Secret of the Incas

American adventurer Harry Steele works as a tour guide in Cusco, Peru. He dreams of uncovering the legendary gold and jeweled sunburst at Machu Picchu. He already carries a fragment of a carved stone block that reveals the sunburst's location when placed on the museum's stone map. The fragment binds his fate to a treasure that could make him rich beyond his wildest schemes.

Bar owner Ed Morgan, aging and resentful, hires a sniper to frighten Harry away from the treasure. A bullet nearly finds him, and Harry barely dodges it. Morgan vows revenge and demands that Harry sell him the fragment.

Elena Antonescu, a Romanian defector on the run from authorities, appeals to Harry's sympathy by claiming she is fleeing from Anton Marcu. With little money and police on her trail, she hints that she could help him reach America if he helps her escape. Harry sees an opportunity to advance his own plan while aiding her.

Harry uses Elena's predicament to manipulate Marcu into thinking Elena is nearby. He agrees to help Elena travel to Mexico so she can eventually reach America if she helps him steal Marcu's plane. The bargain sets in motion a dangerous dual scheme.

With Elena distracting Marcu, she slips into his room to steal the keys while he is drunk. The pair depart, but Harry keeps the Mexico plan in mind and secretly reconsiders his priorities. The act marks a turning point toward Machu Picchu.

Rather than heading to Mexico, Harry detours to Machu Picchu to search for the sunburst first. Elena grows wary of Harry's duplicity, but his charm suffices to keep her cooperating for the moment.

An archaeological expedition led by Dr. Stanley Moorehead arrives at Machu Picchu and prepares to enter the tomb where the sunburst is believed to be located. Harry pretends to join their efforts while secretly plotting to claim the treasure. Elena remains cautious about Harry's true intent.

Harry tells Moorehead that their plane needs gas and disables the expedition's radio to block news of pursuit. Elena confronts him over his dishonesty, foreshadowing the strain in their alliance. The attempt to control the situation only intensifies the tension between them.

Morgan arrives and informs Harry that Marcu never reported the plane stolen, so authorities are not looking for them. He tries to coerce Harry into helping locate the sunburst, and Harry feigns cooperation to buy time. The uneasy alliance among the three becomes increasingly fragile.

Elena asks Harry to abandon the plan and leave with her. Moorehead unexpectedly proposes marriage, offering to take her to America. Elena is torn, attracted to Harry's danger but wary of his ongoing dishonesty and the prospect of a life with Moorehead.

The expedition opens a wall of Manco's tomb and is disappointed to find only a carved sunburst missing from its place. Harry uses a reflection of light to reveal the sunburst hidden inside a hollow pillar, reigniting the rush to seize it. Morgan watches, ready to seize the prize himself.

Morgan confronts Harry and takes the sunburst at gunpoint. A native appears, and the chase drives them to a cliff edge. Harry and Morgan grapple for the sunburst, and Morgan falls to his death.

Harry returns the sunburst to the natives, who place it back in the Temple of the Sun, restoring the legend of Inca glory. He tells Elena that unless Colonel Cardoza is real friendly, they may have a long engagement, and he presents her an ancient gold pin that fell into his pocket.