Brazil Bird & Wildlife Photography Tour – Pantanal & Atlantic Forest
Capture jaguars, toucans, and vibrant wildlife in Brazil's Pantanal and Atlantic Forest on a photography tour.
We’ve designed this 16-day photography journey around Brazil’s two great wildlife habitats: the Pantanal and the Atlantic Forest. With a maximum of eight guests, the pace is easy and unhurried, and we keep the physical demands light by working mostly from lodge grounds, quiet trails, and small boats. Mornings and afternoons are dedicated to field sessions, while the hottest hours are left open for rest and image review.
The route begins at Aymara Lodge, where the gardens and nearby Transpantaneira Road set the stage for storks, herons, caimans, and regular visits from Hyacinth Macaws. We continue to SouthWild Pantanal Lodge before reaching Porto Jofre for three days of boat safaris in search of jaguars along the Cuiabá and São Lourenço rivers. From there, an internal flight takes us to Pequi Lodge, where the focus turns to giant anteaters and the open grasslands of the Cerrado. The final leg is spent at Trilha dos Tucanos, a bird sanctuary in the Atlantic Forest, where well-designed feeders attract tanagers, toucans, aracaris, and woodpeckers for close-up photography.
Throughout, we stay in comfortable wildlife lodges and a river cruise, with meals and transfers handled for you. This is a peaceful, immersive way to experience Brazil’s wildlife, with time to wait for the right moment and the right light.
Why Brazil for Bird Photography
Brazil is one of the world’s richest destinations for birdlife, home to nearly 2,000 species spread across an extraordinary variety of landscapes. From the wetlands of the Pantanal to the Atlantic Forest and the vast Cerrado, each ecosystem offers its own colors, behaviors, and photographic opportunities.
What makes Brazil especially rewarding for photographers is not only the diversity of species, but also the quality of the encounters. Many birds are surprisingly approachable, allowing time to observe their behavior, refine compositions, and work with changing light rather than rushing from one sighting to the next.
This journey is designed for photographers who enjoy slowing down and immersing themselves in nature. We focus on places where wildlife thrives, work with experienced local guides who understand both bird behavior and photographers’ needs, and spend our time where meaningful encounters are most likely to happen.
Whether you’re hoping to photograph iconic species such as hyacinth macaws, toucans, and jabirus or discover the countless smaller birds that make Brazil so remarkable, this tour offers the opportunity to build a diverse portfolio while gaining a deeper appreciation for one of the planet’s most remarkable birding destinations.
Expedition Highlights
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Seasonality
What to expect
- Lodging: Comfortable accommodations with character
- Transportation: Transport in a comfortable minivan with air conditioning
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 4 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Poconé
Your guide Tristan meets you at Cuiabá airport just after luggage collection, then transfers you to Aymara Lodge in Poconé, a serene gateway to Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands. Enjoy lunch on the road before checking in and settling into your rooms with a short break to relax. Later, join a tour orientation with Tristan, covering key itinerary points and initial tips for making the most of your trip, followed by dinner.
Key activities
Poconé
Start with an early morning around Aymara Lodge in Poconé, where the gardens and surrounding forest draw Hyacinth Macaws, toucans, parrots and woodpeckers. After breakfast, continue along the Transpantaneira, pausing whenever wildlife or light invites. Following a midday break, return to this rich Pantanal corridor for Jabirus, Maguari Storks, herons, kingfishers, raptors and caimans, then head back to Aymara Lodge in softer evening light for another walk through the gardens before dinner.
Key activities
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Morning activity at Aymara Lodge
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Afternoon activity at Aymara Lodge
Poconé
After an included breakfast and check-out from Aymara Lodge, travel south along the Transpantaneira toward SouthWild Pantanal Lodge, pausing often for photography as wildlife and light allow. Lunch breaks the journey, then the relaxed drive continues past rich birdlife and Pantanal scenery. Arriving in the afternoon, check in at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge, settle into your rooms and explore the riverfront surroundings before dinner at this Poconé base for jaguar safaris and wildlife viewing.
