This tour starts in Rio de Janeiro during Rio Carnival when the city is absolutely effervescent and the carnival atmosphere is electric! Days can be enjoyed lazing on Copacabana beach and wild nights can be spent dancing at the Sambadrome. Day excursions including Pao de Acucar and Cristo Redentor offer unparalleled views of what is known locally as the Marvellous City.

Please note that this tour departs Rio de Janeiro on day 1 of the trip so if you would like to see the Rio Carnival we advise you to arrive at least 2 days prior to departure and ensure you have booked your accommodation and Sambadrome ticket well in advance as tickets sell fast and hotels can fill up quickly during carnival. Alternatively speak to us about our 5 day Carnival package which includes hotel accommodation, Sambadrome ticket and guided tour of the city’s highlights.

Winding our way up through forested hills and dramatic peaks we now visit the cool and charming mountain retreat of Teresopolis, a laid-back town with a distinctly German feel about it. From here you also have the option to visit the nearby Serra dos Orgaos National Park where a series of hiking trails lead to gushing waterfalls and views of granite fingers rising skywards.

In Congonhas we visit the Basilica do Bom Jesus Matosinhos, a beautiful church with a stunning Rococo interior and an outdoor stairway displaying sculptures of the prophets lovingly carved out of soapstone.

We continue to Ouro Preto, an historically important colonial city with narrow cobbled streets, Baroque churches, pretty fountains and inviting plazas. Here you also have the option to take an underground cable car into an old gold mine where the town’s original fortune was found.

We now return to the coast visiting some of Brazil’s best and lesser known beaches such as Itaunas where you get the chance to climb the huge sand dunes and sample some of the region's best seafood. 

In Caravelas you have the option to go swimming in the mangroves or take a boat trip out to the Abrolhos Archipelago where you can dive amongst a diverse amount of underwater flora and fauna.

We continue to Monte Pascoal National Park where you have the option to trek to the summit of Monte Pascoal for stupendous views over the Atlantic Forest where King Vultures often treat visitors to a beautiful aerial ballet. You can also take a short hike into the dense forest with a native Pataxo Indian guide in the hope of spotting the elusive jaguar and giant armadillo.

Porto Seguro offers us a fascinating glimpse into the past as it is the place where Portuguese sailors first discovered the New World over 500 years ago. Here you can visit the Cidade Historica with its colourful colonial architecture and take a walk along Passarela do Alcool which will introduce you to the cultural tradition of Capoeira dancing.

The palm-fringed white sand beaches of Itacare are our next destination where you have time to enjoy the surf, kayak up rainforest creeks or just laze on the beach.

The soulful city of Salvador is a real highlight on this part of the expedition and has an Afro-Brazilian vibe all of its own. Once the main slave port for ships arriving from Africa, today Salvador is a vibrant city with friendly locals, exquisite cuisine and street-party atmosphere.

Heading inland we now base ourselves in the quaint old diamond mining town of Lencois from where you have the opportunity to explore the Chapada Diamantina National Park, one of the country’s finest canyon landscapes with plenty of wildlife, waterfalls and caves for you to enjoy.

In Palmas we discover a modern city on the banks of the Tocantins River where you can enjoy the fine sand beaches and sample the local roasted peacock bass, a traditional delicacy of the region.

The eco-tourism boom-town of Taquarucu is a beautiful place where you have the opportunity to explore the region's waterfalls, caves and pools as well as nearby national parks offering you the chance to spot wildlife such as caiman, dolphins, turtles and even jaguar.

The Amazonian port town of Belem is our next destination where you have a couple of days to explore the town’s historic centre, wander along the banks of the mighty Amazon River and find a bargain at the Ver-o-Peso Market. 

From Belem we now catch a passenger ferry across the mighty Amazon Delta. The journey takes 24 hours and we will sleep in hammocks. Our truck takes a separate ferry and we will regroup in the town of Macapa on the north shore.

From Macapa we now head into the rainforest towards the border town of Oiapoque where we cross the Oyapock River and enter the tiny country of French Guiana.

Our first stop in French Guiana is the capital city Cayenne where you have time to enjoy the city’s colonial buildings, botanical gardens and vibrant social scene. From Cayenne you also have the option to visit the Tresor and Kaw nature reserves in search of rare water birds and caiman. 

An hour away from Cayenne we now visit Kourou where you have the option to take a tour of the Guiana Space Centre, a busy spaceport from where a large amount of the world’s satellites are launched. 

