Group travel as a solo traveler: why it works so well (and is less scary than it sounds)

Hey there, how's it going?

If you're reading this with your finger hovering over the "I want to go" button and a little voice whispering "but I'm going alone, aren't I...", take a deep breath. Sit down here next to me and we'll sort this out in no time.

First, a little insider secret: most of the people who travel with us come solo. It's the rule, not the exception. And honestly, I've lost count of how many people messaged me afterwards saying "Ana, I never felt alone for even a single second."

That pair right there? They met on an expedition. I swear. Life is funny when we just let things happen. That's me and Marcão in the photo during his very first expedition, and today we've been friends for years!

Small groups change EVERYTHING (and I'll explain why)

We keep the group size strictly between 8 and 12 people on purpose. It's not by chance. It's because it completely changes three major things in practice:

• You learn everyone's name on the very first day. No cliques, no "groups within the group".
• The guide knows who you are, what makes you shine, and what gets you down.
• You can do things a giant group wouldn't even dream of: stop at an unexpected viewpoint, have dinner at that cozy little restaurant that only fits ten people, jump in the water whenever you feel like it.

"But what if the group is weird?"

Look, I hear this question EVERY single week. And it's completely valid! But there's a funny thing I've noticed over the years: people who join an expedition naturally self-select.

People who agree to spend 6, 10, 14 days with people they don't know usually share a lot in common: curiosity, lightheartedness, and an open readiness to experience the world. You won't find that annoying coworker in the group. I promise. (And if you do, call me and I'll handle it.)

Real photo of a group that met 4 days prior. 4 DAYS. Look at those happy faces!

"What if I just want some quiet time one day?"

Then do it. Seriously. We deeply respect each guest's time. Some people spend their free afternoon reading on the porch while the rest of the group heads to an extra waterfall. Some do the exact opposite. Nobody gives anyone side-eye; we understand that resting is a vital part of traveling too.

Going with a group doesn't mean hanging out in a pack 24/7. It means having company whenever you want it, and quiet time whenever you need it.

She came solo. He came solo. They met at the airport on Day 1. By Day 5, they were best friends for life. That's just how it goes.

Single room? You got it.

If you want to guarantee a space that's all your own, you can book a single room (for a small extra fee, which we'll explain clearly). If you prefer to share and save some money, we pair you up with someone with a similar profile, similar age, similar sleeping habits, and a similar vibe. We always ask beforehand. No surprises.

What usually happens (and we've already lost count)

• WhatsApp groups that stay active for years after the trip.
• People reuniting to travel on their own later on.
• Unlikely friendships: the 55-year-old doctor becoming the lifelong hiking buddy of the 28-year-old copywriter. It's happened. Multiple times.

Classic scene: a midday snack break, everyone laughing at an inside joke that already popped up after just 48 hours together.

Solo, but connected

I think that's the most beautiful part of it all. You set off solo, but you're never alone when it matters most. There's someone to snap your picture at that gorgeous viewpoint. There's someone who knows you went out for a walk. There's someone sharing breakfast with you and laughing over that silly story from yesterday.

Chapada Diamantina, an afternoon break, cold coconut water, and three strangers who are now friends forever.

And what if, EVEN THEN, you still get butterflies?

Message us on WhatsApp, sweetie. Seriously, reach out. The team and I speak personally with every guest before the expedition. If you get that "I don't know if this is for me" feeling, we'll chat patiently without any pushy sales pitch. It's much better for you to join feeling at ease rather than just hoping it turns out okay.

To wrap up

Traveling solo might feel brave at the beginning. But later on, it becomes many people's favorite way to travel, because it's where the trip fits your own style, your own pace, along with the friendships that blossom along the way.

Ready to go? I'm waiting with the coffee brewed and the group already coming together.