About the expedition
There are places where nature still rules.
Guatemala is one of those places.
This expedition was born out of a desire to be present, to observe at leisure, and to photograph with intention. It was designed for photographers and nature lovers seeking profound, authentic, and transformative experiences—far from rushed tourism and easy images.
Over 10 days, we travel through some of Central America's richest ecosystems: tropical forests, nature reserves, active volcanoes, and dense jungle. Always with a clear goal: to observe, understand, and respect wildlife, letting photography happen as a consequence of this process.
Itinerary
DAY 1 | ARRIVAL IN GUATEMALA - LAKE ATITLÁN
Arrival in Guatemala and trip to the shores of Lake Atitlán.
After checking into our hotel, we begin to get into the rhythm of the trip with a first exploration of the region.
At the end of the afternoon, observation and photography session at sunset, when the light transforms the lake and volcanoes into a serene and powerful setting.
Visit to the village of San Juan La Laguna, where nature and local culture coexist in an authentic way.
DAY 2 | LAKE ATITLÁN
Departure before dawn for a photo session at one of the viewpoints over Lake Atitlán, taking advantage of the first light of day.
During the morning, we will observe and photograph the quetzal and other birds endemic to the region.
The focus is on reading behavior, patience, and silence—essential elements for this type of photography.
Free afternoon to rest, review images, and receive mentoring or quietly explore the area.
DAY 3 | NATURE RESERVE
After breakfast, we head to a private nature reserve.
The day is dedicated to wildlife photography, with a special focus on tropical birds and other species that inhabit the forest.
Sessions throughout the day, adapted to the light and animal activity.
DAY 4 | NATURE RESERVE AND WILDLIFE
Full day in a natural environment, furthering the photographic work begun the previous day.
The focus is on behavioral photography, reading the light, and careful observation of the surroundings.
At midday, we will travel to a new region in Guatemala, where we will have a privileged view of the Fuego Volcano throughout the night.
DAY 5 | ANTIGUA
Dawn photo session in the Private Reserve.
After breakfast, we continue our journey to Antigua Guatemala.
Free afternoon for rest, mentoring, editing and organizing equipment, and preparing for the experience of climbing the Acatenango volcano.
DAY 6 | ACATENANGO
Ascent to Acatenango Volcano in a 4x4 vehicle, significantly reducing physical effort.
Set up camp and take time to acclimatize to the altitude.
At the end of the day and during the night, an absolutely memorable moment of the expedition: observation and photography of the Fuego volcano in full activity, with frequent eruptions, incandescent explosions, and visible lava.
DAY 7 | ANTIGUA
Sunrise at Acatenango, with a privileged view of the Fuego Volcano and the sea of clouds surrounding the volcanoes.
After the descent, we return to Antigua.
The rest of the day is dedicated to rest, physical recovery, and sharing the experience.
DAY 8 | TIKAL
Domestic flight to the city of Flores and check-in at our hotel in Tikal.
First opportunities to photograph birds, mammals, and the tropical jungle environment.
DAY 9 | TIKAL - YAXHA
In the early hours of the morning, we enter the Tikal forest before sunrise to experience one of the most intense moments of the expedition: listening to the forest wake up.
In the dark, the sounds take on another dimension—birds, monkeys, insects, and the deep echo of the jungle create a unique, almost ritualistic atmosphere.
As the light begins to appear, the forest slowly reveals itself, offering rare opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
The rest of the day is dedicated to photography in the jungle environment, this time in Yaxha, always at the pace of nature, with time to observe, wait, and feel the place.
DAY 10 | RETURN
Return flight from Flores to Antigua and return trip to Portugal.
Included Services
✅ 10 days in Guatemala;
✅ 9 nights in a hotel;
✅ Transfer to/from the airport;
✅ Breakfast (included)
✅ Private transportation;
✅ 4x4 Jeep;
✅ Professional guide/driver;
✅ National park fees;
✅ Domestic flights;
✅ Accompaniment by photographer Andreia Costa
Not Included Services
❌Meals;
❌Laundry;
❌Extra Activities;
❌Airport Taxes;
❌Entry Visa;
❌International flights;
❌Travel insurance (mandatory);
❌Personal items;
❌Vaccinations;
❌Domestic flights;
❌Traveler consultation;
❌Tips/Gratuities
General
This trip is for anyone who loves photography and nature, regardless of their level of experience or the equipment they use. During the expedition, each participant will receive personalized guidance according to their photographic goals.
