Customer Reviews

Lonely Planet Argentina (Country Guide)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Having spent the most memorable part of my childhood in Buenos Aires, with a few trips to outlying areas, this book is a marvelous trip through memory lane, looking for the things that were there so many years ago, and reading about all the changes that have happened since. This Lonely Planet book is a thick one, because Argentina has one of the most varied landscapes of any country in the world, from the awesome Iguazu Falls, to the magnificent sights in the Tierra del Fuego region. From the towering Andes to the Reserva Faunistica Peninsula Valdez by the Atlantic Ocean.

For those interested in wildlife and nature, the wonders of Patagonia are astounding. Whale watching has never been grander. See the gauchos in the Pampas, the tango dancers in Buenos Aires. Sip the fine wine, and eat the best beef you have ever tasted. Yes, debt-ridden Argentina has its problems, which this book points out: extreme poverty, and though it has excellent conservation laws, is negligent to enforce them.

You will need a handy pocket magnifier if you're taking this book on your trip. It is not only a thick volume, but also has small print, and has many maps, but they all need magnification. It has everything a tourist needs to know, from exchange rates to business hours: Bars stay open until 6 AM, and shops open at 8 AM. Not much time for sleeping, when you're having so much fun!

A nice touch in this Lonely Planet volume are the 5 personal profiles in the "Mi Querida Argentina" section, which is accompanied by photos, one of the 3 sections in this book that is illustrated with color photos. The book also includes Chilean Patagonia, and 60 pages devoted to Uruguay, should you want to take the short trip across the Rio de la Plata to visit this small but delightful country.

Bravo Lonely Planet for this extensive and informative book on mi querida Argentina!

You must to specify that the Kindle edition of this book has less information that the hard book. We are paying almost the same price for less information, less maps, less photographs and in black and white.
Javier

Argentina is a huge and very diverse country and a guide book is very handy to have. The many maps are extremely helpful, and the how to get there and away sections are great. This book is also filled with lots of helpful hints like dangers and annoyances, interesting places to go, and history. Most of the hotel recommendations have been helpful, but be aware that many people read this book, and the recommended hotels can often be full. I have also met some of the authors, and their tight budgets and time schedules do not allow them to check out all the options. I would recommend buying this book, but keep your eyes and ears open. Many of the best hotels and restaurants that I have found have been from word of mouth of other travelers, or roaming the streets. Restaurants and bus schedules often change, so it is best to observe them for yourself. Dancing on the Edge of an Endangered Planet

Lonely Planet tries to set themselves apart from the rest of the field by appealing to the wanna be hip crowd of backpackers and rich kids slumming the world. Truth is, there isn't all that much difference between Lonely Planet and the others except marketing and image.

The Argentina guide offers a history of Argentina and analysis of its politics that is just what I would expect. The authors have a love affair with the Kirchners, who are as corrupt and thuggish as any of their predecessors. It might be hip to show your love for the "royal couple", but I find it nauseating. But you probably don't buy guidebooks to learn about politics, so enough of that.

The accuracy of the information is mixed. Things can change overnight, so that is inevitable. I was left wondering just how many of the restaurants and hotels they authors actually visited and how many they imagined. There is no way to tell, as aside from the changing conditions, reviews are a matter of perception. Use the information as a guide, not the bible. If you are planning ahead, use more than one source.

I find nothing in this Lonely Planet guidebook that I can't find in the standard Frommer's or Fodor's, which is the way it usually is.

If you are planning to spend most of your time in Buenos Aires, get a book specifically on BA.

The Argentina guide provides plain, basic information about visiting the country. As indicated in other reviews, a number of details that would prove more useful to travelers is missing; and much of the quoted prices and other sprinkled data were outdated.

One of the most important topics we felt were missing had to do with traveler SAFETY. Argentina, like other countries in South America has its challenges, but the author focused solely on one side of the travel coin without revealing potentials of the other. The country, like many others are facing severe economic times, and this often heightens survival problems and increases criminal activity. Conversely, economic challenges may prove rewarding for bargaining purposes and lower competitive rates too.

Crime or other perils of travel can prove disasterous for some voyagers and should have been discussed in this book. We felt there should have been more reference made about the country's troubles, such as, political reference, where NOT to go, potential pick-pocketing and storage of goods, how to get help in emergencies, red flags, and more. The text (p.18) only noted, "Forget everything you've heard about the challenges of travel in South America. Argentina is different. It's easy."

On the other hand, the few pictures in this book were delightful. Other topics covered in the text includes very basic travel information, when and where to go, costs (outdated), food & drink, events, the culture, and environment.

Overall, this book does contain good content; however, supplemental texts may be needed, rather than traveling only with this guide. Hopefully, the publishers will read customer reviews in order to make their newer edition much better.

Once again Lonely Planet provides a highly useful guide to the exciting destination of Argentina. This book is nicely practical and highly informative without being wordy or difficult. Lonely Planet provides solid information on culture, geography, affordable lodging and travel hostels, restuarants, long-distance bus transportation, etc. Wise travelers study this book (or certain sections) in advance regarding what they'd like to see and do. As this book shows, city buffs can savor world-class food, nightlife, and shopping in Buenos Aires, or calmer locations like Cordoba or Rosario. Outdoor types may choose to enjoy Mendoza, the Andes Mountains, the Lake District, whale watching in Puerto Madryn, the waterfalls of Iguazu, etc. Many budget vistors travel between distant destinations by frequent, comfortable night busses. As the book advises, when applicable pay a few extra pesos for cama class or cama executivo and enjoy on-board dinner, wine, and a roomy, fully-reclining seat - while avoiding the cost of a hotel. Travelers that can speak some Spanish may find Argentinians surprisingly friendly despite their rapid accent and mild reputation for arrogance.