Key activities
Poconé
Begin with an included breakfast before a morning activity at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge, exploring the wetlands around the lodge. A boat excursion through quiet channels offers reflections and soft light for photography, with Black-collared Hawks regular sightings, plus kingfishers, herons, jacanas and other wetland birds. Lunch and dinner are available at the lodge. SouthWild Pantanal Lodge in Poconé is a premier base for exploring the wild Pantanal, with expert-led jaguar safaris, horseback rides and exceptional wildlife viewing from a private, riverfront lodge.
Key activities
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Morning activity at SouthWild Pantanal Lodge
Porto Jofre
After breakfast and hotel check out, travel south along the Transpantaneira toward Porto Jofre, watching for wildlife en route. Arrive, check in, and take a short break before an afternoon boat safari in search of Jaguars along forested riverbanks. Capybaras, caimans, giant otters, and diverse birds may be encountered. A Pantanal Cruise from Porto Jofre offers further wildlife viewing in Brazil’s Mato Grosso region.
Key activities
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Afternoon sighting of Jaguar
Porto Jofre
Explore the waterways of Encontro das Águas State Park by small safari boat, where the Cuiabá, Três Irmãos, and Piquiri rivers meet. Morning and afternoon outings focus on finding wild jaguars along the riverbanks, with Giant Otters, capybaras, caimans, and abundant birdlife also possible. Lunch is served on the boat between search sessions, and a Pantanal Cruise from Porto Jofre rounds out the day. Photography from low angles and close engagement with the landscape shape this full day on the water.
Key activities
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Into Jaguar Country
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Exploring the "Parque Estadual Encontro das Águas" (Meeting of the Waters)
Porto Jofre
Breakfast is included before a full day exploring Jaguar along the quieter channels of the Rio São Lourenço, leaving busier waterways behind for a slower, more remote Pantanal experience. The morning and afternoon focus on jaguars, with Giant Otters, tapirs, caimans and abundant birds shaping the day’s rhythm. A Pantanal Cruise from Porto Jofre adds encounters with jaguars, caimans and exotic birds along the lush rivers of Brazil’s Mato Grosso region. Lunch and dinner are available at a generic cost.
Key activities
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Exploring the São Lourenço River
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Time with the Wildlife
Cuiabá – Campo Grande – Aquidauana
After an included breakfast, check out and leave Porto Jofre, travelling the Transpantaneira back toward Cuiabá. The morning drive through Poconé offers chances to spot giant anteaters, marsh deer and roadside marsh birds, with stops at key bridges. Continue by flight from Cuiabá to Campo Grande, then check in and settle in before dinner. The journey ends with a stay at Pequi Lodge in Aquidauana, a peaceful Pantanal retreat offering river excursions, horseback rides and authentic Brazilian hospitality.
Key activities
Aquidauana
Settle into Pequi Lodge in Aquidauana and explore its grounds, where feeders draw Hyacinth Macaw and Plush-crested Jay, offering chances to photograph birds in natural light. In the afternoon, head onto the surrounding tracks to look for Giant Anteaters, Red-legged Seriemas, Greater Rheas and other Cerrado wildlife in softer evening light. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included or available, and the lodge provides a peaceful Pantanal base with river excursions, horseback rides and authentic Brazilian hospitality.
Key activities
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Arrival at Pequi Lodge
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Exploring the Cerrado
Aquidauana
Start with an early breakfast at Pequi Lodge in Aquidauana, then spend the morning around the lodge’s feeders and nearby woodland, where Hyacinth Macaws, Plush-crested Jays, parrots and woodpeckers are often active in the changing light. After lunch, your final afternoon explores the surrounding transition zone between the Pantanal and the Cerrado, searching for Giant Anteaters, Greater Rheas and other wildlife. Return to Pequi Lodge for dinner, reflecting on river excursions, horseback rides and authentic Brazilian hospitality in this remarkable setting.
Key activities
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Bird Photography Around the Lodge
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Pequi Lodge Day 2 PM
Campo Grande Airport – Sao Paulo Airport
After breakfast and hotel check-out, transfer from Pequi Lodge to Campo Grande Airport for a flight to São Paulo. If time permits, stop at the Sítio Macuquinho feeders, a superb spot for close-up bird photography on the edge of native woodland, where tanagers, euphonias, aracaris, toucans and woodpeckers may appear. Continue with a transfer to Trilha dos Tucanos – Birdwatching Lodge, check in, settle into your rooms and relax before dinner.
