Travelling is one of this life’s greatest pleasures. Getting to know a place, its history and its important characters, walking around its grounds is almost like becoming a part of history yourself. When you’re on a trip, there’s plenty of things you need: a good pair of walking shoes, tons of sunscreen to be ready for any weather and an open mind for everything you’re about to learn and see. One of the best things to pair your trip with is a great book. There’s probably going to be a lot of dead times on your journey where all you can do is sit and wait, so why not wait with some light reading? It’s said among frequent travelers that literature can be an incredible way to get them closer to the country they’re visiting. 

This is no coincidence. Most people say books take you to places you’ve never been, so imagine how amazing it would be to read about a place, almost feel like you’re there and then actually going there, materializing everything your mind created! This is a feeling you should be able to take with you everywhere, in this case Peru. A country with a majestic history, Peru was once one of the greatest civilizations of the continent. They met their end at the hands of the Spaniards during the conquest and then became a mix of cultures that resulted in one of the most diverse countries in the world. If you want to get to know a little more about Peru’s history, breathtaking landmarks and even its gastronomy, check out our list of books about Peru to read before your trip. 

1. The Peru Reader by Orin Starn, Carlos Iván Degregori and Robin Kirk

This compelling piece of work tries to cover Peru’s history right from the times of pre-Incan civilizations to the 21st century. It is said that the purpose of this book was precisely to show readers the widest range of topics such as literature, history, philosophy and even poetry. This is why The Peru Reader was edited with an international audience in mind, and it’s conveniently presented in the English language so you can get a comprehensive insight of this amazing country. With three different points of view, this is a serious yet digestible reading. 

2. In Search of an Inca by Alberto Flores Galindo

When a book is written by an anthropologist, it is almost a safe bet that it will showcase a country’s essence like no other can. This is the case of Alberto Flores Galindo’s In Search of an Inca. The famous Peruvian tries to prove how the different social groups imagined their prehispanic world as the starting point of a new society. Readers go through a journey that takes them from the people conquered by Spaniards in the XVI century, the rebels in both colonial and modern times and all-timer groups of intellectuals. This book has one of the most ample yet readable stories about the Andes, following more than 500 years of reflections and important platforms that help us understand nostalgia, resistance and ultimate utopian dreams. 

3. The Conquest of the Incas by John Hemming

We couldn’t run through this list without mentioning this title. The Conquest of the Incas is considered by many editorial connoisseurs as probably the best english book about the last days of the Inca civilization. The author found a way to deliver a mesmerizing -almost magical- yet truly tragic picture of the Inca state; combining a thorough research work with a flowy and eloquent narrative. Taking a plunge into this story makes you understand exactly how it is that one of the grandest civilizations of the pre-hispanic Americas abruptly (or maybe not so) came to an end. Whoever’s planning to visit the Inca land should definitely give this title a chance. 

4. Lost City of the Incas by Hiram Bingham

Have you ever thought reading a book about the shocking discovery of a lost city would be almost as interesting as the city itself? This is exactly what you get when you read Lost City of the Incas. In it, Hiram Bingham gives a clever narration of how Machu Picchu was discovered. If you know the importance of Machu Picchu as one of the most important landmarks in Latin American history, then you can imagine the thrill contained in this reading. And although many of the details found in this book would have later been questioned by many, Bingham surely found a way to develop  a fascinating story. You could say this book has more the scent of a historical novel than a scientific book, but why should that stop you from reading it? 

5. The Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie

For those who enjoy a very explicit line of events, The Last Days of the Incas is a book you can’t miss. This is a fast paced chronology with very clear and understandable information regarding  the conquest and Spanish invasion in all of Peru. And albeit you’ll encounter a very intense and sometimes tragic telling of the historical events that led to the inevitable ending of the Inca state. But it’s not all history in this book. Kim MacQuarrie made sure to include very detailed information about the breathtaking archaeological sites erected by this American civilization. 

