371 km of Historic trails & winding Dirt roads.
12,000 meters of Gain + Loss.
Waterfalls.
Wilderness.
A way of life.
And Few (if any) other Folks on the trail.

At a Glance

A deep dive into the Story of Brazil that doubles as an undiscovered world-class trek.

  • In short: a challenging, life-affirming trek across the high savannah — and into the Story of Brazil.

    A physically rewarding, deeply immersive jaunt through the highlands of Minas Gerais that will leave you leaner, more alive, and with a deeper sense of place few travelers ever reach.

    Over the course of 21 days, 4 – 8 travelers will join our crew in crossing the Espinhaço on foot, gaining and losing more than 22,000 meters of elevation in the process, and moving through landscapes, time, and the invisible borders that continue to shape Brazil’s identity today.

    Along the way, we’ll traverse:

    • 8 conservation units

    • 3 UNESCO designations

    • 20+ waterfalls

    • 18 communities

    While the entire journey unfolds on foot (with pack animals to assist when needed), we think of this Expedition less as a trek — and more as an exploration of a place and way of life that time forgot.

    Come for the unsung beauty of the high savannah.
    To dive deeply into the compelling, untold Story of Brazil.
    And for the chance to experience a trek that few will ever know.

  • Don’t expect an easy stroll (see Activity Level, below).

    Also don’t expect:

    City tours. Souvenir shops. Famous landmarks. Fancy food. Opulent accommodations. Wine tastings. Constant Wi-Fi. TV. Complimentary shampoos, conditioners, or hand lotion. Other folks on the trail. Any other international visitors, at all.

  • 21 days / 20 nights

    • 17 Days on Trail

    • 2 Days of Rest

    • 2 Days in Transit

  • 4 – 8 Travelers
    7+ Full-Time Crew Members
    15+ Part-Time Support Crew

    [Meet the Crew →]

  • 5/5

    With as many as 17 days of trekking (or as few as 11, should you opt to ride when available), this is about as active a trip as a traveler could hope for.

    Trail days average around 22 km and 1,300+ meters of cumulative gain and loss across varied mountain terrain. There are also two dedicated Rest Days — though you may well find yourself exploring local trails even on those days.

    Water crossings are frequent, and weather or trail conditions can sometimes turn a long day into a longer one (35+ km). Our longest scheduled days are 32 km (Day 10) and 30 km (Day 6), and the steepest days are likely Days 5 (2,557 m) and 6 (2,018 m).

    Bushwhacking and insects are very much part of the deal — especially during Chapter II — the natural result of deep immersion in this corner of pristine wilderness.

    Homestays (5 of our 20 nights) in remote communities — some of which lack basic modern comforts — are a highlight of the trip, but not always a recipe for perfect sleep. The same goes for our three nights camping in Sempre Vivas, as well as our lone night at “Mozart’s House.”

    Being in excellent physical condition is a definite plus, especially during the first Chapter. But in our experience, it’s the reasonably fit and quietly resilient who tend to thrive — especially with a little support from the Crew when needed.

    This is a full trekking expedition — but for those who need it, horseback riding is available during several segments. Most travelers complete the route on foot, with or without pack animals — but it’s not uncommon to ride (or wish you had) for a stretch or two.

  • Cerrado (Brazilian Savannah)
    Vast, varied, and wildly beautiful — from riparian forests to surreal rupestrian fields, the high savannah defines the Expedition’s character, especially in Chapters II & IV.

    Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Rainforest)
    Lush, biodiverse remnants of rainforest shape the beginning of our journey, where Chapter I traces the transition from forest to savannah.

  • Dates
    June 8 – June 28, 2026

    [Contact us →]

  • This Expedition is best suited for hearty, adventurous travelers who genuinely want to understand a place — and are willing to walk a couple hundred kilometers to do it. You should enjoy time off-grid, long days on foot, life's simple pleasures (home-cooked meals, ice-cold beer, warm fires, etc.), and genuine, meaningful connection with folks you’ve never met.

    On the other hand, this is a serious 19-day trek (including two Rest Days) through the front- and backcountries of a relatively untouristed part of Brazil. If you’re not into walking or the presence of pristine nature, think twice (or more).

