Turn Right at Machu Picchu, by Mark Adams
The enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu, perched high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, have captivated the world's imagination since their discovery in 1911 by Yale professor Hiram Bingham III. This ancient Incan city, now a bucket-list destination for travelers worldwide, comes with a complicated legacy. Bingham's role in its discovery has sparked debate: was he a visionary explorer or an opportunistic plunderer of cultural treasures?
In Turn Right at Machu Picchu, journalist Mark Adams embarks on an ambitious quest to unravel this mystery. Despite having zero camping experience, Adams sets out to retrace Bingham's footsteps through the rugged Peruvian landscape. Guided by a gruff Australian and local Peruvian experts, he tackles the challenging route from Cusco to the lost city.
Adams' journey is more than just a physical trek. It's a vivid exploration of history, blending his own adventures with Bingham's tale and the rich tapestry of Incan civilization. Along the way, he encounters the breathtaking ruins of Vitcos and Vilcabamba, building anticipation for the main event.
When Adams finally reaches Machu Picchu, his account is infused with a sense of wonder and respect that only comes from earning each step of the journey. His witty, engaging prose brings the experience to life, offering readers a unique perspective on this archaeological marvel.
“On a globe it looks like a swollen California. Within that space, though, are twenty-thousand-foot peaks, the world’s deepest canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon), unmapped Amazon jungle and the driest desert on earth.”
Interesting Facts & Links:
Mark Adams is a popular writer for many magazines, including GQ, ESPN Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, the New York Times and Men's Journal, and the author of several books including Mr. America, named by The Washington Post as a Best Book of 2009. His other travel book, Meet Me in Atlantis: Across Three Continents in Search of the Legendary Sunken City, details his quest to learn more about the mysterious lost city. In his latest book Tip of the Iceberg, Adams retraces the 1899 expedition by railroad magnate Edward H. Harriman through the more remote regions of Alaska.
Learn more about the history of Machu Picchu, including more about Hiram Bingham's discovery, at History.com. Or, learn more about traveling to Machu Picchu at National Geographic.
Those that liked this book might want to check out recent blog on the best travelogues on hiking.
Machu Picchu 101 | National Geographic
Machu Picchu is a testament to the power and ingenuity of the Inca empire. Built without the use of mortar, metal tools, or the wheel, Machu Picchu stands as an archaeological wonder of the ancient world. But why was it built—and deserted?
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