Best Books to Read Before a Peru Trip
Peru is my favorite country in South America! And at this point, I’ve read several books about Peru, the Incas, & the Spanish Conquest ~ books that combine history with modern-day adventures (one that even inspired the Indiana Jones character)! Reading these books made my time in Peru much more interesting ~ & they keep Peru in my mind, long after returning home. So whether you’re headed to Machu Picchu or anywhere in Peru: here’s my list of the top three “Best Books to Read Before a Peru Trip!”
These are my three top picks for great reading about Peru!
Best Books to Read Before a Peru Trip
Reading any of these books will make your Peru travels sooo much more enjoyable, as you walk through the living history of the Incas. Whether you’re traveling to Pisac, Sacsayhuaman, or the mother of all Inca sites: Machu Picchu.
They’re listed in order, with the easiest (& shortest) read first.
1. Turn Right at Machu Picchu, by Mark Adams
I love this book! It even had me laughing out loud in spots (like when the author accidentally pooped on the trail instead of in the bushes)! Of the three books, I found this the easiest & quickest read, with short chapters that really keep it moving. Adams goes back-and-forth in time between legendary explorer Hiram Bingham’s journey, & his own in present-day ~ with a gruff, Indiana Jones-like guide.
Because Adams isn’t in the best shape, & isn’t what you’d call an “outdoor-man,” this makes for pretty funny stuff.
If you like a fast, funny read: this is the book for you.
Perfect For: Armchair travelers who may (or may not) ever make it to Peru…but who like to laugh!
If your travels take you to Machu Picchu: Adams’ book is a hilarious must-read.
2. The White Rock, by Hugh Thompson
This is my favorite book on this list. Perhaps because I read it while in Peru, which made it all the more relevant. Thompson takes off on an expedition to the Peruvian Andes, in search of answers about the mysteries surrounding Machu Picchu. During the process, he & his team discover an ancient ruin called Llactapata, directly across from Machu Picchu: which had been hidden by the jungle for decades.
This is a fascinating book, with lots of insights about expeditions & Inca history, set against the backdrop of modern-day Peruvian mystery. Highly recommended!
Perfect For: Well-traveled, Indiana-Jones types who love a good mystery-adventure story. (This is the book I made the most notes in, & the first I’d re-read!)
3. The Last Days of the Incas, by Kim MacQuarrie
This is the longest book of the three, & most dense, in terms of historical information. But MacQuarrie’s effortless writing style really brings you into the action. Certain facts that had escaped me while reading the other two books suddenly became crystal clear. For example, can you guess how many Spaniards first arrived on the coast of Peru, & what the odds were against them?
Spaniards: 168. Incas: 10 MILLION!!!?
The fact that the Spaniards ended up winning this battle is still, in some ways, inconceivable ~ & yet this book gives you the best insight as to HOW that actually happened.
Perfect For: True history lovers who love a well-penned, immaculately-researched read.
Best Books to Read Before a Peru Trip
xoxo Noelia
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I read 150 pages of “The Last Days of the Incas” in one afternoon. For a history book, I found it to be an extremely fast-paced and absorbing read! I found this article when looking for Peru book recommendations, and have never heard of “The White Rock,” but I’m now adding it to my list. Cheers!
Hi Agnes – I totally feel you! I read 80 pages of “The Last Days of the Incas” in an afternoon by the pool! It was a MUCH faster read than I anticipated…it really brings you into the action. Similarly, I think you’ll really enjoy “The White Rock.” Cheers! xoxo