Berto and Solimar hike around the waterfall to the shallows where Berto has stashed La Magdalena, his “boat.” Solimar is dismayed to see that it is a rough, canoe-sized raft constructed of logs tied together with crates for benches. Berto made a sunshade from leaves to protect Solimar from giving a magical response to any inadvertent questions. Solimar realizes they cannot portage this raft. She believes they cannot get it through the rapids or make it through the labyrinth.

Berto assures her that he has traveled the rapids many times—even though that is where his original canoe broke up. He has memorized rhyming instructions on how to get through the caves from someone who almost made it through. Berto is “almost” certain they will be safe, depending on weather and the water level. Zarita encourages the dispirited Solimar, reminding her that she needs to be as “unsinkable” as her life vest. Berto reassures Solimar that his directions through the cave were given to him by his dependable father who died five years previously.

As they set off down the river, Berto gives Solimar lessons on river safety, including what to do if she falls overboard, and how to follow his paddling instructions.