I had started this book before leaving for our Machu Picchu trip, but got distracted reading other things about the trip and did not finish it beforehand. I did finish the book a couple of weeks after returning, which in hindsight, is the best way to absorb the material. After having travelled through the Sacred Valley, through Ollantaytambo and along the Urubamba River and witnessing firsthand the marvelous scenery and geography of Peru, it was so much more meaningful to read about Bingham's adventures in locating the Lost City of the Incas. The steep cliffs and valleys, thick jungle vegetation and narrow passes are still foreboding today, let alone over 100 years ago without the benefit of highways and GPS !
Additionally, it was useful to read the book after having heard from our professional Peruvian guides how they feel about Bingham's adventures. The Peruvians seem to have a love/hate relationship with Bingham. They acknowledge him as the "scientific discoverer" of the ruins, but they also state that the Indians were living and farming at the ruins and knew about them all along. Many of the gravesites had already been plundered over the centuries. They also acknowledge that Bingham's determination and commitment essentially created the modern tourism industry in Peru. They also believe that Bingham and his crew took away valuable artifacts (perhaps gold and silver) which were never accurately catalogued and disclosed.
It was interesting to read about the excavation and process of discovery of landmarks in the ruins that we had had a chance to see firsthand. The pictures were particularly fascinating as they demonstrated how challenging it was to clear the ruins of the hundreds of years of jungle growth and try to discover the use and meaning of each dwelling and structure. For all the criticism lodged against Bingham over the years, he documented the site thoroughly with over 12,000 photos and drawings and kept meticulous records. His writing was also clear and thorough and concise, and he had a great reverence for the significance of this wonderful sanctuary.
Highly recommended for anyone who is about to visit Machu Picchu or has already visited. You can't go there without understanding the impact of Bingham on the modern history of Peru.
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Top reviews from other countries
Klausj
The best world historic site today described how it was discovered.
Reviewed in Canada on December 19, 2023
Klausj
Reviewed in Canada on December 19, 2023
A great read and also a great gift.
Images in this review
FKK
Indispensável para quem está viajando para Machu Picchu
Reviewed in Brazil on April 9, 2019
Joy Nason
Your Machu Picchu questions answered.
Reviewed in Australia on August 4, 2018
Niloy Kumar Gourh
A complete book for Machu Picchu
Reviewed in India on October 2, 2016