    You don’t need to be a world-class athlete or experienced trekker. We’ve seen first-time trekkers thrive and mountaineers struggle. Good physical condition is helpful — especially during the early-going — but a steady attitude and real resilience matter more. (We require a signed medical clearance from your healthcare provider as part of our application process.)

    Due to the lack of touristic infrastructure, we don’t recommend this trip for first-time international travelers, nor do we accept solo applicants under the age of 25.

    If that all sounds good — congratulations. You're in the right place.

Think this might be your kind of trip?
We’re here if you want to walk through it together.

Empty Trails / Soaring Peaks / Firelit Feasts

26 Tales that Set the Scene →

Itinerary: 21 Days →

Still with us? We're here if you have questions. If you'd like to read the full day-by-day itinerary, just say the word — we’re happy to send it your way.

Where We Walk

Once the epicenter of the global diamond trade, Brazil’s Serra do Espinhaço Meridional — the name for the rocky mountain corridor surrounding Diamantina, in the state of Minas Gerais — was abandoned and largely forgotten by the outside world for nearly two centuries.

Today, it’s on the cusp of being recognized as one of the most spectacular places on earth.

3 UNESCO Designations

2 Biodiversity Hotspots

19 Conservation Units

3,000+ species of plants (estimated)

7% of Brazil’s total biodiversity*

0.8% of Brazil’s national territory

* Brazil is the most biodiverse country on earth

The Route Ahead

Total Days: 21

Days on Trail: 17

Rest (“Zero”) Days: 2

Transfer Days: 2

Total Distance (km): 928

Trail Distance (km): 368

Elev. Gain/Loss/Total (m): 11,190/11,147/22,337 m

Optional Riding Days: up to 6

*This is a full trekking expedition — but for those who need it, horseback riding is available during several segments. Most travelers complete the route on foot, with or without support from pack animals, but it’s not uncommon to ride (or wish you had) for a stretch or two.

Where We Sleep →

What We Eat

Tropeiro. Torresmo. Frango com quiabo.
If you’re unfamiliar with comida mineira, you will be by the end of this trip — and Brazilians everywhere will be jealous.

From piping hot, highly caloric home-cooked meals — prepared by skilled hands in seasoned cast-iron over wood-fired stoves — to more refined offerings in Diamantina, let’s just say: we rarely meet our weight-loss goals.

It’s worth it.

Bom apetite.

Crew →

Questions? We’re here when you’re ready to talk it through.

Beneath the Trail

Diamonds & flowers. Slavery & fires. Wilderness, water, and an identity crises thirty years in the making.

  • The Amazon (rightfully) grabs the headlines. But Brazil wouldn’t be the most biodiverse country on earth were it not for its “other” ecological treasures — two of which are found in the Espinhaço: the Cerrado and the Atlantic Rainforest (Mata Atlântica).

    Trailing only the Amazon in size, the Cerrado is the most biodiverse tropical savannah on the planet — home to:

    – 800+ species of birds
    – 10,000+ species of plants
    – 120 reptiles, 150 amphibians, 1,200 fish, 200 mammals
    – 90,000 species of insects

    The Atlantic Rainforest, meanwhile, holds over 20,000 species of plants, 1,000+ birds, 2,000 vertebrates, and 300 mammals — many found nowhere else on earth.

    Geomorphologically speaking, the Espinhaço is a tale of these two endangered biomes — a rare, high-altitude transition zone where their systems converge. And in that overlap lies the Campos Rupestres: a rocky, flower-strewn ecosystem found almost exclusively in this range, and considered by many to be Brazil’s most biodiverse habitat.

    You’ll get to witness this interplay between grasslands and rainforest throughout our Expedition — especially in Chapter I.

    There’s nothing else like it on earth.

  • Don’t expect to read much about it on the interwebs, but the Serra do Espinhaço Meridional — the geomorphological (mouthful of a) name for the mountainous region surrounding Diamantina — harbors a remarkable 19 Conservation Units, encompassing nearly 5 million acres of protected land. That’s about the size of New Jersey.

    Collectively, they’re known as the Mosaico do Espinhaço — and together, they represent one of the highest concentrations of species endemism on Earth.

