Ep 8. Iquitos

In the eighth episode of season one of Down to Earth with Zac Efron, titled Iquitos, Zac and Darin head to the heart of the Peruvian Amazon to learn about sustainable living and explore local culture.

The episode starts with Zac and Darin flying to Iquitos, a city inaccessible by road and situated deep in the Amazon rainforest. They meet their guide, Antonio, who takes them on a boat ride to their lodging, a treehouse-like structure situated high up in the rainforest canopy.

Their first stop is a visit to a local school, where they witness the innovative way children are learning about sustainable practices like composting and organic farming. Zac and Darin then visit a local farm, where they learn about farming practices that are both beneficial to the environment and the local economy.

Next, the duo visits a medicinal plant center where they learn about the vast array of plants used to cure ailments. They learn how local people use these plants to treat common medical conditions and even try some of the plants out for themselves. The experience provides an eye-opening glimpse into the ancient practices that have been long in use in the region.

Zac and Darin also visit a floating school, a boarding school that sits on top of the water. The school is an example of how people living in remote areas of the Amazon have adapted traditional structures to their living needs. Here, they meet the students and learn how even in the remotest areas of the Amazon, children are still receiving quality education.

In the next segment, they board a boat to meet indigenous tribes living upstream. Zac and Darin learn about the tribe's traditional living practices and how they have preserved their culture over time. The duo also witnesses a traditional dance that the tribe performs in their honor. The experience is a poignant reminder of the rich history and culture of the Amazon and the indigenous people who call it home.

Near the end of the episode, Zac and Darin visit a rubber plantation, which shows the impact that harvesting natural resources can have on the local economy. They learn about the history of rubber production in the region and how it has impacted the environment and the people who live there. The episode ends with a beautiful and reflective montage, highlighting their experience of Iquitos and its people.

Overall, the Iquitos episode of Down to Earth with Zac Efron is an informative and humbling exploration of Amazonian culture and sustainable living practices. Zac and Darin's dynamic curiosity provide viewers with an immersive experience that is both educational and entertaining. The episode offers a raw insight into the region's history, people and their struggles to survive in a rapidly changing world while preserving the natural resources that are so vital to their way of life. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainable living and environmental conservation.