Michael Palin in Venezuela

Michael sets off to investigate a South American nation, launching his trip by sitting down with investigative reporter Ana Vanessa Herrero. She outlines how the country has been drifting toward an outright totalitarian system, detailing the mechanisms and signs of the shift. Through her testimony, Michael gains an initial understanding of the political climate that frames his exploration. He notes the pervasive sense of oppression Herrero describes, observing how ordinary citizens appear to adjust their behaviour under the looming presence of an authoritarian government. The conversation sets the tone for the series, highlighting the urgency of understanding the forces reshaping the nation.

Michael sets off to investigate a South American nation, launching his trip by sitting down with investigative reporter Ana Vanessa Herrero. She outlines how the country has been drifting toward an outright totalitarian system, detailing the mechanisms and signs of the shift. Through her testimony, Michael gains an initial understanding of the political climate that frames his exploration. He notes the pervasive sense of oppression Herrero describes, observing how ordinary citizens appear to adjust their behaviour under the looming presence of an authoritarian government. The conversation sets the tone for the series, highlighting the urgency of understanding the forces reshaping the nation.

Michael catches a flight to Los Roches, a cluster of coral islands perched in the Caribbean Sea. The moment he lands, the turquoise waters and white‑sanded atolls greet him, signalling the start of his adventure. From there he’s whisked on a tour that sweeps him across the whole archipelago, moving from one island to the next as he discovers the spread of coral reefs and the laid‑back rhythm of island life. He moves between the islands, each offering a fresh view of the surrounding sea. The journey lets him experience the breadth of Los Roches without straying far from the sea that defines the region.

Michael catches a flight to Los Roches, a cluster of coral islands perched in the Caribbean Sea. The moment he lands, the turquoise waters and white‑sanded atolls greet him, signalling the start of his adventure. From there he’s whisked on a tour that sweeps him across the whole archipelago, moving from one island to the next as he discovers the spread of coral reefs and the laid‑back rhythm of island life. He moves between the islands, each offering a fresh view of the surrounding sea. The journey lets him experience the breadth of Los Roches without straying far from the sea that defines the region.

Michael kicks off the final stage of his Venezuelan trek as he rolls into Zulia state, a region that the UK Foreign Office has flagged on its no‑visit ‘red‑zone’ list. Aware of the advisory, he presses on, making the entry into Zulia the last leg of his adventure across the country. The episode follows his progress through this contentious area, highlighting his determination to complete the journey despite the travel warning. By reaching Zulia, Michael brings his cross‑country exploration to its closing chapter, confronting the reality of the official restriction while continuing his on‑the‑ground pursuit. He stays alert to the advisory, yet his aim stays fixed on finishing the route.

Michael kicks off the final stage of his Venezuelan trek as he rolls into Zulia state, a region that the UK Foreign Office has flagged on its no‑visit ‘red‑zone’ list. Aware of the advisory, he presses on, making the entry into Zulia the last leg of his adventure across the country. The episode follows his progress through this contentious area, highlighting his determination to complete the journey despite the travel warning. By reaching Zulia, Michael brings his cross‑country exploration to its closing chapter, confronting the reality of the official restriction while continuing his on‑the‑ground pursuit. He stays alert to the advisory, yet his aim stays fixed on finishing the route.