    We’ll traverse eight of these units during our Expedition, including:

    • Sempre Vivas National Park

    • The State Parks of Biribiri, Rio Preto, and Itambé

    • The Águas Vertentes State Environmental Protection Area

    • The Municipal Environmental Protection Areas of Rio Manso and Serra de Minas

    • The Várzea do Lajeado e Serra do Raio State Natural Monument

  • There’s a saying among garimpeiros in the Espinhaço that “All stones look like diamonds — but diamonds don’t look like any other stone.”

    The same might be said of Sempre Vivas National Park — a vast stretch of high-altitude savannah that certainly feels unlike any other corner of the Cerrado.

    Spanning 1,241 km² (roughly the size of Los Angeles), but with just a dozen full-time inhabitants, Sempre Vivas is the deep outback of a region that could itself be described as outback. Untamed, spectacular, and deeply controversial, the Park is a true undiscovered gem. It’s genuinely shocking how few travelers — from Brazil or abroad — make their way here.

    We’ll spend five days in and around the Park during our Expedition, including a three-day westward crossing in Chapter II and a glorious traverse of the Rio Preto River Valley in Chapter IV — once named one of Brazil’s five most beautiful treks by Go Outside magazine.

    We don’t expect to see anyone else.

  • Before diamonds, flowers, or tourism (or the lack thereof), the Serra do Espinhaço was — and remains — a story about water. And in the end, it is water — not gemstones, flowers, or natural beauty — that has protected the region once again.

    As the birthplace of several of Brazil’s most economically vital rivers — including the Jequitinhonha, Doce, and São Francisco — the Espinhaço is bursting with tributaries, creeks, streams, marshes, and peat bogs. Voluminous waterfalls spill from its escarpments in every direction, creating fertile farmland to the east and breathing life into the sertão to the west.

    The region can be difficult to explore on foot — or even by vehicle — during the summer months (December through February), due to the frequent presence (or threat) of rain, lightning, swollen rivers, and muddy terrain.
    But this is also when the vegetation is at its most verdant — and the waterfalls at their most spectacular.

    Daily storms typically taper off by early March, making fall (March–May) one of the most beautiful times of year: gushing waterfalls, exuberant vegetation, plentiful springs, and easily crossable rivers.

    Winter (June–August) is extremely mild and dry, offering near-perfect trekking conditions — though water levels continue to drop in rivers and falls as the season progresses.

    By spring (September–November), the long dry season finally breaks. September, in particular, offers another glorious window to explore the region: the parched savannah landscape bursting with cactus fruit and wildflowers, and gently flowing rivers criss-crossing the landscape.

  • Serra is a word you’ll hear often — and in a dizzying array of contexts — throughout the Expedition.
    Its most ubiquitous translation is “saw” (as in a serrated blade), but in the Espinhaço, the usage leans toward the word’s other literal meanings: mountain range, mountain, ridge, highlands, and so on.

    Our trip may be set in the Serra do Espinhaço, but we’ll temporarily leave the serra — lowercase, as in “the mountains” — at the end of Chapter II, when we descend into the lowlands.

    And about those lowlands:
    Across most of Brazil, Sertão (capitalized) refers to the inhospitable hinterlands of the Northeast — an almost-mythical landscape, famous for unbearable heat, tortured trees, poverty, and the hardened lives that emerge from it.

    In the Espinhaço, however, even the sertão (lower case, as in “agrarian lowlands) manages to be green — lined with waterfalls, punctuated by riparian forests, and bursting with fresh water.

    Wordplay aside, you’ll have a full week to see (and enjoy) it for yourself in Chapter III.

  • Getting from Point A to Point B has always been an adventure in the Serra do Espinhaço — and nowhere is this more evident than along the region’s spectacular (and virtually empty) network of historic trails.

