Iceland 2026 - Gaia Photo Expeditions

Iceland

embark with us on an unforgettable journey to

Step off the beaten path. Focused on the remote heart of Iceland’s Highlands, this is a voyage into the elemental soul of ice, fire, rivers, and sky. With Dani’s local insights, we’ll traverse geothermal ridges, braided glacial rivers, painted mountains, crater lakes, and the raw southern coastline. A trip of a lifetime.

Hosted by Ricardo Braz, Leo Cavazzana and Dani Guindo

August 10-18th, 2026

The trip

This trip is designed for people who want to experience Iceland beyond the tourist routes. We’ll venture deep into the Highlands: crossing rivers, exploring geothermal valleys, and hiking through dramatic volcanic landscapes — before heading south to iconic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and glacier lagoons.

Led by Gaia and our local co-host Dani Guindo, founder of Arctic Journeys, we’ll combine epic locations with hands-on photography guidance, meaningful connections, and time to create at your own pace.

We'll stay in comfortable hotels, guesthouses, and base camps deep in the Highlands and in Reykjavik, on a twin-share basis. Breakfast is included at all accommodations throughout the journey. Most hotels in the Highlands offer the option to prepare packed lunches to go, which we can order in the morning before heading out. For dinners, every hotel has a restaurant!

For this adventure, we’ll be traveling in a Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 35” – 16-seater, fully equipped to take on the wild Icelandic terrain in comfort and safety. This beast of a van gives us full access to the most remote highland roads, river crossings, and mountain passes, while keeping things spacious and smooth. It’s the perfect vehicle for a creative road trip: enough space for your gear, your crew, and your ideas.

Who is this trip for?

This trip is for creators, adventurers, and nature lovers who want to experience Iceland with intention. Whether you’re into photography, filmmaking, or just love stunning landscapes and raw nature, this journey is crafted to give you access to places that inspire and space to create freely.

Itinerary

Day 1 – August 10th - Arrival in Reykjavík

Settle into Iceland’s capital and explore at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner and talk through the days ahead.

Overnight: Fosshotel Reykjavík

Day 2 – August 11th – Into the Highlands: Kerlingarfjöll (via Kjölur route – F35)

We kick off with a scenic drive through the heart of Iceland, heading toward the geothermal wonderland of Kerlingarfjöll — steam vents, colorful peaks, and surreal terrain await.

Overnight: Highland Base, Kerlingarfjöll

Day 3 – August 12th – Þjórsárdalur Valley, Hjálparfoss, Háifoss, Gjáin

We explore one of Iceland’s most photogenic areas — a mix of powerful waterfalls, dramatic canyons, and fairytale-like valleys tucked beneath volcanoes.

There will be a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, visible as a narrow path of totality across northern Spain, Portugal, Greenland, Iceland, and the Arctic. We can't promise clear weather, but we'll try to photograph it!

Overnight: Highland Center, Hrauneyjar

Day 4 – August 13th – Landmannalaugar & Hekla Region

A full day exploring colorful rhyolite mountains, lava fields, and hot springs. Optional hikes and plenty of time for photography in one of the Highlands’ crown jewels.

Overnight: Highland Center, Hrauneyjar

Day 5 – August 14th – Veiðivötn Crater Lake System

A remote and lesser-known area filled with deep blue crater lakes, glacier rivers, and volcanic ridges. This day feels like exploring another planet.

Overnight: Highland Center, Hrauneyjar

Day 6 – August 15th – Scenic F208 Route South → Kirkjubæjarklaustur

We hit one of the most scenic and adventurous routes in Iceland: F208. River crossings, mountain passes, and a stop at the dramatic Eldgjá canyon.

Overnight: Hotel Klaustur

Day 7 – August 16th – Vatnajökull National Park

We reach southeast Iceland for a full day exploring glaciers, icebergs, and black sand shores — including Jökulsárlón, Diamond Beach, and Skaftafell.

Overnight: Gerði Guesthouse

Day 8 – August 17th – South Coast Highlights → Reykjavík

On the drive back, we stop at Iceland’s greatest hits: Reynisfjara beach, Dyrhólaey cliffs, Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. Return to the city in the evening.

Overnight: Fosshotel Reykjavík

Day 9 – August 18th – Departure

Check out and transfer to the airport. Add extra nights if you want to stay and explore more on your own.

Photographic equipment

There is no mandatory equipment - what you have is enough! That said, below is a list of equipment and accessories that, if you have them, will provide a better photographic experience. Remember that, on trips like this, we can always share material and equipment so that we all have an incredible experience!

Camera body;
Lenses: a 24-70 or equivalent will get you covered for most of the trip, but also wide-angle lenses for night photography, and tele lenses for compressed shots work well in Iceland - we recommend taking all you have!
Drone (use is permitted in most places we will visit);
Tripod;
Extra batteries;
Memory Cards;
Cables and chargers;
Polarizing/ND filter;
HD or SSD for storage;
Laptop (preferably with Lightroom, Photoshop and DaVinci or Premiere Pro installed);
External battery.

Investment

The price of the trip is 5490 USD.

5% discount for Early Bird bookings (until December 31st, 2025)

Use code "EARLYBIRD" when checking out.

Payment options:

Deposit of 1500$ to secure reservations and monthly installments until the date of travel.

What's included:
- All accommodations with breakfast and Wi-Fi in double rooms (for single rooms, there will be an extra fee if available).
- All tours, activities and entrance fees; (unless listed as optional)
- Transportation within Iceland;
- Photography guidance with Ricardo, Leo and Dani.

What's not included:
- Flight tickets;
- Airport transfers (can be arranged)
- Health insurance;
- Equipment insurance;
- Drinks;
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, SIM cards, snacks, etc.
- Optional tours and activities.

*We advise you not to don't buy your flight ticket until the trip is confirmed by us, or buy it with a flexible fare!*

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