This is three stories in one - 1) a historical summation of Pizarro & the collapse of the Inca Empire, 2)a biographical account of Hiram Bingham, his journeys through Peru & 'discovery' of Machu Picchu, and 3)the authors account of his own journey through the Sacred Valley & along the Inca Trail. Adams has a talent for quickly setting tone & place without dragging on, while also inserting a level of cultural & historical humor that never offends. It's a wonderful travel story! I love reading books about areas that I have visited, and this one is no exception. Adams visits way more places in Peru than I did (but he saw less bird species than I did. He did see a couple of them though.). Beyond taking me back to Machu Picchu and Cusco, I found his research regarding the accuracy of Hiram Bingham's writings on finding the Peru ruins interesting. Did Bingham's blind ambition taint the accuracy of his writings? Very possible! However, the ruins are still there and worth seeing. Adams writing is fluid, humorous, and painfully backbreakingly descriptive.
Do You like book Turn Right At Macchu Picchu (2000)?
Adams made reading about Incan history fun and interesting. Can't wait to see what he saw!
—KierraLovely
