Mark Adams was happy with his life as a family man and adventure magazine editor... until he wasn't. Tired of reading about other people's adventures, he sets out on one of his own. He quits his job and heads to Peru to retrace the steps of Hiram Bingham, the man who introduced Machu Picchu and the wonders of ancient Inca to the world. With the help of many of people, including John Leivers (explorer and guide) and the Peruvian cooks and muleteers who travel with them, Mark explores Machu Picchu and the lesser known Incan ruins primarily by foot. In the process, he comes to a new appreciation of himself, Bingham, Peru, the Inca, and what it means to be a traveler (rather than a tourist).

I have a personal fondness for the ancient cultures of Latin America, and the mysteries they left behind. I have had the pleasure of traveling through parts of Mexico, but have never been to Peru. So, I'm a little jealous of Mark Adams but appreciate the opportunity to live vicariously through him. TURN RIGHT AT MACHU PICCHU provides a historical account of three separate but related events— Peru following the Spanish invasion, the life and adventures of Hiram Bingham, and Adams' exploration of Peru. Adams shifts smoothly between time periods, with each section providing new insights that help understand the events that follow. His deep appreciation of the Inca and Bingham's discovery shines through but is balanced by recognition of a number of political, ethical, and financial realities.

At times, I found the narrative to be a little too chronological which tempered some of the adventurous spirit of the story. That said, Adams' retelling of his research and experiences made me want to book the next flight to Peru to walk the Inca Trail and marvel at these man-made and mysterious wonders. My advance readers copy did not include the maps and photos which I believe are in the book. I suspect they will add a great deal to the reading experience. The maps and photos is found on-line helped me to better visualize the locations he was describing. If you long to see Machu Picchu but can't afford to go or don't want to give up the comforts of home, I highly recommend sharing the adventure in TURN RIGHT AT MACHU PICCHU.