Machu Picchu is one of the world's great travel destinations. Built in the mid-fifteenth century by Incan royalty and "re-discovered" by Hiram Bingham in 1911, this awe-inspiring site in the Andes of Peru is the stuff of legends. The Machu Picchu Guidebook has proven to be one of the most successful and acclaimed guidebooks to the popular archaeological treasure. In this comprehensive traveler's guide, the authors offer an almost step-by-step tour of the world-renowned Inca city, keyed to a detailed, full-color foldout map. This fully-updated and revised edition features a new artist's rendition of Machu Picchu, presented as a three-page foldout in glorious color. The painting, which first appeared as a supplement to National Geographic magazine, brings Machu Picchu to life by depicting the royal retreat as it appeared on the June 21st solstice ceremony in the year 1530, at the height of the Inca empire. Further additions include a much-expanded chapter on the holy mountain of Huayna Picchu and an all-new chapter on the birds of Machu Picchu, which includes such species as the Inca wren, found only at this site. Whether you have three hours or three days to spend at Machu Picchu, this book is the one indispensable guide. No traveler should be without it.