Cheryl, owner of a miniature, red Dachshund, has a lifelong dream of exploring as an archaeologist, which comes to fruition in 1972. She and four other archaeology students and two professors take a riveting seven month journey to Central America.

Aware of the war between two opposing armies of rebel soldiers deep in the jungles, they trek and dodge bullets while exploring caves with lavish Mayan treasures. Temptation leads to eventual consequences as they discover gold and crystal skulls prohibited to be removed. Their journey draws them to meet missionaries, priests, and a personal contact with alien creatures and lights of an unknown source.

Later an ominous archaeologist with a tribe of ancient people leads to a deadly truth. A devastating earthquake forever alters their travels killing two team members. Cheryl's pain is eased by the rescue and love of a lost, little dachshund in the earthquake.