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Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time Paperback – Illustrated, April 24, 2012

by Mark Adams (Author)

4.4 2,702 ratings

in Ancient Incan History

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THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING TRAVEL MEMOIR

What happens when an unadventurous adventure writer tries to re-create the original expedition to Machu Picchu?

In 1911, Hiram Bingham III climbed into the Andes Mountains of Peru and “discovered” Machu Picchu. While history has recast Bingham as a villain who stole both priceless artifacts and credit for finding the great archeological site, Mark Adams set out to retrace the explorer’s perilous path in search of the truth—except he’d written about adventure far more than he’d actually lived it. In fact, he’d never even slept in a tent.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu is Adams’ fascinating and funny account of his journey through some of the world’s most majestic, historic, and remote landscapes guided only by a hard-as-nails Australian survivalist and one nagging question: Just what was Machu Picchu?

Print length

333 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Dutton
Publication date

April 24, 2012
Dimensions

5.33 x 0.79 x 8 inches
ISBN-10

0452297982
ISBN-13

978-0452297982
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Turn Right at Machu Picchu

“[An] engaging and sometimes hilarious book.”—The New York Times Book Review

“A serious (and seriously funny) travelogue, a smart and tightly written history, and an investigative report into perhaps the greatest archaeological discovery in the last century.”—NationalGeographic.com

“An engaging, informative guide to all things Inca.”—Entertainment Weekly

“Adams deftly weaves together Inca history, Bingham's story, and his own less heroic escapade....Those favoring a quirkier retelling [of Bingham's exploits] will relish Mr. Adam's wry, revealing romp through the Andes.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Quite funny and unpretentiously well informed...The perfect way to acknowledge the lost city’s one hundredth birthday.”—Christian Science Monitor (“Editor’s Choice”)

“[An] entirely delightful book.”—The Washington Post

“With a healthy sense of humor...Adams unearths a fascinating story, transporting his readers back to 1911, when Yale professor Hiram Bingham III hiked the Andes and stumbled upon on of South America's most miraculous and cloistered meccas.”—NPR.org

About the Author

Mark Adams is the author of the acclaimed history Mr. America, which The Washington Post named a Best Book of 2009, and the New York Times bestsellers Meet Me in Atlantis and Turn Right at Machu Picchu. A writer for many national magazines, including GQ, Men's Journal, and New York, he lives near New York City with his wife and children.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dutton; Reprint edition (April 24, 2012)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 333 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0452297982
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0452297982
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.33 x 0.79 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #50,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1 in Ancient Incan History
- #1 in Peru History
- #79 in Native American History (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.4 2,702 ratings

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Mark Adams

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Mark Adams is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Meet Me in Atlantis and Turn Right at Machu Picchu. A writer for many national magazines, including GQ, Men’s Journal, and New York, he lives near New York City with his wife and children.

Customer reviews

2,702 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Customers say

Customers find the book interesting and informative, with a map, glossary, and index. They also describe the book as humorous, giving a lot of history and culture. Readers appreciate the writing quality as very well written and enjoyable. However, some find the chapters jump back and forth between past and present.

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Enjoyability Content Writing quality Humor History and culture Author and characters Reading pace Readability

305 customers mention "Enjoyability"305 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting, great for armchair travel, and perfectly fine. They also appreciate the driving narrative and educational style. Readers say the book illuminates several facets of Incan architecture, muthology, and astronomy.

"...Peru and Machu Picchu and this is honestly the best and most interesting of the bunch...." Read more

"I love it when a travel book reads like fiction - meaning you escape into the book and relate to the characters...." Read more

"...Turn Right at Machu Picchu" is a pleasure to read. The humor, often self-deprecating, is sprinkled liberally throughout...." Read more

"Great book to read" Read more

174 customers mention "Content"171 positive3 negative

Customers find the writing humorous and interesting, with substantial, well-researched background. They also appreciate the well-paced overview of the history of Peru, and the great maps of the region. Readers also mention that the author's sense of wonder and commitment are without irony.

"...Adams makes it easy to digest. Plus, there are so many details in it, that you'll gain more from your trip to Machu Picchu by reading this...." Read more

"...As others have noted, the writing is humorous and filled with interesting insights...." Read more

"...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..." Read more

"Fun and informative - we read this while traveling through Peru on our way to Machu Picchu - but not really the best written...." Read more

152 customers mention "Writing quality"141 positive11 negative

Customers find the book very well written, descriptive, and understandable. They also say it's a quick read and an interesting step-by-step of a trip to the South American Andes.

"...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...." Read more

"...Its a quick read." Read more

"...Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Adams book, well written and descriptive of not only the event itself, but of the characters he describes...." Read more

"...He knows how to order his information and helpfully provides a glossary, a historical time line and a bibliography...." Read more

146 customers mention "Humor"146 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, fun, and entertaining. They also enjoy the author's wit and history. Readers mention that the book is relaxing and enjoyable to read.

