Highlights of Northern Trail

Caracas

The capital of Venezuela is a dynamic and bustling city which has developed into a vast concrete sprawl with the aid of the petro-dollars that power the Venezuelan economy. Its attractions include the birthplace of Simon Bolivar who helped to liberate half the South American continent from the Spanish, the colonial district of El Hatillo and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the City University of Caracas. The university was built between 1940 and 1960 to the design of the architect Carlos Raúl Villanueva and is an outstanding example of the Modern Movement in architecture. The campus includes masterpieces of modern architecture and visual arts, such as the Aula Magna with the Clouds of Alexander Calder, the Olympic Stadium, and the Covered Plaza which have been integrated into a clearly articulated ensemble.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas

Los Llanos, or The Plains, occupy about one-third of Venezuela's territory between the Andes and the Orinoco Delta. This is Venezuela's Wild West, a land of cowboys, huge cattle ranches and a diversity of wildlife that is amongst the best in the world. Staying at cattle ranches or camping out under the stars, the region can be explored by jeep or canoe (depending on water levels). Some of the species to look out for are alligator, Orinoco crocodile, giant anteater, anaconda, capabari, turtle, freshwater dolphin, armadillo, jaguar, ocelots and honey bears. The hundreds of bird species include scarlet ibis, hoatzin, screamer, soldier stork and spoonbill.

The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most extraordinary and important ecosystems on earth, vital for the maintenance of life on the planet as well as for its own hugely diverse animal and plant populations. Staying in lodges in the jungle allows you to explore the pristine natural environment, learn about the variety of plant life and their uses by indigenous people and spot the myriad animal and bird life present. Fishing for piranhas, spotting caiman by torchlight, visiting indigenous communities and searching for pink dolphins on boat trips are some of the fascinating activities available. A boat journey along the Amazon or one of its many tributaries will also allow you to experience life on the waterways which are often the main means of communication and transportation in the region. Visiting riverside settlements, watching the jungle as you glide past and sleeping in a hammock underneath the stars makes for an unforgettable experience. The journey is best taken on a small, traditional two-decked riverboat for a more authentic experience and to allow you to get closer to the rainforest.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Central Amazon Conservation Complex

Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia and is one of Brazil's greatest historic cities and the centre of Afro-Brazilian culture. Its roots date back to 1501 when the navigator Amerigo Vespucci first sailed into its bay and the city, later founded by the Portuguese, was capital of Brazil between 1549 and 1763. The city prospered with the nearby sugar cane and tobacco plantations and Salvador saw a major influx of slaves from Africa to work on these. Most of the city's residents are descendants from these workers, giving Salvador a rich a distinctive culture fusing African and Brazilian influences, seen in its cuisine, music and the religion of Candomble which mixes African and Christian deities and rites. The Portuguese colonial architecture in Salvador has been well preserved, particularly in the Pelourinho area which overlooks the bay. Colourful churches and other buildings lie amongst spacious plazas and narrow cobbled streets.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world. Known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City), its setting is almost unparalleled - crammed between stunning white beaches and soaring mountains with the peaks of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Corcovado guarding its bay. The 1,300-metre long cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain gives you spectacular views across the city and Guanabara Bay, which are matched by those on Corcovado on top of which lies the magnificent statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Back in the city, Rio's famous beaches (Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon) are filled with sun worshippers, the colonial part of the city has many historic buildings and museums and the picturesque barrio of Santa Teresa is known as 'The Montmartre of Rio'. Its at night when Rio really comes alive though, with the samba bars of Lapa and the bars and restaurants of Ipanema and Copacabana filled with live music, energy and people having fun. The whole city goes wild with parades and parties in the week leading up to the Mardi Gras Carnival every year in February. The contrast between the opulent downtown and the poverty in the hillside favelas can be seen on a tour of Rocinha (the largest in South America). Another must-see attraction is a football game at the world famous 95,000 seat Maracena Stadium to experience the unique Brazilian football atmosphere. For quiet time away from the city's bustle, the beautiful Botanical Gardens or tropical rainforest of Tijuca National Park provides a welcome break from the concrete jungle.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea