The Land of the Incas

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

The fascination with the ancient cultures of Central and South America has endured since Columbus first landed on its shored in the late 15th century. Tourists in the 1920’s were no different than those today who are eager to explore in the footsteps of the Inca by traversing across the Andes Mountains.

The Peruvian Corporation, Ltd. of Lima was organized to capitalize on such enthusiasm, and published this brochure advertising their various travel services in 1925. Via the Southern Railway of Peru and a steamship ticket across Lake Titicaca, an intrepid visitor could see Incan ruins from magnificent vistas and enjoy the hospitality of various cities. Photographs and text describe in detail the accessible attractions and include a magnificent bird’s eye view of La Paz in Bolivia.

The brochure also contains a detailed centerfold map which presents the transportation system of the entire region. A general profile at the bottom of the sheet shows the comparative height of the ‘Wonder Railway of the World.’

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