From Kourou you also have the option to take a boat tour to Devil’s Island, one of France’s most notorious former penal colonies made famous by Henri Charriere’s book Papillon.

We continue to Plage Les Hattes, a long stretch of beautiful beach and an important nesting ground for giant leatherback turtles.

Our last stop in French Guiana is at Saint Laurent du Maroni where you can visit the remnants of the prison buildings that processed thousands of unfortunate French criminals. 

We now take a ferry across the Marowijne River to Suriname.

We head straight for the capital city Paramaribo, a curious melting pot of Dutch, African and Caribbean architecture. The historic inner city is best explored on foot where you can learn a lot about the country at the Suriname Museum and marvel at one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral. Be sure to take a sunset boat cruise on the Suriname River in search of rare freshwater dolphins.

We now leave our truck behind and travel 190 km into the interior by minibus, board a boat at Pokigron and travel to our own private island on the Suriname River. During our 2 night stay here you can learn all about the Amazon rainforest and the creatures that inhabit it, visit local villages and soak yourself in a natural jacuzzi at the Ferullasi rapids.

After collecting our truck in Paramaribo we now head to Nieuw Nickerie where you have the option to visit Bigi Pan, a massive area of swampland, mangroves and jungle home to caiman, snakes and over 100 species of migratory birds, most notably the Red Ibis.

Taking a ferry across the Courantyne River we now enter Guyana.

Following a coastal route we now reach the capital city Georgetown, an English speaking city with a distinctly Afro-Caribbean feel where you will have time to explore the old canals, visit wooden cathedrals, haggle at the city market and see the manatees at the Guyana National Park.

From Georgetown you also have the option to take a half day trip to Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest single drop waterfall. Accessible only by light aircraft you will get a great aerial view of the falls before landing and taking a short walk through the jungle to get an appreciation of the falls up close.

We now head inland on an undeveloped road to the Iwokrama Forest, a protected area of pristine rainforest with jungle canopy walkways where you will have the opportunity to spot the endemic wildlife such as red howler monkeys, toucans and jaguar.

Further south we reach the open savannah region of Rupununi where you have the option to go horse riding, canoeing or wildlife spotting on the Panorama Nature Trail.

We now cross the border back into Brazil.

Our first stop back in Brazil is at Boa Vista on the banks of the Branco River, a laid-back town where you can enjoy the evening at a riverside restaurant sampling the locally caught fish.

We continue south through the Waimiri Atroari Indigenous Territory until we reach the city of Manaus on the banks of the mighty Amazon River. Be sure to visit the famous Amazonas Opera House, take a stroll through the botanical gardens and find a bargain at the open air markets selling goods harvested from the river and jungle.

From Manuas we will now take a 3 day/2 night trip into the Amazon jungle where you can meet the indigenous people, fish for piranhas, learn about medicinal plants and go wildlife spotting, a memorable end to a tour from Rio Carnival to the heart of the Amazon!

This tour ends in Manaus after breakfast on the final day of the tour so you can make your onward travel arrangements accordingly.

If you would like to extend your trip and join us before Rio de Janeiro our truck travels through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay before reaching Brazil so you can add on any of those countries should you wish to.

If you would like to extend your trip after Manaus our truck travels through Venezuela before ending in Cartagena, Colombia so you can add on these 2 countries should you wish to.

We are happy to create a bespoke itinerary and price for you so please feel free to contact us to discuss all options.

If you can’t do the whole tour it may be possible to book a shorter section of your choice. Please get in touch and if this option is available we will be happy to work out a bespoke itinerary and reduced price for you.

HOW TO BOOK

To make a booking please fill in our online booking form and then pay a £300 deposit by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.

Once we receive your online booking form and deposit we will confirm your booking by email and send you all relevant information necessary for your expedition preparations.

EXPEDITION PAYMENT

The Expedition Payment of £4771 is the main bulk payment for your expedition and is payable in the UK in GBP (£ Sterling). In order to reserve a place on this expedition you must pay a £300 deposit. Eight months prior to departure a further payment of £2100 must be paid to secure your booking. The final balance of your Expedition Payment £2371 must then be paid in full at least four months prior to the expedition start date. If you book between 4 to 8 months prior to the departure date a deposit of £2400 should be paid upon booking. If you book within 4 months of the departure date the full Expedition Payment of £4771 should be paid upon booking.

The Expedition Payment can be paid by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.