Your place is guaranteed upon payment of a deposit (€700), which will be deducted from the total price once the trip is confirmed. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the deposit will be refunded. However, in case of withdrawal by the participant, the amount will not be refunded.
If registration is made more than 90 days before the start of the trip, this deadline must be met in order to complete the full payment for the trip.
If registration is made less than 90 days before the start of the trip, payment must be made in full at the time of booking, otherwise participation cannot be guaranteed.
Rooms will be allocated in order of registration, with priority given to same-sex sharing. If single rooms are available, they will also be allocated in this order.
If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance so that we can ensure alternative meals are available.
The itinerary presented is indicative and may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, local guide recommendations, or unforeseen logistical issues.
We advise you to check the conditions of your health insurance for international coverage, or consider purchasing travel insurance with medical assistance.
Cancellation Policies
Reservation
Registration is considered effective upon payment of a deposit, which will be deducted from the total cost of the trip. This amount guarantees the reservation, but is non-refundable in case of cancellation by the participant, regardless of the reason.
Cancellation by the participant
After official confirmation of the trip (when the minimum number of participants has been reached), the following conditions apply in case of cancellation by the traveler:
- There will be no refund.
Replacement of participant
If the participant cancels the trip, they may designate another person to take their place, provided that the replacement occurs up to 20 days before the departure date and the new participant accepts the same agreed conditions.
Cancellation due to not reaching the minimum number of participants
The trip will only take place with a minimum of 6 participants. If this number is not reached, the organization reserves the right to cancel the expedition. In this case, the deposit and any other amounts paid will be refunded in full, without penalty.
Cancellation due to force majeure
In exceptional situations (such as changes in health conditions, safety, natural disasters, or other external causes that compromise the trip), the organization may cancel or postpone the expedition. Participants will be informed as far in advance as possible and will be entitled to a refund of the amounts paid or to reschedule for a new date.
Insurance recommendation
It is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance with coverage for cancellation, medical assistance, and repatriation, in order to ensure protection in case of personal or operational unforeseen events.
Recommendations
- Documentation: Passport: To travel to Guatemala, you need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months;
- Visa: Portuguese citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days;
- Mandatory vaccinations: No vaccinations are required for people from European countries;
- Local currency: Quetzal;
- Time difference: Guatemala is 6 hours behind mainland Portugal
- Mobile network: Mobile network and internet coverage is not always available in remote areas.
Price
⏺ Single room supplement:
⏺ Single room supplement:
Tour highlights
Accommodation
Throughout this expedition, accommodation is an integral part of the experience — not a secondary element.
Each location has been chosen with a clear objective: to be close to nature, reduce travel, and allow you to experience the territory with more time, silence, and presence.
We always sleep in spaces that are integrated into the surrounding environment, whether in the middle of the forest, in nature reserves, or in transition zones where the focus is on rest and recovery between intense experiences. These accommodations allow you to wake up early, enjoy the best hours of daylight, and return at the end of the day without long journeys.
Comfort exists, but it never overshadows the essentials.
Here, the real luxury lies in the location, the silence, the sounds of nature at night, and the possibility of coming into direct contact with the environment we are photographing.
The lodgings have been designed to:
- facilitate access to observation and photography sites
- ensure adequate rest after intense days
- maintain a constant connection with nature
- keep pace with the expedition, without excess
More than where we sleep, what matters is how we sleep: with time, tranquility, and the feeling of being part of the place.
Fuego Volcano
The experience of climbing the Acatenango volcano, with a direct view of the Fuego volcano, is one of the most intense moments of the entire trip.
At the end of the day, after the climb and setting up camp, nature reveals itself in its purest form:
the deep sound of the earth, the incandescent glow of the lava, the rhythmic explosions that light up the night sky.
It is not just a photographic moment—it is an emotional and visceral moment.
Before photographing, one observes. Before shooting, one feels.
And it is this connection that transforms each image into a memory.
