FAQs
Gift of Go
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Gift of Go is a U.S.-registered company based in Texas. We operate from the field and are currently based in Brazil’s Serra do Espinhaço, where we design and lead all of our trips.
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We don’t.
We work from the road, and from within the region where we guide. If you happen to be in the Espinhaço, we’re always happy to meet.
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We’ve been leading long-form expeditions in Brazil since 2018.
Our work in the Serra do Espinhaço began in 2021, and it’s where we currently focus all of our expeditions.
Planning a Trip
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Most of our trips run between April and September, when conditions are generally more stable for longer routes on foot.
March and October can also be beautiful, but require more flexibility due to changing weather.
The summer months (November through February) bring heavier rains. These can make trekking less predictable, but can still work well for certain Bespoke trips focused on overland travel and time in communities.
If you’re unsure about timing, we’re happy to talk it through.
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We recommend reaching out at least 3–4 months before your ideal start date.
That said, if you’re inside that window, it’s still worth getting in touch. If there’s space, we’ll do our best to make it work.
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It depends on the format.
For Expeditions, you can reserve your place directly on a scheduled departure. From there, we’ll follow up to confirm details and begin preparation.
For Journeys and Bespoke trips, it begins with a conversation. We’ll talk through timing, format, and whether it feels like the right fit before moving forward.
In all cases, once things are confirmed, we’ll guide you through the planning and preparation process step by step.
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Yes.
All travelers are required to carry travel insurance appropriate to the nature of the trip, including the activities involved.
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Unless otherwise agreed, the rendezvous point for our trips is Tancredo Neves International Airport (CNF) in Confins, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
We’ll walk through arrival timing and logistics during the planning process, and we’ll ask you to keep us updated if your travel plans change.
While we don’t book airfare, we’re happy to help you think through routes, timing, and where to stay before or after the trip.
Brazil & Practicalities
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Visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change over time.
We recommend checking with your local consulate or official government sources before booking flights, and again closer to departure.
We’re happy to point you in the right direction if needed.
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You’ll need a valid passport, and depending on your nationality, possibly a visa as well.
We also recommend carrying a physical copy of your passport and keeping a digital copy stored securely.
If anything trip-specific needs to be prepared in advance, we’ll cover it with you during planning.
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Portuguese is the primary language spoken throughout Brazil.
English is not widely spoken in the Espinhaço, but we operate fully in both English and Portuguese. Elisa and I translate throughout the trip, and make sure you’re able to communicate and connect along the way.
If you speak some Portuguese, it will deepen the experience. If you don’t, that’s completely fine. We’re happy to bridge the gap.
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The Brazilian real (R$) is the only currency widely accepted throughout the region.
Credit cards are accepted in most towns we pass through, but it’s still worth carrying some cash for smaller purchases.
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Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Brazil, including in many of the towns we pass through during our trips. That said, smaller communities in the Espinhaço can be unpredictable, and ATMs that accept international cards are extremely limited in the region. You should not plan on relying on them once you’re in the range.
We recommend withdrawing or exchanging reais before arriving in the Espinhaço, either in São Paulo or at the airport in Confins.
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Both 110V and 220V systems exist in Brazil, though most of the places we travel through use 110V.
We provide a plug adapter on arrival, but it’s a good idea to bring a portable charger as well.
On the Ground
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Not necessarily. Some trips are more physically demanding than others, but prior trekking or riding experience is less important than openness, steady fitness, and a willingness to stay engaged with the experience over time.
We’re always happy to help you think through which trip—or way of travel—might be the best fit.
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All of our trips are intended to be all-inclusive once you arrive at the rendezvous point.
Trips typically include accommodations, meals, crew, transportation within the range, and any required permits or fees.
Flights, insurance, personal gear, alcohol, and discretionary spending are not included.Each trip page outlines inclusions in more detail.
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Most major expenses are already covered, and many places we pass through accept credit cards.
That said, it’s worth carrying some cash in reais for drinks, small purchases, or tips in smaller communities. If your time in Brazil is limited to your trip with us, $250–$500 USD equivalent is usually more than enough.
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Tips are never expected, but they’re appreciated.
If you’d like to leave something at the end of your trip, we ask that you pass it to Elisa or I. We’ll make sure it’s shared fairly across the crew, or directed where you’d like it to go.
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Alcohol is often part of life on the road here, and part of the pleasure too.
There’s no ban, but we do ask travelers to wait for the right moment—usually once we’ve arrived for the day—and to enjoy it in a way that doesn’t interfere with the experience or with others around them.