Key activities
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Sítio Macuquinho Feeders
Tapiraí
After breakfast and hotel check out in São Paulo, transfer to Trilha dos Tucanos Birdwatching Lodge. Check in and settle into your rooms before spending the afternoon at the reserve’s renowned bird feeders. This premier Atlantic Forest sanctuary is one of Brazil’s best-known bird photography destinations, with fruit, nectar, and natural perches attracting a remarkable diversity of birds. Depending on the day’s activity, you may encounter Yellow-fronted Woodpeckers, tanagers, toucans, aracaris, and other forest species. Enjoy dinner at the lodge.
Key activities
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First Session at the Feeders
São Paulo – Tapiraí
Begin at the lodge feeders in soft morning light, where tanagers, woodpeckers, euphonias and toucans often appear, creating good conditions for photography. After breakfast and hotel check out, continue with lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring forest trails and quiet roads around Trilha dos Tucanos, a premier birdwatching sanctuary in São Paulo’s Atlantic Forest. Look for mixed flocks, trogons, foliage-gleaners and manakins. Check in to your hotel, settle in, and end the day with dinner.
Key activities
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Morning — Bird Photography at the Feeders
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Exploring the Atlantic Forest
São Paulo – Tapiraí
Make the most of your final morning at Trilha dos Tucanos, a premier birdwatching sanctuary in São Paulo, dividing time between the feeders and surrounding Atlantic Forest according to light and recent bird activity. This flexible approach offers another chance to observe and photograph some of the forest’s most sought-after species, including vibrant toucans, before departing for your next destination. Breakfast is included in the package, with lunch and dinner available as generic meals.
Key activities
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A Final Session in the Forest
São Paulo
After breakfast at Trilha dos Tucanos Birdwatching Lodge, check out and transfer to São Paulo. On arrival, check in to your hotel, settle into your rooms and take a short break to relax. Later, join an evening backup and image review session before a farewell dinner in São Paulo, bringing the birdwatching journey to a close.
Key activities
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Evening backup and image review
Day 16
Enjoy a final included breakfast at the hotel before a free morning for souvenirs or a photo review and photo session with Tristan. Take time to relax and gather your things for hotel check out, then transfer to the airport for your flight home, closing out an incredible adventure.
Key activities
Target Species
A curated selection of the iconic species we aim to encounter and photograph throughout our journey.
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Gallery
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 10.995 USD (687 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 8.995 USD (562 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 7.495 USD (468 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 5.995 USD (375 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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Hotels mentioned in the program- Aymara Lodge — 2 nights · Ecolodge
- SouthWild Pantanal Lodge — 2 nights · Ecolodge
- Pantanal Cruise — 3 nights · Boat hotel
- Pequi Lodge — 3 nights · Ecolodge
- Trilha dos Tucanos — 3 nights · Ecolodge
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van)
- Meals indicated in the program: 15 breakfasts, 14 lunchs, 15 dinners
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Lunch on day 15 and Departure day
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (2.249 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
Services to Expect
Meals
What’s Included and What’s on Your Own
To give you the perfect balance of convenience and culinary freedom, daily breakfast is fully included at your accommodations. For lunches and dinners, we leave most days open so you can explore Brazil’s vibrant food scene at your own pace. Your tour leader will always be on hand to recommend the best local spots, from casual beachside kiosks to high-end dining.
The Brazilian Dining Experience
Brazilian cuisine is diverse, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. Here is what you can look forward to on the ground:
- Churrasco (Barbecue): Brazil is world-famous for its slow-cooked, skewered meats. You will have plenty of opportunities to visit traditional rodízio-style steakhouses where carvers bring cuts directly to your table.
- “Por Kilo” Buffets: A staple of Brazilian daily life, these pay-by-weight buffet restaurants offer an incredible variety of hot dishes, salads, and meats. It is the perfect, budget-friendly way to sample local dishes at lunch.
- Fresh Tropical Fruits: Expect an abundance of fresh juices, acai bowls, and exotic fruits like mango, papaya, and passionfruit, especially during your included breakfasts.
