How to Travel Like Indiana Jones – Hidden Ruins & Lost Cities
Uncover the world’s most mysterious ancient sites and live your own real-life adventure.
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Ever dreamed of discovering lost temples, exploring forgotten cities, and trekking through remote jungles like Indiana Jones? While you might not be running from rolling boulders or dodging booby traps, the world is full of hidden ruins and archaeological wonders waiting to be explored. If you’re ready for an adventure beyond the usual tourist sites, here’s how to travel like Indiana Jones and uncover history’s greatest secrets.
1. Explore the ‘Real’ El Dorado in Ciudad Perdida, Colombia
Deep in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountains lies Ciudad Perdida, or the “Lost City.” Built by the Tayrona civilization around 800 AD—hundreds of years before Machu Picchu—this ancient site remained hidden until the 1970s.
Why it’s an Indiana Jones adventure:
- A four-day jungle trek through remote rainforest.
- Crossing rivers, dodging waterfalls, and climbing 1,200 stone steps to reach the ruins.
- Exploring ancient terraces and hidden temples with far fewer tourists than Machu Picchu.
2. Descend Into the Underground Temples of Derinkuyu, Turkey
In the heart of Cappadocia, beneath the fairy-tale landscapes of Turkey, lies Derinkuyu—an underground city carved into rock. Built over 2,000 years ago, it could house up to 20,000 people and was used as a secret refuge.
Why it’s an Indiana Jones adventure:
- Descending into deep tunnels, hidden passageways, and secret chambers.
- Seeing an ancient underground world with escape routes and stone doors that roll shut.
- Connecting with history in a way few travelers experience.
3. Discover the Jungle-Covered Ruins of Angkor, Cambodia
While most visitors head straight for Angkor Wat, the true Indiana Jones experience is found in the lesser-known temples of Angkor, where jungle vines reclaim lost cities.
Why it’s an Indiana Jones adventure:
- Exploring Ta Prohm, where massive trees have taken over the ruins.
- Finding hidden carvings, secret corridors, and temples lost in the jungle.
- Feeling like an explorer as you walk through a city that once held a million people.
4. Trek to the Remote Ruins of Choquequirao, Peru
Forget the crowds of Machu Picchu—if you want a true adventure, hike to Choquequirao. This remote Incan city is even larger than Machu Picchu but sees only a fraction of the visitors.
Why it’s an Indiana Jones adventure:
- A tough four-day trek through the Andes with no roads leading to the ruins.
- Seeing intact terraces, temples, and plazas untouched by mass tourism.
- Walking through a city that feels frozen in time.
5. Step Inside the Lost Pyramids of Sudan
While Egypt’s pyramids are world-famous, Sudan is home to over 200 pyramids that few travelers ever see. The ancient Kingdom of Kush built these structures in Meroë, and they remain one of Africa’s greatest archaeological secrets.
Why it’s an Indiana Jones adventure:
- Standing among pyramids with no crowds and total silence.
- Seeing hieroglyphics and tombs that feel untouched.
- Exploring a civilization that once rivaled Ancient Egypt.
6. Enter the Cave of the Crystal Skulls in Belize
The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave in Belize is a real-life Indiana Jones setting. This sacred Mayan cave is filled with skeletons, ancient pottery, and eerie rock formations.
Why it’s an Indiana Jones adventure:
- Swimming through an underground river to enter the cave.
- Seeing the “Crystal Maiden,” a fully preserved skeleton.
- Exploring a cave once used for Mayan sacrifices.
7. Search for the Lost City of Petra, Jordan
Hidden for centuries, the ancient city of Petra is one of the most iconic lost cities in the world. Famous for its massive rock-cut temples, including the Treasury, Petra is the ultimate real-life adventure.
Why it’s an Indiana Jones adventure:
- Walking through the narrow Siq canyon to uncover the lost city.
- Exploring ancient tombs, royal halls, and hidden staircases.
- Feeling like an explorer discovering a forgotten civilization.
8. Unearth the Forgotten Temples of Bagan, Myanmar
With over 2,000 ancient temples scattered across its plains, Bagan is one of the world’s greatest archaeological wonders. It’s a place where you can still feel like a true explorer.
Why it’s an Indiana Jones adventure:
- Climbing hidden temples with panoramic views of the ruins.
- Exploring abandoned pagodas covered in ancient murals.
- Riding through the landscape on a horse-drawn cart.
9. Find the Lost Fortress of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Sigiriya is a dramatic ancient fortress built on top of a massive rock in Sri Lanka. It was once a royal city, but today it stands as one of the most mysterious ancient sites in the world.
Why it’s an Indiana Jones adventure:
- Climbing steep stone staircases up a 660-foot (200-meter) rock.
- Seeing the ancient Frescoes of the Cloud Maidens hidden in caves.
- Walking through the ruins of a lost kingdom.
Your Own Indiana Jones Adventure Awaits
Real-world adventure isn’t just found in the movies—there are still hidden ruins, lost cities, and archaeological mysteries waiting to be explored. Whether you’re trekking through the jungle, descending into ancient caves, or standing in the shadow of forgotten pyramids, these destinations will make you feel like a true explorer.
So, where will your next adventure take you?
