Day 1 CaracasAdmire the colonial architecture in El Hatillo, or visit the birthplace of Simon Bolivar, the South American hero who liberated half the continent from Spanish rule. Days 2-4 Puerto ColumbiaStay in the heart of Venezuela's oldest national park, which stretches from the powdery Caribbean shoreline to the heart of the rolling central mountains. Day 5 BarinasDescend one of the country's most dramatic roads, passing through increasingly lush, tropical vegetation until finally reaching Barinas. Days 6-8 La LlanosExplore the snaking waterways in a canoe for a chance to spot caimans, dolphins and abundant bird life. Sleep soundly in hammocks, listening to the orchestra of animal sounds echoing beneath the glistening carpet of stars. Days 9-11 MeridaDiscover the jagged peaks of the Andes either hiking, rafting or by horseback. Be sure to ride the world's highest and longest cable car system for unforgettable views of the city and surrounding landscape. Days 12-17 Ciudad Bolivar/Angel FallsDelight in the city's candy-coloured colonial houses or venture into the dense jungle to discover the Angel Falls, the highest in the world at a jaw-dropping 979 m. Days 18-19 Kama-Meru WaterfallsFeel the drenching sheet of spray rising from this gushing waterfall, then follow a path through dense woodlands to discover the red rocks of Jasper Falls. Days 20-22 Santa ElenaPenetrate deep into the surrounding jungle on optional hikes and discover the exotic animal and plant species endemic to the region. Day 23 Bush campHead toward the Amazon and camp among dramatic landscapes Days 24-25 ManausThis thriving city is surrounded by dense jungle and rests at the point where the Solimoes and Negro rivers merge to form the mighty Amazon River. Days 26-27 Amazon JungleVenture into the surrounding jungle to spot the wealth of wildlife, meet the local tribespeople and paddle through the murky river waters. Day 28 ManausEnjoy another day of wildlife spotting before returning to the bright lights of Manaus. Days 29-33 Madeira River FerryWind through the Amazon's network of muddy rivers onboard a riverboat. Watch the thick jungle slide by and keep an eye out for pods of pink river dolphins breaking through the murky surface. Day 34 Puerto VelhoPick up a handmade hammock ready for the river journey ahead. Days 35-36 Bush CampSpend two days traversing dramatic landscapes as open spaces give way to dense rainforest. Days 37-40 PantanalThe vast alluvial plain of Pantanal is teeming with exotic wildlife. Explore the bountiful wetlands on game safaris and boat trips. Days 41-42 Bush CampPitch a tent in the wide expanses of central Brazil. Days 43-44 BrasiliaTake an optional trip to the observation deck of the TV Tower for sweeping views over this futuristic capital or visit the sensational cathedral designed in the shape of a crown of thorns. Days 45-47 Chapada Dos Veadeiros National ParkEmbark on a guided exploration of this pristine area and soak up the magnificent views of cascading waterfalls, vast canyons and verdant valleys dotted with palm trees. Be sure to keep an eye out for some of the park's rich array of animals, including endangered jaguars and Pantanal deer. Day 48 Bush CampPitch a tent close to the vast fields of soya and the modern industrial towns that characterise this part of the Paraguayan Plateau. Days 49-51 Ouro PretoWander narrow crooked streets and admire the famous Aleijadinho sculptures scattered throughout town. Day 52-53 Rio de JaneiroFall in love with glamorous Rio. Why not stay a little longer to get a sense of the city's vivacious energy or to enjoy the legendary beaches.
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