Wildlife
One of the main focuses of the trip is the search for the Quetzal, a mythical, rare, and deeply symbolic bird of Central America. Observing it requires silence, patience, and attention to the environment. There is no rush and no guarantees—only presence. And that is precisely what makes each encounter so special.
Throughout the expedition, we will traverse different ecosystems that offer an extraordinary diversity of exotic birds. Dense forests, nature reserves, and environments rich in life provide unique opportunities to observe and photograph birds in the wild, natural behaviors, and rare interactions.
This is a trip designed for both nature photographers and birdwatching enthusiasts, people who are curious, attentive, and willing to slow down and listen. The pace is dictated by the light, the sounds of the forest, and the activity of wildlife — never by the clock.
More than returning with images, the goal is to return with experience, awareness, and memories.
Here, nature is not a backdrop.
It is the protagonist.
Gallery
Testimonials
Sandra Cirne
Kenya/Pantanal/Guatemala
I've been on three tours organised by Andreia: Kenya, Bolivia and Pantanal.
Completely different destinations with one thing in common... all the tours were incredibly well organised, from flights, stopovers, transfers, hotels, meals, guides, transport and itineraries in every destination.
From minus 20 degrees in Uyuni Salt Flats, to my first steps in astrophotography, tracking down jaguars and the BIG5 in Kenya, it was worth every second and every experience that Andreia provided us with.
An incredible companion who also passed on her love of wildlife photography to me!
Keep up the excellent work and thank you for everything!
Bárbara Pedro
Thailand
In August 2024, I had the opportunity to embark on an incredible 15-day trip to Thailand, passing through Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket. Everything was meticulously organised by Andreia. From the beginning, Andreia showed exceptional care for every detail, creating an itinerary perfectly balanced between culture, adventure and moments of leisure and relaxation.
In Chiang Mai, the elephant experience was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip. We visited a sanctuary where we were able to interact with these magnificent animals in a responsible and respectful manner. The sanctuary aims to rescue and rehabilitate elephants that have suffered abuse in tourist activities.
During the entire trip, Andreia made sure that every moment was special and well organised, from the smallest things like transfers to meals, allowing us as a group to make the most of each destination without any logistical worries.
I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to experience Thailand in an authentic and responsible way, with a higher awareness of respect for animals and the local culture. The trip not only provided me with unforgettable memories, but also made me reflect on the importance of contributing to causes that help protect nature and animals.
Pedro Batalha
Thailand
Simply memorable.
And all thanks to Andreia's organization and planning of the whole trip.
Every day we had a set itinerary full of interesting places to visit. From the streets of Bangkok, the Maeklong Railway Market, the
Elephant Rescue Park in Chiang Mai and the boat trips around the Phi Phi Islands, every experience had a unique cultural value that I'm sure will remain in every member of the group's memory.
Wherever we were, people were always kind and very welcoming. The language barrier is a reality, but it was always possible to communicate perfectly. The Thai cuisine was also an excellent surprise, with delicious, authentic and very cheap food. I highly recommend the local street food areas, full of fresh fruit stands and freshly prepared grills.
Highly recommended!
Cláudia Fialho
Guatemala
The overall trip was very good. The organization was a rating 10 and the activities were on time. Despite the long journeys, the transport was in comfortable vehicles with experienced drivers. Safety was a rating of 1000!
As for the accommodation, the hotels/hostels were adequate, except for the hotel in Antigua because of the breakfast episode and because it was claustrophobic. It's worth returning to the Bucaros hotel.
Finally, I loved the experience of visiting Guatemala with you.
Ana Rita André
Morocco/Guatemala
I had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala for 9 days with Andreia and it was simply incredible! As well as being a very talented photographer, she's also an exceptional expedition leader. Everything was planned down to the last detail - I didn't have to worry about anything, just enjoy it.
The trip was a complete experience: stunning landscapes, a rich culture and unforgettable moments, always with the perfect curation of locations and opportunities to capture incredible photographs.
Everything was impeccably organised, balancing adventure, comfort and safety. I totally recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic and well-planned trip!
Rute Fonseca
Pantanal/Bolivia
I've travelled on several expeditions organised by Andreia and I can say that every trip has been unique and extraordinary, guaranteed to be some of the most unforgettable I've ever been on. Andreia thinks of every detail to provide incredible experiences and make every moment memorable. Her commitment and passion for travelling is remarkable.
