Prepare Your Journey

• 1). Pinpoint the South American river or stream to start panning. Research geological maps. Look for rivers and streams in mineral-rich areas, especially quartz-rich areas. Contact the landowners if the land you want to pan on is private property. Consider the accessibility of the stream, as well as backup streams nearby if the first yields no gold.
  
  
• 2). Plan the travel steps needed to get to the river or stream you plan to pan for gold. Book air travel and ground transportation to get you near your destination. Purchase maps of the area you plan to travel. Choose hiking routes and camping areas if the river or stream you intend to pan in isn't accessible by road.
  
  
• 3). Pack according to your travel plan. Take into account the length of any hike you'll take to the panning spot, and the days you'll be camping once you arrive.
  
  

Discover Your Riches

• 1). Follow your travel plans until you reach your river or stream. Get a good night's sleep once you've arrived and before you begin panning. Head to the stream early, ready for a day of hard work.
  
  
• 2). Search for deposits of dark sand on the stream- or riverbed. Dark sand is denser than light sand, so it's likely the dense gold will be deposited there as well. Seek areas in the river or stream where bedrock shows through. Often gold will be found in the sand and gravel deposited in the nooks and crannies around bedrock.
  
  
• 3). Fill your pan about 1/3 full of sand and gravel and stream water. Shake the pan as vigorously as you can without losing any gravel, sinking the gold to the bottom. In the stream, wash away the top layers of sand and gravel until you uncover the gold at the bottom of your pan.
  
  
• 4). Store any found gold as safely and inconspicuously as possible in your backpack.
  
  
• 5). Claim any gold findings over $10,000 U.S. on your return through customs, because it may be subject to a tax.