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 trips, and we curate them with the same meticulousness as we do all other aspects of our itineraries.

In the absence of special requests (during Bespoke Trips), 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 paramount to our storytelling. Therefore, 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, during Journeys, specifically: from time to time, and given the correct opportunity & traveler, we may decide to go off-script.

In order to provide the clearest possible expectations, we group our accommodations into 5 broad categories based on perceived 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 of Brazil.

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, despite having a roof overhead) 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), and breakfast is made by our Crew.

These accommodations usually have the best possible locations, and often make for some of the most memorable evenings of the trip.

During Journeys & Small Group Expeditions, you should expect to spend 10-20% of your nights in campsites & rustic refuges.

II. Rustic Accommodations

Rustic is a broad category of accommodations that denotes simple human-built shelters that we sleep in during trips.

Wattle & daub homes, habitable wilderness refuges, and reliably built (but sometimes questionably planned) residences are examples of this class of accommodations. 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 usually do not have private bathrooms (if this is a concern, we should talk about it before your trip) & breakfast is often humble (if the portions are too meager, we’ll have additional food on-hand).

Rustic accommodations are usually very memorable—often disproportionately so—and some of our favorite places to stay during trips, for one reason or another, fall into this category.

During Journeys & Small Group Expeditions, you should expect to spend 15-30% of your nights in this class of digs.

III. Basic Accommodations

Basic is a broad category of accommodations that denotes simple, stream-lined rooms, clean, no-frills facilities, and often 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, built from modern construction materials (i.e. concrete, brick & mortar, etc.), and feature décor ranging from strikingly utilitarian to charming & quite nice. Bathrooms alternate between shared and private.

Café da manha (breakfast) is usually the Brazilian equivalent of a Continental Breakfast (a few varieties of fruit, bread, juice, coffee, and dairy products).

Basic is our broadest category of accommodations, and represents some of our very favorite places to stay in the region.

During Journeys & Small Group Expeditions, you should expect to spend 15-30% of your nights in this class of our accommodations.

IV. Boutique Accommodations

Boutique is a broad category of accommodations defined as much—or more—by their charm, service, & attention to detail as the luxuriousness of the rooms. Pousadas (inns) are the mainstay of these establishments, with nicer private homes & small hotels also included.

We tend to think of these accommodations as those which an upper-middle class Brazilian family might procure during family vacations or romantic getaways. Many establishments are the lifelong dream projects of their owners, and are decorated & operated accordingly. Café da manha (breakfast), in particular, is a source of great pride, and can range from the Brazilian equivalent of a fancy Continental Breakfast (fruits, breads & pastries, cheese, eggs, juices, coffee, and dairy products) to lavish spreads & buffets.

Boutique accommodations usually comprise between 10-20% of our accommodations during Journeys & Small Group Expeditions.

V. Deluxe Accommodations

Deluxe is the most luxurious category of accommodations during our trips, and (for the purpose of our trips) are more easily identified by price as opposed to any specific quality of offering. High-end pousadas and exclusive resorts comprise the bulk of these establishments in the Serra do Espinhaço, as do stately colonial-style homes & ranches, although—to be clear—few (if any) of these establishments would earn an international 4-star rating.

Deluxe accommodations often (but not always) have historical value and/or beautiful locations, as well as the cordial service, user-friendly amenities, and dining options that you’d expect from a pricey accommodation. As is the case with all other categories, we place an emphasis on establishments that Brazilian travelers would stay in while traveling around the country (so, no high-end international chains).

During Journeys & Small Group Expeditions, Deluxe accommodations typically comprise somewhere between 10-15% of our nightly accommodations.