Plot

In 2001, two friends, inspired by Alexander von Humboldt, journeyed through Venezuela, navigating the Orinoco River with a local family to reach San Carlos de Rio Negro via the Casiquiare Channel.

ORINOCO

In 2001, two friends embarked on a remarkable journey inspired by the legendary Prussian naturalist and explorer, Marquis Von Humboldt. Their mission: to explore the unique Casiquiare Channel, a 320-kilometer natural wonder that links the Orinoco and Amazon River basins, creating a unique hydro geographic marvel. Their goal: to sail up the Orinoco River to the village of La Esmeralda, take the Casiquiare and finally reach San Carlos on the Rio Negro River. The challenge: to do it relying uniquely on their resources; no organized travel, no fancy means of transport and very little money.

One of the two friends brings along a small video camera and films everything, but when he comes back, he stores the 10 video cassettes and the diary in a box and loses track of them.

After 22 years, during a house move, he finds the dusty box back and decides to edit the footage. The result is a documentary that follows the two friends' brave expedition, showcasing the challenges and achievements of their autonomous travel, their minimal planning, and their reliance on local knowledge. Setting off from Caracas, the two explorers first encounter the Orinoco in the historical city of Ciudad Bolivar. From there they head upstream towards the state of Amazonas, reaching its capital Puerto Ayacucho, last town that can be reached by road. There they manage to find a ride to continue their trip on the river on a cargo ship that will take them to the old capital San Fernando. Thanks to the help of the captain and of the prefect of the region of Atabapo, they get to know a local family who is heading back to their house in the middle of the Casiquiare and strike a deal with them. For the next ten days they will sail with them on their 13-meter motor propelled canoe upstream, they will eat, hunt, sleep and live like them, they will encounter indigenous tribes, including the enigmatic Yanomami, they will stay at the family's house on the Casiquiare and they will finally reach San Carlos de Rio Negro safe and sound.

"Orinoco" captures the essence of adventure, exploration, and the enduring spirit of human curiosity.