Orellana

In this dilemma Orellana came to the daring decision to go on down the Amazon, visiting the populous nations which he was told dwelt on its banks, descending to its mouth, and sailing back to Spain with the tidings and the glory of a famous adventure and noble discovery.

Historical Tales - The Romance of Reality - Volume III Charles Morris 1877

Only a few days into the mission, Orellana realized that the powerful current would make for a difficult return.

Escaping The Rainforest Gerard Helferich 2011

For his sources, he draws mainly on personal accounts of the survivors, especially the report of Dominican missionary Gaspar de Carvajal, which was co-written by Orellana.

Escaping The Rainforest Gerard Helferich 2011

In 1541, when Gonzalo Pizarro half-brother of Francisco crossed the Andes in search of the fabled cinnamon forest of La Canela and the golden treasure of El Dorado, he took Orellana, his distant cousin, as second in command.

Escaping The Rainforest Gerard Helferich 2011

What Orellana didn't know was that the river in question was a tributary of the Amazon, which rises in the Peruvian Andes and courses 4,000 miles across South America to the Atlantic Ocean, through the deepest rainforest on the planet.

Escaping The Rainforest Gerard Helferich 2011

It will be a "high-stress" but fun day, says Mr. Orellana.

Creating a Lasting Image Melanie Grayce West 2011

David Vallejos and Juan Orellana helped organize this block party.

Newly Free, Miners Enjoy Some Time In The Sun 2010

But focused on adventure more than reflection, Mr. Levy rushes along almost as resolutely as Orellana himself without lingering over the moral ambiguities of his hero's predicament.

Escaping The Rainforest Gerard Helferich 2011

Wedding and portrait photographer William Salomon Orellana is coordinating 100 volunteers and four New York sites for Help-Portrait.

Creating a Lasting Image Melanie Grayce West 2011

A second group sent downriver managed to find a cassava plantation and return with provisions—why couldn't Orellana have done the same?

Escaping The Rainforest Gerard Helferich 2011