Jungle

In the early 1980s, adventurous Israeli Yossi Ghinsberg sets off on a thrilling journey into the Amazon rainforest of Bolivia. He aims to explore uncharted territories and connect with indigenous tribes, excited by the possibilities that lie ahead.

While staying at an Israeli community hostel in La Paz, Yossi meets Marcus Stamm, a Swiss school teacher, and Kevin Gale, an enthusiastic American photographer. These friendships lay the groundwork for an adventure that will soon challenge their limits.

Yossi encounters Austrian stranger Karl Ruprechter, who captivates him with tales of a secretive tribe deep within the jungle. Karl offers to be their guide, igniting Yossi's adventurous spirit and the desire to discover the Toromonas.

Yossi successfully convinces Marcus and Kevin to join him on the expedition, despite their hesitations. Their enthusiasm is boosted when Karl purchases all the supplies for their journey, significantly exciting Kevin as they envision capturing rare photographs.

In November 1981, the trio treks into the unforgiving jungle, only to be met with unexpected challenges. Heavy rainfall arrives two weeks earlier than anticipated, testing their resolve and preparedness.

The expedition leads them to a village named Asriamas, where Karl appears to have connections with the locals. After spending the night there, Marcus's physical struggles begin to weigh heavily on the group as his feet become infected.

Yossi and Kevin find themselves in a tense discussion over their options. Marcus suggests building a raft to make their journey downriver easier, hoping it will alleviate their difficulties on the expedition.

After constructing the raft, the trio faces perilous rapids that test their resilience and teamwork. Tensions rise between Kevin and Karl over the control of the raft, culminating in Karl's decision to abandon the journey.

As Yossi and Kevin push forward without Karl, calamity strikes when their raft is destroyed in the swift waters. This catastrophic event leads to their separation, leaving Yossi alone and vulnerable.

Separated and disoriented, Yossi finds himself swept away, forced to navigate the treacherous jungle without tools or training. His struggle for survival includes scavenging for food and bravely defending himself against a jaguar attack.

Meanwhile, Kevin is rescued by locals and taken to Rurrenabaque. Intent on finding Yossi, he enlists the authorities' help, but their initial search attempt via air proves fruitless, causing anxiety over Yossi's fate.

Despite the setbacks, Kevin remains hopeful and partners with local boat pilot Tico to assist in the rescue mission. Their collective effort sparks a renewed determination to locate Yossi in the vast rainforest.

After a grueling search that lasts 19 days, Yossi is miraculously located and brought back to Rurrenabaque. Although he is frail and severely malnourished, his survival story becomes one of resilience and strength.

In the aftermath of their harrowing adventure, it is revealed that Karl Ruprechter was not merely an unreliable guide but a fugitive with a dangerous past. Both Karl and Marcus disappear without a trace, leaving a haunting gap in Yossi and Kevin's journey.

The story of Yossi's adventure concludes with a poignant dedication to Marcus, reflecting on his untimely end amidst the perils of exploration. This thrilling experience illustrates the fine line between adventure and danger in the wild.