From $1,150 per person (based on 2 people sharing)
This 5-day Guinea-Bissau tour blends coastal city discovery with island culture and biodiversity. The itinerary includes time in Bissau, a two-night stay in the Bijagos Archipelago, village visits, beaches, and historic colonial sites on Bolama and Bubaque Islands. It’s designed for travelers seeking both history and scenic escapes.
Day 1: Arrival in Bissau – City Introduction and Culture
Arrive at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, where your local guide meets you and transfers you to your hotel. After check-in and rest, take a late afternoon walking tour through Bissau Velho, the oldest quarter of the capital.
- Visit the Fortaleza d’Amura, home to the tomb of independence leader Amílcar Cabral.
- Explore the colonial Rua Guerra Mendes lined with aging pastel buildings.
- Stop at Bandim Market, the busiest in the city, to see stalls filled with vegetables, fish, textiles, and cashew nuts.
Evening at leisure with dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Ceiba Hotel or Hotel Dunia
Meals: Dinner included
Activities: City walk, historic sites, local market
Day 2: Boat to Bolama Island – Colonial Ruins and Island Culture
After breakfast, transfer to Porto de Pindjiguiti and board a speedboat for Bolama Island, the first capital of Portuguese Guinea and now a tranquil island with crumbling colonial mansions and wide tree-lined streets.
- Explore the ruins of the old governor’s palace, post office, and administrative buildings.
- Learn from local guides about Bolama’s history and its transition from capital to ghost-like town.
- Enjoy lunch with fresh island-caught fish, then relax in the shade of the island’s cashew trees.
Overnight in basic eco-lodge or guesthouse accommodation on the island.
Accommodation: Bolama Island Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Island exploration, colonial architecture, local guide experience
Day 3: Travel to Bubaque – Village Visits and Beaches
After breakfast, continue your island journey by boat to Bubaque, the most developed island in the Bijagos Archipelago.
- Visit Bubaque Town, with its small harbor, colonial houses, and vibrant village life.
- Take a guided walk through nearby Bijago communities, learning about matriarchal traditions, fishing techniques, and local rituals.
- In the afternoon, relax or swim at Bruce Beach, known for soft sand and calm water.
Dinner and overnight in a beach lodge or island guesthouse.
Accommodation: Bubaque Island Lodge or Chez Helene
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Traditional village visit, beach time, marine views
Day 4: Return to Bissau – Local Life and Ethnographic Museum
After a leisurely morning on the island, take a late morning speedboat back to Bissau. Upon arrival, return to the hotel for check-in and lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the National Ethnographic Museum, which showcases Guinea-Bissau’s many ethnic groups and cultural items like masks, instruments, and sacred symbols. Later, enjoy a relaxed walk through the city or unwind with a drink along the Corniche.
Accommodation: Ceiba Hotel or Hotel Dunia
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Activities: Boat transfer, cultural museum, optional walking tour
Day 5: Souvenir Shopping and Departure
After breakfast, take a short guided visit to a local artisan cooperative or street market, where you can shop for souvenirs including wood carvings, fabrics, and bead jewelry.
Your driver will transfer you to Osvaldo Vieira International Airport for your international departure.
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities: Local crafts, airport transfer
Included Highlights:
- Guided Bissau city tour and local market visit
- Two-night stay in the Bijagos Archipelago (Bolama and Bubaque Islands)
- Cultural experiences with Bijago islanders
- Colonial sites, traditional villages, and beach time
- All accommodations, meals, boat transport, and guides included