This books states that prices may be higher than listed due to inflation and currency fluctuations (it's nearly four pesos to the dollar at this writing). Also, temperatures during their winter (June-September) range from chilly to mild, Buenos Aires has some homeless, and the book offers useful advice on avoiding dangers and annoyances - although Argentina is generally pretty safe. I do wish they'd give an approximate number of lodgings in smaller cities when they cannot list each hotel & inn. Still, this is a nicely practical guide for both novices and experienced travelers. As they say, don't leave home without your Lonely Planet.

This book is very detailed with just an abundance of information. I like the way there are tabs along the edge of the book with the different areas of the country. Dining. . . . Accommodations. . . Sightseeing. . . . Transportation. . . . Maps. . . . General Information. There are a few pictures at the front of the book, but if you're looking for a book with a lot of pictures, then this book is not for you. On the other hand, if you want to be book packed with great information, then I recommend it highly.

You Can't Beat A Lonely Planet Guide Book...yet they always seem to get just a little better!

Argentina - the land of the Tango! but did you know that "...its head is in the tropics and its toes are in Antarctica" so the range of natural wonders runs from waterfalls and rain forest to glaciers!!!!

So now Argentina sounds like a travel possibility - what do you want to know...

From the inside front cover which is a Quick Reference Guide (should be a Survival Guide) featuring everything you need to get by - the edge is an actual ruler giving you mm and cm; money exchange rates (obviously this can change); Business Hours for most types of companies (you can go clubbing in Argentina until 6am!!!); Key to Price Ranges; Important Phone Numbers (Emergency, Police, Fire, Directory Assistance, Country Code, etc.); Phrases (Hello, Goodbye, Please & Thank you); Conversions (inches to centimeters, feet to meters, pounds to kilograms, gallons to liters, farenheight to celsius...and more!) ...and that is just the inside front cover!

Yes - It has all the info city by city that the Lonely Planet is known for - lodging, food, shopping and transportation - with options in every range from hostels & public transportation to luxury hotels by taxi!

Color Plates: this is the area that can make or break a travel guide - too little and your interest wains, too much and it becomes a cumbersome coffee table book! A map of the country - an eight page "Best of Argentina" spread and wonderful seven page spread "My Beloved Argentina" will give you ideas from "how to talk to a gaucho" to Music Festivals.

This is a compact, easy to use, informative travel guide - isn't that all you can ask for?

I've always been a huge fan of Lonely Planet books. Any international trip I take, I always have the Lonely Planet with me.

It doesn't do all things, but it always does an excellent job covering history, culture, and core logistics. (If you want the reviews for best restaurants, which I often do, you need another book.)

I haven't been on the Argentina trip yet (it's on my short wish list), so I can't comment on the accuracy or completeness of the content details.

But I did immediately notice several new sections (at least not in previous Lonely Planets I have owned), that I LOVE:
1) "Best of Argentina" - Covers "City Life", "Natural Wonders", "Classic Argentina" (including where to go for tango lessons), and Food of Argentina.
2) "Argentina Outdoors" - I LOVE this section. All in one place, it covers the best outdoors activities the country has to offer. And in a full color section. Hiking, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Fishing, Snowboarding, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Rafting, Paragliding, YOU NAME IT!
3) "My Beloved Argentina" - Personal acounts by Argintians of different walks of life - Gaucho, Tango teacher, Winemaker, Weaver, Musician.

The Lonely Planet books have always been the best at helping me truly experience, understand, and enjoy a new place and culture. This one looks to be perhaps the best yet!

In general, I find Lonely Planet guides as dependable and thorough as they are appealing. They have lead me through a number of unforgettable journeys ... and, I will always be a fan of their work. Unfortunately, the newest edition exploring Argentina was a bit of a let-down. While Lonely Planet is known for gorgeous, glossy texts with endless color pictures (which entice potential tourists to unexpected destinations), this one is mostly black and white TEXT printed on plain paper (meaning about 98%). Perhaps this is a result of the enormity of the text ... thick, glossy pages would have contributed even further to the bulk of the guide; nonetheless, the Hawaii guides are equally as expansive but entirely aesthetically inspiring (and, let's face it, most of us travel by choice and are drawn to beautiful, vibrant areas).

As with all Lonely Planet guides, I appreciated the emphasis on "green" travel. And, what's important to know is that these texts do NOT "preach" "green" travel, they simply incorporate ideas that help a person lessen the environmental impact of her/his journey (if one is so inclined).

This stripped-down guide might valuable if 1.) a person is already committed to the trip and just needs some quick information and 2.) if it's paired with a more photo-enhanced one (especially concerning the maps). Alone, it is seems a bit like a very expensive phone-book. Nonetheless, if you are torn between two destinations and are picking-up a couple guides to help your decision (as I do), choose another text (or simply check-out Argentina's tourist site).