Santa Catarina do Fogo covers the south-east and centre of Fogo, from the town of Cova Figueira up to the great caldera. Inside it lies Chã das Caldeiras, a plain of black lava and ash at about 1,700 metres, below the cone of Pico do Fogo. Its villages, Portela and Bangaeira, are the highest in Cabo Verde. Families here grow grapes in the volcanic soil and make wine, a tradition that began with vines a French count brought in the nineteenth century. The eruption of November 2014 sent lava through both villages, and people have been rebuilding their homes and vineyards ever since.
Climbing Pico do Fogo
The climb to the summit of Pico do Fogo, at 2,829 metres, is Cabo Verde's biggest hike. Guides leave Chã das Caldeiras before dawn and climb more than 1,000 metres of loose ash and rock to the summit rim. On a clear day you can see across to Brava from the top. Coming down is quick and a lot of fun, as you run and slide down a long slope of fine ash. Easier walks circle Pico Pequeno, the smaller cone near where the 2014 eruption broke out, or follow the foot of the Bordeira, the caldera's sheer outer wall.
Booking on adventuro
Sleeping in Chã das Caldeiras lets you start the climb before sunrise. It's a winding drive up from São Filipe, and the long walk down to Mosteiros makes a fine way to leave. Use the Book here tab to see live dates for guided climbs of Pico do Fogo.
