EXPLORATORY TRIP (92 Days) Rio to Quito (via Manaus)

Days 1 to 5: Rio de Janeiro

We leave the stunning views of Rio and the carnival vibe behind and head north to the mountain retreat of Teresopolis. The road winds up the hillside through jungle, with dramatic peaks towering overhead. We have a free day where we can visit the Parque Nacional Da Serra Dos Argaos and walk trails to waterfalls, with stunning views of obscurely shaped mountain tops. Continuing north we make a short stop in Congonhas to see 12 lifelike Old Testament figures sculpted from soapstone, which stand proudly outside the Basilica do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos. Our journey takes us to quite possibly the most significant and beautiful colonial town of the area, Ouro Preto. Even vehicles are not able to navigate the narrow and winding cobbled streets. The biggest attraction is the Minas de Passagem (Gold Mine) - antique cable cars take you underground in to the mine which was originally opened in 1719.

Days 6 to 12: Brazil

We explore the coastline, home of some of Brazil's best and least known beaches and far less populated with tourists than the resorts of Recife and Rio. We will either stay in locally owned Pousadas (guesthouses) or camp under the stars, as we pass through Linhares to Itaunas. Time can be spent exploring this sleepy fishing village or wandering the dune trails and relaxing on the beach. If we are lucky, in Parque Estadual de Itaunas, we may catch the end of the Sea Turtle hatching season. Caravelas is our next destination, on the mangrove lined Rio Caravelas. We have the option to take a day trip to the nearby reefs in Parque Nacional Marinho de Abrolhos, where there is the chance to swim with sea turtles. Alternatively the day can be spent on the beach or wandering along the riverfront.

Days 13 to 19: Parque Nacional Monte Pascoal

Venturing further north, we pass by some of the more remote beaches, where we may either camp or stay in local Pousadas. If time allows, we may also stop off in Parque Nacional Monte Pascoal which is controlled by the local Pataxo (pa-ta-sho) Indians. Here we can walk the trails to try to spot the endangered spider monkey, sloths, porcupines, capybara, deer, elusive jaguar and numerous species of bird. Porto Seguro is our next stop and is the region where Portuguese sailors first landed in the New World over 500 years ago, and where you can still see relics from those early settlement days. A steep climb up to Cidade Historica will be rewarded with sweeping views, colourful old buildings and museums. Porto Seguro is also known for its nightlife and 'beach action!' We then take the ferry across Brazil's largest bay, Baia de Todos os Santos, and arrive in the Afro-Brazilian city of Salvador. Around 40% of all African slaves transported to the new world, came to Salvador and this has left a very particular vibe - tropical, soulful and intoxicating, that is unique to this corner of Brazil. The centre is separated by a steep bluff, in to the Cidade Alta (Upper City) and Baixa (Lower City) and access is gained in the beautifully restored art-deco elevator - Elevado Lacerda. We have a few days to wander and take in the music, cuisine and religion of the region. You can also stop off in the Praca da Se and watch locals practicing the dance fighting known as Capoeira.

Days 20 to 25: Lencois

Heading west, we come to the quaint town of Lencois. With its cobbled streets and brightly painted 19th Century buildings, it's the prettiest of the old diamond mining towns. The mighty Fumaca waterfalls, various caves and idyllic rivers and panoramic plateaus set the stage for some fantastic adventures. Or maybe just wander the streets, grab a coffee, take in the local life and enjoy some of the excellent cuisine. After a night quite possibly spent under the stars, we continue into the interior where roads start to become more arduous, and we make a stop in Navidade, in the green and wooded valley of Serra Geral. More cobbled streets and prettily painted, tile roofed 18th and 19th Century houses await and we have a day to explore the town and possibly relax in nearby small waterfalls and refreshing natural bathing pools.

Days 26 to 29: Palmas

Following highway north we reach the confusing layout of Palmas. The Tocantins state capital was only constructed in 1989 and has a sort of 'planned weirdness' about its streets. We move on to the cozy town of Taquarucu, some 30kms South East of Palmas, where we spend the next few days. The local tourism boards have worked together to try to create Taquarucu as an eco tourism mecca. In the area there are some 80 waterfalls, caves and pools, which we'll have time to explore. For those that want to go wildlife spotting, several optional tours are available to the nearby parks of Estadual do Jalapao and Ilha do Bananal. In the latter, there is a good chance to see dolphins, caiman, giant river turtles and lots of bird life. Although difficult and unpredictable, we may also catch a glimpse of a Tapir or Jaguar!

