Here is a selection of books we recommend relating to Peru:
The Ship, the Lady and the Lake - Meriel Larken
The Ship, the Lady and the LakeThe true story of a British-built steamship, the Yavarí, carried by mule in thousands of parts from the Pacific to the highest navigable lake in the world - Lake Titicaca. Rediscovered by the author in 1962 as a rotting hulk, she was restored and now lies serenely on the shores of the lake at 12,500ft. Foreword by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
“I first met Meriel Larken nearly twenty years ago, when I first became involved in travel to Latin America, and have followed her progress with interest and admiration ever since. The story of the Yavari is a fascinating one, and of course a wonderful example of the close ties between Britain and Latin America over the last several hundred years. I am delighted that her story has now been published, and a wider audience can share Meriel’s dreams and achievements.” - Edward Paine (Owner of Last Frontiers)
Lost City of the Incas - Hiram Bingham
Lost City of the IncasFirst published in the 1950's, this is an account of Hiram Bingham's greatest discovery. In 1911, he set out to the then little known country of Peru to find the fabled lost city of Vilcabamba, capital city of the last Inca ruler, Manco Inca. Instead, he stumbled upon Machu Picchu, then enveloped by the jungle, perched high on a ledge 2,000 feet above the mighty Urubamba River.
The White Rock: An Exploration of the Inca Heartland - Hugh Thomson
The White Rock: An Exploration of the Inca HeartlandHugh Thomson's first book tells the story of his expedition into the Eastern Andes beyond Machu Picchu, through largely uncharted territory where the mountains fall away to the Peruvian Amazon. He went in search of an Inca ruin that had been carlessly lost after its initial discovery, and found the remnants of a great civilisation that is still only partially understood. The Incas left no written history and almost all that we know about them comes from the often biased accounts of Spanish conquistadors and from the work of archaeologists.
A Bear called Paddington - Michael Bond
A Bear called PaddingtonEveryone's favourite spectacled bear (the only bear found in Peru!) travels all the way from deepest, darkest Peru to paddington station with only a jar of marmalade, a suitcase and his hat. There he meets the Brown family and their lives change forever.
This is the first adventure of the lovable bear, enjoyed by children and adults alike!
Some other books worth looking out for are:
- Inca Kola - Matthew Parris (1993):
An entertaining account of three friends travelling around Peru. - Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter - Mario Vargas Llosa:
An entertaining story of sex, scandal and epic soap operas set in 1950s Lima written by Peru's finest contemporary writer. - A Field Guide to the Birds of Peru - James Clements and Noam Shany
- Cochineal Red - Hugh Thompson (2007):
The long awaited sequel to the White Rock. - The Flight of the Condor - Michael Andrews:
A comprehensive wildlife exploration of the Andes. - Death in the Andes - Mario Vargas Llosa:
A dark tale of fear, superstition and the Shining Path set in an isolated mining camp in the Andean highlands. - Exploring Cusco - Peter Frost (1999), Nuevas Imágenes SA:
This is the 'bible' on Cusco and the surrounding area, covering places to visit - museums, ruins, cathedrals and markets as well as day trips to the Sacred Valley; activities to do (and who to book them through), restaurants and shopping! It is difficult to find except in Cusco bookshops but well worth hunting down. - Trekking in Peru - Bradt:
This covers 50 of the Best Walks and Hikes with full information on graded treks, scenic routes, health and safety and local culture. This is the most comprehensive, user-friendly trekking guide to Peru available, ideal for both backpackers and those in an organized group.