Lonely Planet Mexico, 12th Edition [Paperback]

John Noble (Author), Kate Armstrong (Author), Greg Benchwick (Author), Nate Cavalieri (Author), Gregor Clark (Author), John Hecht (Author), Beth Kohn (Author), Emily Matchar (Author), Freda Moon (Author), Ellee Thalheimer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2010

Lonely Planet knows Mexico. Whether you want to climb mysterious Maya temples in the Yucatán, eat nouveau Mexican cuisine in the capital, or simply stretch out on a honey-kissed beach at a Pacific coast resort, our 12th edition will guide you through the best of this amazing country.

Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

In This Guide:

Tailored Itineraries to help you get the best out of your Mexico trip
Color Highlights Chapter showcasing the top sights and activities
Unique Green Index makes ecofriendly travel that much easier

Product Details

• Paperback: 952 pages
• Publisher: Lonely Planet; 12 edition (October 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1741794722
• ISBN-13: 978-1741794724
• Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 5.2 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #209,260 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #78 in Books > Travel > Mexico > General

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars On point March 2, 2011

By Riddley Walker

Format:Paperback

This is a solid entry from Lonely Planet, judged against their other guides.

When I initially saw the size of this book, I was apprehensive about bringing it with me. It's kind of big for backpacking. I contemplated ripping out sections I wouldn't need, or leaving it behind. After 2 days on the road I couldn't believe that I debated not taking it. It's indispensable for getting around, and has a lot of great background info on the history, culture, and geography that you can read in your down time.

My only real complaint with the book is that with so many different authors, some sections have a stronger voice than others. Compare the easygoing way the Baja entry is written with the more straightforward Mexico City section. It's possible this might be an editorial choice.

It's a great book, and a great country.
Book the ticket, buy the book, and get on your way.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Very useful but the Kindle edition can be improved August 1, 2011

By Carlos Espinosa V

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this guide for my trip; I have a kindle so I decided to use that version and I've found it very useful. My only complain is about the maps, because they use the paperback maps while the kindle could use more accurate or better viewing ones. Prices also need update, but I supposse that's not that easy to improve. I would recomend this guide to anyone travelling to Mexico. Don't buy the specialized editions like Yucatan or DF because those are extracts from this guide, so if you're back you already have the info.
Ah one more thing, I left for 23 days and used the guide all the time and never needed to recharge my Kindle, so no more heavy travel guides for me anymore :)

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Guide: Very Pleased I Brought It Along October 29, 2011

By Charles Curtis

Format:Paperback

I picked this up on a whim in San Antonio before hopping a bus south of the border. I am on a two month meander through Mexico and points south, and taking this along was a last minute impulse. I'm a pretty seasoned traveler, and have been all over the world these last two decades, and rarely bring a guide. Chalk it up to snobbishness and a misplaced adolescent purism: I would avoid the Baedaker bearing masses and forge my own quixotic way.. An approach that I have enjoyed, and never regretted.

So getting the guide was a change in policy. I thought I'd see how useful it was. And it's been great. I've depended upon it for cheap but clean hotels, cheap but tasty food, and information on buses. In all three categories it's shone. Not a single poor recommendation. I haven't spent more than 30$ a night on a hotel, and am usually spending less than $20, and in every case I've had a clean room with hot water (you may have to wait a minute or two for it to arrive, but it always does) and decent WIFI. I'm currently in the Centro Historico of Mexico City, and am paying 16$ for a groovy little room. It's the first time I don't have my own shower, but I'm not complaining. I'm not here for luxury. Simple and inexpensive is what I need, and that's what this guide has helped me find, without stress.

The bus system here is mildly complicated. Mexico has an excellent system, one that shames and makes Greyhound look like the low rent mess that it is. There is a range in quality and prices - three to six bucks in a ticket price can often make a significant difference in the amenities of the bus. This guide doesn't go into all the complexities (as to the differences between the different companies, say) but gives good information on the locations of terminals, the basic range in ticket prices, approximate travel times, and approximate numbers of buses on a given route each day. This is all very helpful, and though approximate, it has still been for the most part correct.

As someone else has said, it is a big book. I've brought some multi-colored paper clamps that I use to clamp shut the sections I am not currently using. I also use paper clips, sticky notes and book marks; as well as a highlighter, to organize and mark pertinent sections. This makes it much easier to use. I have two well marked maps of the country that I usually keep in the book as well. As I go along, I may begin to tear it up a bit, and throw out parts that I will not need again.. I ought probably get rid of the Sonora and Baja and rest of Northern Mexico sections now, since I will not be needing them.. The clamps and handful of strong rubber bands that I also have along will help keep the remaining sections in proper order.

In any case, kudos to Lonley Planet for a fine and useful guide. I give it my strong recommendation. Buen Viaje, Everyone.