Monte Gordo, Stratovolcano and Natural Park in São Nicolau, Cape Verde.
Monte Gordo is a stratovolcano on the western side of São Nicolau island, rising 1,312 meters above sea level. The landscape shows steep slopes and volcanic rock formations that expose the internal structure of an extinct magma chamber.
This volcano formed less than one million years ago and fundamentally shaped the geological development of São Nicolau island. Volcanic activity ended long ago, leaving an extinct formation that defines the island landscape today.
The Monte Gordo Natural Park, established in 2003, preserves thirty-two endemic plant species including the Dragon Blood Tree within its 952 hectares.
Hiking trails begin in the village of Cachaço at 600 meters elevation and lead to the summit, from where you can see the islands of São Vicente, Santo Antão, and Santa Luzia. The best time to hike is early in the morning when the air is clearer and temperatures are more comfortable.
The volcano ranks among the four highest mountains in the island nation, with a remarkable isolation from other peaks. This geographical separation makes it a distinctive landmark visible from several neighboring islands.
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