Dietary Requirements & Allergies
While Brazil is a paradise for meat lovers, vegetarians and travelers with dietary restrictions can still eat very well. The widespread por kilo buffets offer an abundance of fresh salads, rice, beans, and vegetable dishes, making it easy to control what goes onto your plate. If you are vegan or have severe gluten allergies, please notify us upon booking so we can advise our local guides to assist you with menu translations and selections.
Water and Food Safety
To ensure a comfortable trip, we recommend drinking bottled or filtered water, which is cheap and readily available everywhere. Ice in established restaurants and hotels is made from purified water and is perfectly safe, as are fresh salads and peeled fruits in the venues selected for this tour.
Transportation
Domestic Flights & Luggage Limits
Brazil is a continent-sized country, so we utilize internal flights to connect major destinations efficiently. These domestic flights are included in your tour package. However, please keep in mind that local airlines enforce stricter luggage limits than international carriers. Your checked bag must not exceed 23 kg (50 lbs), and carry-on bags are limited to 10 kg (22 lbs). Packing light will ensure hassle-free transit days.
Private, Air-Conditioned Road Travel
For ground transfers and day excursions, you will travel in private, modern, air-conditioned mini-buses or motorcoaches reserved exclusively for our group. While major highways are well-maintained, some routes—especially those leading to coastal towns or national parks—can be winding or bumpy. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend bringing your preferred remedy.
Water Transits and Boat Transfers
Many of Brazil’s highlights require getting out on the water. Depending on your specific route, you may board speedboats, schooners, or motorized canoes (particularly in the Amazon or coastal regions). These transfers are highly scenic but require a basic level of mobility to step on and off the vessels safely, sometimes from wet docks or sandy beaches.
At-a-Glance Transport Facts
- Travel Times: Brazil is vast. Expect a few longer travel days of 4 to 6 hours, combining flights and road transfers to reach more remote highlights.
- Climate Control: All our private road vehicles are fully air-conditioned to keep you comfortable in the tropical heat.
- Boarding Accessibility: You should be comfortable boarding domestic aircraft via stairs on the tarmac and stepping into small boats.
Practical Information
Safety
Our Built-In Safety Net
While Brazil often gets mixed press regarding safety, traveling on a structured tour significantly minimizes your risks. From the moment you land, we have vetted every step of your journey. You will be accompanied by professional local guides who know the neighborhoods intimately, and all major transfers are handled via private, secure transport. We only book accommodations in well-lit, reputable areas with 24/7 security, giving you a safe haven throughout your trip.
Staying Smart on the Ground
Most visits to Brazil are completely trouble-free, but opportunistic street crime (like pickpocketing) does occur in major cities. To ensure a seamless trip, we ask our travelers to adopt a few simple habits:
- Leave the valuables at home: Keep expensive jewelry, high-end watches, and flashy accessories at home. A simple rule of thumb is to look low-key.
- Smart phone usage: Avoid walking down the street with your phone in your hand. If you need to check maps or take a photo, step into a shop, lobby, or cafe first.
- Card security: We recommend using a secure crossbody bag or money belt, and keeping a digital copy of your passport on your phone while leaving the physical document in your hotel safe.
Health and Medical Preparation
Your physical well-being is just as important as your personal security. Before booking, please keep the following in mind:
- Vaccinations: Depending on your specific destination within Brazil (such as the Amazon basin or certain rural areas), a Yellow Fever vaccination may be highly recommended or required for entry. Check with your local travel clinic at least six weeks before departure.
- Water and Food Safety: To avoid any travel bugs, we advise drinking bottled or filtered water throughout the trip. Your guide will always point out safe, vetted dining options during your free time.
Is this tour right for you?
If you want to experience the vibrant culture, beaches, and nature of Brazil but feel hesitant about navigating the logistics and safety nuances on your own, this tour is the perfect fit. We provide the structure and local expertise so you can travel with peace of mind. However, if you are uncomfortable with basic urban safety precautions or the sensory bustle of major South American cities, you may want to speak with one of our travel specialists before booking.
Weather in June / July / August
Winter in the Tropics: An Overview
June, July, and August mark the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere. However, “winter” in Brazil is vastly different from North America or Europe. For most of the country, this period brings some of the most pleasant weather of the year, characterized by lower humidity, minimal rainfall, and highly comfortable temperatures.
