Astronomy in the Inca Empire was a robust and fundamental practice. The subsequent Spanish conquest of the Andes region disrupted much of this indigenous culture and resulted in a significant loss of information about its rich history. Through modern archaeoastronomy, this book helps recover and interpret some of these elements of Inca civilization. Astronomy was intricately woven into the very fabric of Andean existence and daily life. Accordingly, the text takes a holistic approach to its research, considering first and foremost the cultural context of each astronomy-related site. The chapters necessarily start with a history of the Incas from the beginning of their empire through the completion of the conquest by Spain before diving into an astronomical and cultural analysis of many of the huacas found in the heart of the Inca Empire. Over 300 color images—original artwork and many photos captured during the author’s extensive field research in Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and elsewhere—are included throughout the book, adding visual insight to a rigorous examination of Inca astronomical sites and history.

In 1500 CE, the Inca empire covered most of South America's Andean region. The empire's leaders first met Europeans on November 15, 1532, when a large Inca army confronted Francisco Pizarro's band of adventurers in the highland Andean valley of Cajamarca, Peru. At few other times in its history would the Inca royal leadership so aggressively showcase its moral authority and political power. Glittering and truculent, what Europeans witnessed at Inca Cajamarca compels revised understandings of pre-contact Inca visual art, spatial practice, and bodily expression. This book takes a fresh look at the encounter at Cajamarca, using the episode to offer a new, art-historical interpretation of pre-contact Inca culture and power. Adam Herring's study offers close readings of Inca and Andean art in a variety of media: architecture and landscape, geoglyphs, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, featherwork and metalwork. The volume is richly illustrated with over sixty color images.

For those who dream of exploring the magnificent Pacific coast, contemplating the infinite beauty of the Andes and immersing themselves in the boundless Amazonian jungle--Peru awaits. This South American gem offers an enviable wealth of different landscapes and climates--and more than 5,000 archaeological sites hidden in the heart of its forests, mountains, and deserts. The country's natural bounty is unique and extreme, from the arid deserts on the Pacific coast to the highest navigable lake on the planet to the imposing tropical mountain ranges. Of course, no visit to Peru is complete without a stop at Machu Picchu, and this guide does not disappoint with an itinerary just for visiting this ancient wonder. But beyond those historic walls, expert National Geographic writers provide thousands of other suggestions to immerse yourself in the colonial streets of Lima, taste the regional food, and explore Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire at 11,155 (3,400 m) above sea level. In this richly illustrated guide, find excursions to rarely-visited sites including the red sand beaches of Paracas Reserve--the first UNESCO protected natural area--and insider tips on popular destinations such as Lake Titicaca and its floating villages. Plus, follow our guides through the Peruvian Amazon--the best kept secret of South America and the last virgin forests on Earth. Comprehensive, practical, and inspiring, this is the ultimate guide to well-known and hidden Peru.

Wright and his coauthors analyze and explain the masterful design of the Incamisana, which incorporates hydraulic works into an aesthetically pleasing ceremonial complex as part of the royal estate of Ollantaytambo.

The Hydraulic State explores the hydraulic engineering technology underlying water system constructions of many of the ancient World Heritage sites in South America, the Middle East and Asia as used in their urban and agricultural water supply systems. Using a range of methods and techniques, some new to archaeology, Ortloff analyzes various ancient water systems such as agricultural field system designs known in ancient Peruvian and Bolivian Andean societies, water management at Nabataean Petra, the Roman Pont du Garde water distribution castellum, the Minoan site of Knossos and the water systems of dynastic (and modern) China, particularly the Grand Canal and early water systems designed to control flood episodes. In doing so the book greatly increases our understanding of the hydraulic/hydrological engineering of ancient societies through the application of Complexity Theory, Similitude Theory and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, as well as traditional archaeological analysis methods. Serving to highlight the engineering science behind water structures of the ancient World Heritage sites discussed, this book will be of interest to archaeologists working on landscape archaeology, urbanism, agriculture and water management.

Mystical, timeless, and full of adventure: embark on the trip of a lifetime to the jewel of Peru with Moon Machu Picchu. Inside you'll find: Strategic trekking guides, including two to four days on the Inca Trail, five days on the Salcantay, and an Inca Jungle Trail itinerary, plus focused coverage of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Lima Unique experiences beyond the beaten path: Explore seldom-seen ruins like the Ollantaytambo Temple and visit remote Quechua-speaking villages. Go horseback riding on a caballo de paso in the Sacred Valley, mountain biking to the hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuamán, or set up camp on the riverbank after a day of rafting on the Río Apurímac. Sample coca tea and authentic local delicacies, or shop for handmade Peruvian weavings, pottery, and jewelry Essential planning information on agencies, tour guides, and porters, food and accommodations, packing suggestions, finding the best airfares, and getting around by bus, train, taxi, car, or motorcycle rental How to visit Machu Picchu respectfully, with tips on sustainability and helping the local economy, minimizing your impact, and avoiding over-tourism, with insight from Lima resident Ryan Dubé A guide to hazards, precautions, and gear, including how to avoid altitude sickness Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Thorough background information on the landscape, wildlife, plants, culture, history, and local customs Handy tools including a Spanish phrasebook, visa information, volunteer and study opportunities, and tips for seniors, families with children, visitors with disabilities, women traveling alone, and LGBTQ+ travelers With Moon Machu Picchu's practical advice and insider know-how, you can forge your own path. Exploring the rest of the country? Try Moon Peru. Doing a tour of South America? Try Moon Colombia or Moon Patagonia. Special ebook features: Easily navigate listings with quick searches, plus website links and zoom-in maps and images Personalize your guide by adding notes and bookmarks

2nd edition. Photography by Vance Jacobs.

Your World Your Way! Once the ancient empire of the Inca, Peru still draws visitors with its blend of mystery, lively culture, and beautiful rugged landscape. Explore with Moon Peru. What You'll Find in Moon Peru: Expert, local author Ryan Dubé shares his perspective on his home country Full-color guidebook with vibrant, helpful photos Detailed directions and maps for exploring on your own Strategic itineraries, such as The Best of Peru, From the Inca to the Amazon, Archaeology Intensive, and 48 Hours in Lima In-depth coverage for Lima, The Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Canyon Country, The Amazon, Nasca and the Desert Coast, The Central Highlands, Huaraz and the Cordillera Blanca, Trujillo and the North Coast, and Cajamarca and the Northern Highlands Activities and ideas for every traveler: Wander the cobblestone streets of Cusco, marveling at the Spanish churches built atop massive Inca walls. Try alpaca steaks and sweet corn, or heaping bowls of ceviche. Explore the mystery of the Nazca Lines, or float down the Amazon. Trek (or train) into the cloud forests of the Peruvian mountains to see one of the world's great wonders: the stone city of Machu Picchu Accurate information, including background on the landscape, history, and culture Handy tools such as travel tip and safety information in an easy to navigate format, all packaged in a book light enough to fit in your daypack With Moon Peru's practical tips, myriad activities, and an insider's view on the best things to do and see, you can plan your trip your way.