Customer Reviews

Forgotten Vilcabamba: Final Stronghold of the Incas (None, 1)

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It is hard to imagine any serious exploration into the Vilcabamba without first reading Vincent Lee's seminal book on the region. His extensive forays into this amazing corner of Peru are documented here in hugely readable style. Important historical breakthroughs, such as the discovery of the exact site of the final and decisive battle between the Incas and the Spanish, are intermixed with fascinating anecdotes about the difficulties of travelling in an area that, in the 1980's, was a hotbed of `Shining Path' terrorist activity. The post-conquest history of the Incas is well dealt with, but it is the maps that make this book so indispensable. As a trained architect Lee's plans of ruins such as Vitcos and Espiritu Pampa are so accurate and easy to follow that they have become the favoured guides used by both archaeologists and amateur visitors alike. Undoubtedly one of the most important books ever written about the Incas.

Even though its a massive volume of information, I was hooked and sat down and read it in a day. I have been to Ecuador, Peru and the Amazon many times and have always had a fascination with the Inka. I've read everything that I could find from Garcilaso, Cobo, and all the way to contemporary authors. Lee writes in a gripping narrative style that grabbed my attention from the first page. If you have any intention of seeing Machu Picchu and extending your vision beyond the normal tourist venues in the area then you must have this book as a reference.

Intrepid adventurer, part archeologist, and always an architect, Vince Lee unravels many secrets of the Inca civilization. This book has already had many praising reviews. Captivating combination of fact, science and personal vignettes. Worth more than one reading to absorb the details of this life long endeavor. Praise to Vince and his "Six pack Manco" companions. A fun but enlightening work!!