Guidebooks

Half the fun of making a trip to an exotic destination is doing the research. Here are some of the best guidebooks available for planning a trip to Peru and Machu Picchu. Along with some of the brand names that you would expect like Lonely Planet and Frommer's we have some picks that you might have overlooked.

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The Machu Picchu Guidebook

This book is one of the guides I took to Machu Picchu myself. It has section by section descriptions of the ruins and lots of photos. There is also an excellent, detailed fold-out map.

Machu Picchu Guidebook: A Self-Guided Tour

Booknews: This guide presents sensible advice, clear directions, and an in-depth, knowledgeable tour through this incredible site... The guide is copiously illustrated with b&w photos and includes a fold out archaeological map. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Library Journal: Wright, who has studied the site for 25 years and has worked at Machu Picchu since 1994, and Zegarra (anthropology and archaeology, Univ. of Cuzco) have teamed up to produce a handy book for visitors who wish to guide themselves at their own pace through the site...  After reading this book, you will want to hop on the next flight to Peru. If you are unlucky enough never to visit Machu Picchu, the guide will serve as an excellent virtual tour. Recommended for general travel collections. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

The Inca Trail

THIS book accompanied me on the Inca Trail. It is an excellent overall guide if you're planning a trip to Machu Picchu as it covers the Trail itself in some detail, as well as a guide to Lima, descriptions of other treks through the area and a lot of information about planning a trip, the Incas and the local ecology. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

The Inca Trail, Cusco & Machu Picchu: Includes The Vilcabamba Trail and Lima City Guide

Footprint Cusco and the Inca Trail

Cusco & the Inca Trail

Available February 2004
Cusco enjoys the privilege of having many of the Peru's top attractions virtually on its doorstep. A short bus trip away are beautiful valleys and Andean towns, but the best way to approach Machu Picchu is along the Inca Trail. This classic four-day trek along well-preserved Inca paved roads passes through Inca tunnels, over breathtaking passes, and into beautiful stretches of cloud forest. This thoroughly updated and beautifully redesigned guide to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the southern jungle, including the Manu Biosphere Reserve covers all the Inca sites, including Choquequirao, with the latest information on the ins and outs of the Inca Trail, and a guide to many lesser-known trekking routes. It also offers special features on adventure travel, including kayaking and rafting, as well as current information on where to stay, play, party, and dine, targeting all budgets and tastes.

Explore the Inca Trail ( Machu Picchu, Peru)

Explore the Inca Trail

One of the Rucksack Reader series, a spiral bound guide made to be slipped into your backpack.

Insight Guides Peru

Insight Guide to Peru

Insight Guide Peru includes a section detailing Peru's history, 9 features covering the country's life and culture, ranging from the Quechua-speaking people of the Andes to the fusion of Catholic, Inca and early agricultural rites, a region by region visitor's guide to the sights, and a comprehensive Travel Tips section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. Plus many exciting photographs and 10 maps.

Lonely Planet Peru

Lonely Planet Guide to Peru

From Barnes & Noble: One of the most dependable series available, Lonely Planet's guidebooks are packed with essential information and accurate maps and are written with enough character that they are also good reading for armchair travelers. The series offers lodging and restaurant options for all budgets, but the main focus is on getting a good deal for your money. With good writing, a wealth of valuable information, and beautiful color photo sections, Lonely Planet's guides are hard to beat

From Lake Titicaca to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu, Peru offers the traveler a wealth of spectacular attractions. Whether you're interested in exploring the Amazon rainforest, viewing the icy peaks of the Cordillera Blanca or experiencing the pulse of modern Lima, this nuts-and-bolts guide will tell you how to make the most of your time and money.

Frommer's Peru, 1st Edition

Frommer's Guide to Peru

Frommer's Peru is the premier guide to the country, with complete coverage of Lima, the Southern Coast, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Amazon Basin, and more. You'll get candid reviews of the best hotels, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, as well as the author's picks for the best travel experiences, including: flying over the Nasca Lines; hiking the Inca Trail; gazing upon Machu Picchu; floating on Lake Titicaca; watching the condors soar at Colca Canyon; plunging deep into the jungle of the Amazon; and more.

Peru

Rough Guide To Peru

From trekking the Andes to exploring Machu Picchu and visiting Lima safely, the Rough Guide to Peru is packed with tried and true recommendations on hotels, tour operators, restaurants, nightclubs and more. We also feature unmatched cultural commentary, including recipes for tasty ceviche (spicy marinated fish), the lowdown on musical traditions (Andean folk, chica and other styles), Indian issues and current political developments.

More Guidebooks...

Let's Go 2003: Peru, Ecuador & Bolivia

Insight Pocket Guide Peru

Yuraq Janka: Guide to the Peruvian Andes

Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia: The Backpacker's Manual

Peru & Bolivia Backpacking: Backpacking and Trekking

Peru Handbook