Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time (edition 2012)

Read this on the way to Machu Picchu. Very effective melding of an interesting bit of early 20th century history and biography with a good peak at early 21st century travel zeitgeist. The book does a great job of portraying the principle people involved historical and in the present day. ( )

While I found this interesting, it also dragged a little bit. The parts about Hiram Bingham, old-time explorer (and artifact thief) were perhaps my favorites. I'd certainly love to read a book about Adams' guide John, who is a modern-day Bingham. Lots of fascinating people, not enough photographs. Worth a look. ( )

I have always had a love of ancient (and not quite so ancient) civilisations as well as a dream to travel the world. Machu Picchu has always been near the top of my list to places to go and, knowing that, my wife gave me this book.

It is about a long-time travel writing editor who finally decides to go on a journey of his own. He settles on Machu Picchu as it, and it's American "discoverer", was back in the news, as well as his wife and her family being Peruvian. But instead of just visiting the ruins he decides to make a proper adventure and follow in the footsteps of famous (or infamous depending on your point of view) explorer, Hiram Bingham III. Bingham is the man most responsible for bringing Machu Picchu and other Incan ruins to the attention of the world.

Part modern-day hiking story, part history lesson, part political lesson this book covers the totality of the Incan ruins in and around southern Peru. The author isn't alone though and is joined by an Australian adventure guide and a team of Peruvians in various roles. Through reading this my eyes were opened to the wider range of archeological remains to be found. Machu Picchu is the most famous but is also the most overrun with tourists. It's still near the top of my list but I am also adding Choquequirao, Espíritu Pampa, Llactapata, Ollantaytambo, and other sites.

The story of the Incans is a sad and unfortunately common one. Destroyed by greed we may never know the full truth behind their sometimes enigmatic ruins. Instead all we can do is our best to educate, preserve and protect. ( )

A quick and enjoyable read that makes me want to track down some of his primary sources. The author, decides to try and retrace the steps of Hiram Bingham, the recently controversial 'discoverer' of Machu Picchu. Adams could have easily made this a more detailed book, fleshing out both the historical and his contemporary observations. I think he kept it pared down to attract a broader audience even though judging by his notes he did the research necessary for a more in depth book. That being said, it was a fun read. The Aussie guide that he hires is a piece of work. My only complaint is that I wish the book included more, and better maps that I could use to follow along on the journey. I always tend to find travel & history books to be sorely under mapped. ( )

Mark Adams, while following roughly the same path as Hiram Bingham III, comes to realize both the context and the magnitude of the discoveries. He also learns the value of wearing two pairs of socks while hiking in the jungle. His guide, John Leivers, helps him literally and figuratively navigate the world of the Inca Trail. His help in the author’s journey creates some of the most poignant and humorous anecdotes while they trek through the jungle.

The twin stories of the author and Bingham are also set against a third strand of history—that of the original Inca and the Spanish conquistadors. This triple history further enriches the adventure as we learn how Pizarro, Bingham, and the author interact with both the people and the environment of South America. Interwoven with each of these strands are bits and pieces of Peruvian politics, ethics, society, and culture. I thought the humor in this history book was well-timed and very engaging. This makes for a great weekend read. ( )