Fogo National Park

Fogo National Park is a protected area on the island of Fogo in Cape Verde that encompasses the island’s active stratovolcano and surrounding volcanic landscape, including a central caldera. The park is centred on the island’s highest point, Pico do Fogo.

The park is visited for hiking to the crater rim, observing lava fields and volcanic geology, and for visiting the small agricultural settlement of Chã das Caldeiras inside the caldera. Views along the caldera rim and across the volcanic cones are principal attractions.

The island’s volcanic activity has shaped local settlement patterns and agriculture for centuries; the park was designated to conserve the volcanic landscape, unique ecosystems and cultural practices associated with farming on volcanic soils.

The park occupies much of the interior of Fogo island in the Cape Verde archipelago off the coast of West Africa, with the main harbour town of São Filipe on the island’s western shore serving as the usual access point for visitors.

• Summit elevation: The island's summit, Pico do Fogo, reaches approximately 2,829 metres above sea level, making it the highest point in Cape Verde and a dominant feature of the park.
• Safety and access: Trails into the caldera can be steep and exposed; weather and volcanic conditions change quickly, so guided local knowledge and appropriate equipment are recommended.

What to See #

• Pico do Fogo: The island's central volcanic peak and active stratovolcano that rises above surrounding terrain to the highest point on the island and forms the main attraction for hikers and geologists.
• Chã das Caldeiras: A settlement within the volcanic caldera where residents cultivate terraces for agriculture and maintain traditional stone buildings, often used as a base for guided hikes onto the volcano.
• Caldera rims and lava fields: The steep caldera rim and surrounding lava fields that display recent flows and the island's volcanic history, producing stark terrain and scenic viewpoints.