Everything is organised in an impeccable way which has allowed us to make the most of it without any worries. Her guidance is very close throughout the trip and she is always willing to share her vast knowledge of photography and help with any questions we may have. I can assure you that she is spectacular company.
There's no doubt that I'll be taking part in Andreia's expeditions again, and I couldn't recommend her more highly!
Bruno Santos
Morocco/Guatemala
I’ve had the privilege of traveling with Andreia Costa on two unforgettable experiences.
She organizes everything with such care that you don’t have to worry about anything - you can just enjoy yourself.
The first trip was to Morocco, where we explored the Sahara desert. The organization was impeccable, from transportation to accommodations, which allowed us to witness the desert in a authentic and stress free way. The night we slept under the stars is something I’ll never forget about.
In Guatemala we visited Lake Atitlan and Antigua, but the highlight was climbing the Acatenango Volcano, where we spent the night at an altitude of 3.800 meters, with a fantastic view at dawn. We also had the chance to explore Tikal at dawn while looking for jaguars, and managed to photograph the Milky Way in the jungle - a magical moment.
Andreia was an exceptional guide on both trips, always attentive to detail, making sure everything ran smoothly and that everybody felt safe. If you’re looking for a well-organized trip full of authentic culture, she’s the right choice.
Beatriz Pedro
Thailand
Last year I went on my dream trip: I traveled to Thailand!
An absolutely unforgettable experience, with everything thought out and taken care of in detail by Andreia Costa! And all I can say is that it was incredible from start to finish.
We started our trip in Bangkok, where we immersed ourselves in the city’s energy, explored stunning temples, and still had time for some tuk tuk rides between a markets, flavors and incredible views!
Then we headed to Chiang Mai, up north, where calmness and nature were prevalent. We visited an elephant santuary, got to know the local culture more closely and experienced those kind of moments that will stay in our memories forever. One of my favorite places in Thailand!
The last stop was in Phuket, for a few days of resting. The beaches are absolutely paradise, the markets with super fresh seafood and a beautiful city, very Cuban!
Andreia always took into account our preferences, the type of trip we wanted to take and gave us suggestions that made all the difference!
If I could, I'd go back tomorrow! And I'll definitely trust Andreia again for future trips. I recommend her 100%.
Thanks for everything, Andreia 💛
Sheila Pedrosa
Kenya
An unforgettable experience..Every day exceeded expectations..
Everything organized everything impeccable.. the guides 10 stars.. the parks and local hotels enrich the whole trip..
A mixture of cultures, fotography and images.. Living for 10 days in the grandiosity of nature.. This nature that expresses itself in its own language.. And with photographers that capture every moment in images!!!
The group 10 stars
I highly recommend travelling with photographers, particularly with Andreia..
I couldn’t be more satisfied more pleased more happy more grown up more enriched more everything
Thank you Andreia Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Helena Pedrosa
Kenya
I don't believe my vocabulary could ever allow me to trully describe what these 10 days full of life, nature, happyness, humor and good living meant/felt like to me. Everything was organized to the smallest detail since the very beginning, immediate availability to attend to any doubts, questions or fears one could have even before we met at the airport. I am sure I'll forever keep with me the memories from this trip, and not just through the countless pics and videos of high quality that the amazing photographers that joined us, blessed us with. I loved all of it, the safaris with splendorous views, the inumerous animals from all species, shapes and colours, this group full of beautiful people, the +5 stars guides. I can only express my imense gratitude for this oportunity and fresh air, am leaving with a full happy heart.
Thank you so so much Andreia! I'm ready for the next trips you plan.
Teresa Fonseca
Kenya
This was a fantastic trip! A new experience for me, a challenge from my daughter, which greatly exceeded all my expectations and left me wanting to do it all over again. I had never been on a safari before, I was very curious and I became a fan. Andreia Costa did a spectacular job, with thorough support and everything very well organized. Nothing was missed! A very cheerful and united group. Thank you all!
Congratulations, Andreia!
Carlos Fonseca
Kenya
This trip to a safari in Kenya exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed the group, which was spectacular. Seeing the animals in the wild is something else, and it was great that we saw the ones that are hardest to find, the big five, right away, it seemed like they knew they were being photographed by good photographers, Andreia Costa and colleagues. The guides were spectacular. My first balloon ride baptism was unforgettable.