Credit and Debit Card Payments (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

You can use the following link to pay by credit or debit card:

Dragoman Tour Payment

Or feel free to call us on +44 7858 468 953 in order to make a credit or debit card payment over the phone.

Bank Details for Direct Transfers (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Bank: HSBC

Account name: Madventure Ltd.

Sort code: 400810

Account number: 91618415

IBAN : GB14HBUK40081091618415

Swift/Bank BIC: HBUKGB4B

Branch BIC: HBUKGB4116A

Bank address: HSBC Bank, 6 High Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 5AZ, United Kingdom

Revolut (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Revolut offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.

Don’t have a Revolut account? Create one now - www.revolut.com 

Wise (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Wise offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.

Don’t have a Wise account? Create one now - www.wise.com

Paypal (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Paypal account name: info@madventure.co.uk

Don’t have a Paypal account? Create one now - www.paypal.com

LOCAL PAYMENT

This is a cash payment of USD $1000 that must be paid to your expedition leader at the beginning of your trip and will be used to pay for cash expenses while you are on the road such as food, accommodation, fuel and included activities.

Please bear in mind that this is not a kitty and is not refundable. The local payment is simply a way for us to get cash to the expedition leaders so that they can pay for tour expenses when you are in areas that do not accept credit cards.

Please bring your local payment in new unmarked $100 bills if possible.

Although all local payment amounts are advertised in USD you may be asked to bring the equivalent amount in either EUROS or GBP.

INCLUDED

Services of your Dragoman tour leader and driver

Transportation in our custom built Dragoman overland truck

Use of all equipment on the truck

Diesel, mechanics, shipping and any other costs relating to the vehicle

Local transportation costs (if required)

Ferry tickets (when travelling together as a group)

61 breakfasts and 20 evening meals

All accommodation costs (70% hotels, guest houses and hostels, 30% camping)

National Park entry fees when we enter as a group with our vehicle

Serra dos Orgaos National Park hike

Ouro Preto gold mine tour

Monte Pascoal National Park guided hike

Chapada Diamantina National Park day hike

Taquarucu guided hike

Devil’s Island boat trip

Guiana Space Centre

3 day Amazon rainforest trip in Suriname

Iwokrama Forest jungle canopy walkways

Panorama Nature Trail guided hike

3 day Amazon rainforest trip in Manaus

NOT INCLUDED

International and domestic flights (no domestic flights expected during tour)

Airport transfers

Personal travel insurance

Personal spending money (£120 – £150 per week recommended)

Visas

Lunch and evening meals when in hotels, guest houses and hostels

Lunch when camping

Accommodation upgrades

Entrance fees to optional sites and national parks

Any optional activities and excursions

Tent, roll mat, sleeping bag and pillow

Tips (USD $75 per crew member recommended)

Below is a list of the most popular optional excursions along with the most recent prices. Prices can of course change and are not controlled in any way by Dragoman so please use the list below as an approximate guide only. Prices are shown in USD.

BRAZIL

Sambadrome budget ticket $50

Sambadrome prime ticket $150

Kayaking in Itaunas $20

Abrolhos Archipelago boat trip $50

Porto Seguro museum $5

Kayaking in Itacare $20

Salvador museum $5

FRENCH GUIANA

Tresor and Kaw nature reserves day trip $100

Saint Laurent du Maroni transportation camp $10

SURINAME

Paramaribo sunset boat trip $30

Bigi Pan half day tour $50

GUYANA

Kaieteur Falls flight $250

You will spend 70% of the time on this expedition staying in local hotels, guest houses and hostels. The other 30% of the time you will be in your tent camping.

Quite often we will wild camp by ourselves out in the bush or in the jungle and other times we will use designated campsites with amenities. The majority of our wild camp locations are usually very scenic and we always strive to find the perfect spot on the banks of a river, overlooking a canyon, on a remote beach, etc. but sometimes we just have to camp wherever we can find a spot.

From past experience on expeditions of this length and nature we have found that people prefer to supply their own tents as they are then not forced to share and they can pick a tent that suits their needs. As a general rule, try and choose a good quality lightweight and waterproof free-standing tent that is easy to erect, take down and carry.

At some of the campsites there are upgrade options available so should you prefer not to camp or you just want some time alone you can sometimes rent yourself a private room at your own expense.

