scarce commodity, it is possible that the showers are not the hottest or the most abundant.

RESTORATION

All breakfasts and some dinners will be taken at the hotel.
The catering, between “local flavors and specialties” and “cuisine adapted to the practice of effort”, will be prepared by the hotels. Some meals will be taken outside, especially in restaurants. Do not worry about this side, you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of Cape Verdean cuisine and the freshness of their products.

Drinks (except water) are not included in meals and are therefore extra. Four liters of water will be provided per day during the race events and can be used during these meals.

VISA AND PASSPORT

When you enter Cape Verde, your passport must still be valid for a minimum of 6 months.

French nationals travelling to Cape Verde for a tourist reason are exempt from visa requirements if the duration of their stay does not exceed 30 days.

However, you will have to submit, preferably at least five days before its arrival on Cape Verdean territory, to a prior pre-registration formality on the government platform dedicated www.ease.gov.cv
When completing this procedure, you will have to pay an airport security fee of approximately 3,400 escudos (30.83 euros). The presentation of this proof of payment of this tax will be required upon arrival at the airport.

VACCINES AND MEDICAL RECOMMENDATIONS

No vaccine is compulsory. However, any traveler passing through Senegal or Brazil must be vaccinated against yellow fever and have an up-to-date international vaccination card.

Make sure you are up to date with your usual vaccinations.

MONEY

The local currency is the Cape Verdean Escudo (1€ = 110 CVE in March 2022). Exchange offices and ATMs are located at the airport and in most towns. Plan to withdraw a sum of €100 to €200 in CVE which will allow you to pay for your consumption in hotels and your small purchases on site (souvenirs, etc.).

COMMUNICATING FROM CAPE VERDE

All the hotels in which we are going to stay will have free wifi access.

To be called from France, your family and friends will have to dial 00238 and then your mobile number without 0.

TIPS / PHYSICAL PREPARATION FOR TRAIL RUNNING

This trail is demanding in terms of altitude difference and types of surfaces borrowed (sand, rockeries …). In line with the Exaequo Voyages trails, it is nevertheless accessible over the short distance, even if it remains a beautiful sporting objective, with a total of 55 KMS for 2500D+ and 3000D- (in 5 stages). Everyone will go at their own pace but here are some useful tips for everyone:

• Equip yourself with good trail shoes sturdy enough with good crampons
• For those who wish, sticks are allowed
• More than the climbs where everyone will walk at their own speed, the descents are a real specific trail exercise and work muscles that runners on foot on the flat are less used to soliciting. In order to avoid too many aches, we advise you to practice on similar terrain with some downhill and uphill exercises.

The long distance is more for more regular runners with 96KMS for 4000D+ and 6000D-. However, you can register for the long distance and change during the week if you wish.

CLOTHING / ACCESSORIES

In addition to your running equipment, you can plan:

• Cap/hat
• Shorts and T-shirts
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen
• Long-sleeved clothing / Jacket / pants to wear in the evening
• Light running jacket to wear on some stages due to the altitude and freshness of some peaks. (at the top of the volcano of Paul’s stage for example)
• A pair of closed shoes and a pair of open shoes
• A pair of sunglasses (effective)
• Your toiletry bag and a bath towel
• An external battery to charge your phone if needed
• No need to provide an adapter (the sockets are to the French standard)

Reminder / Imperative: all participants in the race must provide a 1.5l camelbak type water bag or a hydro belt (with water bottles). Even if the organization has a medical service, you can provide a first aid kit (antibiotic, aspirin, dressing, disinfectant / healing spray for small bobos …).

The total number of participants in 2023 is limited to 40 competitors. Registration will be open from March 17 to September 30, 2023 inclusive.

The individual price (excluding flight) is set at 1850 euros for the entire period.
Participants will also have to pay registration fees and online payment amounting to 1.5% of the total cost of the stay, ie 27.75 euros.

The Exaequo Communication agency is registered in the register of travel and holiday operators (registration number: IM014180001).

DISCOUNT AND GROUP PRICE

You can benefit from a group discount:

• 5% from 5 people (excluding online payment fees)
• 10% from 10 people (excluding online payment fees)

The registration fee is the same for accompanying persons who will benefit from almost all of the services listed below. As a reminder, accompanying persons are authorized to walk on the short version.

