We Drove Across the Amazon

The Amazon rainforest has often received the nickname "The Lungs of our Planet". But explorers who venture into this jungle have often called it by another name. The Green Hell.

After overlanding across the americas, we decided to drive our old Toyota Land Cruiser with a roof top tent from Peru to Guyana. Initially, the plan was to go to Suriname, French Guiana, back to Brazil, and then head south. But things would go wrong, from a robbery to car trouble. But ultimately, we would end our trip short when bad luck turned to tragedy.

Of course, the Amazon doesn't suck at all. It's an incredible place, and even we would have some amazing experiences. It still offers endless opportunities for pure, raw adventure and exploration. But the way the Amazon has been treated in the last 60 years is what really sucks. To drive across its highways, whether the Trans-Amazonica, or the BR-319 running south to north, means to drive through endless cattle farms. A path of destruction started by a military dictatorship and perpetuated by illegal deforestation.

What we thought would be the ultimate 4x4 adventure through thick remote jungle, would instead be a long highway drive through the burning farmlands.

Film Gear that we use to make these videos
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AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Some of the links above will direct you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
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Sources

Deforestation / Illegal logging

Cattle/Beef

Food Security/Poverty

Amazon Theatre / Rubber boom

00:00 Intro
00:49 Leaving Cusco
05:13 Watch out!
07:00 Into Brazil
13:00 Something Broke
18:30 Amazonian Fruit
20:40 BR-319
28:20 Pleasant Surprise
36:30 Crossing the Amazon river
38:50 Manaus
43:30 Heading North
48:55 Sudden Ending
52:12 Sorry

[truestory]

I was watching this video so slowly savoring it nightly, & whenever Cuenca was being filmed, I would rewind to watch her beauty and joy knowing that she was loved. I cried for awhile to learn what happened to her.
I've found a thrown away puppy here in México who's now been with me for a year and a half. He's my mate and my life now revolves around his happiness. That's just the way some of us are...
I love your videos. Your souls shine through.
Thank you for being so non sensationalist. It's rare these days

[fancynancymacy]

I'm so sorry for you losing Cuenca. You gave her such a wonderful life. I cried too.

[NC-ihiy]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Cuenca was a wonderful companion, and it was clear to see how much you loved her. We love your channel and hope that you all get back on the road soon! Your rig was amazing, and we can't wait to see what you'll be driving for your next adventures!

[crystallinesheen]

What an amazing work of visual storytelling. I love your editing style, I felt as if I was in the backseat on your journey. I haven't been so invested in a story in a very long time. I can't believe ya'lls journey ended the way it did. I'm still in shock at just how fast things fell apart after so many epic miles. You documented the journey with such grace, even when it went so wrong. Such is life. I'm so sorry for your loss. I want to see everything you've done now! Your documentary touched me in a way that I haven't felt in a long while. Thanks so much for taking me along for the ride.

[csbosox]

Sorry for your loss. I’ve loved all my dogs with all my heart. That being said, this video/documentary was amazing and I’m so glad that I could be a fly on the wall for your amazing journey.

[AnneDingwall]

I lived in Manaus from 1999 to 2004, and have returned 5 or 6 times since then, most recently this year for 4 weeks with my partner, who I "acquired" after I retired and met a charming Irishman in the pub on Bowen Island. Today he disappeared in his workshop and came out and said "you have to watch this video about the Amazon". I flinched, having painfully watched too many Germans, Americans and Brits "discover" the Amazon in arrogant videos. You, and a scant few others, are the exception.

Your presentation is sensitive, non-judgemental, and sympathetic. You raise the challenges and problems, and never ending yoyo of Brazilian politics, without preaching. For someone your age you have a gift of observation that most people never reach.

Apologies for rabbiting on, just wanted to thank you for an excellent video of my second home. I leave you with an old English word that I think describes your passion - Coddiwomple - "To travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination".

[prabhjitsingh]

Thanks for taking us to such an amazing journey through the Amazon .... but the tragedy that happened to end it was really heart breaking. Sorry for your loss friends. Heartfelt condolences , no words are enough to express the grief.

[Hoosier_Boy]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm 72 years old. I've retired firefighter and I sat here in Cried.

[kartikisvarmurti]

Thank you for taking us on this beautiful journey. I am so sorry for your loss.

[gergelyalmasi]

Hey guys, so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your exceptional videos. The content and the quality is beyond the highest, it should be aired all around the world. Keep up your journey! Cheers from Hungary

[behindthespotlight]

BRUTAL😢😢😭Through the entire video I laid here on my bed (recovering from oral surgery) with my left hand on my cat and my right hand on my dog. Watching Cuenca and thinking “mankind has cohabited with special animals since day one and we always will.” Then came this gut punch. I sincerely wish you both the very best through your new adventures 🫶🏼

[Bobbynevovic]

Sorry for your loss, heartbreaking end for such a long and wonderful journey.
I bet cute Cuenca will always be in your ❤

[ToyotaWorldRunners]

Bravo friends. Despite the incredible hardship you went through you managed to make a stunning and powerful document of the Amazon and your experience amongst it. Can't wait to hit the road with y'all again. Much Love.

[jasonday]

SO sorry to hear about this part of your guys' adventure...I love this channel and just want you guys to know that your advice/wisdom is much appreciated. I recently drove from Saskatchewan to Cabo San Lucas and used your advice to camp in Bahia de Los Angeles, and it was AWESOME. Hopefully, you guys keep the adventure going. Keep positive and all the best 👍👍. Looking forward to the next Toyota build too.

[Visionery]

Cuenca was a wonderful and beautiful travel companion, such a lovely soul. I suspect she may have been taken, that she's very much alive and with another family, happy to know she was able to spend such precious moments with you.

[Dario-Ilformaggio]

What a tragedy. Having given Cuenca so much love I can’t start to imagine how you must have felt. Please know your videos and commentary bring knowledge and joy to someone living in the Channel Islands.

Praying your run of bad luck is now behind you.

Max, Nicky, take care, be happy, looking forward to seeing more of you when the time is right for you.

[jetel]

Your video just came across my recommended video and i was like, "I'ma check what is it like in the Amazon these days." Sadly i live in other adventurer's experiences and thanks to vloggers like you guys, the world that i can only imagine, i mean an unadulterated commercialized version is really a breath of fresh air. I didn't expect the last bit... my heart broke. I was really happy when i saw her discovering how to swim and that she found a friend on your last stop. I was really hoping to see Cuenca's adventures with you guys as she grows... i guess the memories they leave behind makes our lifetime a tad extra special. Thank you for
sharing your adventure.

[AlainRamnauth]

The kindness and hospitality of Brazilians is one of the main reasons why i love that great country!🇧🇷

[markmarky]

Was enjoying your travels through the Amazon and living vicariously. Then the end hit me and cannot imagine what you both went through. Hope you get another pet in your next trip. Stay safe and happy travels.

[kaykaykayak]

Can’t stop crying so sad . Thanks for sharing sending hugs.