Where We Sleep

In our minds, the most enriching accommodations are paradoxical in their offerings, providing us with both a safe haven from the strange world outside our door and an intimate glimpse into that very world. As settings within settings, they play an enormous role in all of our Journeys, and we curate them with the same profound thoughtfulness as we do all other aspects of our itineraries.

Our guiding philosophy is to seek out accommodations that are authentic, memorable, enriching, and relevant within the context of the Story that you’ve come to experience. Showcasing the diverse array of socio-economic realities of the Places we go is critical to our telling, so as a general rule, comfort & convenience are only primary considerations insofar as they are representative of the world around them. Having a friendly and/or sage host on site to receive us matters. Cost, on the other hand, does not. Logistical needs are a reality that can trump all other considerations—particularly during prolonged treks, where we may find ourselves in remote areas with few (if any) established options for shelter.

Lastly, from time to time—and given the correct opportunity—we may go off-script.

In order to provide the clearest possible expectations, we group our accommodations into 5 broad categories based on comfort & convenience. Please keep in mind that, in our minds, none of these category is objectively “better” than the others, as each provides us with a unique opportunity to understand & enjoy the world around us and the Story at hand.

If you’ve read this far, we think you’ll love the places where we sleep.

I. Campsites & Rustic Refuges

The simplest shelters that we sleep in during our trips are our tents. For this reason, campsites (both established ones & wilderness sites) and the most rustic of wilderness refuges (where we often sleep in our tents) merit their own category.

As a general rule, there are no private bathrooms—or any bathrooms at all—on site (if this is a concern, we should talk about it before your trip) & breakfast is often not included (we’ll make other arrangements). On the positive side, these accommodations usually have the best possible location, and often make for the most memorable evenings of the trip.

You should expect to spend 10-20% of your nights in campsites & rustic refuges, depending on the length of your Journey.

II. Rustic

Rustic is a broad category of accommodation that denotes simple human-built shelters that we visit during trips. Wattle & daub homes, concrete wilderness refuges, and questionably planned (yet unquestionably structured) residences are examples of this kind of accommodation. They’re humble, streamlined places that provide us with protection from the elements and the peace of mind to get ready for the day ahead.

Rustic is not synonymous with poorly kept or devoid of charm, although it’s true that these accommodations will feel more exotic & less comfortable than your digs back home. Rooms may or may not have private bathrooms (if this is a concern, we should talk about it before your trip) & breakfast is often humble, if included (we’ll make other arrangements). On the positive side, this category of accommodation is usually very memorable—often disproportionately so—and some of our favorite places to stay, for one reason or another, fall into this category.

You should expect to spend 15-30% of your nights in this class of digs, depending on the length of your Journey.

III. Basic

Basic is a broad category of accommodations that denotes simple, stream-lined rooms with private bathrooms and sometimes surprisingly captivating settings. Small hotels, simple pousadas (inns), and modest private homes are examples of basic accommodations that we stay in during trips. These establishments are usually locally- (and often family-) owned, and feature décor ranging from strikingly utilitarian to charming & quite nice. Café da manha (breakfast) is usually served, and can range from the Brazilian equivalent of a Continental Breakfast (a few varieties of fruit, bread, juice, coffee, and dairy products) to larger spreads and even the occasional buffet.

Basic accommodations typically comprise 15-30% of our accommodations, depending on the length of your Journey.

IV. Boutique

Boutique is a broad category of accommodations defined as much (or more so) by their charm, service, & attention to detail as the luxuriousness of the rooms. Pousadas (inns) are the mainstay of this category, with nicer private homes & small hotels also included. Many of these establishments were the lifelong dream projects of the owners, while others are historic, and others still are both. This is the category of accommodation in which an upper-middle class Brazilian family might procure during family vacations or romantic getaways, as establishment owners frequently take great pride in all aspects of their décor & operation. Cafés da manha (breakfasts, always served), in particular, are a source of great pride, and can range from the Brazilian equivalent of a fancy Continental Breakfast (fruit, grains, juices, coffee, and dairy products) to lavish spreads & buffets.

Boutique accommodations usually comprise between 15-30% of all accommodations during Journeys, depending on length.

V. Deluxe

Deluxe is the most luxurious category of accommodations on our trips, and (for the purpose of our trips) are more easily identified by price as opposed to the quality of offering. Pricey pousadas and exclusive resorts comprise the bulk of these accommodation options in the Serra do Espinhaço, as do stately colonial-style homes & ranches, although—to be clear—few (if any) of these establishments would be eligible for an international 5-star rating. They often (but not always) have historical value and/or beautiful locations, as well as the cordial service, user-friendly amenities, and food options that you’d expect from a first-class accommodation. As is the case with all other categories, we place an emphasis on establishments that Brazilians themselves would stay in while traveling around the country (so, no international chains).

Deluxe accommodations typically comprise somewhere between 10-15% of our nightly accommodations.