The northeast side of Brazil is a very popular destination, however, the state of Paraíba is still a not well known area if we compare to the others states of this region and still has many surprises left, from cinematographic landscapes, to the hospitality and sympathy of the people.
In this Expedition we are going to explore the Cariri, a region of unique cultural richness in the heart of the sertão. From leather artisans to cowboys in traditional dress, the rich culture of Paraíba makes this a truly unique journey.
Main information
Date 22 to 26 October 2025
Starting in João Pessoa
Ending in João Pessoa
Group size Up to 8
Investment
Shared bedroom R$ 4.590 per person
Single bedroom R$ 5.190 per person
Included
• Guided by photographer Victor Lima
• Accommodation with breakfast
• Private transportation
• Entrance fees to all attractions on our itinerary
* A comfortable Hotel with a restaurant and pool. All rooms have air conditioning, private bathrooms, mini-fridges and comfortable beds
Highlights
The charming Cabaceiras village
The mystical Lajedo de Pai Mateus
The Ribeira district, the tannery, and small artisanal leather workshops
The famous "Roliúde Nordestina" sign
Cowboys in their traditional leather attire
Ingá and the rock carvings
The Expedition
In this experience we will visit the outbacks, known as “sertão” in Brazil. It has a warm climate, undergrowth vegetation, but it can also surprise us, and even be found green and full of life. Over there we'll stay in the rural area of Cabaceiras, a city that has been movie set of many national acclaimed films, such as “Auto da Compadecida”, “Cinema, Aspirinas e Urubus”, and more recently, the Amazon Prime series “Cangaço Novo”, among others. For this reason, it is also known as the Roliúde Nordestina - “Hollywood from Northeast”, a place where real and imaginary stories mingle.
We’ll visit the “Lajedo de Pai Mateus”, a place that seems to be part of another planet. This may sound like a sensationalist magazine headline, but Lajedo has infinite possibilities for incredible photographs and it’s one of those places that you can only realize the magnitude of it once you’re there, walking along the huge rocks, having a spectacular view of the “sertão”, with an orange sunset. A perfect place to disconnect from the world and to inspire us to photograph during our next days.
We are also going to visit some villages of the region, the small leather workshops and the techniques that they have been working for a long.
Leather is a very important source for the locals, as the region has the lowest rainfall in the country and we'll encounter cowboys working the land, guiding cattle across the ranch in their distinctive garb, designed to shield them from the prickly cacti and other thorny vegetation that abounds in the region.
On our last night, we'll review our photos and have a mini-workshop on image editing, where you'll learn how to enhance your photography using Lightroom, including adjustments to color, light, shadow, temperature, and other key settings.
What’s not included
• Your photographic equipment
• Drinks and other meals
• Accommodations and activities outside our itinerary
• Travel insurance
What should I bring?
• Camera or cellphone
• Memory cards
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Sunscreen, hat, and a reusable water bottle
Detailed itinerary below!
Reviews
Mateus Picanço - Manaus, Brazil
“Exploring a new place with photographers is my favorite kind of tourism. Joining the Paraíba Expedition with ASA 55 was an enlightening experience. I truly immersed myself in the region's culture and natural beauty at a contemplative pace. I bonded with the group and caught a glimpse of other photographers' creative visions.
Whether you're a photographer or not, this experience is worth every penny. The sightseeing is amazing, the food is soulful, and the people organizing the expeditions are awesome.”
Request your spot
Would you like to discover an authentic Brazil? We’d love to hear from you :)
Itinerary
Our schedule is designed so that people have an idea of the places we are going to visit, but we can adapt to the group's interests.
Day 1 - October 22th
João Pessoa - Cabaceiras
9am Meeting at Presidente Castro Pinto Airport
9.30am Hit the road
We will stop for lunch in the rural area of Cabaceiras, in a restaurant with delicious homemade food. After lunch, we will visit and photograph Lajedo de Pai Mateus
Overnight Pousada Matuto Sonhador
Day 2 - October 23th
Ribeira + Cabaceiras
In the morning, we'll visit the small leather workshops and tannery to learn about the entire artisanal process. In the afternoon, we'll explore the charming town of Cabaceiras, including the famous Roliúde Nordestina sign. We'll walk around the town taking photos, chat with some locals, and visit the Cinema Memorial.
Overnight Pousada Matuto Sonhador
Day 3 - October 24th
Salambaia + Vaqueiros
We'll start our day at Lajedo da Salambaia, a spot renowned for its breathtaking sunrise.
In the afternoon, we'll head to Fazenda Gangorra for coffee and a chance to capture photos of the vaqueiros (cowboys) at work.
We'll also photograph Lajedo de Pai Mateus at night.
Overnight Pousada Matuto Sonhador
Day 4 - October 25th
Artisans, photography and celebration
In the morning, we'll meet other artisans in the area. After lunch, we'll review the photos from our trip and have a mini-workshop on image editing.
In the evening, we'll celebrate with music and local drinks.
Overnight Pousada Matuto Sonhador
Day 5 - October 26th
Free morning + Lia’s restaurant
On our last day, we'll have a chance to chill out and enjoy our lovely hotel. On our way back to João Pessoa, we'll stop at Dona Lia's for lunch, known for its authentic local dishes and a special cuscuz.
10am - Depart to João Pessoa
12pm - Lunch at Dona Lia's restaurant
2pm - End of trip at Presidente Castro Pinto Airport - João Pessoa