We used The Incas and their Ancestors: The Archaeology of Peru as a good introduction and survey of Peruvian archaeology. This book sets the stage to understand the deep history of Western South America, and how the Incas differed from previous civilizations like the Moche, Tiwanaku, or Chavin.

For North America One Vast Winter Count: The Native American West before Lewis and Clark is one of my favorite books. It is a grand survey of the deep history of the American West. Facing East from Indian Country: A Native History of Early America is likewise a great introduction to the history of Eastern North America. If you want the easiest introduction to the history of the Americas meant for complete novices 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus is written by a journalist, and is super engaging. Mann got a few things wrong, but no other book seems to blow people's minds and act as a foundation for learning more about the history of the Americas.