Turn Right at Machu Picchu

I saw the author of this book, Mark Adams, on The Daily Show, and he made me want to read his book. I am not one of those people who has always wanted to visit Machu Picchu, for adventuring or mystical reasons or whatever.  It always seemed like an interesting place that would be very difficult to get to (and without things I enjoy, like showers and air conditioning). And it still seems like one of those places to me, and I have no greater desire to visit. But this was a really good book.

Adams basically tells the story of following the footsteps of the explorer who is credited with discovering Machu Picchu, Hiram Bingham. Along the way he learns about the history of the site (and other Inca sites), of the Inca empire, and of Peru. Adams is a really good writer, humorous, warm, and conversational. He is very good at bringing the landscape to life and, more importantly, bringing the people he meets to life. Because although this book is about Machu Picchu, I think it's equally about the people he spends time with, particularly John Leivers, his primary guide.

I highly recommend this book for travel buffs, history buffs, and anyone who has been or wants to go to Machu Picchu. It's just a really good read.

http://www.amazon.com/Turn-Right-Machu-Picchu-Rediscovering/dp/0525952241/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317647352&sr=1-1