We will try to go on the next safaris you organize, Andreia. Thank you.
Carla Cameira
Kenya
I would like to express my huge gratitude for these 10 wonderful days we spent together. It was an unforgettable vacation, where everything went so well. Andreia Costa's organization was simply spectacular and helped everything run smoothly.
The group that was established was something very special.
I loved every moment, every shared experience, every laugh.
Paulo Cabral
Kenya/Spain
I can only thank you for organizing this trip, for the coincidence of seeing it advertised on Instagram, for thinking that who better to show me what a safari in Africa is like than a professional photographer with experience in photographing nature and wildlife like you do like no other.
Everything was excellent: your organization, the places we stayed, the guides you chose were very good and unbeatable at finding the animals and stopping the jeeps in the best spots for us to photograph them. The entire trip program was well thought out, both from a cultural point of view, with visits to local tribes, and from an animal life point of view, visiting parks where we saw and photographed the Big 5 and many more animals in the wild in their natural habitat (and lots of birds too😁😅). I would like to highlight the visit to the sanctuary of the endangered Northern White Rhinos.
I also want to express my gratitude for the luck I had of the wonderful group that went on this adventure, a bunch of extraordinary, fun, friendly people, always in a good mood and concerned with the flow and well-being of the group 🙂👍🏻.
I enjoyed it so much that, as you know, I have already signed up to go with you on your next photography trips.
Bernardo Queiróz
Kenya
I haven’t been on a Safari for 20 years, I came eager to find as many animals as possible and improve my skills as a photographer. Andreia Costa from Capture Atlas, left no detail to chance, being relentless, going into detail, ensuring everyone’s well-being and individual will, all with a calm and simplicity that make us feel at home and with family. Not only did I see more animals than I had imagined, but I was able to see them outside of the confusion of the crowded parks, with all the support and security.
Without a doubt an experience to repeat
Rui Flores
Spain
An absolutely unforgettable experience!
Participating in the Iberian Lynx expedition with Andreia was an exciting and enriching experience. From the very beginning, everything was meticulously organized: transportation, accommodation, and observation sessions in strategically positioned hides.
Andreia is an exceptional leader—attentive, experienced, and passionate about wildlife photography. Her constant presence and support made all the difference. Each hide session was a lesson in patience, where silence turned into adrenaline with every movement in the vegetation.
The group was small, which created an intimate and collaborative environment. The exchange of experiences among the participants made this expedition not only a photographic opportunity, but also a true immersion in the “ecosystem” of photography.
I highly recommend it to all lovers of wildlife (and adventure) and photography. Thank you, Andreia, for providing moments that will stay with me forever! This was just the first of many...
Miguel Gonçalves
Spain
I had the opportunity to go with Capture Atlas on an expedition to Spain to try to witness and photograph the rare Iberian lynx.
I can say that it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Andreia was very friendly, caring, and patient. She answered everything without any problems and with great readiness.
We stayed in a house with all the amenities and very close to the hides, which saved us energy and time for a day of observation.
To top off the wonderful experience, the lynxes did us the favor of coming to say hello twice.
I have only good things to say and am grateful for this incredible experience.
I have already signed up for next year!
Gonçalo Garcia
Spain
I always try to go without expectations when it comes to wildlife because it doesn't depend solely on us, but I had a very positive feeling about this expedition, and that's how it turned out.
I met new people who shared my interests, learned a lot about photography and animals and their habits, and came away with some great memories (photos/videos) of one of the most epic felines in the world.
An experience to be repeated.
João Almeida
Spain
It was my first experience of this kind and, honestly, I didn't really know what to expect, but it ended up exceeding my expectations. Andreia is an excellent professional, dedicated and genuinely concerned with providing the best possible experience for those who participated in this trip.
Being able to spend three days in the heart of Spain, in a shelter, and having the opportunity to document one of the rarest felines in the world was simply fantastic. All the logistics, the atmosphere, and the attention made the experience memorable from start to finish.
I will definitely repeat this adventure with Andreia and would love to explore other locations with her in the future. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to connect more closely with nature and wildlife in an authentic and responsible way.