On our first night sleeping in the caldera of Pico do Fogo, a meteor shower exploded across the sky. After realizing that we were not in fact under rocket attack, we basked in awe.
It was as if we were wearing 3D glasses and the universe obliged with the only show that could top the immaculate clarity of the stars themselves. Jose, the owner of the lodge where we were staying, shrieked with joy, running in circles in the pitch black night.
A meteor shower is fitting on Fogo, an island whose extraterrestrial terrain will have you wondering if the trip from Santiago was actually interplanetary. Of course, if you have spent time around active volcanoes, the landscape may be somewhat familiar.
What’s unique about Fogo, though, is the pairing of this otherworldly environment with the panoramic joie de vivre of Cape Verde. As with other tropical lusophone countries, there is a liveliness to Cape Verde that few places can match. Caipirinhas, the frenzied funana music, the lively gatherings on every street.
Let me stop myself there, lest I end up writing an entire piece on street bar culture. You came here to learn about climbing a volcano.
Pico de Fogo
The volcano on Fogo is located on the northeast side of the island, in the middle of the island’s national park.
It is 2,829 meters (9,281 feet) above sea level, with approximately 1000 meters of vertical climb for those who want to reach the summit.
As we mention on the page for our tour to Cape Verde:
Summiting Pico de Fogo is challenging to say the least. There are steep passages on both the ascent and descent, loose rock, and about one kilometer of vertical climb.
It is not easy by any means, but if you are in decent physical shape and don’t have a debilitating fear of heights, it’s not to be missed. Climbing above the clouds on an active volcano and reaching the summit, with its piercing views of the azure surrounding ocean, is something you will never forget.
How to Climb The Volcano
You need to be in good physical shape, but you also need a local guide. We recommend Jose Doce. Jose and his brothers are excellent guides and they have a lodge at the base of the volcano that is worth visiting in its own right.
Jose’s Phone # and WhatsApp: +238 975 08 14
In addition to a local guide, you need:
- sturdy hiking boats
- a jacket to wear in the early morning hours of the hike
- trekking poles (not necessary but certainly won’t hurt)
- snacks and water (we recommend at least 1.5 liters, but your guide can advise you further)
A good itinerary for Pico do Fogo: arrive at Jose’s place in the afternoon or early evening. Relax with a beverage and the perfect view of the volcano before having a communal dinner. The following morning, early, summit Pico. Return back to the lodge around 1 or 2 in the afternoon, depending on what time you set out. Have a hearty lunch, rest and relax.
If you can manage the early rise, we recommend starting your trek at 3:30 in the morning. This allows you to see sunrise from the summit, which is spectacular. You can certainly leave later and have an incredible trekking experience, but it’s hard to say it will equal the summit sunrise.
How Much Does it Cost to Climb Pico Do Fogo?
If you stay at Jose’s place, you can expect to pay the following:
- A room with private bathroom is 2000 escudos (about 20 euro)
- The price of the guide for the trek is 6000 escudos (about 60 euro). So you can split this amongst a group and get a better rate
- A transfer to São Felipe is 6000 escudos (for up to 4 people)
For transfers you can also contact the Zebra Travel Agency in São Felipe (phone +238 281 33 73). They can also organize island tours before taking you out to Jose’s place for the trek.
What else is there to do around Pico do Fogo?
If the summit is too daunting, there is a smaller peak to climb that is not particularly steep and about a third of the vertical climb.
You can also talk to Jose about visiting the lava tubes and checking out the village. There is not much happening in the caldera, the unique way of life is fascinating and worth exploring.
When is the Best Time of Year to Climb Fogo
You can climb Pico do Fogo year round, but most people do it between November and June. We have done the hike in both May and October and the weather was perfect. Cape Verde does not have the same intense rainy season that you find throughout tropical West Africa.
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