The Land of the Incas

Wonderful railroad brochure advertising trips to Inca ruins in the mid-1920’s.

“For centuries famous writers and historians have been describing the scenic and historical wonders of that vast Andean country which was once the heart of Inca and pre-Inca civilization…” – pg 2.

The fascination with the ancient cultures of Central and South America has endured since Columbus first landed on its shores in the late 15th century. Tourists in the 1920s were no different from those today, eager to explore the landscapes and archaeological remains of the Inca by traversing the Andes Mountains. The Peruvian Corporation, Ltd. of Lima published this brochure in 1925, promoting its various travel services throughout Peru and neighboring Bolivia.

Via the Southern Railway of Peru and a steamship crossing of Lake Titicaca, an intrepid traveler could visit Incan ruins, take in magnificent Andean vistas, and enjoy the hospitality of various cities. Photographs and text describe in detail the attractions accessible to travelers, including a magnificent bird’s-eye view of La Paz, Bolivia. The brochure also contains a detailed centerfold map depicting the transportation network of the region. A comparative elevation profile at the bottom of the sheet illustrates the dramatic heights traversed by the “Wonder Railway of the World.”

The map was prepared by resident engineer J.A. Corry, while the brochure was published in Chicago by Poole Brothers.