    While urban footpaths, game trails, dirt roads, old rail lines, and park-administered nature trails each have a role to play in the Espinhaço’s winding logistical labyrinth, three kinds of passages define the backcountry here:

    • Colonial-era stone paths, built by enslaved Africans to facilitate the diamond trade along the Estrada Real

    • Winding mule trails, used by tropeiros to transport goods until as recently as the 1980s

    • And centuries-old smuggler routes — later retraced by European naturalists like Sir Richard Francis Burton and Augustin Saint-Hilaire (among others) during their 19th-century expeditions across the Cerrado

    Our team has spent the past three years rediscovering this lost network — documenting its history, geography, and inhabitants while charting our own expeditions.

    As much as we’ve loved having the trails to ourselves, it’s an even greater pleasure to share them with curious, adventurous minds like yours.

  • According to the UN, a staggering 89% of Brazilians now live in urban areas (typically defined as population centers with 2,000 or more inhabitants) — compared to just 56% of people worldwide.

    Our Expedition casts a light on the life among the forgotten 11%.

    We’ll pass through 22 communities, overnighting in 16 of them. From UNESCO World Heritage city Diamantina (pop. 50,000) to far-flung Santa Rita (pop. <10), each community on our route carries its own story — and its own reason for being.

    Among the places we’ll visit:

    • The quilombola communities of Capivari, Bica d’Água, Macacos, and Quarteis do Indaiá

    • The colonial-era mining districts of Mendanha, Curralinho, São João da Chapada, and São Gonçalo do Rio das Pedras

    • The historic vilas of Biribiri and Santa Bárbara

    • The remote mountain hamlets of Pinheiros and Abóboras

    • The agrarian communities of Curimataí and Santo Antônio do Itambé

  • We’re fond of saying that the difference between arriving in a small community on foot and by vehicle is the difference between arriving in a ghost town and a metropolis.

    Exaggeration or not, there’s nothing quite like being received graciously by kind souls in “the middle of nowhere” after a full day — and sometimes night — of trekking through the harsh elements.

    Having the opportunity to experience how folks truly live in this part of the world is a privilege few will ever know.
    Being able to scarf down a home-cooked meal and (where possible) a hot bath? That’s even better.

  • Tropeiro. Tutu. Torresmo. Frango com molho pardo.
    If you’re unfamiliar with the hearty regional cuisine of Minas Gerais, you will be by the end of the trip — and Brazilians everywhere will be jealous.

    Still relatively unknown abroad, comida mineira is deeply beloved within Brazil, where it’s celebrated for its timeless preparation methods — traditionally relying on wood-fired stoves and clay or cast-iron cookware — and fresh, minimally processed ingredients.

    Locally sourced fruits and vegetables, high-quality dairy, and home- (or farm-)raised pork and chicken are all hallmarks. So are salted beef and mandioca (cassava) in the north of the state — while steak and seafood are notably rarer here than in neighboring regions.

    Treats unique to the Serra do Espinhaço include angu, quitanda, samambaia, carne de sol (ubiquitous throughout the sertão, but less so farther south), frango caipira, and queijo do Serro — a semi-cured local cheese that’s won international awards and generated a promising culinary buzz around the Serro microregion.

    Finally, a word about that most beloved of Brazilian delicacies: pão de queijo.
    It may not have been invented in Minas (and rumor has it, maybe not even in Brazil…) — but most Mineiros will tell you it was perfected there.
    You’ll get to judge for yourself throughout the Expedition.

  • The gypsy woman who convinced a miner to leave his purse of “cursed” diamonds in her capable hands.
    The mysterious captain who came by river, made a fortune, and spent the rest of his days as a backcountry fugitive.
    The rancher who was hugged to death by a giant anteater near Inhaí.
    The orphan girl who was raised in a cave near Biribiri.

    Welcome to the Serra do Espinhaço — where miners, mule-drivers, and other mestres of the backcountry still pass down the colorful histories of the not-so-distant “good ol’ days” to barkeeps, house guests, and anyone else who’s willing to listen.

    We, for one, love to listen.

  • The Mosaico do Espinhaço — literally, the “Mosaic of the Espinhaço,” known locally as os Parques or “the Parks” — may be the single most complex challenge facing the range today.

    Most locals recognize the beauty of the mountains — and the importance of the waters that flow from them. But the continued creation of conservation units on formerly private lands is viewed by many as government overreach at best, and an indifferent intrusion at worst.

