This are just a few of the books available to peruse before, or after, your trip to Peru.
This DK Eyewitness guide covers it all, with great insider tips, clear maps, and loads of practical information, as well as must-see-sights and hidden gems.
'Turn Right at Machu Picchu' by Mark Adams. This New York Times Bestseller, voted best book of the year by the Washington Post and Men's Journal, is the account of a non-adventurous, adventure travel writer's retracing of the steps of the explorer Hiram Bingham III, who climbed into the Andes Mountains of Peru and discovered Machu Picchu in 1911. His adventure takes him through some of the world's most majestic, historic, and remote landscapes, with his Australian survivalist guide in his quest to answer just one question - just what was Machu Picchu?
'Lost City of the Incas' by Hiram Bingham III. Well, why not go directly to the main source. Hiram Bingham III 'discovered' Machu Picchu while trekking through the Andes Mountains in 1911. This interesting account not only details his experience discovering the site, but also goes into great detail about Inca culture and his experience in Peru.
'The Last Days of the Incas' by Kim MacQuarrie is a great read on the Spanish colonization of Peru, giving you a great shot of what the area was like when Pizzaro arrived, it goes into great detail and has great characterization of historical figures.