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Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a - $6 (SW Lincoln)
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The book follows Mark Adams, an unadventurous adventure-magazine editor who spent his career sitting behind a desk and had never even slept in a tent. As the 100th anniversary of the 1911 "discovery" of Machu Picchu approached, Adams decided to leave his comfort zone. He hired a rugged Australian survivalist guide, John Leivers, to help him retrace the exact, perilous expedition route taken by explorer Hiram Bingham III.
Key Themes and Narratives
The book alternates between two main storylines:
• The Modern Travelogue: Adams recounts his grueling but funny trek through the Andes Mountains, dealing with steep terrains, bugs, and his own total lack of physical fitness.
• The Historical Mystery: Adams dives into the history of the Inca Empire's resistance against Spanish invaders and investigates the controversial legacy of Hiram Bingham III.
Investigating Hiram Bingham III
A major focus of the book is answering a central question: Who was Hiram Bingham III, and what exactly did he find?
While Bingham was originally celebrated as the intrepid explorer who found a "lost city," history has since complicated his legacy. Adams explores the controversies surrounding Bingham, including accusations that he stole credit from local Peruvians who already knew the site existed, and the legal battle over priceless artifacts Bingham took back to Yale University.
Ultimately, the book explores the architectural genius of the Incas, investigates what Machu Picchu's true purpose actually was, and serves as an entertaining guide for anyone interested in archaeology, history, or trekking.