Amazon day
The ransom in tons of gold that the Spanish obtained for the Inca Atahualpa´s freedom, made the ambition for gold even bigger.

The Spaniard Francisco de Orellana organized an expedition searching for the “Canela Country” and “El Dorado” (lands to the east rumored to be rich in gold and spices). This expedition consisted of about two hundred and twenty Spaniards and four thousand Indians. Four thousand llamas transported the load, and supplied the daily milk. About two thousand pigs, more than two thousand hunting dogs and many horses took part in this journey.

Before leaving the mountains, hundreds of Indians died in the freezing passes. Orellana parted from Guayaquil city on February 4th 1541. On the way he and his men confronted different tribes and suffered many losses.

They were short of supplies and exhausted. Around December, the members that so far had survived became uneasy, and decided to abandon lines; but on February 12 of 1542 they discovered an immense river. After defeating a group or warrior women (the Amazons) in combat, Francisco de Orellana named this river the “Amazonas”.

The discovery of this river cost Orellana a 303 day walk from Guayaquil to “Canela Country” and “El Dorado”. He sailed 257 days to the Island of Cobagua. Many Indians and Spaniards lost their lives along the way.

Ecuador decreed February 12th as “Día del Oriente” (Orient or Amazon day)

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