Michael Palin in Venezuela

Michael Palin's latest epic journey is to often troubled but little explored Venezuela, a huge and once oil rich country that has been called the most dangerous in South America; under authoritarian rule, financially in meltdown and facing massive social challenges from this economic collapse. But it is also one of the most beautiful places in the world where visitors are few and awe-inspiring regions remain unexplored.When Michael arrives, Venezuela is still reeling from the controversial re-election of Nicolás Maduro as President, a man whose style is often more showbiz or self-styled superhero than presidential. Economic turmoil has led eight million people to flee the country in the last ten years. But Venezuela also has the longest Caribbean coast, the world's tallest waterfall and the Andes mountains; it should be on every traveller's wish list. From Caracas to the Amazon rainforest and the Caribbean Sea, Michael embarks on a thrilling, if sometimes risky, adventure into a dystopian Paradise.