When we are not camping we always try to use clean and comfortable locally owned hotels, guest houses and hostels, however, taking into consideration the sometimes unpredictable nature of this expedition and the remoteness of some of the areas we visit, please be aware that in some circumstances we just have to take what we can get, good or bad. When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels you can expect to share your room with other expedition members of all genders.

There is usually an opportunity for anyone to upgrade to a single room or a superior room if they so wish. All accommodation upgrades are at your own expense.

We will be travelling in a custom-built Dragoman overland vehicle 100% of the time on this tour. Our vehicle can accommodate up to 24 travellers and 2 crew.

Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery.

Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe.

Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to.

There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board.

We usually carry 400 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, BBQ grate, tables, etc.

Our vehicle is also equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.

Comfortable fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large tarpaulin to keep us dry on those rainy days.

We carry a portable shower and shower tent so you can take a shower every day on this tour if you like, even when we are wild camping in remote areas.

Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet and head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the hotels and campsites we stay at.

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we do recommend you bring your own for general use.

Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s well-being so we always strive to provide healthy, wholesome and plentiful meals.

When we are camping we usually cook breakfast and the evening meal on the vehicle. For lunch we usually stop at a cheap local restaurant giving you a chance to taste the local fare. Occasionally we may prepare lunch on the vehicle when we are in remote areas.

When it comes to shopping and cooking while camping we will divide ourselves up into groups of 3 or 4 people (depending on group size) who will do their own fresh food shopping, prepare the day’s meals and clean up at the end. This will work out that you roughly get to cook once every 10 days (depending on the group size).

Fresh food is generally available daily so when we are camping we try to eat meat and vegetables for every main evening meal. We do cater to vegetarians but we do not cater to vegans or fussiness. In these group situations everybody must appreciate we cannot cater to restrictive diets or individual likes and dislikes.

When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels we always strive to provide you with one healthy, wholesome and plentiful meal every day, usually breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch and evening meals are at your own expense when we stay in hotels, guest houses and hostels. Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget then eat what the locals eat. Western restaurants tend to be more expensive.

Don’t worry if you are not a gourmet cook as your crew are also always there to give advice.

Our vehicles are equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.

Cleanliness plays an important role throughout this expedition and your crew will make sure an acceptable level of general hygiene is maintained throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.

61 breakfasts and 20 evening meals are provided during this expedition.

You will have a crew of 1 tour leader and 1 driver on this tour. On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.

Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries, food and accommodation, generally ensuring the tour runs smoothly. Your tour leader however is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or hire a local guide when you want to. Apart from the excursions that need to be organised by the tour leader in advance, we leave most of the optional excursions for you to arrange yourselves, this way ensuring you get to do what you want to do at a price you are happy to pay.

Your driver will drive and maintain the vehicle to a high standard but he/she is not a tour guide and may not know all the facts about the countries we travel through.

Your crew will be hand-picked and trained by Dragoman and will have experience of overland travel but they may or may not have done this tour before. They will, however, have detailed notes from previous tours and backup from the office in the UK.

Tipping the crew at the end of your expedition is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. People often ask us what amount they should leave as a tip so we recommend you tip your crew a minimum of $75 each at the end of the tour if you feel they have given you good service, thank you.

PERSONAL BUDGET

We recommend a budget of £120 – £150 per person per week to live comfortably during this expedition. This budget should cover day to day things like lunches, snacks, soft drinks, meals when not camping, the odd few beers, etc.

All travellers should budget $25 for their Suriname Tourist Card.

Citizens of the USA, Canada and Australia should budget approximately £70 for their Brazil visa.

Souvenirs are something that can be very cheap or very expensive so if you are going to be buying souvenirs you should budget for it.

Please also have a look at our Optional Excursions list as you may want to budget for a few of those activities too.

TRAVEL MONEY

We recommend you bring 1/3 of your money in cash US Dollars and the rest of your money on your credit/debit card. 

They generally accept all major currencies for exchange but US Dollars are accepted everywhere.

ATM’s are widely available for you to draw local currency using your credit/debit card.

To keep your money/credit cards/ipad/camera/laptop safe we recommend you purchase a ‘Pacsafe Travelsafe’ product. They offer various size portable anti-theft bags that can be attached to the vehicle when travelling and also attached to the toilet/bed/closet in your hotel room when off the vehicle.

Below is general information and recommendations regarding visas and passports. Visas are ultimately your own responsibility to obtain and visa requirements may vary according to your nationality and place of application, so use the information below as a guide only and if you are unsure please check with your local consulate. Dragoman is in no way responsible for obtaining your visas or passports.

