# What is El Dorado in Candide?

> Candide by Voltaire

## Answer

El Dorado is a hidden Andean kingdom where gold is dust, science serves comfort, and priests pray once while people thank God always. Candide and Cacambo arrive by accident, are welcomed, and leave laden with sheep carrying jewels — wealth they lose repeatedly later.

El Dorado is utopia that cannot export — geography and human nature keep it isolated. Voltaire contrasts European misery with rational plenty without endorsing escape fantasy. Candide leaves because Cunégonde is not there and because idle paradise frustrates him. Use El Dorado to debate practical wisdom theme: best world exists but protagonists choose imperfect return.

## Evidence

- [xvii-arrival-of-candide-and-his-valet-at-el-dorado-and-what-they-saw-there](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/candide_se/chapters/xvii-arrival-of-candide-and-his-valet-at-el-dorado-and-what-they-saw-there.md): First view of the kingdom.
- [xviii-what-they-saw-in-the-country-of-el-dorado](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/candide_se/chapters/xviii-what-they-saw-in-the-country-of-el-dorado.md): Customs, religion, and departure with treasure.

## Links

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