WHERE COFFEE GROWS.
WHERE STORIES LIVE.
Limited to 7 photographers. November 7-15, 2026.
PAINTED TOWNS. HIDDEN COFFEE FARMS.
HORSEMAN ABOVE THE CLOUDS.
Photograph the Colombia nobody sees.
November 7–15, 2026 • Limited to 7 photographers
ACCESS CREATES IMAGES
Days inside working family farms, in the studios of master zócalo artists, on horseback through mountain coffee fields at golden hour. The relationships are already built.
TWO ICONIC TOWNS. NO FILLER.
Guatapé, hand-painted facades and a 740-step rock some call the eighth wonder of the world. Jardín, a 150-year-old coffee town where locals still ride horses.
MORE THAN COFFEE
Peak coffee harvest. Zócalo artists. Horses on mountaintops. Rare birds. Cable cars. Two of the most colorful towns in Colombia.
SMALL GROUP. REAL ACCESS.
Close guidance in the field. A professional model for editorial sessions. Drone instruction. Work that feels intentional, not accidental.
STORIES FROM THE MOUNTAINS
Cinematic portraits, landscapes, and quiet moments from Colombia’s hidden coffee country
TESTIMONIALS
Theadora
New York City
John
New York City
Megan
New York City
Elizabeth
New York City
Christian
Washington D.C.
Jorge
Pitalio, Colombia
THE EXPEDITION ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Saturday, November 7 · Medellín
Airport pickup and into the mountains. By late afternoon, the cameras are already out, painted facades glowing in golden light, portraits forming in quiet doorways, reflections dancing across the lake. Guatapé reveals itself slowly, one street at a time. I know the corners most travelers walk past. The expedition begins long before the welcome dinner is poured.
Day 2-3: GUATAPÉ
Painted Streets · Reservoir Light · Mountain Mornings
A master zócalo artist opens his studio, the tradition behind every painted wall in town, taught by the hands that keep it alive. El Peñón in the morning. 740 steps. The reservoir stretching out below like a green archipelago. Kayaking across the water. Tuk-tuks weaving through the village.
Editorial portrait sessions with a professional model and sophisticated lighting against painted facades. Drones over the reservoir at sunrise. Long exposures in the streets after dark.
The smaller the town, the more you begin to notice.
Day 4-8: JARDÍN
Coffee Mountains · Horsemen in the Plaza · Mist at Dawn
Jardín feels untouched by time. Farmers ride horses through the colorful plaza beneath the awe-inspiring cathedral. Morning mist rolls across the mountains while workers move through rows of ripe coffee cherries at first light.
These days unfold slowly, family-owned coffee farms, horseback rides above the clouds, a cable car crossing the green valley, rare birds hidden deep in the forest, and long evenings reviewing the day’s images over coffee.
Jardín doesn’t reveal itself all at once. That’s what makes it unforgettable.
DAY 9: DEPARTURE
Sunday, November 15 · Medellín
One final coffee before the ride back through the mountains to Medellín. By now, the towns, farms, and faces feel familiar.
You leave with more than photographs.
MEET BRETT
I’m Brett Garamella, a portrait photographer and documentary filmmaker. My work lives at the intersection of cinematic light and real human stories, inside communities most photographers never reach.
That work has taken me from National Geographic and ESPN to an Academy Award–qualifying short film, with documentary projects spanning Colombia’s coffee mountains, Cuban tobacco farms, Indian streets, and Dagestani fight camps.
I’ve been returning to Colombia since 2007. Decades of mountain towns, farming families, and cobblestone plazas while building relationships, earning trust, and learning the rhythms of a country I love far beyond the tourist trail. I’m conversationally fluent in Spanish and know the roads, the people, and the places that make this expedition possible.
I don’t lead tours to places you could easily find yourself. I take you inside something, and show you how to photograph it.
Small groups. Real access. Cinematic images.
TRUSTED BY
Over 18 million views and 73,000 followers across the globe.
BRING YOUR PARTNER
Your spouse or partner is welcome to join the expedition at a reduced companion rate of $800.
This includes shared accommodations, transportation throughout the expedition, breakfasts, welcome and farewell dinners, and all included cultural experiences and activities.
The coffee mountains, colorful pueblos, horseback rides above the clouds, and slow rhythm of rural Colombia make this an unforgettable experience even without a camera in hand.
Limited to one accompanying partner per registered photographer.
THE COLOMBIA PHOTO EXPERIENCE
November 7-15, 2026
Limited to 7 Photographers
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Airport pickup in Medellín
All transportation throughout the expedition
8 nights accommodation (private room)
Daily breakfast
Welcome and farewell dinners
Two coffee farm stays and coffee experiences
Horseback riding in the mountains
Kayak or boat experience on the reservoir
Cable car into the valley above Jardín
Nature reserve access and exotic bird photography
Sunrise experience at El Peñón
Zócalo artist studio access
Professional model sessions
Drone instruction and guidance
Night photography sessions
Daily coaching and portfolio reviews
Rainy-day workshops on lighting, storytelling, and post-production
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International flights
Lunches and most dinners
Alcohol and personal purchases
Travel insurance
INVESTMENT
Founding Departure - Deadline July 31, 2026: $3,700 (Regular Rate $4,500)
Limited to 7 photographers (5 spots left)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What skill level do I need?
Enthusiast to advanced. You should feel comfortable shooting in manual mode and understand basic exposure, but this expedition is designed to meet photographers where they are. Some people will focus on building confidence with portraits and documentary storytelling. Others will push deeper into cinematic lighting, environmental portraiture, and creating more intentional bodies of work. The goal is not perfection, it’s growth.
