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Ribeira Grande to Chã de Igreja is a 6-hour valley day on Santo Antão, with the riverbed, a working aqueduct and a picnic above both valleys on the same line. Hotel pickup and drop-off keep you on the trail instead of in a hire car. Cobbles finish the walk on the promontory.
The riverbed at Vila de Ribeira Grande is the start, passing scattered houses, banana plantations and a large windmill that still helps residents collect water. After about an hour you reach Coculi and the parish church of Santo Crucifixo, then the meeting of two ribeiras. A 1956 Portuguese aqueduct still carries water through the cane here, and commentary on local plants and animals runs as you walk. Hiking shoes with grip matter once you leave the plots.
Boca das Ambas Ribeiras, the mouth of both valleys, is where the included picnic looks down on the valley floor before the cobbles. From there a zigzag cobbled path leads to Selado do Mocho, Ribeira Garça and the promontory at Chã de Igreja. Shade is scarce on that last climb, so a hat earns its place. Drop-off is at your hotel when the promontory visit ends.
Vila de Ribeira Grande is where a riverbed, banana plots and a working windmill show how the valley still draws water. The first hour stays among houses and farms before Coculi's church comes into view. Two ribeiras meet here, which is why the next hamlet is called Boca das Ambas Ribeiras.
The 1956 aqueduct is a slender Portuguese structure that still carries water through the cane. From the picnic you look far down to the valley floor, then a cobbled zigzag leads toward Selado do Mocho, Ribeira Garça and Chã de Igreja on its promontory. Hotel pickup means you start on the riverbed rather than arranging a taxi between these hamlets.
Adults from 16 to 99 are the usual booking band on shared and private rates at checkout, because this hike is challenging and lasts about six hours. You should be used to cobbles, some height and a full morning plus afternoon on your feet. Groups can include up to 15 walkers.
Hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water are required. The picnic is included, so you do not need a full packed lunch. Shared and private tour rates are both available when you book.
Guides from this valley know the windmill, the church at Coculi and the aqueduct that still works seven decades after it was built. Share your hotel when you book so collection and return after the promontory stay simple, keeping the day on the trail instead of in a hire car on mountain roads.
Everyday water systems, a high picnic and a finish on the Chã de Igreja promontory sit on one line. The picnic at Boca das Ambas Ribeiras is timed so you eat with the valley below you, then continue on the cobbles while you still have energy.
The walk begins on the riverbed at Vila de Ribeira Grande. Hotel pickup is included, so we collect you from your accommodation and take you to that start among houses, banana plots and the large windmill.
The finish is the promontory at Chã de Igreja. A drop-off then returns you to your hotel. Name your stay when you book so both transfers can be planned.
This is a challenging valley day and lasts about six hours. You spend the first hour on the riverbed, then climb toward the picnic at Boca das Ambas Ribeiras and follow a zigzag cobbled path to Selado do Mocho and Ribeira Garça.
Cobbles and height make this a proper mountain-valley day rather than a flat town walk. Hiking shoes with grip are essential, especially if overnight rain has left the stones slick.
About half an hour after the aqueduct you reach Boca das Ambas Ribeiras, the mouth of both valleys, and eat a picnic with a steep view down to the valley floor. That stop is included in the day.
It is a trail picnic, not a restaurant sitting, so bring any extra snacks you like. We continue on the cobbles afterward, so eat enough to fuel the climb toward Chã de Igreja.
Yes. After about an hour you arrive in Coculi and pass the prominent parish church of Santo Crucifixo. From there you reach the second Ribeira Grande at the mouth of two ribeiras and walk through sugarcane toward the 1956 aqueduct.
Your guide also talks about local plants and animals along this stretch. The church is a waypoint on the walk, not a long indoor tour.
It is a slender aqueduct built by the Portuguese in 1956 that still carries water today. You walk through the cane to reach it after Coculi, and your guide explains how the valley still uses it.
Together with the riverbed windmill, it shows how Ribeira Grande has managed water for decades. Stay on the path and do not climb the structure.
Shared and private rates at checkout are labelled for guests aged 16 to 99, so treat that as the usual booking band. The day is challenging, with cobbles and height, so it suits regular walkers who are happy on their feet for about six hours.
Write to us if your group includes younger guests and you want an honest view of the riverbed, the picnic climb and the zigzag to Chã de Igreja. Shoes with grip help on damp stones.
Groups run from one guest to a maximum of 15. You can book a shared group tour or a private tour. The larger cap means busy dates can feel sociable on the riverbed.
If you want fewer people at the picnic ledge, look at the private rate. The calendar shows remaining places for your morning.
Hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water are the essentials. The picnic is included, so you do not need a full packed lunch. Extra water is still wise on a six-hour valley day.
A light layer helps if cloud sits in the ribeiras. Leave large luggage at the hotel. We collect you and return you after Chã de Igreja.
The last stretch gives you a first look at Chã de Igreja, time to meet people in the village, and a finish on the promontory. From there we transfer you back to your accommodation.
Flights and the ferry or flight onto Santo Antão are not included. Once you are checked in on the island, we handle the day's road transfers.
Cancellations 2 days or less before this valley day carry a 100% fee. Cancel 6 days or less before and the fee is 50%. Cancel up to 1000 days before the event and the fee is 0%.
Keep your hotel name current so the riverbed start still lines up, and write to us as soon as you need to move the date.
About the centre
Ribeira Grande
We run guided outdoor adventures across the Cape Verde archipelago, from volcanic ridge walks and valley hikes to boat trips, snorkelling, and off-road tours on sand and lava trails. Local guides lead each trip with knowledge of island paths, Atlantic conditions, and the rhythms of each community you visit.
Whether you join a morning snorkel, a full-day hike on Santo Antão, or an off-road run to a shipwreck on Boa Vista, you get small-group attention and a clear briefing before you set out. Book the dates and islands that fit your trip, and we keep you informed about meeting times and what to bring.
Operated by Bu Country Turismo SU, Lda, a partner of adventuro.