    At the heart of it all: economics.

    The Espinhaço is rich in rare minerals — and home to some of Brazil’s historically poorest communities. Over just a few decades, many Park-adjacent towns have found themselves caught in a slow-motion proxy war between preservation and extraction, between tourism and survival.

    Some residents believe beauty and biodiversity can replace diamonds and flowers. Others see the lack of tourism today as proof that the government has no plan — and that the land must provide, now.

    With environmentalists and mining lobbyists both shouting, you’re likely to hear a few colorful perspectives along the way.

    Let’s see what conclusion you arrive at.

  • What comes next is anyone’s guess.

    The new mayor of Diamantina — by most accounts a likable man and one of action — has done well to balance the interests of the mining industry with those of environmentalists. It’s a tightrope, though — and one that may not be walkable forever.

    Whether there’s a true long-term vision for Diamantina is harder to say.

    In our view, the Espinhaço deserves to become Brazil’s next great center of ecotourism — with Diamantina as its natural hub. The region’s equally stunning sister region, Chapada Diamantina, has already walked that path, but the conditions aren’t yet in place here.

    Districts still lack basic infrastructure. The Parks lack basic visitor support. And there’s been no visible effort to market the Espinhaço beyond its historic core — namely, the Vesperata and Carnaval.

    So Diamantina drifts — content to fade further into the background, even as the global community begins to champion the landscapes around it.

    Maybe the vision just isn’t there yet.
    Or maybe it’s dormant — and this Expedition is about to wake it.

  • UNESCO World Heritage City. Terminus of the fabled Estrada Real.
    Living testament to Portuguese Baroque and Rococo architecture.
    Former diamond capital of the world.

    Diamantina somehow manages to be all of this and more.
    The cultural capital of the Espinhaço.
    A vibrant college town at the crossroads of past and present.
    The spiritual, economic, and logistical center of the entire region.

    Even UNESCO couldn’t resist the (admittedly irresistible) cliché:
    “a colonial village set like a jewel in a necklace of inhospitable rocky mountains.”

    And yet, Diamantina (pop. 49,500) remains largely unvisited even by most mineiros — known more as a former Carnaval town than as a modern destination.

    When people ask us what we love about it, we tell them:
    “It’s a tourist Mecca without tourists.”
    Which, in our book, makes it a traveler’s Mecca.

What’s Included

21 nights. 63 meals. 15 crew members. 3+ years of exploration & development.

    • 5 homestays

    • 5 pousadas

    • 3 wilderness campsites

    • 2 historic homes

    • 2 Park lodges

    • 2 resorts

    • 1 wilderness refuge

    • 20 breakfasts

    • 21 lunches

    • 20 dinners

    • Daily trail snacks

  • We provide all ground and river transportation within Brazil, from touchdown to takeoff. Includes:

    • Round-trip transfer between Belo Horizonte and Diamantina

    • All regional overland transportation

    • Horses and pack mules

    • Two 4×4 support vehicles and one support motorbike

    • Emergency ground transportation, if needed

  • Six to nine (6 – 9) full-time crew members:

    • 2 Expedition Leaders / Country guides / Translators

    • 1 Regional Guide / Naturalist

    • 4 – 6 Drivers (depending on number of travelers)

    10+ part-time crew members, including:

    • Local guides, mule drivers, horsemen, boatmen

    • Cooks, porters, transfer drivers, and other support personnel

    Learn more about the individuals who bring this journey to life.
    [Meet the Crew →]

  • Camping + Trail

    • Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads

    • Camp kitchen + tableware

    • Backpacks & trekking poles (available on request)

    • Water filters and purification systems

    Communications + Safety

    • Two-way radios (crew-use only)

    • Satellite comms devices (crew-use only)

    • Emergency beacons (crew-use only)

    • First-aid supplies (crew-use only)

  • All documentation and entry fees (where applicable) for our visits to:

    • Sempre Vivas National Park

    • Rio Preto State Park

    • Biribiri State Park

    • Itambé State Park

    • Vila de Santa Bárbara

    • Vesperata (Diamantina)

    • Certified Wilderness First Aid on staff (both Expedition Leaders)

