Carlos hails from a sun-baked, impoverished Andean village. Driven by the desperate need to lift his family and community from poverty, he departs to scour the wilderness for the fabled riches of El Dorado. This absence becomes the catalyst, spurring his son Pepero's own quest to find him.

Carlos carries a unique horn-shaped necklace, a vital clue for identification. Pepero encounters an imposter wearing an identical necklace, falsely claiming Carlos's identity. This man later confesses that Carlos saved his life and gifted him the necklace as an act of profound compassion.

Their search converges at El Dorado, where Carlos is found imprisoned, accused of stealing the city's imperial jewels. Evidence reveals he was deliberately framed by the corrupt police chief. Pepero intervenes, proving his father's innocence and exposing the chief's guilt, securing Carlos's release.

Exonerated, Carlos leaves El Dorado with Pepero. They journey home, bearing resources intended to share wealth and alleviate the suffering of their impoverished village, achieving Carlos's original purpose.