Objective

The goal is to be the first player to reach the city of El Dorado.

Components

• Game Board Tiles: Modular tiles representing different terrain types.

• Starting Tiles and El Dorado Tile: Indicate the start and end points of the race.

• Blockage Tiles: Obstacles that require special actions to pass.

• Playing Cards: Various cards that players use to move and perform actions.

• Starting Decks: Each player starts with an identical set of cards.

• Market Cards: Additional cards available for purchase during the game.

• Player Tokens: Representing each player's expedition team.

• Market Board: Holds the available cards for purchase.

• Cave Tokens: Representing special bonuses.

• Gold Tokens: Currency used to buy new cards.
  

Setup

1. Assemble the Board: Arrange the modular game board tiles according to the scenario in the rulebook or a custom layout.

2. Distribute Starting Decks: Each player receives their starting deck of 8 cards: 3 Travelers, 1 Sailor, 1 Mule, and 3 Explorers.

3. Shuffle the Market Deck: Place the market board and fill it with the initial set of cards from the market deck.

4. Place Player Tokens: Each player places their token on the starting tile.

5. Distribute Gold Tokens: Each player starts with a certain amount of gold tokens (usually 4).

6. Place Cave Tokens: Shuffle and place cave tokens face-down on designated spots on the board.
   

Gameplay

The game is played over a series of turns. On a player's turn, they perform the following steps:

1. Play Cards

• Players play cards from their hand to move their expedition token or perform actions.

• Each card has symbols representing different terrain types (jungle, water, or gold).

2. Move Expedition

• Move your token to an adjacent space by playing cards that match the terrain symbols of the space you want to move into.

• Some spaces may require multiple symbols or specific types of cards.

3. Buy Cards

• Spend gold from cards or tokens to buy new cards from the market.

• Newly purchased cards go into the player’s discard pile.

4. Draw New Hand

• At the end of your turn, draw up to your hand limit (usually 4 cards).

• If your draw pile is empty, shuffle your discard pile to form a new draw pile.
  

Special Rules

• Blockages: Some spaces on the board are blocked and require specific cards or actions to pass.

• Cave Tokens: When you move onto a space with a cave token, reveal and keep it. These provide special bonuses.

• Market: When a market stack is emptied, players can choose which new card stack to add to the market.
  

Ending the Game

• The game ends when a player reaches the El Dorado tile. That player is the winner.

• If multiple players reach El Dorado on the same turn, the player with the most remaining cards in their deck, hand, and discard pile combined is the winner.
  

Tips and Strategies

• Deck Building: Focus on building a versatile deck that can handle various terrains.

• Market Management: Pay attention to which cards are available in the market and plan your purchases strategically.

• Path Planning: Plan your route carefully to avoid difficult terrain and blockages.

• Cave Tokens: Use cave tokens wisely to gain advantages at crucial moments.