    • 3 full-time support/rescue vehicles

    • Satellite comms + multiple first-aid kits (trail & vehicle)

    • Daily communication with local authorities

    • Pre-Expedition Zoom (30 days prior to departure)

    • Pre-Expedition Group Chat (WhatsApp, launched after application acceptance)

    • Post-Expedition follow-up (~30 days after your return)

    • Additional meetings on request

    • Expedition Dossier (itinerary, maps, routes, basic language guide — pre-trip)

    • GOGO journal + pens (for the WiFi-less nights — on arrival)

    • Travel plug adapter (on arrival)

    • Emergency whistle (on arrival)

    • Memory card of crew photos & videos (post-trip)

    • GOGO tee shirt (post-trip)

    • GOGO patch + sticker (post-trip)

Odds & Ends

Prerequisites

  • prior trekking and/or outdoor experience is strongly recommended, but not required.

  • All applicants must undergo a complete physical examination and receive written approval from their physician within 3 months of the Expedition.

Travel Insurance

Proof of adequate medical & emergency travel insurance is required before joining the Expedition. Details are available in our Terms & Conditions. We’re happy to talk you through the details if needed.

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare

  • Medical & emergency evacuation insurance (minimum required)

  • Trip cancellation or other travel insurance

  • Visas

  • Any meal or activity not outlined in the itinerary

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Gratuities (tips &/or community donations)

getting there & away

We’re happy to recommend travel arrangements to and from our rendezvous point in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Please note that Gift of Go does not book international flights on behalf of travelers.

CONNECTIVITY NOTES

3G, 4G & 5G signals (in that order) are widely available across the Espinhaço frontcountry, where we will spend the majority of our evenings & mornings. Those signals are sporadic in the backcountry, however, where we’ll spend the majority of our days. Your connectivity will depend largely on your carrier & plan; if you’d like, we can provide you with a Brazilian SIM card upon your arrival. WiFi is available at many of our accommodations during the mornings & evenings of the Expedition.

Last Glance

A million steps.
Few (if any) other folks on the trail.
One undiscovered world-class trek.

21 days

17 trail days

2 rest days

368 km of trails & backroads

22,337 m of cum. elev. gain/loss

8 travelers (max)

15+ crew members

18 communities

20+ waterfalls

3 peaks

3 UNESCO sites

8 conservation units

3,000+ species of plants

Zero souvenir shops

Calendar & Pricing

June 8 - June 28, 2026

$21,995 per person

Includes all crew, lodging, meals, permits, equipment, support vehicles & pack animals
— plus ground transportation.


Thinking of coming with 4 or more?
[Let’s talk. →]

Ready to take the next step?
[Reach out here. →]

Proofs of Life

Captures from the Field →

 FAQs

Have a question we haven’t answered here? Feel free to reach out or explore our full FAQ page. →

  • We’ve done large stretches of this trek alongside enthusiastic first-timers who did remarkably well — and with seasoned hikers who struggled. So much comes down to mindset, resilience, and how your body responds to day after day (after day) on the move.

    That said, this is a serious 371-km trek. You’ll need to be capable of carrying a 10–20 lb (5–10 kg) pack for 17 days, averaging about 22 km per day with around 1,300 meters of elevation gain and loss. The terrain is rugged, sun-exposed, and often overgrown — especially in Chapters II and IV — and you’ll be crossing streams and rivers on foot more than once.

    We’ve found that things tend to get easier as the days go by — but everyone’s body is different. External factors like rain, heat, and trail conditions can be significant, as can internal ones like hydration, sleep, and nutrition.

    If you’re unsure, talk to your physician or trainer before applying. We do require a signed Bill of Good Health from your healthcare provider.

    If you’d like to talk it through with us, we’re happy to help. [Reach out anytime. →]

  • Food is part of the story — and part of the joy.

    Over the course of 21 days, we’ll share more than 61 meals together (and plenty of trail snacks in between). The vast majority of those meals will be home-cooked and served in local homes, small restaurants, or family-run pousadas. In practical terms, that means hearty, unsophisticated, deeply satisfying comida mineira.