Days 30 to 34: Amazon

Now starts the long drive to Belem through the rainforest and we are mindful of the engineering achievements that were overcome in the 60's in the unforgiving Amazon in creating this road. After 2 nights camping either next to remote jungle Postos (service stations) or in the wilds with no facilities, we arrive in Belem. Depending on the departure of our riverboat trip to Manaus, we aim to spend a couple of days here, which has remained an active port, shipping out some 800,000 tons of cargo every year! No trip to Belem is complete without taking a stroll around the Estacao das Docas area where you can pop in to arty shops, walk down the waterfront promenade or take lunch with great views of Belem's port town roots. Teatro da Paz is also one of the finest buildings in the city and guided tours are available.

Days 35 to 39: Riverboat to Manaus

Riverboat to Manaus.

Days 40 to 42: Amazon River

Soon after we pass the meeting of the waters, where the black Rio Negro joins the Amazon River, our 1500km journey comes to an end in Manaus. We now have a few days to take in the largest of the Amazonian cities and visit the restaurants, shops and sights such as the Teatro Amazonas (Opera House) and the local fish market. Alternatively we can embark upon an optional Jungle Trip in the hope of spotting dolphins, macaws, sloth, caiman or the harder to spot manatee, anaconda or jaguar.

Days 43 to 48: Boa Vista

We leave Manaus and journey north, passing through the Waimiri Indian reserve area. Some of the jungle roads can be very poor dirt roads so expect a very bumpy ride at times and maybe getting stuck occasionally. We will camp the night, most likely away from any facilities, before arriving in Boa Vista the next day. From here we can 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. The refurbished waterfront (Orla Taumanan) is also a great place to grab a Caipirinha (local cocktail made from sugar cane spirit) and relax. Today we cross the border in to Venezuela through the only land border from Brazil, to Santa Elena, which will be our home for the next couple of nights. Those of us that are feeling energetic can choose to climb Mt. Roraima (2810mtrs), the flat topped Tepuis that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyles 'The Lost World' and where Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana meet. The walk can take 5 days or so and hikers would make their own way to Ciudad Bolivar on a bus to catch up with the group. Other shorter walks are available, as well as white water rafting and paragliding for those needing an adrenaline rush! Continuing our Brazil and Venezuela overland adventure we head north in to La Gran Sabana (Great Savannah) where an endless sky extends over a wide open grassland. Waterfalls appear along our route, falling majestically from the Tepuis and we will have time to stop and explore. It may be possible to hire a local guide to take us in a canoe to the base of some of the falls, where we can swim in the pools.

Days 49 to 54: Ciudad Bolivar

After 2 nights camping rough in La Gran Sabana, we will appreciate a few home comforts of a proper campsite, as we pull in to Ciudad Bolivar. We spend the next 3 or 4 days here. The city itself has a rich history and an interesting day can be spent wandering the colonial quarter of Casco Historico (Historic Centre) and along the waterfront of the Rio Orinoco. However, the main reason to stop off in Ciudad Bolivar is to visit the beautiful Parque Nacional Canaima and the famous Angel Falls - the highest waterfall in the world at almost 1km high. Various trips are available to suit different budgets, and we have time for those wanting to, to take optional excursions including: flying over the Falls, visiting Canaima or taking a boat trip (if the water levels are high enough).

Days 55 to 60: Parque Nacional Henri Pittier

Crossing the Orinoco River, we continue north-west, camping along the way, to the Caribbean Coast where we visit some of the best beaches in Venezuela and take the stunning drive into Parque Nacional Henri Pittier. For the next couple of days we have the option of enjoying the secluded sandy beaches, soaking up the sun or heading off on some of the coastal trails in search of the local Criollo - a virtually bitter free delicate tasting chocolate! You may also be able to hire a guide and hike up in to the cloud forest on one of the trails. Driving south west and camping where we can, we make our way towards the wetland area of the Llanos. With luck we'll have time for a quick stop off in the spiritual centre of Guanare, which attracts almost half a million visitors each year.

Days 61 to 66: Merida

We base ourselves for the next few days in Venezuela's snowy peak lined adventure capital, Merida. There are excellent opportunities to hike and trek the mountain trails linking the many remote villages surrounding Merida, as well as paragliding, canopy tours, zip-lining, canyoning and white water rafting. Merida is also home to some of the best nightlife in Venezuela, as well as having a wide selection of well priced restaurants. Merida is also the gateway to Los Llanos, the immense savannah wetland that is home to a jaw dropping diversity of bird and animal life. We hope to see caiman, capybara (the world's largest rodent), anaconda, anteaters, tapirs and possibly a jaguar, amongst other wildlife. Optional 2, 3 and 4 day trips leave Merida on a regular basis.

