Machu Picchu

Since we visited Belize, Guatemala and Costa Rica, we have been dreaming about going further south into South America.  First thing on our list to see is Machu Picchu (a close second are the Galapagos Islands). We're not sure when we will actually get to make this trip, but hopefully sometime in the next few years.

While we are waiting for that time, we have both just finished Mark Adams' new book Turn Right at Machu Picchu.  Also, there have been big articles in the travel sections of the NY and LA Times recently since this is the 100-year anniversary of Hiram Bingham III's first expedition which led him to this Peruvian site.

The Andes around Machu Picchu are chock full of many Incan ruins, most accessible only by strenuous hiking.  I doubt if I will ever be in good enough shape to hike the Inca Trail to get to any of the ruins that way, so I am glad to have read this book and take the trip vicariously.

Adams recounts two hiking trips he takes with an Australian guide (and a crew of porters and some mules) and puts his journeys in context of Bingham's expeditions with some historical information.  Reading this book only confirms, though, that I would like to take a trip to Peru to see this amazing site.