So at one point, Dora and her friends are caught and all have their hands tied behind their backs, before being led to the city of gold by the baddies and before a friend sets them free. What was the point of that?
I'm surprised this is a question.
1. Tying the hands behind their backs is a method of control. It fosters a feeling of helplessness
2. Without your hands it is unlikely that the prisoner can steal a weapon from the captors.
3. It is difficult to run with your hands tied behind your back. Human beings aren't designed to run that way.
4. A person is reluctant to run with their hands tied behind them, especially in a jungle environment with many obstacles and uneven ground, since if they fall they cannot use their hands to catch themselves.
To sum up, if you want to control someone tie their hands behind their backs. I'm surprised they didn't link them together. I would have. Hobbling their feet would be an additional option, but given the terrain might be more trouble than it would be worth.
Good points!