The Darien Gap is a place of legend. It is an almost impregnable strip of swamp, jungle and cloud forest between the vast landmasses of North and South America. In 2000 Dyke, a young botanist in search of orchids, and Winder, a backpacking adventurer, ventured into the Darien ignoring a final succinct warning from the Lonely Planet Giuide: 'Don't even think about it!' For six days they made good progress, then they were ambushed by guerrillas who were to hold them hostage for nine months...