Brazil visa - citizens of the USA, Canada and Australia will need to obtain a visa for Brazil prior to arrival. The Brazil visa application process is online and costs approximately £70. For most other nationalities including citizens of the UK, EU and New Zealand a visa is not necessary to enter Brazil.

French Guiana visa - for most nationalities including citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand a visa is not necessary to enter French Guiana.

Suriname visa - all nationalities will be required to obtain a $25 Suriname Tourist Card before entering Suriname and this can be obtained online.

Guyana visa - for most nationalities including citizens of the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand a visa is not necessary to enter Guyana.

If you are unsure if you need any visas please check with your local consulates.

Please ensure you have 2 blank pages in your passport in order to accommodate all the visas and stamps, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the expedition end date.

You will need approximately 4 passport photos for the duration of the expedition.

You will need a digital colour copy of your passport, a digital colour passport photograph and Covid 19 vaccinated travellers will need a digital colour copy of your Covid 19 vaccination certificate with QR code (all 5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded onto your phone/tablet/laptop in order to apply for some visas and to cross some borders.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccination requirements are constantly changing so we recommend you seek the latest professional medical advice at least 8 weeks before departure to ensure you allow yourself enough time to obtain all necessary vaccinations. Nomad Travel’s website has up-to-date information on vaccinations, malaria and other general medical advice for all the countries we will be visiting and they also administer vaccinations at their travel clinics in various locations in the UK.

www.nomadtravel.co.uk  

Alternatively speak with your local health professionals for current accurate information. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic and take a list of the countries you are visiting with the approximate dates when you will be there.

It is not necessary to be vaccinated against covid to join this tour but if you are vaccinated against covid please have a digital colour copy of your Covid 19 vaccination certificate with QR code (5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop.

An up to date Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate should be brought with you as it is sometimes required to enter certain countries on this tour.

MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE

This is a full participation expedition so you need to be in good general health for this tour and be reasonably fit and able. The main concern is that everyone is able to pitch in equally and do their fair share when it comes to group activities like the communal cooking and cleaning up, packing gear in and out of the vehicle, erecting your own tent, etc. You do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these expeditions, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.

Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your crew know how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travellers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travellers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.

FIRST AID KIT

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit aboard the vehicle but it is recommended that you bring your own basic first aid kit for general use.

It is compulsory that every person who travels with Dragoman obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.

You may be covered under your credit card’s travel insurance so it might be worth checking with your credit card provider first.

There are various travel insurance companies to choose from and a Google search will bring up a vast selection but for people based in the UK seeking a comprehensive and reliable policy that includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation we recommend a London based company named Campbell Irvine, +44 20 7938 1734, http://www.campbellirvine.com/Madventure

Campbell Irvine are familiar with what we do so if you mention Dragoman and the tour you are travelling on they should be able to provide excellent cover for you.

For people based in North America a company named Allianz offers good cover, +1 866 884 3556, www.allianztravelinsurance.com

If you choose to obtain your travel insurance through another company please ensure you read the small-print and if possible make sure your policy includes Covid Cover and Medical Repatriation.

Tent: A good quality lightweight and compact waterproof free standing tent is recommended for this expedition. A removable fly-sheet will help you stay cool on warm dry nights. If you are travelling on your own you are restricted to a 1-2 man sized tent. If you are sharing a tent, you are restricted to a 2-3 man sized tent.

Sleeping bag: It is generally quite warm on this tour so we recommend a good quality 2/3 season sleeping bag. Please make sure that your sleeping bag has a 'crush bag' so it can be compacted down.

Sleeping bag liner: A Thermal Fleece or Silk Liner will bring your sleeping bag up a season when it's cold and they are good to use on their own when it's too hot for your sleeping bag.

Roll Mat: A compact inflatable Thermarest roll mat is recommended. A non-compact mat will not be permitted as they take up too much room.

Pillow: If you do wish to take a pillow (although most just bring a pillow case and stuff their fleece in it at night) then Thermarest makes a good stuff pillow that compacts down small.

Backpack/sports bag/suitcase: We recommend you carry your luggage in a backpack but irrespective if you prefer a sports bag or a suitcase you are restricted to a maximum 100 litre volume. 

Day bag: You are also permitted to bring a day bag with a maximum 40 litre volume that you can carry in the overhead luggage rack or under your seat on the vehicle with you.

