An enjoyable travelogue mixed with history lessons as the author follows in the footsteps of Hiram Bingham, the "discoverer" of machu picchu. The author playfully switches between stories of his travels with his interesting travel group and the history of the Vilcabamba range and the greater Inca empire. A highly worthwhile read if you are planning on visiting the Cusco area, and still interesting as a history / travelogue if not.