Brazil
This is the big one: Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). For some scale look to the left to a hotel. There are 270 falls in total surrounded by subtropical forests. Iguaçú Falls shared across the Argentina - Brazil border at Foz.
Not far away is the 8km long Itaipu Dam, the biggest hydroelectric facility in the world. The locals call it one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Rio da Prata, Bonito. Dense limestone produces rivers like aquariums with total clarity and colourful fish. A really nice snorkel spot. The whole area is so pristine.
Rio Mimoso
Andrew completes the flip he'd always dreamed of. Rio Mimoso, Bonito.
;
Bonito.
Andrew with a Hyacinth macaw in the Pantanal: vast, breathtaking wetlands with never-ending nature.
Family of capybaras. World's largest rodents at up to 60kg. Not a big fan. Pantanal.
Giant Anteater on the move, Pantanal
Survivor ! Fishing for piranhas. Cow tongue for bait. Back to basics in the Pantanal.
An unbelievable eight million caimans occupy the wetlands. Similar to 'gators but more agile and sharper teeth.
We've scored piranha fish supper. The teeth on these things: razor sharp, vice-like jaw and they
attack in packs. Gabriel is stood in the boat with me, Eran & Jeremy safely in the water. With the piranhas. And the caimans.
More sunsets ... this from the Pantanal interior.
Sugarloaf Mountain beyond Botofogo, Rio de Janeiro: Stunning.
The outstretched Cristo Redeemer (hands reach 30m across). Rammed at the top. A German backpacker was shot dead a week later for his bag. Brazil has some serious problems. The cities can be dodgy after dusk and there are many people who seem to have almost nothing. And a small number living the millionaire lifestyle.
Lopes Mendes beach. There are over 100 beaches on this easy-going, paradise island and the caipirinhas were just right. Ilha Grande.
Check those brutal waves! Ilha Grande.
So many secluded beaches & coves to check out. Idyllic Ilha Grande.
Crazy, scary journey through God knows where in nighttime Sampa to meet Daniel.
Not a big one for presentation of your fruit? Make for Natal.
Another sublime beach stop off. Pipa, Pernambuco state.
Discovered that dune buggies rock. The only wheels worth having in Nordeste Brazil.
Driving the dunes. Genipabu, Rio Grande do Norte.
North-eastern fishermen doing it the hard way.
Bar in the water. Rio Grande do Norte.
A church in Ouro Preto (Black Gold). The whole town is a baroque stunner. Was the richest city in the New World for a while with the 18th century gold rush.
There are some funky wiring jobs all over South America. This exposed wiring in the shower wasn't the worst by any stretch.
Taking on Rio's nightlife (part XVII) with two champions representing Orange County. Yes, Eric has a soaking shirt. And Chase has flowers growing out of his ears. This was a memorable night all round given the stunning Carioca girls, the outrageous queues (a little blag bypassed those), strutting bad-boys, guns being waved around, knockout Caipirinhas, and .... large ornamental pools. Barra, Rio de Janeiro.