El Dorado is a mythical city of gold that is traditionally said to be located somewhere in South America. The legend originated from 16th-century Spanish accounts concerning a ruler known as el Dorado, or the Golden One. According to these accounts, the ruler was said to cover himself in gold dust before washing it off in a sacred lake.
Over time, the name El Dorado evolved from describing a specific individual to referring to a lost city or kingdom of immense wealth. Despite its prominence in historical lore and exploration narratives, the city remains mythical rather than a confirmed geographical location.