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Backroads Latin America

Documentary series, 5 parts · Production: rbb/ARTE

Synopsis

Latin America, mysterious, elusive and hidden in North America's shadow, is a continent of superlatives: The world's biggest rainforest and largest river, the driest desert and  the world's tallest waterfalls. But also incredible poverty and riches, struggles and victories.
When the Spanish 'conquistadores' arrived, they used roads created long ago by the Incas, Mayas and Aztecs. But unlike the 'discovery' and appropriation of North America, which was driven by settlers in search of a new home, Latin America was seen merely as a treasure vault by its early European conquerors. As they divided the land among themselves for “Gold, God and Glory”, hauling away its enormous riches back to the "Old World", these roads witnessed the demise of powerful old empires and the dawn of a new era. Roads, ancient and legendary, are part of what makes Latin America a whole, reaching across its far parts like arteries. Often, they are dirt roads, stony roads, roads less traveled….
 
Episode 1: CUBA
Cuba’s backbone - La Carretera Central
 
Episode 2:  MEXICO
Veracruz to Acapulco – The Conquest of the Aztec Empire
 
Episode 3: PERU, BOLIVIA, CHILE
From the Inca Highway to the Pan Americana
 
Episode 4:  COLOMBIA, VENEZUELA
From the Conquistadors to Café – Bolivar’s Road of Freedom
 
Episode 5: ARGENTINA, CHILE
The mythical roads of Patagonia