The action begins in 1847 with the arrival of the first German settlers in southern Chile. Don Vicente Perez Rosales is in charge of welcoming the immigrants who arrive by boat to the remote areas of Villarica. After the customary speeches promising loyalty to their new homeland, the settlers begin to work the land. Years pass. Frustrated Daniel, his noble brother Simón, and sweet Dora are three of those pioneers whom history revisits in their youth to explore a triangle of love and desire.

A wealthy bachelor falls in love with a woman of the world, of dubious reputation.