No matter how fun the atmosphere of festivals and carnivals is or what history local temples and defensive forts have, nothing can substitute vivid emotions and eternal memories of the volcanic mountains and green valleys of the Cape Verde Islands picturesque landscapes. Each island is like one large nature reserve, a natural oasis in the middle of the ocean, and what is officially called a national park can be considered the heart of the island, not just one of its attractions.

The heart of Santiago Island is the Serra Malagueta Natural Park. It is a mountain range, located in the north of the island. Its highest point is a mountain 1064 meters high. The Ribeira River rises here, in the rocks formed by the volcano. It flows along flower meadows and fairy valleys until it flows into the majestic ocean, mixing its cool waters with it.

More than 120 plant species grow in an area of about 800 hectares. 28 of them are endemic and can be found only in the park. Some of the plants are endangered and listed in the Red List of Cape Verde. For example, there is the beautiful Limonium lobinii, called carqueja de Santiago by locals, and 13 other endangered plant species.

The fauna of the Serra Malagueta Park is also diverse. There are four species of mammals, including the elusive vervet or green monkey. Some lucky ones who traveled through the forest zones of the park managed to meet these little funny animals more than once. This park is inhabited by six species of reptiles, and four of them can be seen only on this island. Besides, there are about 20 species of birds, some of which are endangered. Among them are Bourne's heron and a small songbird, Cape Verde warbler.

Fans of ecotourism and lovers of beautiful wildlife will be impressed by traveling through the mountains and forests of the park.