Booking homestays, payment, and meals in Santo Antão

Hi there, We’re planning a two-week hiking trip to Santo Antão. We’ve been before three years ago through an agency, but this time we want to organize the trip ourselves. Regarding homestays, especially places like ex Casa Luciano or Cha de Feijão at Dona Antona’s—is it possible to book ahead? I can’t find any contact details. If not, what happens if there’s no availability? Do we pay in euros or escudos? Also, is it possible to get meals and a packed lunch for the next day? We’re heading to Cha de Morte first, then want to visit the volcano, and continue toward the northeast of the island (we prefer the green areas!). Thanks for your tips! 😊

Hi there, When staying with locals or in guesthouses in the mountains and remote villages, you’ll need to pay in escudos. And yes, if you ask for a picnic, they’ll prepare one for you (pasta salad, rice salad, chickpea salad, etc.). Bring your own Tupperware or picnic box and a spoon. Marie