In Buenos Aires, they meet the governor, Don Fernando, who takes an interest in Cunégonde and asks for her hand in marriage. Candide is heartbroken, but he cannot stay and fight for Cunégonde, because he must flee from police officers who traced Candide to the region. Aided by Cacambo, a valet, Candide escapes and soon meets the Reverend Father Commander, leader of a Jesuit army in Paraguay. The commander turns out to be Cunégonde's brother, who was left for dead when his mother and father were killed in Westphalia. The two catch up until Candide reveals that he is love with Cunégonde and hopes to someday marry her; the baron's son is so enraged by this notion that a fight ensues, and Candide kills the man.
Again, Candide flees with Cacambo and, before long, the two face the Oreillons, who at first nearly kill Candide but soon treat him hospitably. Upon leaving their company, Candide and Cacambo come to Eldorado, a country filled with gold and jewels for which the citizens have no use, because everyone's needs are met by the government. Eldorado also has no court rooms or prisons, because citizens treat each other fairly and do not break laws. The citizens of Eldorado believe in God but never pray in supplication — they only give thanks because they have all they need.
Eager to find Cunégonde, Candide and Cacambo leave Eldorado with a team of red sheep loaded with gold, jewels, and other supplies. When they reach Surinam, the two traveling companions split up, with Cacambo heading in secret to Buenos Aires to buy the release of Cunégonde, and Candide heading to Venice, where he will not be sought by the police. Candide is victimized by a ship's captain, a ruthless man named Mynheer Vanderdendur, and the judge from whom Candide seeks redress. Dejected, Candide advertises a contest for the most unfortunate man he can find; an elderly scholar named Martin wins the contest and becomes Candide's new traveling partner. The two head to France, en route to Venice.
