Pico Cão Grande and Southern Beaches Tour in São Tomé
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Full day (about 8 hours)
A full day in the south of São Tomé: Pico Cão Grande viewpoints, optional trail to its base, Boca do Inferno, Roça Água Izé and Praia Piscina.
The trip
On this Pico Cão Grande tour you see the most famous image of São Tomé and Príncipe up close: a 663-metre needle of volcanic rock rising out of the rainforest. You drive down the east coast to the south, stop at the best Cão Grande viewpoints and, if you like, walk the forest trail to its base.
Along the way you visit Roça Água Izé, watch the sea burst through the Boca do Inferno and end the day at Praia Piscina, a natural pool in volcanic rock.
Book now, pay later: send your request with the date and number of people, we confirm availability and only then send you the payment details.
Itinerary
Day by day
- 1Pico Cão GrandeDay 1 · Nature
- 2Boca do InfernoDay 1 · Nature
- 3Praia PiscinaDay 1 · Beach
- 4Roça Água IzéDay 1 · Plantation (roça)
- 5Cascata da Ribeira PeixeDay 1 · Nature
- 6São João dos AngolaresDay 1 · Town
Day 1
Pico Cão Grande, Boca do Inferno and Praia Piscina
Day 1
Pico Cão Grande, Boca do Inferno and Praia Piscina
07:30 · Pick-up at your accommodation. We head south along the east coast road.
08:15 · Roça Água Izé. One of the oldest and most important plantations on the island, where cocoa was first planted on a large scale.
09:00 · Boca do Inferno. The sea rushes into a lava cave and shoots out in jets of water. Photo stop.
10:30 · Pico Cão Grande viewpoints. Stop at the roadside viewpoints near Ribeira Peixe, with the classic view of the peak.
11:00 · Trail to the base (optional). Guided walk of about 2 hours (return) through forest and plantations to the base of Cão Grande. Those who prefer not to walk can relax at the beach.
13:30 · Lunch at Roça São João dos Angolares. Tasting lunch prepared by chef João Carlos Silva, the face of the TV series Na Roça com os Tachos (included, without drinks).
15:00 · Praia Piscina. A swim in the natural rock pool by the sea.
17:00 · Arrival at your accommodation.
What's included
- Accredited local guide (Portuguese-speaking)
- Transport in a 4x4 vehicle with driver
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in the São Tomé city area
- Water during the excursion
- Third-party liability insurance
- Guide for the trail to the base of Pico Cão Grande
- Tasting lunch by chef João Carlos Silva, from the TV series «Na Roça com os Tachos», at Roça São João dos Angolares (without drinks)
What's not included
- Community fees for access to beaches and trails, where applicable
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
- Anything not listed as included
Pico Cão Grande
Cão Grande is a volcanic plug, what remains of an ancient volcano's chimney after erosion removed the rock around it. It rises about 300 metres above the forest of Obô Natural Park and its summit stands at 663 metres. Climbing to the top is for mountaineers only, but the viewpoints and the trail to the base are within reach of anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
Viewpoint or trail to the base?
- Viewpoint: the best-known view is from the road, with no walking.
- Trail to the base: about 2 hours return on dirt paths through humid forest, muddy in the rainy season. Moderate level.
What else to see in the south of São Tomé
- Roça Água Izé: a large historic plantation on the east coast.
- Boca do Inferno: a blowhole where the sea meets volcanic rock near Água Izé.
- Praia Piscina: a natural pool at the southern tip, perfect to end the day.
Best time to go
In the gravana dry season (June to September) there are fewer clouds around the peak and the trails are drier. The rest of the year the forest is greener, but the peak can be covered in the morning.
What the Pico Cão Grande tour includes
The day combines the viewpoints, the optional trail to the base and stops in the south of the island, with transport, guide and lunch included.
Why book with us
- A local guide who knows the trails and the communities of the south.
- Private group: you choose between the trail or just the viewpoints.
- A travel agency specialised in São Tomé and Príncipe since 2015.
To plan the rest of your trip, read our São Tomé and Príncipe travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
All your questions answered
The summit is 663 metres above sea level and the needle rises about 300 metres above the surrounding forest.
Reaching the summit is a technical climb for experienced mountaineers only. On this tour we visit the viewpoints and walk the trail to the base.
It is moderate: about 2 hours return, with short climbs and ground that can be muddy. Bring hiking shoes.
Send your request with the date and number of people. You pay nothing now: we confirm and only then send you the payment details.