Read Your Way Through the Andes and Beyond
Destination reading has a way of deepening a journey before it even begins. For Peru, that means stepping into stories of ancient empires, dramatic landscapes, and layered cultures long before you arrive. This list blends travel memoirs, history, and fiction—including works by Peruvian authors—offering windows into the Andes, the streets of Lima, and the voices that shape the country. Whether you’re planning your route to Machu Picchu or simply dreaming of it, these books bring meaning to every mile. Pick up your copies from bookshop.com, a platform that supports independent bookstores.
Retracing history with humor and curiosity
Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams
Start with a book that feels like an adventure in itself. Mark Adams sets out to retrace Hiram Bingham’s expedition through the Andes, blending history, humor, and his own very human struggles with altitude and endurance. It’s part travel memoir, part historical detective story—and a perfect introduction to Peru’s layered past.
Understanding the drama behind the ruins
The Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie
Before you stand among Inca stonework, this gripping history brings the story to life. MacQuarrie recounts the clash between the Spanish conquistadors and the Inca Empire with vivid detail, turning names and dates into a sweeping, unforgettable narrative.
A true story of survival in the high Andes
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
If your travels take you into Peru’s mountains, this one will stay with you. Simpson’s account of a near-fatal climb is both harrowing and deeply human—a story of resilience set against one of the most unforgiving landscapes on earth.
A glimpse into Peru’s political and social tensions
The Neighborhood by Mario Vargas Llosa
For evenings when you want a page-turner, this tense political thriller pulls you into 1990s Lima. Through scandal, blackmail, and power struggles, it reveals a different side of Peru—one shaped by modern complexities as much as ancient history.
Experiencing Peru through a lyrical, cultural lens
Deep Rivers by José María Arguedas
This novel offers a quieter, more reflective journey. Following a boy’s coming of age in the Andes, it beautifully captures Indigenous culture, emotional landscapes, and the search for belonging in a changing world.
A deeper, layered understanding of Peru
The Peru Reader editors: Orin Starn, Carlos Iván Degregori, and Robin Kirk
Dip into this when you want context between adventures. This anthology brings together essays, stories, and historical documents that illuminate Peru’s rich cultural tapestry—from ancient civilizations to modern-day realities.
A witty take on traveling through Peru
Inka Cola A Traveller’s Tale of Peru by Matthew Parris
Light, observant, and often humorous, this travel memoir captures the quirks and challenges of navigating Peru. It’s the kind of book that feels like swapping stories with a fellow traveler at the end of a long day.
A haunting, thought-provoking story inspired by the region
Lost City Radio by Daniel Alarcón
Set in a fictional South American country, this novel echoes the histories of places like Peru. Through a radio host searching for truth, it explores memory, loss, and the quiet aftermath of conflict.
There’s a rhythm to traveling in Peru—early mornings in the mountains, slow afternoons in sunlit plazas, and evenings that invite reflection. These books slip easily into that rhythm, adding depth to every step of the journey.
More Adventurous Ambles in Peru
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