"The best all around guide for those who've been or who are going to Machu Picchu . . . . Absolutely indispensable!"--Don Montague, president, South American Explorers. This revised edition includes newly discovered sites and full-color illustrations of real-life scenes from "National Geographic."
Presents a detailed study of Machu Picchu's construction. Tells as much about the practical challenges of building a city as it does about the mysterious Inca.
Machu Picchu, recently voted one of the New Wonders of the World, is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, yet it remains a mystery. Even the most basic questions are still unanswered: What was its meaning and why was it built in such a difficult location? Renowned explorer Johan Reinhard attempts to answer such elusive questions from the perspectives of sacred landscape and archaeoastronomy. Using information gathered from historical, archaeological, and ethnographical sources, Reinhard demonstrates how the site is situated in the center of sacred mountains and associated with a sacred river, which is in turn symbolically linked with the sun's passage. Taken together, these features meant that Machu Picchu formed a cosmological, hydrological, and sacred geological center for a vast region.
For a limited time, receive a free Fodor's Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel e-book with the purchase of this guidebook! Go to fodors.com for details. Written by locals, Fodor's Essential Peru is the perfect guidebook for those looking for insider tips to make the most out their visit to Lima, Machu Picchu, Cusco and beyond. Complete with detailed maps and concise descriptions, this Peru travel guide will help you plan your trip with ease. Join Fodor’s in exploring one of the most exciting countries in South America. Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Inca, and the Nazca Lines are among the most-visited and awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world. Bursting with beautiful full-color photos, Fodor's Peru provides expert insider advice on everything from the best guides to the Inca Trail to how to experience native cultures on Lake Titicaca. Fodor’s Essential Peru includes: •EXPANDED AND UP-TO-DATE COVERAGE: Special emphasis has been placed on trending Lima's dining scene and alternate Inca Trail-type hiking routes. Focused coverage on Peru's essential, must-see destinations includes new restaurants and hotels. •DETAILED COLOR MAPS: Full-size, easy-to-use maps throughout will help you plan efficiently and get around confidently. •ITINERARIES AND TOP RECOMMENDATIONS: Sample itineraries will help you plan and make the most of your time. We include tips on where to eat, stay, and shop as well as information about museums, trails, and nightlife. “Fodor's Choice” designates our best picks in every category. •GORGEOUS PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATED FEATURES: Beautifully illustrated, in-depth coverage of Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and the Nazca Lines with maps, history, and practical tips. Other features cover Peru’s history and ancient sites, the Amazon jungle, the Cordillera Blanca, Peruvian food, and more. •INDISPENSABLE TRIP PLANNING TOOLS: Includes a "Need to Know" feature offering top-line planning information about the country as a whole, "Top Attractions," "Great Itineraries," packing advice, frequently asked questions, extensive information on trusted tour operators, regional overviews, and transportation information for getting around by car, bus, and train. •COVERS: Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Nazca, Amazon, Cordillera Blanca, and much more. ABOUT FODOR'S AUTHORS: Each Fodor's Travel Guide is researched and written by local experts. Fodor's has been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for over 80 years. Planning on visiting other destinations in South America? Check out Fodor’s Essential Chile and Fodor’s Essential Argentina.
The Inca Trail from Cuzco to Machu Picchu is South America's most popular hike. This guide includes 20 detailed trail maps, plans of eight Inca sites, plus guides to Cuzco and Machu Picchu.
This guide contains everything the walker needs to plan and enjoy hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, choosing from three routes taking from two to seven days. It includes advice on how to prevent and manage altitude sickness as well as background information on Inca culture, the ruins and modern Peru.
This is the most up-to-date book on visiting Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley available, period. V!VA is the one guide you'll need to get the most out of your trip to Machu Picchu and the Inca empire. Written by Cusco experts, in this book you can: * Explore Machu Picchu using the self-guided tour and color map. Go beyond sightseeing and truly understand the ruins and Inca culture. * Trek the Inca Trail or one of the many Inca Trail alternatives while having a minimal impact on the environment. * Immerse yourself in Cusco life by using the extensive informtion on studying spanish, volunteering, working and living. * Taste local Peruvian cuisine in world famous restaurants, or track down cheap, good eats while live Andean music fills the streets. * Find all the nuts and bolts you need to navigate your way from the streets of Lima to the gates of Machu Picchu. * Stay safe with the most up-to-date guide available, continuously updated by the VIVA community on the www.vivatravelguides.com website.
Ultimate Adventures: A Rough Guide to Adventure Travel features 30 different adventure sections and is jam-packed with breathtaking photography. There are adventures for all travellers, including “soft” experiences for those testing their bravery levels and extreme adventures for adrenalin junkies, each rated by physical, psychological, skill and wow factor! Whether your appetite for adrenalin takes you to arctic freezes, ocean depths or sweltering deserts, this book will tell you how, why and when to plan your ultimate adventure. Written by trekker extraordinaire Gregg Witt, who brings cultural sensitivity and humour, as well as concise practical information. You’ll find maps and safety tips as well as advice on the best local guides, essential gear and safety tips. Make the most of your time on Earth with this spectacular foray into world adventures.