Environmental management of the construction of a controversial natural gas pipeline across the centre of South America seemed a suitable challenge, so off I flew from Canada to Sao Paulo, Brazil for the adventure of a lifetime. Join me on this retrospective journey and discover the tall, dry deciduous Chiquitano forest of Boliviia, the flooded Pantanal wetland with its incredible biodiversity, including everything from alligators to panthers and giant anacondas. And finally northeast through the Arara Mountain range, beyond the Paraguay River. to Cuiaba, in the heart of the Pantanal. Experience the music and dance to the samba beat vicariously through this tale which includes dozens of photos illustrating the route.