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1-Page Summary of Turn Right at Machu Picchu
Overall Summary
Turn Right at Machu Picchu is a book that includes reflections on the famous explorer Hiram Bingham III’s journey into the wilderness of Peru and discovery of Machu Picchu, which was not lost but known to many locals. The author also discusses how Bingham’s legacy faded when it became clear that he had lied about certain details in order to make his story seem more exciting. In light of the upcoming 100th anniversary of this discovery and Yale University returning artifacts stolen from Peru by Bingham, Adams decided to follow in his footsteps and find out what happened over time to these incredible places.
The book starts with the author meeting John Leivers in Peru. They discuss Hiram Bingham III and his discovery of Machu Picchu. Adams proposes to follow his route to better understand how he found the city and possibly understand why he presented it as such a big deal. Surprisingly, this is not an adventure story about a seasoned adventurer who goes on an epic journey; instead, it’s about someone who sits at a desk all day trying to figure out how one man could have done what he did.
Adams alternates between Hiram Bingham III’s life story and his own. He notes that Hiram Bingham III is obsessed with his legacy, so it’s easy to reconstruct his entire life. Adams recounts the beginning of his own journey and how he became more aware of death as he got older, which motivated him to pursue some goals like visiting Machu Picchu in Peru. The mystery behind the Inca civilization is one of the main reasons why Adams decided to visit Machu Picchu: After Bingham lied about discovering it, theories surrounding its origin and purpose have changed over time, so Adams hopes that by visiting Machu Picchu he can find some clues about what really happened there.
Adams continues with the alternating structure of his journey and Bingham’s, noting that they both were confused by Peruvian lateness. Adams states that historians are often inaccurate when describing Bingham’s discoveries because they exaggerate them in their own way. He also notes that while Bingham may have been dishonest about his expeditions, this doesn’t mean he didn’t make any important discoveries.
As Bingham and Adams set off to follow the route, Leivers has doubts about Adams’ abilities. He calls him a “Martini Explorer.” However, as Adams gets used to the demands of the trip, he begins to respect him and they become good friends.
Adams travels to Peru and learns about the culture. He finds it amusing that he has to purchase costumes in order to blend in, but he also notes how easy it is for tourists to visit Machu Picchu. In addition, Adams talks about how tourism can damage a country’s natural beauty because of the influx of people who don’t have an appreciation for nature and history; however, Peruvian officials are trying to prevent this by limiting access.
As the group draws close to Machu Picchu, Adams also becomes like Bingham and tries to determine whether he was a sincere explorer who found something lost or a self-promoter who purposefully deceived the world for his own gain. Although there are some moments of danger, most problems are resolved quickly. Leivers and Adams explore a theory that the symmetrical, beautiful abandoned city of Machu Picchu is not an isolated site but part of a large network of structures connected together.
The two characters in the book end up reaching their destination, but they are still no closer to solving the mystery of Machu Picchu. This is because many sites remain unexplored and mysterious due to Spanish conquistadors and looters damaging them over time.
