Rating: 
Summary: A Book I could have done with earlier.
Review: How I wish this book had been published 10 years earlier! I have hiked the Inca Trail twice; first in 1989 and then again in 1997. Both times were immensely enjoyable but the first time I wasn't really sure what to expect, despite having read what I could about the country, and in some ways was not very well prepared. Even though I knew what to expect the second time I would still have found Richard Danbury's book very useful. In just over 250 pages it contains a great deal of information not only about the Inca Trail itself but also the whole of the Cuzco/Sacred Valley area as well as background information on Inca history, modern Peru, and practical advice for travellers. In addition to the classic Inca Trail the book covers the more recently opened shorter trail and other treks that can be done in the area. The Inca Trail casts such a spell that one day I hope to return and do it a third time. That may not be for a few years, but the author has stated his intention of producing up-dated editions when necessary and the book deserves to be popular enough to justify that. Danbury's guidebook fits very easily into the smallest pocket on most rucksacks and I fully expect it to be in mine next time.
Rating: 
Summary: Beware for the updates section
Review: I bought this book because of the maps and the information it gave as to how to be a good independent backpacker. If it were not for the hidden pages at the end of the book, I would give this book 10 stars. Hidden at the back of the book, you have an update section. This section mentions that independent backpacking is no longer allowed. The only thing usefull about the book now is its sections about lima and cuzco but if I wanted a normal guide book, I woul buy the Lonely Planet, not this one
Rating:
Summary: Beware for the updates section
Review: I bought this book because of the maps and the information it gave as to how to be a good independent backpacker. If it were not for the hidden pages at the end of the book, I would give this book 10 stars. Hidden at the back of the book, you have an update section. This section mentions that independent backpacking is no longer allowed. The only thing usefull about the book now is its sections about lima and cuzco but if I wanted a normal guide book, I woul buy the Lonely Planet, not this one
Rating:
Summary: Invaluable companion on the Inca Trail and Cuzco/Lima
Review: I got this book as a gift just as I was to embark on a most magical 10 day trip to Lima/Cuzco and to hike the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu from Km-82. It is a treasure. I carried it along everywhere that I went. The Lima section needs some updates (Archaeological Museum is CLOSED on Mondays!) and I wish there were more spanish to english phrases but these are nits, the history and the trail description are fantastic and that is the main intent of the book. You do not need any other book! Good show.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: My husband and I just spent 10 days in Cuzco and hiked the Inca Trail, guided mainly by Mr. Danbury's book. I also bought the standard travel guides on Peru, but quickly discarded them as it became clear that Danbury's suggestions were far superior in every respect: more current, easy to locate, and forthright. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone traveling to the Cuzco region. Aside from offering outstanding recomendations on lodging, food, sites, etc., Danbury has a great sense of humor and casual writing style. Buy this book before you go to Cuzco!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: My husband and I just spent 10 days in Cuzco and hiked the Inca Trail, guided mainly by Mr. Danbury's book. I also bought the standard travel guides on Peru, but quickly discarded them as it became clear that Danbury's suggestions were far superior in every respect: more current, easy to locate, and forthright. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone traveling to the Cuzco region. Aside from offering outstanding recomendations on lodging, food, sites, etc., Danbury has a great sense of humor and casual writing style. Buy this book before you go to Cuzco!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Detailed Description of Machu Picchu!
Review: Richard Danbury's book gives a detailed description not only of Machu Picchu and Cusco, but a host of other ruins in the area. The maps provided are detailed and allow a self-tour of each site. Reccomendations for side tours are terrific, plus he provides alternate trails to Machu Picchu for "the road less traveled". There is a brief chapter on Lima, as well as shopping and travel tips for the region.Great book!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Detailed Description of Machu Picchu!
Review: Richard Danbury's book gives a detailed description not only of Machu Picchu and Cusco, but a host of other ruins in the area. The maps provided are detailed and allow a self-tour of each site. Reccomendations for side tours are terrific, plus he provides alternate trails to Machu Picchu for "the road less traveled". There is a brief chapter on Lima, as well as shopping and travel tips for the region. Great book!
Rating:
Summary: Great Preparation for the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu
Review: This book gives wonderful advice and preparation if you are going to hike on the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu. There is great advice for safety, route descriptions, and is best for preparation. Info is given on the history of the land, its people and culture, food, places to stay, as well as safety tips for health in the region.
However, as another reviewer said below, a professional tour guide would serve you well.
Overall a great guide for preparing to walk solo on an ancient and breathtaking trail.
Rating: 
Summary: Nothing can beat a tour guide
Review: This book was good as a general introduction to the trail and to get an idea of what to expect. However, while actually in Machu Picchu, nothing can beat a tour guide. More than half the book is dedicated to the trail and preparing for the hike, so if you have done this already or you are going with a group, this entire section will not be very helpful. The remainder of the book gives an average description of the site while leaving some serious gaps. Tour guides are great in this respect. The maps of the trail itself were a bit confusing and lacked detail. I would have preferred to buy another book on the subject. However, after looking at the books both in the states and while I was in Peru, I discovered that this is the best book out there - unfortunately. So if you want advance information on the trail and the ruins before you get there (and can get yourself a tour guide), buy this book. Just don't expect much.
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