Regional Weather Variations
Because Brazil is continental in size, the weather varies significantly by region during these months. Here is what you can expect on our typical routes:
- Rio de Janeiro & the Southeast: Expect beautiful, spring-like weather. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 24°C (75°F) with plenty of sunshine, cooling down to a comfortable 18°C (64°F) at night. It is ideal for sightseeing and walking tours without the stifling summer heat.
- Iguazu Falls: Located further south, Iguazu is notably cooler. Highs reach about 22°C (72°F), but evenings can drop to 13°C (55°F) or lower. You will definitely want to pack layers for early morning excursions.
- The Amazon & Pantanal: This is the dry season. While still warm, rainfall is at its lowest. In the Pantanal, lower water levels concentrate wildlife around remaining water sources, making this the absolute best time of year for spotting jaguars and exotic birds.
Quick Packing Tips for This Season
To stay comfortable throughout your journey, we recommend packing with versatility in mind:
- Bring breathable, lightweight clothing for warm afternoons.
- Pack a medium-weight jacket or sweater and long pants for cooler evenings in Rio and Iguazu.
- Do not forget high-quality sunscreen and polarized sunglasses, as the winter sun remains very bright.
Power & Connectivity
Electricity & Plug Types
Brazil can be a bit unique when it comes to powering your devices. The country uses two different voltages—127V and 220V—depending on the state and sometimes even the specific hotel. While most modern smartphones, laptops, and camera chargers are dual-voltage (110V-240V) and will work safely on both, you should double-check high-draw appliances like hair dryers or straighteners before plugging them in.
The standard socket in Brazil is Type N, which features three round pins. This outlet is also compatible with the common European Type C plug. To ensure you can charge your devices anywhere on the tour, we highly recommend bringing a universal adapter.
Internet & Mobile Coverage
Staying in touch with family or sharing your travel photos is easy in Brazil, but coverage varies by location:
- Wi-Fi: You will find complimentary Wi-Fi at almost all of our tour hotels, as well as in modern cafes and restaurants in major cities.
- Mobile Data: For seamless connectivity on the go, we recommend activating an international roaming plan or purchasing an eSIM before you arrive. Local physical SIM cards can also be purchased at major airports.
- Remote Areas: If our itinerary takes us into deeper nature reserves or remote regions, expect cellular service to be limited or temporarily unavailable. It is a great opportunity to unplug and enjoy the surroundings.
Vaccines
Yellow Fever Vaccination
While Brazil does not universally require a Yellow Fever vaccine certificate for all incoming travelers, it is highly recommended for most visitors due to the regional destinations featured in our itineraries. Additionally, if you are entering Brazil from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission (including several neighboring South American and African nations), you will be required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) upon arrival.
Recommended Routine & Travel Vaccines
To ensure a safe and worry-free journey, health authorities generally advise that travelers to Brazil are up-to-date on standard routine immunizations, as well as the following travel-specific vaccines:
- Hepatitis A: Highly recommended for all travelers to prevent food and water-borne transmission.
- Typhoid: Recommended for most travelers, particularly those who enjoy sampling local street food or visiting smaller towns.
- Hepatitis B & Tetanus: Ensure your routine boosters are current before departure.
When to See a Travel Doctor
We strongly recommend scheduling a consultation with a travel clinic or your healthcare provider at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. Some vaccines require multiple doses spaced weeks apart, or take time to become fully effective in your system. This visit is also the perfect time to discuss prescription preventative measures for mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Malaria, depending on your personal medical history and any pre- or post-tour independent travel plans.
Brazil Visa & Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Brazil vary depending on your nationality.
- For U.S. Citizens: Effective since April 10, 2025, Brazil require U.S. citizens to obtain an electronic visa (e-visa) prior to arrival. This must be applied for and approved online before you travel. We recommend starting this process well in advance.
- For E.U. & U.K. Citizens: Citizens of the European Union and the United Kingdom generally do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
For all travelers, it is essential that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Brazil. As regulations can change, we strongly advise you to personally verify the latest entry requirements with the official Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check that your policy covers medical care, emergency assistance, trip interruption and the activities included in your itinerary.
Review the conditions before travelling and keep the assistance details accessible during the tour.
