04-07/07/08 Manaus Capital of the Amazonas state (the largest in Brasil), Manaus has a population of 1.4m and is located on the Rio Negro. Manuas growth came initially from the rubber trade and now being a freeport is a good source for electronics. I spent a lot of time chilling out here and even managed a trip to the cinema (saw Hancock). Manaus is a nice place and a popular launching pad for jungle excursions. I had already ventured out on a number of jungle ...

03/06/08 This was a full day of travel from Cartegena in Columbia to Merida (near Columbia Venezuela border) via Caracus. A very long day and night to get to Merida. 04-05/06/08 Merida (Alt 1,640m) Founded in 1558, Merida is mainly known for its 33 parks and many statues and is the capital of Merida State. From a tourists perspective, Merida is known for its adveture sports and buzz from the student population. Here we went para-gliding (2,600m) which altho...

25/05/08 Ipiales A scrappy little border town that we fly from to get to Bogota, the capital of Columbia. There is a lovely cathedral (Las Lajas Cathedral) nearby that, if you are in these parts is definitely worth a visit. 26 & 29/05/08 Bogota (alt 2,650, pop 7.2m) Wow this place is huge. I really enjoyed Bogota and would love to come back. Although a metropolis it is still common to see the horse and cart in use. We explored around the old town (wh...

Ecuador 03-04/05/08 Cuenca A lovely city that we spent one day in. Unfortunately i cannot do this city any justice as i spent my time here doing admin and laundry. 05-07/05/08 Rio Verde Just outside the town of Banos, we stayed at a campsite owned and run by a scotsman named Richard. A former overland driver, Richard looked after us well. In the two whole days we had we packed in canyoning, a bridge swing, and two and a half hours of grade 4 and 5 white ...

15/05/08 - Quito to Galapagos This morning we head to the Galapagos. We were met at the airport by our friendly travel agent who ensured a hassle free check in.After about 4 hours including a short stop in Guayaquil we arrived at Baltra Island in the Galapagos. We were met at the airport and taken to Puerto Ayora on the adjacent island of Santa Cruz. Here in Puerto Ayora harbor we boarded our boat, dropped our gear off and then headed back to shore for our first...