But Wait—There's More
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Finding a truly legendary destination that hasn't been spoiled by tourist kiosks and souvenir hawkers can feel like a search for the Lost Ark of the Covenant. But have no fear, intrepid explorers—it's still possible to hack your own jungle path with a backpack full of maps to discover a lost civilization (and if you're lucky, a hoard of gold). We've scoured the globe for mysterious places that instill a sense of otherworldly wonder, where you can explore at will without feeling like you're trapped in a theme park. From Mayan ruins deep in the jungles of Guatemala to Japan's own underwater Atlantis, hold onto your hats, Indiana Jones wannabes, because the journey has just begun.
Published July 2011. Pictured: Bryce Canyon, Utah
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