Getting in Shape
This is a bird-photography tour rather than a demanding trek, but you will walk on uneven ground, sometimes at altitude, and spend time standing with your camera.
Regular walking, gentle hiking or cycling in the weeks before departure will help. If possible, practice with the daypack and camera equipment you expect to carry.
Photography Gear
Luggage Limits and Portability
Internal flights within Brazil enforce strict weight limits, typically allowing only 10kg (22 lbs) for carry-on baggage. Since you will want to keep your expensive camera gear with you at all times, we highly recommend a compact, lightweight setup. A single versatile zoom lens (such as a 24-70mm or 24-105mm equivalent) is often much more practical than carrying multiple heavy prime lenses.
Protecting Your Gear from the Elements
Whether we are misted by the spray of Iguaçu Falls, navigating the humid Amazon basin, or kicking up dust in the Pantanal, Brazil’s diverse environments demand gear protection. To ensure your equipment survives the journey, make sure to pack:
- A high-quality dry bag: Essential for boat excursions to protect your camera from sudden downpours or splashes.
- Lens cleaning supplies: Pack plenty of microfiber cloths and a blower brush, as humidity and dust can quickly smudge your glass.
- Silica gel packets: Keep these in your camera bag to absorb excess moisture in humid tropical regions.
Safety and Discretion
While Brazil is a photographer’s dream, safety requires a common-sense approach, especially in bustling cities like Rio de Janeiro or Salvador. We advise bringing a non-descript camera bag that does not scream “expensive equipment.” A simple backpack or messenger bag is ideal for keeping your gear secure and out of sight when not actively shooting.
Power and Voltage Compatibility
Brazil uses Type N (and sometimes Type C) outlets, and the voltage varies by region, ranging from 127V to 220V. Before you depart, verify that your camera battery chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and pack a universal adapter so you never miss a shot due to a dead battery.
General Packing List
The Golden Rule: Pack Light and Layer
Brazil’s climate varies dramatically by region and season. Whether you are exploring the tropical north, strolling the streets of Rio, or visiting the cooler southern regions, the key is versatile layering. Opt for breathable, quick-drying fabrics that keep you cool in the humidity but can be layered if temperatures drop in the evening.
Internal Flight Luggage Limits
If your tour includes domestic flights within Brazil, please note that local airlines enforce strict luggage limits. Typically, you are allowed one checked bag up to 23 kg (50 lbs) and one cabin bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs). We highly recommend using a lightweight, durable suitcase or duffel bag with wheels to make transit seamless.
Essential Footwear
You do not need heavy hiking boots unless you plan on extreme trekking. For this tour, we recommend:
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers with good grip for city tours and light nature walks.
- Sturdy sandals for warmer days.
- A pair of flip-flops (though you can easily buy world-famous Havaianas locally!).
Power and Electronics
Brazil uses Type N and Type C outlets. The voltage is not uniform across the country—some cities use 110V while others use 220V. We recommend packing a universal adapter and checking if your personal electronics are dual-voltage before plugging them in.
Detailed Trip Notes, including practical tips, cultural insights, and a complete packing list will be sent to you 60 days before departure.
Booking this tour means you agree to our full Terms and Conditions. Below is a summary of the key points. As life is unpredictable, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
- Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. This deposit is refundable for 7 days (less transaction fees), after which it becomes a non-refundable credit, transferable to a future tour offered by Remote Expeditions within 4 years of the cancellation date, less any non-recoverable costs already paid on your behalf.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour begins.
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: You will receive a full refund of any payments made, except for the 30% deposit. Your deposit will be converted into a travel credit valid for 4 years on a future tour Remote Expeditions.
- Cancellation within 90 days of departure: 100% of the tour price is forfeited. There are no refunds or credits.
* This is a summary only. Please read our complete
Terms and Conditions
for full details before booking.
** We strongly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Your Tour Guide
Tristan Quevilly
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- Nationality: French
- Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
- Guiding since: 2003
- Specialties: Photography, Trekking, Indigenous Communities
Activities you might be interested in
These are suggested experiences that have not been included in the itinerary, mainly due to time constraints. If you would like more information about any of them or wish to include them in the itinerary, feel free to let me know.
Extend your journey
Optional extensions and add-ons you may consider for your trip. Each can be added to your itinerary on request — just let me know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
