Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time

I picked this book up originally through audible on a bit of a lark and thoroughly enjoyed it. A few years later, I picked up the hard copy for my dad whom enjoyed the read as much as I did.If interested in exploration of South America's cloud forest, I would suggest also picking up Hiram Bimgham's "Lost City of the Incas" and/or Col. PH Fawcett's "Exploration Fawcett" to read prior to "Turn Right at Machu Piccho." Whilst certainly not a requirement, both books are referenced and will give you a bit broader perspective. I truly hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. - Happy reading/listening/exploring.

As someone who has done fewer treks than he has dreamed of doing, I could identify with Mark Adams' quest to hike some of Peru's most storied terrain. His narrative provided detailed information about the demands of real trekking, and his penchant for self mockery adds to the information, while simultanteously amusing us. Adams deserves real praise for his portrayals of the characters who serve his as guides, porters, mule skinners, et al. On occasion, I actually felt as if I had accomplanied them all.The greatest positive surprise of this book, however, sprang from the discussions Adams reports with his primary guide and various Peruvians with expertise in archaelogy and anthropology. This book actually illuminated several facets of Incan architecture, muthology, and astronomy, not to mention some of the folklore surrounding Hiram Bingham.I would issue a strong recommendation for readers interested in Peru, pre-Columbian America, and "adventure-vacations."

About twenty years ago and before Machu Picchu became such a popular tourist destination, a co-worker of mine did the Inca Trail hike and gave a slide show presentation that drew gasps and sighs from her audience of cubicle worker bees. Twenty years later and feeling thirty years older, I'm still fascinated with Machu Picchu and hope to see it in person before I am too feeble to move. When I heard a new book on the subject had been published, I snatched it up. The day after it arrived from Amazon, I had to go to the DMV so I brought the book to have something to read during the anticipated wait. While most people waiting at the DMV quietly pray for death to end their misery, I was completely engrossed by the book and was laughing out loud. Laughing out loud while at the DMV. That should give you an idea of how funny Mark Adams is."Turn Right at Machu Picchu" is a pleasure to read. The humor, often self-deprecating, is sprinkled liberally throughout. Adams can build up slowly to a punchline or toss off a one-line zinger out of left field with equal ease. In the meantime, the book is also packed full of information presented in a clear, understandable and thorough way so you don't even realize how much you're learning. The end notes also include a good selection of reference materials and useful information about visiting Machu Picchu for readers with travel aspirations.I devoured this book in less than a week, then went back and reread my favorite parts the next day. I've given copies of this book to friends and family members who also hope to visit Machu Picchu, and they've all told me how the book exceeded their expectations. My boyfriend is reading it now and is also very impressed. He read "Guns, Germs and Steel" by Jared Diamond several years ago and was disappointed that Diamond didn't cover more of the back story about why the Inca empire didn't survive. This book provides that information.For people who want to learn about Machu Picchu or just want an amusing non-fiction read, I unreservedly recommend this book.

I have not finished it yet but our book club selection. The fact that I made the trek 5 years ago really brought this home for me. Even loved the humor he has injected in it. Well worth the time.

Author Mark Adams has produced an enjoyable book that is part travel log, part history, and part archeology. He visits Peru and ancient Inca archeological sites with a knowledgable cast of characters. He tries to recreate some of the experiences of the (re)discoverer of World Heritage Site Machu Picchu Hiram Bingham III. Bingham stumbled onto jungle-encrusted Machu Picchu on July 24, 1911. Although others knew of the existence of the ruins, Bingham brought them to world-wide attention and almost overnight prominence. Adams alternates among his present-day experience, Bingham's experience, and the thoughts on the Incas (the builders) in the 1400-1500 times frame to attempt to explain the original purpose of Machu Pichu. Its a good read, providing you are interested in the Incas or South American history. Its a quick read.

Fun and informative - we read this while traveling through Peru on our way to Machu Picchu - but not really the best written. Adams's narrative jumps all over the place, between Bingham's story and his own, and the effect is not successful. It feels disjointed and confusing, especially with the varied paths, climbs, and topography of the area around Machu Picchu and Cusco. It would have been more engaging and accessible if he'd spent more time with one narrative in a chapter and then switching to the other one in the next. The historical elements in general are informative, I'm currently reading Kim McQuarrie's The Last Days of the Incas, and Adams's book did cover all of the main details and events of what happened. Plus, Adams adds some cute details that are very entertaining to read if you've been to Peru - for example, Lima is indeed very grey and constantly overcast. It was fun to read that this was not just bad luck on our part but a very real phenomenon with an actual name. Overall, it's worth a read, but I would get it used or, if you are traveling in Peru, pick it up at a book exchange. Definitely don't pay full price.

Such an easy read and some fun facts about the history. Really enjoying it.

Vital if you are visiting Machu PicchuFunny and informative with good photos

Es una novela histórica muy entretenida. Un buen libro para pasar el rato.

Written by a seasoned travel author - and it shows. A combination of the authors personal experience retracing some of the steps of Hiram Bingham, mixed in with paraphrased extracts of John Hemmings. Conquest of the Incas.

Arrived on time and in good condition.