Eventually, I reached the churning Coroico River, symbolic of another Yungas resource: gold. A so-called "ruta del oro" (golden route) extends for 350km through the region"s waterways and into the neighbouring Amazon and has drawn prospectors for centuries. Although the river, stream and creek beds have proved rich in gold deposits, they have never produced enough to sate the appetites of the conquistadors and those who followed in their wake. As a result, countless rumours of lost fortunes and hidden treasures have swirled around the Yungas and neighbouring regions.