"...As others have noted, the writing is humorous and filled with interesting insights...." Read more

"...people who want to learn about Machu Picchu or just want an amusing non-fiction read, I unreservedly recommend this book." Read more

"Fun and informative - we read this while traveling through Peru on our way to Machu Picchu - but not really the best written...." Read more

"...There is a good bit of humor in the book, especially from the viewpoint of the author...." Read more

105 customers mention "History and culture"105 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides a lot of history and insight into incredible ruins. They also say it brings back great memories and is a travel guide.

"...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..." Read more

"...his information and helpfully provides a glossary, a historical time line and a bibliography...." Read more

"...Thief" in which our author provides substantial, well researched background and history within the framework of his own attempt to retrace the steps..." Read more

"...I absolutely loved how he was able to weave Inca history (of which im a longtime student) Into the arduous adventure of his trek along Bingham's..." Read more

16 customers mention "Author and characters"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters fascinating, likable, and amazing. They also say the author's adventure never really becomes exciting.

"...on the author himself, who comes across as likeable, sturdy, and gifted." Read more

"...Fascinating characters. It helps me to realize that people want to live in those remote locations -- and have done so for generations...." Read more

"...I could take it or leave it to be honest.The author is likable enough but his adventure never really becomes excited...." Read more

"...It's a people book, it's an Eat, Pray, Love book, it's a travel book.....Ok, you get it, there are just so many reasons to pick up this book and..." Read more

18 customers mention "Reading pace"11 positive7 negative

Customers are mixed about the reading pace. Some find the book fast-paced and relevant, while others say it's slow and needs to be referred to maps frequently.

"...All-in-all, though, most people should find this book a quick and very enjoyable read." Read more

"...Moves slowly at times and one needs to refer to maps frequently." Read more

"...It was relevant and perfectly timed with my own personal adventure towards MachuPicchu...." Read more

"...It is a fun, fast, educational read I can easily recommend to anyone thinking of visiting." Read more

29 customers mention "Readability"5 positive24 negative

Customers find the book difficult to read. They say the narrative is hard to follow, and the maps are not of much. They also mention that the pace is slow and the book is unfathomably dull.

"...Adams's narrative jumps all over the place, between Bingham's story and his own, and the effect is not successful...." Read more

"...: The unfamiliar names of the Incan cities make the narrative a bit hard to follow and the maps aren't of much help...." Read more

"...several different geo-climate zones in one day, it was hard to picture their full journey...." Read more

"...The author is likable enough but his adventure never really becomes excited...." Read more

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HH

Perfect reading for a trip to Peru / Machu Picchu

Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024

Verified Purchase

I started reading this while I was traveling in Peru. I only wish I had started earlier. The book reads like fiction even though you're absorbing a massive amount of history. Adams makes it easy to digest. Plus, there are so many details in it, that you'll gain more from your trip to Machu Picchu by reading this. I've looked for other books about Peru and Machu Picchu and this is honestly the best and most interesting of the bunch. If you start with this, you'll have most of what you need to immerse yourself in the history of Machu Picchu.

Helpful

Daddy00

Must read BEFORE you go to Machu Picchu

Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2018

Verified Purchase

I love it when a travel book reads like fiction - meaning you escape into the book and relate to the characters.

Mark Adams describes his adventure retracing the steps of Hiram Bingham, some say the model for Indiana Jones, who re-introduced Machu Picchu to modern world. I say re-introduced vs. discovered and if you read the book you'll understand why.

As others have noted, the writing is humorous and filled with interesting insights. If you are planning to go to Machu Picchu definitely read this book BEFORE you go. You will see the city in a totally different light. My only regret is that I was not 20 years younger otherwise I would have enjoyed taking on the Inca trail or some of the other more adventurous paths that Mr. Adams and his guide John Leivers took (IMHO John Leivers seems also like a model for Indiana Jones). Looking forward to my trip there this summer.

Helpful

C. Sum

Informative and Entertaining

Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2012

Verified Purchase

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.

10 people found this helpful

Helpful

Brigid Morahan

Good read

Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024

Great book to read

Fun history and archeology lesson.

Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2016

Verified Purchase

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.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

windycitylotus

Not a bad read, but not extremely good either

Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2017

Verified Purchase

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.

12 people found this helpful

Helpful

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MR

Great fun and informative

Reviewed in Canada on May 15, 2024

Verified Purchase

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

Michael S

Excellent story

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 10, 2024

Verified Purchase

Vital if you are visiting Machu Picchu
Funny and informative with good photos

Diego

Leerlo antes de ir a Macchu Picchu

Reviewed in Mexico on November 12, 2018

Verified Purchase

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

Translate review to English

MikeD

Light reading with some history.

Reviewed in Spain on August 27, 2019

Verified Purchase

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.

Amanda

Excellent book

Reviewed in Australia on July 5, 2024

Verified Purchase

Arrived on time and in good condition.

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Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time Paperback – Illustrated, April 24, 2012

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Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time Paperback – Illustrated, April 24, 2012

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About the Author

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