The Search for El Dorado

Season 1Episode 360 minDec 8, 2000
The Search for El Dorado
Episode three begins in Quito, Ecuador, and relates the amazing story of the 16-month Spanish expedition (1541-42), led by Gonzalo Pizarro, to find El Dorado, the mythical land of gold. Crossing the Andes with pack animals, Wood and his team hack a path through the forests, following in Pizarro's footsteps to the Coca river, where they build a balsa raft and sail down to the river Napo, following the route of the conquistadors. There, on Christmas day 1541, the Spanish expedition split, with 60 men under Francisco Orellana sailing (contrary to orders) all the way down the Amazon to the sea in a makeshift boat: an achievement that was "less of a journey, more of a miracle." They were the first outsiders to see the interior of Amazonia and the first to discover and travel the length of the river. On their journey, they encountered unknown empires and vast populations that were later wiped out by disease and subsequently forgotten. The program recounts Orellana's story, as well as the tale of the retreat of the army, under Orellana's cousin and boyhood friend, Gonzalo Pizarro, an almost Shakespearean tale of revenge recorded in their letters and the diary kept by the expedition.
The Search for El Dorado has aired on Dec 8, 2000
Previous EpisodeNext Episode

Trailer

We do not have any trailers for this episode

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The Bold and the Beautiful
Running

The Bold and the Beautiful

They created a dynasty where passion rules, they are the Forresters, the first name in Fashion. The Bold and the Beautiful, a world of fashion, glamor and romance. A place where power, money and success are there for the taking in a city where dreams really do come true. Follow the lives and loves of the Forresters on The Bold and the Beautiful...

GenreDrama, Family, Romance
Underdogs
Running

Underdogs

Hold on to your binoculars, folks, as Nat Geo gets up close and personal with the outcasts of the animal kingdom in Underdogs, narrated by Ryan Reynolds. From their hidden talents to their unconventional hygiene choices to their unsavory courtship rituals, Underdogs celebrates the unique behaviors of the animals who don't usually get to be the stars of the show. 

GenreComedy, Nature
Sister Wives
Running

Sister Wives

Sister Wives explores the complex daily life of a polygamist family. Sister Wives introduces audiences to husband Kody -- along with his three wives; Meri, Janelle and Christine and their combined 13 children -- showing how they attempt to navigate life as a "normal" family in a society that shuns their lifestyle. From their unconventional family structure and living arrangements to financial challenges, each half hour episode exposes the inner workings of a polygamist household, revealing the unexpectedly tight-knit and loving relationships between Kody's wives.

Lazarus
Running

Lazarus

In 2052 an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity prevails across the globe where humanity is freed from sickness. Dr. Skinner has developed a miracle cure all drug with no drawbacks called Hapuna. Hapuna soon becomes essential.

The Trip
Running

The Trip

Michael Winterbottom's acclaimed gastronomic sitcom starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.

GenreComedy, Food, Travel