    Minas Gerais cuisine is a point of pride across Brazil — known for its traditional techniques (wood-fired stoves, cast-iron cookware) and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Pork, chicken, mandioca, corn, rice, beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables are staples. Dairy plays an outsized role in the Espinhaço region, with local cheeses having won national and international acclaim.

    Breakfasts often include simple cakes and breads, homemade yogurt, local fruit, quitandas, and pão de queijo. Lunches and dinners tend to feature locally-grown stewed vegetables, handmade starches like angu, and generous portions of locally-raised protein — plus rice, beans, and farofa, of course.

    During our traverse of Sempre Vivas National Park, we’ll switch to rustic tropeiro-style camp meals — rice, beans, grilled or salted meats — cooked over the fire. At certain times, we’ll visit more varied establishments: cozy pousadas, small-town gems, and the occasional rural resort.

    We rarely make special requests when dining in homes. Instead, we invite our hosts to prepare what they love to eat. For many, cooking for a group of foreigners is both a rare event and a serious honor — and that spirit shows in the meals. Past travelers regularly cite the food as a highlight of the trip.

    If you’ve made it this far, we think you’ll love it.

  • They’re humble. They’re heartfelt. And honestly — they’re often highlights of the trip.

    We’ll spend 5 nights in homestays during this Expedition — each one different in layout, location, comfort, and character. Some are more private. Others are more communal. All are safe, welcoming, and equipped with beds, bathrooms, kitchens, and shelter from the elements.

    All have electricity (the final holdout was connected in 2024). Four have some kind of signal — either Wi-Fi or mobile reception. All five have hot water showers (four electric, one wood-fired).

    Four of the homes are built from modern materials. One was handcrafted by the owner from clay, palm leaves, and local wood. Bathrooms range from simple-but-pleasant to function-first. Beds vary. If you’ve got a dialed-in mattress at home, this won’t be that — but it’s better than a sleeping pad. And you’ll have plenty of chances to compare.

    None of our hosts are living in poverty. None are wealthy. Two had never received paying guests before we arrived. Only two had hosted a foreigner.

    And that’s the point.

    The real magic of homestays happens inside the home — during shared meals, quiet moments, or warm laughs at the end of a long day.

    It’s an experience that stays with you.

    If you’ve read this far, we think you’ll love it.
    Want to know more about specific homestays? [Just ask. →]

  • Just let us know early — ideally during the Application process — so we can plan accordingly. This is especially important for allergies and intolerances, where advance notice means we can prepare responsibly and thoughtfully.

    Most dietary needs can be accommodated on this Expedition, including vegan, vegetarian, lactose- or gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, keto, low-carb, and diabetic diets. The key is time and communication: we ask for at least 60 days’ notice to create a workable plan based on your needs and the realities of the terrain.

    Let’s figure it out together — that way, when the time comes, you can focus on the experience, not the ingredients.

  • Most mornings and evenings, you’ll have some signal. Most afternoons, you won’t.

    We’ll spend the majority of our nights in small towns and homestays, where 3G and 4G are generally available. 5G exists in a few spots, but we wouldn’t count on it — and signal strength varies depending on your provider. If you’d like a local SIM card when you arrive, we’re happy to help.

    Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations — usually in the mornings and evenings.
    Twice during the Expedition, you’ll likely go 48 hours without signal at all. (Don’t worry — our crew carries satellite communication gear for emergencies.)

    For more detail, [check the full itinerary. →]

  • Weeks of walking rocky trails and rough dirt roads can take a toll on even the heartiest of trekkers.

    That’s why we travel with three full-time support vehicles — two 4x4s and one trail-ready motorbike. They run routes parallel to the Expedition and stay in contact with the crew via radio — and satellite, when necessary.

    If you’re tired or injured but stable, you’ll have the option to continue the journey by vehicle, following a parallel itinerary that keeps you close to the group. On days when pack animals are available, you may also ride those for short stretches.

    If there’s a serious injury, we’ll get you to the nearest appropriate medical facility. Travel insurance is required for all travelers.

    Questions? Not sure if this trip’s right for you? We’re happy to talk it through. [Reach out anytime. →]

  • Nearly everything. This Expedition is designed to be as all-inclusive as possible.

