Bingham has been credited with influencing, if not being entirely responsible for the creation of the fictional character of Indiana Jones. Through the course of their journeys, Adams provides historical context on the man who discovered Machu Picchu (by Westerners), Hiram Bingham III. Assembling a team of muleteers, Adams and Leviers first travel along lesser known Inca trails, during which they visit Chocquequirao, Vitcos and Espiritu Pampa before returning to Peru and hiking along the famous Inca Trail (with a capital T). Figuring that “Machu Picchu, for travel magazines, is like Megan Fox on the cover of GQ”, he recruits self-taught Machu Picchu expert, John Leviers to guide him to the spectacular Machu Picchu. Written with a keen eye for detail and in humourous fashion, this is must read for anybody considering hiking the Inca Trail or visiting Machu Picchu, as it also provides a wealth of information not just on Machu Picchu itself but also on other surrounding archaeological sites and trails.Īpproaching middle age while working for National Geographic Adventure Magazine and concerned that he was never going to do anything, Adams decides that he needs to retrace the route taken by Bingham when discovering Machu Picchu in 1911, despite never actually having been camping. Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time is a perfect blend of the author’s personal travelogue from trips taken in 2009 and historical information of the “discovery” of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham III.

Mark adams machu picchu