Finding a Real Lost City - Ripley's Believe It or Notcast Episode 20

His team faced mile-high mountains, venomous snakes, drug cartels, and even a mysterious flesh-eating illness.

Places
1 min
Colton Kruse
Colton Kruse
Finding a Real Lost City - Ripley's Believe It or Notcast Episode 20
All stories
Places

The search for the Lost City of the Monkey God has gone on for over a century. One claimed to have found it, in the 1940s, but he died before being able to return. Today, explorers and scientists have used cutting-edge technology to once again locate this mysterious city.

This week on the Notcast, Brent and Ryan talk to Douglas Preston about his search for the lost city, and the dangers his team faced along the way. These dangers included mile-high mountains, venomous snakes, drug cartels, and even a mysterious flesh-eating illness.

For more weird news and strange stories, visit our  homepage , and be sure to rate and share this episode of the Notcast!

About The Author

Colton Kruse

Colton Kruse

Starting as an intern in the Ripley’s digital archives, Colton’s intimately familiar with the travel…

By this author

Stranger Than You Think: Discover the Wild Side of San Antonio at Ripley’s

Stranger Than You Think: Discover the Wild Side of San Antonio at Ripley’s

More Than Just Weird: Why Ripley’s Orlando is a Must-See

More Than Just Weird: Why Ripley’s Orlando is a Must-See

5 Reasons to Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Branson on Your Next Ozarks Getaway

5 Reasons to Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Branson on Your Next Ozarks Getaway

Read All Their Stories

Or Explore Our Categories

Have an Amazing Story?

At Ripley’s, we’re always in search of the unbelievable – maybe it’s you! Show us your talents. Tell us a strange story or a weird fact. Share your unbelievable art with us. Maybe even sell us something that could become a part of Ripley’s collection!

Have an Amazing Story?

Read More Ripley's

Get lost in a vortex of weird and wonderful stories! Ripley’s twenty-first edition annual book is full of all-new, all-true stories from around the world.

Dare to Discover book
Buy Now
Swirling Pinstripe backdrop
Ripley's Cartoon of the Day

July 17, 2025

Cartoon of the Day

CERN scientists briefly turned lead into gold by smashing atoms at near light speed.

Ripley's Cartoon of the Day

Robert Ripley began the Believe It or Not! cartoon in 1918. Today, Kieran Castaño is the eighth artist to continue the legacy of illustrating the world's longest-running syndicated cartoon!