    Included in the price:

    • All crew (full-time and part-time)

    • Lodging (homestays, pousadas, refuges, campsites, etc.)

    • All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks

    • Ground transportation during the trip (including transfers to/from BH)

    • Pack animals, gear, permits, entrance fees

    • Sleeping pads, sleeping bags, tents (or bring your own)

    • Expedition dossier, pre-trip meeting, GOGO merch

    Not included:

    • Airfare to/from Belo Horizonte

    • Travel insurance (required)

    • Personal gear (clothing, boots, etc.)

    • Alcoholic drinks

    • Tips, souvenirs, and other discretionary expenses

    For more detail, check the Inclusions section above — or [contact us with questions. →]

  • Having the right gear is a big part of a successful expedition. We’ll cover everything you need to bring — and everything we’ll provide — during our pre-trip meetings.

    You’ll also receive a comprehensive packing list (including favorite items used by our Expedition Leaders) once your application is confirmed.

    If you’d like to talk through gear or prep in more detail, [just let us know →].

  • Most major expenses — food, lodging, transport, crew — are already covered. And most establishments in Brazil accept credit cards. So how much cash should you bring?

    Probably less than you think.

    You might want cash for:

    • A cold beer or caipirinha

    • The occasional snack

    • Local crafts or souvenirs (We won’t be visiting any dedicated retailers, but you may come across something special along the way.)

    • Tipping (optional but welcome)

    If you’re only traveling with us, $250–$500 in cash should be more than enough. If you’re continuing on elsewhere in Brazil, plan accordingly.

    Note: Foreign currency is not widely accepted in the Espinhaço. We recommend exchanging cash before leaving home or at the airport in Confins (Tancredo Neves International Airport) upon arrival.

  • Yes — we’ll be guiding Small Group Expeditions of 12, 14, and 21 days in 2025 & 2026.
    [See all upcoming Expeditions →]

    For private trips of 3+ days, take a look at our [Bespoke Trips →] or feel free to [contact us →].

  • We do. If you’re interested in joining this Expedition with a larger group — or designing a private version of it —

    start here: [Bespoke Trips →] or [contact us →].

  • Unless otherwise agreed upon, the rendezvous point for this Expedition is Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF) in Confins, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We’ll plan to meet you at your terminal by noon on Day 1.

    Your travel details are required as part of your Application — and we’ll ask you to keep us updated with any changes so we can greet you without a hitch.

    While we don’t book airfare, we’re happy to recommend trusted travel agents, route options, and accommodations (whether in Confins, Belo Horizonte, or beyond). We’ll also walk through everything during our pre-expedition meetings to make sure you’re set up for a smooth arrival.

    If you have questions in the meantime, [just reach out →].

  • Tips are never expected, but always appreciated — and entirely up to you.

    If you’d like to leave a tip at the end of the Expedition, we ask that you give it to one of our Expedition Leaders, who will distribute it fairly among the full-time and part-time Crew Members. If there’s someone you’d like to recognize personally — or a community you’d like to support — we’re happy to help deliver your contribution after the trip.

    You’re also welcome to tip someone directly during your journey (a host, a cook, etc.), though many travelers find it simpler to pass everything through the Crew at the end. Either way, we’ll make sure your thanks reach the right hands.

  • By and large, Brazilians enjoy partaking in a good drink or two — as does our Crew.

    During the evenings of our Expedition, ice-cold beer and locally made cachaça are usually available either on-site or nearby (in town, for example). Even on backcountry nights, don’t be surprised if a bottle makes an appearance around the fire.

    Our only real rule: wait until we’ve reached our destination for the day, and enjoy in a way that doesn’t interfere with the experience — yours or anyone else’s.

    At the end of the day — literally and figuratively — a good drink can bring good people even closer. Just know that if it ever becomes a problem, we’re obligated to intervene, per Section 12 of our Terms & Conditions.

  • All of our trips are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

    With a maximum of 8 travelers per Expedition — and only a handful of departures per year — spots can fill quickly. We recommend booking as early as you feel comfortable, especially if your dates are fixed or your schedule is tight.

    If you’d like to talk through timing or availability, [reach out. →]