Down the Orinoco in a Canoe is a thrilling and authentic travel memoir by Colombian writer and diplomat Santiago Pérez Triana. The book recounts his daring and arduous journey, undertaken in the late 19th century, traversing a significant portion of the mighty Orinoco River in a native canoe. More than just an adventure story, it is a detailed and observant account of the geography, flora, fauna, and human communities of a region that was, at the time, largely unknown to the outside world. Pérez Triana describes the immense challenges of the voyage: navigating treacherous rapids, enduring tropical diseases, and facing the constant threat of starvation. He provides vivid portraits of the indigenous guides and companions who made the journey possible, offering insights into their cultures, skills, and ways of life. The narrative is also infused with the author's philosophical reflections on nature, civilization, and the impact of European colonization on the South American continent. Written with a literary flair and a keen eye for detail, the memoir serves as a valuable historical document, capturing a snapshot of the Orinoco basin before widespread modernization. It is a classic of exploration literature that celebrates the rugged beauty of the natural world and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.

Table of Contents:

• Down the Orinoco in a Canoe. Part 1

• Down the Orinoco in a Canoe. Part 2

• Down the Orinoco in a Canoe. Part 3