An expedition through the heart of South America, visiting everything from pristine, deserted beaches to colonial towns and cities steeped in South America's rich history, via the steamy interior of the Brazilian Amazon. 

At times this trip will be extremely demanding due to the climate and the arduous conditions, but it will always be rewarding. After traversing the long roads of coastal and central Brazil, we meet a riverboat that plunges us deep down the Amazon to Manaus. We will experience Venezuela's stunning natural beauty including Canaima National Park (home to Angle Falls), as well as its exotic wildlife in Los Llanos and Henri Pittier National Park plus adrenaline activities in Merida. In Colombia there is the chance to enjoy the vibrant cities of Cartagena, Medellin and Bogota, before finishing in Quito, Ecuador, surrounded by snowcapped volcanoes.  A true overland expedition through the middle and across the top of South America.

 

Highlights

• Brazil’s remote beaches
• Lencois – cobbled streets & stunning waterfalls
• Salvador – take in the music, cuisine and religion of the region
• Gateway to the Amazon – Belem
• 4 to 5 day Riverboat Expedition on the Amazon River
• A variety of National Parks with the chance to spot Tapir, Jaguar and Giant River Otter
• Manaus – embark on a trip deep into the jungle
• Angel Falls & Canaima
• Tayrona National Park – beautiful beaches in deep coastal bays
• Cartagena – world heritage site
• Manizales – coffee growing area
• Bogota
• Santuario De Las Lajas - a neo-Gothic church built on a stone bridge spanning a gorge

 

Itinerary

Please note that our itineraries are not set in stone and can be subject to change.

Days 1 to 5

• Departing Rio we head for the cool mountain retreat of Teresopolis. Free day inParque Nacional Da Serra Dos Argaos to walk trails to waterfalls and stunning views.
• Congonhas - Aleijadinho's most impressive sculptures reside outside the Basilica do Bom jesus de Matosinhos.
• Ouro Preto - a beautiful colonial town with the Minas de Passagem (Gold Mine),opened in 1719.

Days 6 to 12

• Explore the coastline of Brazil's best and least known beaches.
• Itaunas, a sleepy fishing village and Parque Estadual de Itaunas, where Sea Turtles may still be hatching.
• Caravelas, on the mangrove lined Rio Caravelas. Optional day trip to the nearby reefs in Parque Nacional Marinho de Abrolhos.

Days 13 to 19

• Parque Nacional Monte Pascoal. Hike trails and spot the endangered spider monkey, sloths, porcupines, capybara, deer, elusive jaguar and numerous species of bird.
• Porto Seguro - colourful old buildings, museums and sweeping views from Cidade Historica . Also known for its nightlife and 'beach action!'
• Ferry across Brazil's largest bay, Baia de Todos os Santos.
• Salvador - wander around Cidade Alta (Upper City) and Baixa (Lower City) and take in the music, cuisine and religion of the area.
• Praca da Se - watch locals practicing the dance fighting known as Capoeira.

Days 20 to 29

• Lencois - an old diamond mining town with cobbled streets and brightly painted 19th Century buildings.
• Optional trips Fumaca waterfalls, various caves & hikes, idyllic rivers and panoramic plateaus.
• Navidade - explore the town and relax in the nearby small waterfalls and refreshing natural pools.
• Taquarucu, a cozy eco tourism mecca, guided trips to waterfalls, caves and pools of the area.
• Wildlife spotting in the nearby parks of Estadual do Jalapao and Ilha do Bananal.  Spot dolphins, caiman, giant river turtles and lots of bird life.  We may also catch a glimpse of a Tapir or Jaguar!

Days 30 to 41

• Drive through the unforgiving Amazon, camping in the wilds or at small villages.
• Belem  - Visit the Teatro da Paz or wander around the Estacao das Docas area, full of arty shops and eateries. 
• 4 to 5 day Riverboat trip to Manaus up the Amazon River. 
• Relax in hammocks on board the boat and practice our Portuguese and get to know the locals over a few beers on the upper deck while watching the rainforest and river drift by. 
• Meeting of the waters (Rio Negro & Amazon River).

Day 42

• Manaus - Visit the restaurants, shops and sights including the Teatro Amazonas (Opera House) and the local fish market.

Days 43 to 50

• Optional activity - Amazon Jungle
• Leave Manaus and head north passing through the Waimiri Indian Reserve area.
• Boa Vista - spend a day in the vast grounds of Parque Anaua, or take a day trip out on the Rio Branco to Serra Grande and go hiking. 
• Cross into Venezuela and spend 2 nights in Santa Elena.
• Optional climb (5 days) of Mt. Roraima (2810mtrs) - the flat topped Tepuis that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyles 'The Lost World'.  Shorter hikes, white water rafting or paragliding are also options!
• La Gran Sabana (Great Savanna) - an endless sky extends over a wide open grassland.

Days 51 to 59

• Ciudad Bolivar - Casco Historico  - wander the historic centre and along the waterfront of the Rio Orinoco.
• Parque Nacional Canaima and the famous Angel Falls.  Various trips are available to suit all budgets.
• Cross the Orinoco River and continue north to the Caribbean Coast.
• Beautiful drive in to Parque Nacional Henri Pittier.  Hang hammocks from palm trees and hike the trails in search of the local Criollo (chocolate).

Days 60 to 66

• Merida, Venezuela's mountainous 'adventure capital', opportunities to hike and trekin the mountains trails as well as paragliding, canopy tours, zip-lining, canyoning and white water rafting.
• Great nightlife as well as bars, cafes and restaurants.
• Optional 2, 3 and 4 day trips into the immense Los Llanos savanna wetlands to seecaiman, capybara (the world's largest rodent), anaconda, anteaters, tapirs and possibly a jaguar, amongst other wildlife.

Days 67 to 76

• San Cristobal, also known as the Friendly City.
• Cross into Colombia.  Optional paragliding in Bucaramanga.  Head north to Santa Marta.
• Tayrona National Park - walk trails to beaches set in deep bays, snorkel and possibly scuba dive.
• Cartagena, a Unesco World Heritage site, wander cobbled alleys of the old city amongst churches, monasteries, plazas and bougainvillea draped balconies and also the trendy area of Bocagrande.

Days 77 to 84

• Medellin - a good spot to get a few Salsa or Tango lessons and great nightlife.  Option to travel via local bus to the sleepy colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia.
• Manizales  - a mountainous region with a cool climate, visit one of the many coffee plantations in the area.
• Parque Los Nevados, a great place to spend a day trekking (optional) and hang out at some funky bars in the evening.
• Bogota - trek up the Cerro de Monserrate or wander around the historic centre ofLa Candelaria, and take in a few cafes and picturesque buildings.

Days 85 to 92

• Tatacoa Desert, an arid area of striking eroded cliffs, an excellent area for camping and star gazing.
• Parque Purace - the only place to see Condors in Colombia, also home to some good walking trails. 
• Climb Volcan Purace or hikes to a Sulphur Mine and Termales de San Juan - a spectacular hot spring.
• Ipiales - visit Santuario De Las Lajas, a neo-Gothic church built on a stone bridge spanning a gorge. 
• Ecuador, overnight stop in Otavalo - a great place to stock up on Andean handicrafts such as jewellery, woollen goods, blankets and bags. 
• Quito, the capital, and our trip ends here on arrival.