In 1572, the Spanish Conquistadors stormed the Inca stronghold of Vilcabamba in Peru, searching for golden treasure, only to find the city deserted, burned, and already stripped of its wealth. Myth has it that the Incas had retreated deep into the jungle, where they built another magnificent, secret city. For centuries, explorers, adventurers and archaeologists have searched for the lost city and its gold, known by locals as 'The House of the Tiger King'. Falling victim to this obsession himself, Tahir Shah selects a motley team of desperados for an expedition into the dense jungle in search of the lost city. As his thrilling but ultimately hapless quest unfolds, Shah is drawn to considering why such legends are so enduring.