Thor Heyerdahl's Kon-Tiki expedition set sail from Callao, Peru, on April 28, 1947. The journey aimed to prove the theory that ancient South American civilizations could have settled in Polynesia, suggesting a maritime connection across the vast Pacific Ocean. Constructed from balsa wood and traditional techniques, the raft was designed to mimic the kind of vessels that would have been used by early explorers. After careful planning and preparation, Heyerdahl and a crew of five embarked on this audacious endeavor, hoping to gather evidence to support his controversial ideas about cultural diffusion and migration patterns.

The grueling journey spanned over 7,000 kilometers, characterized by unpredictable weather, the threat of sharks, and the challenge of navigating the vast, open ocean. The crew faced a series of trials, including limited food supplies and equipment failures. Yet, despite these hardships, they managed to successfully navigate using the stars and their intimate knowledge of sea currents. On August 7, after 101 days adrift, the Kon-Tiki reached the remote reef of Raroia in the Tuamotu Islands. The raft collided with the reef, marking the end of their journey. Fortunately, all crew members were safe and celebrated their arrival on this idyllic island.

Heyerdahl's success in making the voyage sparked significant interest in ancient navigation techniques and the possibilities of long-distance ocean travel in prehistory. The expedition was widely publicized, and it captured the imagination of people around the world, contributing to ongoing discussions about the movement of ancient peoples and the spread of cultures across oceans.