Fearing a ghost and a curse, Úrsula and José Arcadio leave their town to establish a new home along a few others, braving a journey through tough terrain.
Aureliano has visions of a war, while José Arcadio Jr. meets a woman. José Arcadio's alchemy obsession pushes Ursula to find a way to support the family.
An odd girl brings a delirious sickness to Macondo. José Arcadio becomes fascinated by Melquiades' camera. Rebeca and Amaranta vie for Pietro's attention.
Arcadio becomes the school's principal, and Pilar has significant news for Aureliano. Remedios fills the Buendía home with joy - until tragedy strikes.
Arcadio enforces liberal rule in Macondo, while Aureliano attempts to free a colonel from the conservatives. The looming threat of war finally arrives.