6. Turn right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams

There’s no denying that Machu Picchu is a place filled with mystery by all those who visit. That must be the reason why we find several books that concentrate on this site in the list. Turn Right at Machu Picchu has been one of the most celebrated narrations about not only Inca history but also the famous landmark. It’s author, Mark Adams, made sure to cover Peruvian pre-hispanic history from A to Z. Later on in the book, you’ll get to know up close the story of Hiram Bingham, the famous discoverer of Machu Picchu. When reading this book, you’ll have no problem feeling like you’re right in the picture thanks to Adams’ precise yet simple descriptions. 

7. Peru by The Cook Book by Gastón Acurio

Did you know that Peruvian cuisine is considered one of its most valued treasures not only in Peru but all over the world? With an eclectic mix of flavors resulting from Peru’s great diversity, it’s no wonder that you MUST read a cooking book before or after your trip. Peru by The Cook Book is considered the ultimate Peruvian cooking book. This compendium consists of 500 traditional homey recipes by Peru’s most popular chef, Gastón Acurio. The very same author and chef leads readers through Peru’s most distinctive flavors. Check out everything from the most common recipes like ceviche, all the way to hidden culinary gems such as the aguaymanto. Once you get your hands on this book your cooking will never be the same. 

8. The art of peruvian cuisine by Tony Custer

Yes, we strongly believe gastronomy is an essential part of visiting a new country. This is why The art of Peruvian cuisine is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone who’s traveling to Peru. This piece of culinary literature was first published in 2000 and has sold more than 10,000 copies ever since. One of the first books in it’s area, Custer’s book contains more than 100 recipes that range from tasty entrees and main courses to mouthwatering desserts. And if you’re the kind of reader that falls in love with food at first sight, don’t miss the artistic and detailed illustrations that’ll make you almost want to drool. This recipe book is a compendium where the most prominent chefs in Peru dipped their spoon. 

9. Ceviche: Peruvian Kitchen by Martín Morales

If you know a thing or two about Peruvian food, then you know the importance of ceviche in the world of gastronomy. This book is more than just an ode to this traditional dish. Ceviche: Peruvian Kitchen is a collection where Martín Morales reveals his passion for cooking, sharing new fresh, healthy and delicious recipes. This book plays with different flavors and ingredients, showing the creativity of its author. You’ll find quinoa super salads, baked corn bread, salty juices and even lúcuma ice. As a reader, you’ll have the chance to discover a whole wave of flavor and emotions that can only come with the discovery of an exciting culture. 

10. Death in the Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa

For those who are real literature connoisseurs, Mario Vargas Llosa is a name they’ve heard a couple of times. The famous Peruvian writer and former presidential candidate worked on a suspense masterpiece. Llosa’s eleventh locates the reader in the 80’s and 90’s Peru, a time of heavy terrorism in the country. The Andes are almost its own character, with each page letting us feel their presence and scent with the words that describe them. Because Peru is much more than just its pre hispanic times, this is an elementary book to understand one of the country’s most violent times. Times that would come to define Peru and make it what it is today. 

These are just some of the most noticeable books ever written about this beautiful country. We could work on an endless list of books depicting just how fascinating and immense Peruvian culture really is. Whether it’s getting to know its civilizations and a careful review of how they lived and how they fell in the times of conquest, learning how to cook the most traditional and delicious meals or simply catching up on an engaging novel located in Peru, there’s something in here for everyone. Peruvian literature  -or literary pieces made about Peru- are an ideal way to paint a picture of this amazing place in your mind. And once you get to know the places you’ve read about, your love for this country will only grow. 

They say books are a way of traveling without having to leave your house. But how amazing would it be to travel somewhere thanks to a book, and then being able to see everything you read about with your own eyes? Reading makes you really appreciate things and understand the beauty of them on a deeper level. Our purpose with this list is that all types of readers can discover the deepest and truest scent of Peru. Only by reading about it and visiting can you understand why people are so warm and welcoming, why the sun shines brighter on the Andes and why Peru is one of the most amazing countries. Which title caught your attention? Grab the book you liked the most and get ready for a double vacation!