Days 67 to 70: San Cristobal

Our last night in Venezuela is spent in San Cristobal, also known as the Friendly City, before we make an early start and drive the final 40kms to the Colombian border of Cucuta. Depending on border formalities, we may well decide to stay the night in Cucuta and head out of the mountains to Bucaramanga the following day. 'Buca', as the locals like to call it, is an amazing spot to try your hand at Paragliding.

Days 71 to 74: Santa Marta

We press on northbound to Santa Marta, quite possibly sleeping under canvas in the wilds. Some of South America's loveliest coastline lies east of Santa Marta in Tayrona National Park. We spend 3 nights exploring trails to beaches set in deep bays, shaded by coconut palms. We have the option to snorkel and possibly scuba dive in some of the bays. Lack of roads means that we will probably have to hike with our gear to our camping spot!

Days 75 to 79: Cartagena

A highlight of any trip to Colombia is undoubtedly Cartagena. With its colonial past and Unesco World Heritage status, the old city is an ideal place to just wander the maze of cobbled alleys amongst churches, monasteries, plazas and bougainvillea draped balconies. Las Murallas, the thick walls built around the old city to protect it from pirates, are wonderfully preserved and make for an interesting walk, before stopping off in one of the hidden patio cafes. We spend 3 nights here to get a flavour of both the old city and also the trendy area of Bocagrande. We then head south in search of a quiet beach to spend our last night's camping on Caribbean shores before arriving in the lively city of Medellin. Here is a good spot to get a few Salsa or Tango lessons in before trying out your moves in the many discos and clubs. For those wanting a little culture there are several art galleries and museums worth visiting or also an option to travel via local bus to the sleepy colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia.

Days 80 to 84: Manizales

Continuing south, our Colombian overland adventure takes us in to the mountains to the pleasantly cool climate of Manizales. Here, deep in the heart of the coffee growing area, we have the option to visit one of the numerous coffee farms. Parque Los Nevados, with peaks topping 5000mtrs, is also a great place to spend a day trekking, before checking out some of the town's funky bars in the evening. Bogota is our next stop and we have 2 or 3 nights to see the different sides of this once notorious capital city. Having had the accreditation in the 80's and 90's of being one of the world's most dangerous cities, things have really turned around for Bogota. The city is cradled by Andean Peaks and great views can be seen from a trek up the Cerro de Monserrate. Pop in to the cobbled historic centre, La Candelaria, and as well as taking in a few cafes and picturesque buildings, enjoy the age old tradition of adding cheese to your hot chocolate!

Days 85 to 88: Tatacoa Desert

We now travel through the Tatacoa Desert, an arid area of striking eroded cliffs surrounded by distant peaks of over 5000mtrs. The result is a quite unique ecosystem, and due to the dry, clear conditions, the area is an excellent star gazing spot and we will try to camp here to appreciate the view. Turning west through stunning mountain scenery towards the Pan American Highway, and after a gruelling drive, we eventually take an unpaved road into Parque Purace. The park is the only place to see Condors in Colombia, and it is also home to some good walking trails. The adventurous can scale Volcan Purace (4750mtrs), but there are a few other less strenuous hikes to the Sulphur Mine and Termales de San Juan - a spectacular hot spring.

Days 89 to 90: Popayan

Further west is the beautiful colonial city of Popayan. Nicknamed the white city, some would say only Cartagena surpasses Popayan's colonial structures. We shall make a small stop to admire the chalk white facades and stock up on supplies, before following the Andes south towards Pasto. Santuario De Las Lajas - a neo-Gothic church built on a stone bridge spanning a gorge - is the main point of interest in our last stop in Colombia, Ipiales. We may choose to camp the night in either Pasto or Ipiales, or possibly continue on to the border with Ecuador.

Days 91 to 92: Quito

Half a day's drive away, in Ecuador, is the small town of Otavalo and we make an overnight stop. Here is a great place to stock up on last minute Andean handicrafts such as jewellery, woollen goods, blankets and bags. The next morning we make our way to our final destination, Quito, where the trip ends on arrival. Quito is the gateway to the Galapagos Islands and a playground for hikers and mountain bike fans, and it's certainly worth taking an extra couple of days to explore the city and surrounding areas.