Exploring Cusco: 6th Revised Edition

Peter Frost’s Exploring Cusco was first published in 1979 and has since become the essential guide to Peru’s most famous region: Cusco, Machu Picchu and the former Inca heartland. Every page is infused with the author’s personal knowledge and experience, and exploring the region with this book is like having a private guide at your side. The book focuses on the region's fascinating history, archaeology and folklore, revealed through walking tours of Inca sites. Much of the book covers the city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, including Machu Picchu, but the complete book describes an area ranging from the city of Sicuani to the ruins of Espiritu Pampa, a distance of some 265km (166mi). Inside you’ll find: 1) step-by-step walking tours and maps for the Cusco region’s most famous ruins and lesser-known ones: Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Chinchero, Moray, the Inca Trail, Choquequirao, and many more. 2) In-depth discussions of Inca history, all woven seamlessly into the walking tours of the ruins. 3) Countless recommendations for hotels, restaurants, transportation, tour operators and souvenirs. 4) Sections on medicinal plants, including coca leaves, ayahuasca, and the San Pedro cactus. 5) Selected hikes, plus many more linked to the author’s website.

Peter Frost is a writer, photographer and independent scholar who has explored the Andes and Amazon for 41 years, and lived in Peru since 1987. He has authored four books on Peru and Ecuador, including Exploring Cusco, the classic guide to the Cusco region, and the photo guide Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. He has worked as a trekking guide and expedition leader for Wilderness Travel Inc. since the early 1980s. In 2001 and 2002 he organized and led National Geographic Society-sponsored expeditions into the remote region of Vilcabamba, locating and investigating the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina (National Geographic Magazine, February, 2004). Today he lectures on the history and culture of Peru and the Incas, and works as an accompanying expert for National Geographic Expeditions.