Tempers flare as Stephan, Rusty and the villagers struggle to work together and keep the project from falling apart before it's even begun.
In his haste to speed up construction, Stephan purchases unusable wood, which creates chaos for the team. Juan "the Piranha" steps in to save the day as they use only chain saws and ink strings to mill lumber deep in the jungle.
Stephan discovers that his initial cash investment is gone, and the workers haven't been paid yet. With construction halted, Stephan must ask his fiancee a tough question, and Juan introduces the team to bartering for jungle services.
Construction has stalled because of a nationwide gasoline strike, so Stephan and Juan embark on an epic quest for fuel. Back at the lodge, Rusty has the crew build a 3-story tree house using traditional jungle methods.
Stephan works to hire a kitchen staff and discovers the highly varied and bizarre produce of the Amazon. Rusty and Juan scour Iquitos, the jungle, and everywhere else for lodge furniture.
With several critical issues endangering the grand opening, Stephan focuses on a 20-foot water tower that will supply the entire resort. Meanwhile, Rusty prepares the river tours and jungle treks for the first hotel guests.