Nature And Panoramic Views: Rui Vaz- Assomada Trek -Santiago 

The Rui Vaz to Assomada trekking is an unmissable journey for those who want to explore the mountainous and rural heart of Santiago. The trail starts  in the viewpoint of Rui Vaz, descending through the rocky road to Rui Vaz and continuing until the place of water supply. From here the trail follows through a track to Fonte Riba. After crossing the Gazela forest the trail arrives at Longueira, a small village protected by the mountain chain of Pico de Antónia. The straw hoppers stand out and the characteristic smell from the production of grog spreads through the air.

It is impossible to rest indifferent to the Figueira-do-Paraíso (Paradise Fig Tree) or Lemba-Lemba (Ficus microcarpa) found here. From Longueira the trail follows a steep climb, crossing Longueira de Cima in direction to Alto da Aldeia de Pico de Antónia. Throughout the trail you can enjoy several natural viewpoints from which you can observe the São Jorge valley and the João Teves hill. The trail moves through a steep descent to Curral Velho and Mato Dentro afterwards. In this part, the trail enters on one the greenest zones of the landscape as a result of the dense forest and agricultural fields. From this point there is a small opening in the forest, and then the trail descends to entrance of Ribeira Grande. The path from this point to Picos is made through a rocky road that passes by several communities and then through the main road crossing Pico Aboboreira.

On road the trailer must be careful, but he/she will quickly see Cruz da Assomada, a natural viewpoint where you’ll get a panoramic view of the interior of Santiago. From this point, the trail follows the road until the city centre of Assomada.