A journey of two halves

Definitely not your everyday journey - Ecuador’s highlands, volcanoes and national parks, Colombia's perfect Caribbean-washed beaches, ancient civilisations and awe-inspiring scenery, Venezuela’s wetlands (for whopping anacondas!) and highlands (for adrenaline junkies), and Brazil’s unique cultural vibrations and mighty Amazon - real travellers head this way!

Choose from two Dragoman Overland journeys or combine both for one big South American adventure, from Quito to Manaus…

SALSA & THE SPANISH MAIN - 21-nights, next departing Quito 23rd October 2008

First up, spend time exploring Quito’s maze of steep cobbled streets, visit the Indian market at Otavalo, and trek into the surrounding hills. Leaving Ecuador, travel to Columbia's capital Bogata and beautiful colonial town of Villa de Leiva. On to Cartagena, one of the most historic cities in South America - choose from exquisite beaches, breathtaking scenery, jungles with prolific wildlife, spectacular waterfalls and the astounding Llanos. Spend time in Merida, adventure activity centre of Venezuela, then drive through Henri Pittier NP. Stay at Puerto Colombia and its inland town of Chononi – both kept separate to protect from the hordes of pirates that frequented the ‘Spanish Main’, then head into Los Llanos Pantanal in search of anacondas before reaching Caracas and part two of the journey.

The overland costs £775 p/p plus kitty of US$650 (~£328) including travel aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz truck, camp, hammock and hostel/hotel accommodation (25%/75%) all camp meals, Dragoman’s experienced two-person crew and local guides.

LOST WORLDS & JUNGLES – 22-nights, departing Caracus 13th November 2008

From bustling Caracus, relax on the unspoilt Caribbean beaches at Playa Colorado then see the ‘oil bird’ spectacle at Cueva del Guacharo. Stay in the Orinoco Delta and explore the waterways and villages by boat. Discover stunning waterfalls and the amazing tepuy landscape before relaxing at a beautiful posada near Ciudad Bolivar. Here, there is time for an optional trip to the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls. Later, cross one of the oldest plateaux on earth, the Gran Sabana, then travel through the protected Waimiri Indian Reserve before exploring the unique jungle city of Manaus – journey’s end.

The holiday costs £695 p/p plus kitty USD $440 (~£223) including travel aboard Dragoman Overland’s customised Mercedes Benz truck, camp, hammock and hostel/hotel accommodation (65%/35%) all camp meals, experienced two-person crew and local guides.

Flights are not included but are available through Dragoman Overland.

For more information, log on to Dragoman.com.