Once they arrive in South America, they find out it will be impossible to find balsa logs for there had just been a major rain season. The mud would be impossible to cross through to where they wanted to go. In Ecuador they learn many things about the native people. One anecdote from Jorge about his friend being killed showed the brutality of the native people. Having no patience, they ask the military to assist them in getting balsa logs. "His orders were to drive us to Queveo mud or no mud."
They drive deep into the Andes mountains and jungles. On the way they see the poor living conditions that the natives live in. "If a tin box or a scrap of paper was flung down by the roadside, it was picked up at once as a useful household article." After a long trip they find the plantation with plenty of balsa logs for their taking. Heyerdahl next goes to the President of Peru for a place and crew to build this mighty raft. The President agrees to help him out.
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