Note that any participant who has already traveled with Exaequo Voyages to at least one of our other destinations also benefits from a 5% discount as well as an additional 5% discount in the event of sponsorship of a new participant (excluding online payment). These discounts cannot be combined with the group discount.

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS (according to article 5 of the General Conditions of Sale)

Reservation cancellations and refund requests must be made by registered letter to: Exaequo Communication – 85, rue de l’avenir, 14790 VERSON

THE REIMBURSEMENT SCALES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• 100€ will be retained for application fees in the event of withdrawal before August 31 at midnight.
• 10% of the total rights will be retained in the event of withdrawal  between September 1 and midnight September 30.
• 30% of the total rights will be retained in the event of withdrawal between October 1 and October 31 at midnight.
• After the date of November 1st at midnight, no refund request will be accepted.

As the air flight Paris / Sao Vicente Island (Césaria Evora international airport) is not included in the registration, it is the responsibility of each participant to ensure the availability of flights before proceeding with their registration in Cabo. Verde Ribeira Trail. Participants are mainly expected at the airport on Saturday 26 November. However, if it is impossible to book a flight on Saturday November 26, the organization will also welcome participants from Thursday November 24 and will offer an accommodation solution, at the participant’s expense.

The total number of participants being limited, the organization will retain the files according to the places available and only the applications whose administrative file will be complete before September 30, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.

REGISTRATION INCLUDES

• The shuttle between the airport and your hotel on Saturday 26 (or Thursday 24 in case of early arrival)
• Daily shuttles by bus to transport participants to hotels, departure points and ensure returns to hotels as well as for grouped and organized tourist excursions
• 3* or 4* hotels in twin or double rooms (eight nights during the event)
• Catering for the whole stay, including water. (4 liters of water will be provided to you per day for running and meals)
• Supplies (water, fruit, etc.) for the events
• Medical assistance during the race and the stay
• A bib
• The medal for all competitors
• A technical T-shirt in the colors of the event for all competitors
• Technical support for the organization of the race, tourist activities and the solidarity program
• Tourist activities to visit villages and a possible distillery

REGISTRATION DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Return flight to Césaria Evora international airport with airport tax
• A free lunch (the last day in Mindelo)
• Any overnight stays and additional meals for arrivals from Thursday
• The possible overnight stay and additional meals within the framework of a deferred return on Sunday

As the air flight Paris / Sao Vicente Island (Césaria Evora international airport) is not included in the registration, it is the responsibility of each participant to ensure the availability of flights before proceeding with their registration in Cabo. Verde Ribeira Trail. Participants are mainly expected at the airport on Saturday 26 November. However, if it is impossible to book a flight on Saturday November 26, the organization will also welcome participants from Thursday November 24 and will offer an accommodation solution, at the participant’s expense.
The total number of participants being limited, the organization will retain the files according to the places available and only the applications whose administrative file will be complete before September 30, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.

YOU WILL HAVE THE CHOICE BETWEEN PAYING THE FULL REGISTRATION OR PAYING IN TWICE BY SECURE ONLINE PAYMENT, BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 2022

• 1st transfer / deposit of 527.75 euros including 27.75 euros for administration fees, collected at the time of registration.
• 2nd transfer / balance of 1350 euros to be made before October 31, 2022.

A confirmation email will be sent to you by the organization as well as by your bank to confirm your registration and inform you of the debit on your account.

ELEMENTS TO SEND TO THE ORGANIZATION TO VALIDATE YOUR REGISTRATION

• Photocopy of the valid passport (Duration of validity of 6 months upon expiry of the entry visa).
• 1 passport or portrait photo (scan of a passport photo, photo by mobile phone, etc.).
• The medical certificate dating from less than one year before the date of the event at the latest (optional if walker or guide) of no contraindication to sports practice in competition (compulsory mention); or competition sports license.
• Your certificate of repatriation insurance which is compulsory and dated less than a year.
• You have until September 30, 2022 at 12 noon to upload your supporting documents to the platform.

To consult the T&Cs and the rules: click here.