Pacsafe: In order to keep your valuables safe we recommend a Pacsafe product. They make a range of anti-theft bags which vary in sizes and can accommodate your money, credit cards, passport, camera, laptop, etc. They can be attached to a fixed part on the back of the vehicle when travelling and/or to a fixed item in your hotel room. 

Headtorch: An invaluable investment! Check out the Petzl range of USB rechargeable headlamps. 

Water purifier: Quite a handy thing to have to purify contaminated water and avoid stomach bugs. Check out the range of Lifestraw products.

Kindle: Optional but great to keep all your travel guides and books in one place.

Ipad/Tablet: not a necessity but most places have WiFi available these days so having your own Ipad or Tablet will enable you to stay connected.

Smartphone:  It is highly recommended that you bring a smartphone with you as the majority of the tour communications are sent via WhatsApp. It is also very convenient for storing all your digital documents, emailing, taking and sharing photos, mapping and calling home.

Camera: Completely up to you but most people use their phone.

Toiletries: Available everywhere but start with some toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, soap and shampoo.

Sunblock: Minimum SPF 15 recommended.

Towel: A microfibre travel towel is a good option as it dries quickly and packs down small.

Sunglasses: Polarised lenses offer great protection.

First aid kit: Only a basic one is recommended but should include plasters, antiseptic cream, bandage, pain relief tablets, scissors and safety pins.

Passport photos: You will need approximately 4 passport photos for the duration of the expedition.

Digital passport photo: Please have a digital colour passport photograph (5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop as it may be required at some borders or when applying for certain visas.

Digital passport copy: Please have a digital colour copy of your passport (5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop as it may be required at some borders or when applying for certain visas.

Digital Covid 19 vaccination certificate: Not required but if you are vaccinated against covid please have a digital colour copy of your Covid 19 vaccination certificate with QR code (5 - 100 Kb in size) downloaded to your phone/tablet/laptop as it may be required at some borders or when applying for certain visas.

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate: An up to date Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is sometimes required to enter certain countries.

Passport: Please ensure you have 2 blank pages in your passport to accommodate all the visas and stamps required on this tour and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the expedition end date.

Clothes & shoes: 

1 x flip flops

1 x walking shoes, trainers or boots

7 x socks

7 x underwear

4 x t-shirts

1 x lightweight long sleeve top

1 x waterproof jacket

2 x zip-off  trousers which can be worn long or short

1 x swimwear

1 x baseball cap

OVERVIEW

Overlanding with Dragoman in South America is all about taking the road less travelled in a custom-built overland expedition vehicle with a group of up to 24 travellers of all ages and nationalities. This overland tour moves at a relaxed pace and visits remote areas as well as the highlights of all the countries we travel through. Overland travel affords you the time to really immerse yourself in the culture of the local communities we visit and gives you the opportunity to truly explore off the beaten track destinations. This overland tour may sometimes take you out of your comfort zone as it involves warm climates and a lot of camping but to truly discover South America’s beauty we feel that you need to get back to nature and camp amongst its spectacular scenery. We believe it is these experiences that make overlanding in South America so rewarding. So if you are looking for a unique adventure shared with a group of like-minded travellers on a journey of a lifetime then a South America overland tour may be the trip for you because with overlanding it's all about the journey, not just the destination!

At Dragoman we like to go through every aspect of the tour with you to ensure that you are as informed and prepared as possible. We believe in not only telling you about the highlights of the tour but also providing you with all the small details of what to expect as we know these are just as important. We want to explain the tour in as much detail as possible so that you are sure you are suited to one of our overland group adventures. If after reading the information below you decide that this tour is not for you then, as long as it is within 14 days of your initial booking, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid.

YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS

We have no age restrictions on our overland tours and if there is one thing we have come to realise, it’s the mental attitude that counts the most. On this trip our group size is a maximum of 24 travellers of all ages and nationalities so you can expect to share this experience with a wide variety of characters from all walks of life. 

WEATHER

This South America overland tour travels through tropical climates with warm temperatures and high humidity, so be prepared for the heat and you will enjoy this trip.

ALTITUDE

We remain at a relatively low altitude throughout this tour so you should be comfortable. 

HYGIENE

As wonderful as South America is, some places do not have a western infrastructure and their acceptable level of hygiene standards may be very different to ours, so be prepared to accept that things may not be as clean as they are back home.

You must maintain your own personal hygiene and ensure that you and your clothes are washed regularly. If anyone smells bad or is noticeably unclean the tour leader will have a word with that person to ensure a decent level of personal hygiene is maintained by everyone aboard the vehicle.

SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES

On this expedition we include a lot of the main activities in the tour price so excursions such as the Guiana Space Centre and Amazon Jungle trip are arranged and paid for by Dragoman.

We do however understand that you won’t want to visit every site or take part in every activity along the way so we have left some of the activities as optional and therefore kept the tour price to a minimum. If there are any activities that require forward planning and/or a guide your tour leader will arrange this and let you know all the options before arriving at a destination. 

Your tour leader however is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or hire a local guide when you want to. Apart from the excursions that need to be organised by the tour leader in advance, we leave most of the optional excursions for you to arrange yourselves, this way ensuring you get to do what you want to do at a price you are happy to pay.

On this tour you are completely free to do as you choose and you can be as active or inactive as you like.

YOUR ATTITUDE

A friendly, easy-going attitude will help you enjoy this trip and ensure you are liked by your fellow travellers as well as the locals. The one thing that is extremely detrimental to any tour are people that constantly moan. It has nothing to do with age, gender or nationality, some people just like to find fault in everything and it’s always got to be someone’s fault. This type of constant negativity can be extremely detrimental within a group so it may sound a bit harsh but by weeding out any moaners early on we can have a chat with them to try and ensure your tour is as good as it can be. We don’t hide anything so people who travel with us usually know exactly what to expect on this tour which makes for an enjoyable group experience.

Please be aware that if any particular person is constantly causing the rest of the group (or the crew) grief due to their behaviour they will be warned and then asked to leave the tour if nothing improves and no refund will be given. This is obviously the most extreme case but we will not let one or two rude individuals spoil it for everybody else. This is a once in a lifetime experience so let’s all enjoy it!

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

The one thing we can guarantee is that at some point things will not go according to plan! We have to follow the legislation of each individual country and they all have different regulations which can sometimes slow us down. It is however usually obstacles such as bad roads, border closures, breakdowns and natural disasters that have a bearing on the expedition. Expect the unexpected and accept that things will go wrong from time to time.

These instances are usually the stories that remain with everyone so enjoy the experience. An easy-going approach will help the situation immensely. Moaning about every little thing that doesn’t go our way will not! When situations arise where we can’t please everybody we always aim to please the majority of the group, not the individual. 

TRAVEL TIMES & ITINERARIES

This trip is designed to allow plenty of free time in all the places of interest but we are driving a fair distance around South America so yes, there are going to be a lot of drive days and some of them will be long. This is where you have to be able to take pleasure in the scenery or a good book from time to time.

Generally on a drive day we leave in the morning around 7 - 8 AM (after breakfast) and arrive at our destination before dusk in daylight, but this really depends on the distance between destinations and the road conditions.

Sometimes it will be a full day’s drive between destinations and you'll have the following day or two free. On rare occasions it may be 2 or 3 drive days in a row where you'll leave early, stop overnight at a wild camp or hotel and then continue early again the next morning. Areas like northern Brazil can be remote and the pleasure is in the scenery. Sometimes however it's only a few hours drive between destinations.

Our proposed itinerary is the ideal route we would like to take providing all political and natural situations are acceptable during the time of our travels. Situations sometimes change during an expedition so please be prepared to take an alternative route in the event we encounter any problems. If a border closes unexpectedly then we have to try and find a safe alternative route which may not be to everyone’s liking. In the worst case scenario we may get stuck with no way forward and at that point we would have to decide whether to fly over the obstacle and continue on local transport or abandon the trip. We have never had to abandon any trip before but we want you to be aware of the worst case scenario.

We always strive to arrive at our destinations on time but our itinerary can change if an area of our route becomes off-limits for any reason, so when we do experience delays we will adjust our itinerary accordingly.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

Please be aware that drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal in most countries in South America and they could enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession. NEVER carry illegal drugs on your person or on the vehicle during this tour as you would not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group if you are caught in possession.

If you are caught in possession of illegal drugs on this tour you will be asked to leave the tour immediately and no refund will be given. Any such inconsideration can lead to the tour being cancelled and innocent people arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to.

Aggressive or abusive drunk behaviour will not be tolerated during this tour and if anyone is constantly abusing alcohol and causing trouble we will not hesitate to remove them from the tour and no refund will be given.

MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE

This is a full participation expedition so you need to be in good general health for this tour and be reasonably fit and able. The main concern is that everyone is able to pitch in equally and do their fair share when it comes to group activities like the communal cooking and cleaning up, packing gear in and out of the vehicle, erecting your own tent, etc. You do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these expeditions, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.

Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your crew know how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travellers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travellers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.

ACCOMMODATION

You will spend 70% of the time on this expedition staying in local hotels, guest houses and hostels. The other 30% of the time you will be in your tent camping.

Quite often we will wild camp by ourselves out in the bush or in the jungle and other times we will use designated campsites with amenities. The majority of our wild camp locations are usually very scenic and we always strive to find the perfect spot on the banks of a river, overlooking a canyon, on a remote beach, etc. but sometimes we just have to camp wherever we can find a spot.

From past experience on expeditions of this length and nature we have found that people prefer to supply their own tents as they are then not forced to share and they can pick a tent that suits their needs. As a general rule, try and choose a good quality lightweight and waterproof free-standing tent that is easy to erect, take down and carry.

At some of the campsites there are upgrade options available so should you prefer not to camp or you just want some time alone you can sometimes rent yourself a private room at your own expense.

When we are not camping we always try to use clean and comfortable locally owned hotels, guest houses and hostels, however, taking into consideration the sometimes unpredictable nature of this expedition and the remoteness of some of the areas we visit, please be aware that in some circumstances we just have to take what we can get, good or bad. When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels you can expect to share your room with other expedition members of all genders.

There is usually an opportunity for anyone to upgrade to a single room or a superior room if they so wish. All accommodation upgrades are at your own expense.

TRANSPORT & EQUIPMENT

We will be travelling in a custom-built Dragoman overland vehicle 100% of the time on this tour. Our vehicle can accommodate up to 24 travellers and 2 crew.

Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery.

Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe.

Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to.

There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board.

We usually carry 400 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, BBQ grate, tables, etc.

Our vehicle is also equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.

Comfortable fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large tarpaulin to keep us dry on those rainy days.

We carry a portable shower and shower tent so you can take a shower every day on this tour if you like, even when we are wild camping in remote areas.

Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet and head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the hotels and campsites we stay at.

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we do recommend you bring your own for general use.

FOOD & COOKING

Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s well-being so we always strive to provide healthy, wholesome and plentiful meals.

When we are camping we usually cook breakfast and the evening meal on the vehicle. For lunch we usually stop at a cheap local restaurant giving you a chance to taste the local fare. Occasionally we may prepare lunch on the vehicle when we are in remote areas.

When it comes to shopping and cooking while camping we will divide ourselves up into groups of 3 or 4 people (depending on group size) who will do their own fresh food shopping, prepare the day’s meals and clean up at the end. This will work out that you roughly get to cook once every 10 days (depending on the group size).

Fresh food is generally available daily so when we are camping we try to eat meat and vegetables for every main evening meal. We do cater to vegetarians but we do not cater to vegans or fussiness. In these group situations everybody must appreciate we cannot cater to restrictive diets or individual likes and dislikes.

When staying in hotels, guest houses and hostels we always strive to provide you with one healthy, wholesome and plentiful meal every day, usually breakfast at the accommodation. Lunch and evening meals are at your own expense when we stay in hotels, guest houses and hostels. Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget then eat what the locals eat. Western restaurants tend to be more expensive.

Don’t worry if you are not a gourmet cook as your crew are also always there to give advice.

Our vehicles are equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.

Cleanliness plays an important role throughout this expedition and your crew will make sure an acceptable level of general hygiene is maintained throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.

61 breakfasts and 20 evening meals are provided during this expedition.

CREW

You will have a crew of 1 tour leader and 1 driver on this tour. On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.

Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries, food and accommodation, generally ensuring the tour runs smoothly. Your tour leader however is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or hire a local guide when you want to. Apart from the excursions that need to be organised by the tour leader in advance, we leave most of the optional excursions for you to arrange yourselves, this way ensuring you get to do what you want to do at a price you are happy to pay.

Your driver will drive and maintain the vehicle to a high standard but he/she is not a tour guide and may not know all the facts about the countries we travel through.

Your crew will be hand-picked and trained by Dragoman and will have experience of overland travel but they may or may not have done this tour before. They will, however, have detailed notes from previous tours and backup from the office in the UK.

Tipping the crew at the end of your expedition is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. People often ask us what amount they should leave as a tip so we recommend you tip your crew a minimum of $75 each at the end of the tour if you feel they have given you good service, thank you.