Is Colombia safe?
Yes. The coffee region has been one of the safest and most welcoming parts of Colombia for years. These are small mountain towns, not major cities, and the pace of life is completely different.
I’ve been traveling to Colombia since 2007 and speak Spanish fluently. I know the roads, the culture, and the rhythms of the country well. Every location on this expedition has been personally scouted, and all transportation and logistics are handled in advance so you can stay focused on the experience and the photography.
What if it rains?
It will probably rain at some point, and honestly, that’s part of what makes coffee country beautiful. Mist rolling through the mountains, reflections in the streets, soft overcast light across the farms, some of the most cinematic images happen after the weather shifts.
On heavier rain days, we’ll use the time intentionally with editing sessions, lighting breakdowns, image critiques, and post-production workshops.
What gear should I bring?
A mirrorless camera or DSLR is ideal, but bring whatever camera you're most comfortable using. For lenses, a 24–70mm zoom works great as an all-around option, and a 50mm or 85mm prime is perfect for portraits.
A tripod is recommended for sunrise and night photography. Extra batteries, rain protection, and memory cards are essential. If you own a drone, bring it. Colombia’s mountain landscapes are incredible from the air.
A full packing and gear guide will be sent after registration.
Are models provided?
Yes. A professional model from Medellín will join us in Guatapé for cinematic editorial portrait sessions using both natural light and more advanced lighting setups.
In Jardín, the focus shifts toward documentary portraiture: coffee farmers, horse riders, artisans, and the people who make these mountain towns feel alive.
Why is the group so small?
I cap the expedition at seven photographers. That’s intentional.
I want to actually work with you in the field, helping with composition, lighting, storytelling, and building stronger images in real time. Small groups also create a completely different atmosphere. Less waiting around. Less competing for the same shot. More flexibility, more conversation, and more genuine access.
Do we do any editing or just shooting?
Both.
Throughout the expedition we’ll do evening photo reviews, image critiques, and conversations about storytelling, composition, and sequencing.
Rainy afternoons will also be used for more focused workshops on cinematic lighting, editing, post-production, and building stronger documentary work.
The goal isn't just to take better photographs in Colombia. It's to come home seeing differently.
What’s included?
Eight nights of accommodation with a private room for every photographer. All ground transportation including airport pickup. Two coffee farm stays with full tours. Horseback riding through coffee country. Cock of the rock nature reserve. La Garrucha cable car. A professional model for editorial sessions. Drone instruction. Daily photography coaching. Evening photo reviews. Rainy-day workshops. Welcome and farewell dinners. Peñón sunrise experience. Zócalo artist studio access. Kayaking or boat on the reservoir. Night photography sessions.
Flights, most meals, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, personal gear, and gratuities are not included.
What’s the food like?
Colombian coffee region cuisine: fresh, hearty, farm-driven. Beans, rice, arepas, grilled meats, fresh fruit, and the best coffee you've ever had, straight from the farms where you're staying. Vegetarian options available with advance notice.
How does transportation and departure work?
All ground transportation during the expedition is included and coordinated in advance, including airport pickup in Medellín, private transportation from Medellín Airport to Guatapé, transfers between towns, and the scenic journey south into Jardín through Colombia’s mountain coffee region.
The transportation itself becomes part of the experience: winding mountain roads, green valleys, roadside cafés, and incredible scenery the entire way.
At the end of the expedition, some photographers return to Medellín while others continue traveling elsewhere in Colombia. I’ll help coordinate the best departure plan based on your itinerary. Detailed travel instructions, recommended flight windows, and arrival information will all be sent after booking.
Can I use the images I create?
Yes. The images are yours and can be used for portfolios, websites, social media, competitions, editorial submissions, and personal projects.
Can I bring a non-photographer partner?
Yes. The expedition is designed around experience as much as photography — coffee farms, horseback rides through the mountains, colorful pueblos, cafés, culture, and slow travel through one of the most beautiful regions in Colombia.
Spouses or partners are welcome to join at a reduced companion rate of $800, which includes shared accommodations, transportation throughout the expedition, breakfasts, welcome and farewell dinners, and all included cultural experiences and activities.
Many non-photographers would enjoy this journey just as much.
What about solo travelers?
Most photographers join the expedition solo. Every participant receives a private room, giving you your own space throughout the journey.
What’s the cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellations more than 90 days before departure receive a full refund minus a $250 administrative fee. Cancellations 60–89 days out receive a 50% refund. Within 60 days, the expedition fee is non-refundable, unless your spot can be filled from the waitlist. If we cancel due to insufficient enrollment, you receive a full refund of all payments. Travel insurance that covers trip cancellation is strongly recommended.
Where do I fly?
You’ll fly into Medellín (MDE), where I'll personally coordinate airport pickup before we head into the mountains. Departure is also from Medellín.
Detailed travel instructions, recommended arrival windows, packing lists, and logistics will all be sent after booking.
I have questions about flights, hotels, or logistics.
Email me directly at brett@brettgaramella.com. I’ll help you figure out flights, arrival timing, what to pack, how the transportation works, and anything else you need. I want you focused on photography and the experience — not stressed about logistics.
SMALL GROUP · NOVEMBER 2026 · FOUNDING DEPARTURE
This isn’t the Colombia most people photograph.
It’s the one they never find.
Questions? brett@brettgaramella.com