A piece of the real action – From Santiago to Rio

Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, is released worldwide this week. Although Spielberg only shot the film in the United States, a second unit filmed certain scenes elsewhere, including Brazil's Iguaçu Falls –later digitally combined with a fight scene shot at Universal studios.

However, for ‘Indy’ fans and adventurers alike there is a way to get a piece of the action and experience the real thing - away from digital enhancements, overzealous film crews and wavering booms.

Dragoman Overland’s 30-night expedition from Santiago to Rio journeys via Chile’s stunning Lake District, Argentina’s vast Pampas, home to the cowboy Gauchos, and Brazil’s spectacular Iguaçu Falls. Next departing Santiago 18th June (code TGA58) and 6th August (code TGA78) 2008.

From Santiago, travel south through the rich agricultural areas and vineyards of Salto de Laja before reaching the small town of Pucon and the stunning Lake District. Here, beautiful deep blue lakes flanked by forest-clad mountains capped with snowy peaks make an ideal area for walking, camping, horse riding, white-water rafting, cycling and skiing.

Crossing the frontier, spend a few days at Argentina’s stunning mountain resort of Bariloche, situated amongst Patagonia’s magnificent lake, mountain and glacial landscape before wildcamping in Los Alerces NP. On the Valdez Peninsula, meet Elephant Seals and Sealions and enjoy guided tours to the Magellan Penguin colonies at Punta Tombo.

Cross the famous Argentinean Pampas, real cattle country and home to authentic cowboy Gauchos, before exploring Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina and coolest city in South America. Here, visit the artists’ quarter of San Telmo - where Evita has her final resting place, visit one of the world's greatest opera houses - the Teatro Colon, and enjoy first class restaurants, wine bars, night clubs and lively tango shows.

Next, head to the beautiful hills of Sierra de Cordoba on the eastern slopes of the Andes, where three nights are spent at Estancia Los Potreros - an Anglo Argentinean estancia. Here, sample the traditional hospitality of the ranching community, with great food straight from the farm, taste local wines and ride pure-bred horses through the hills to neighbouring estancias.

Continue to the spectacular Iguaçu Falls, where millions of gallons of water cascade down escarpments to form spectacular mist ‘curtains’ and colourful rainbows. On the beautiful Emerald Coast, relax and enjoy a couple of days R & R before travelling to Rio de Janeiro and conclusion to the journey.

The tour costs from £845 p/p plus USD$540 (~£272) kitty including transport aboard Dragoman Overland’s Mercedes Benz vehicle, camp and hotel accommodation (80%/20%), all camp meals, Dragoman Overland’s two person crew and local guides.

Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

See Dragoman.com for more details.