Customer Reviews

Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes (Walking)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I second Isiah's opinion that the book is not very useful and is best read as a pre-trip planning material only. I have actually undertaken a few of the treks and in my opinion the book misrepresents the nature of several treks and contains errors in the route descriptions. For example, Isla del Sol trek in Bolivia is better done as a day hike instead of a multiple day trek described in the book. Also, campsites on Ausangate trek mentioned in the book are not situated in the most optimal locations and most trekkers supported by local guides camp in better spots. Finally, the book fails to convey the idea that even for experienced hikers most treks, esp. in Peru and Bolivia, really need to be contracted with local guides and/or pack animals for safety and more enjoyment... I would not recommend using this book as a trail guide without making inquiries locally, but it is still a good source of ideas, if you plan to trek in Central Andes.

I can only speak to how helpful this book was to me on my trek (the Alpamayo circuit) and for the most part, it was a valuable friend to have along the way. The route description was well detailed and for the most part everything was as the book said it would be. Admittedly, it would have been nice if the book had mentioned the surfeit of horseflies which attack you in the Huiscash campsite, as apparently this is a well known campsite for the bothersome biting flies which dive-bomb you 5 at a time. I would have brought some bug repellent if I had known. But other than minor things like this, the book served it purpose very well, and I hope to use it again for when I go back to this beautiful part of the world. One suggestion I would make is to add a few more pages of Spanish words at the back of the book....that could only prove helpful.

I tried to use this book as my only travel guide (apart from the LP Peru or Bolivia). It has very limited info on bus routes, city maps, and other practical info common in LP country guides, so it is not meant to be used alone. And where it is strong in giving trek descriptions, it admits it should not be used as a trail map-guide. Most treks are affordably run out of local agencies with guides, so I didn't even bring the book with me on the trail. It is best used for pre-trip planning back home, deciding which treks you want to plan your itinerary around once in country. The LP country guide is really all you'll need.

I endorse other reviewer's opinion that the book is useful in particular as a pre-trip planning. In this sense, in my opinion the book is well written, and contains a wealth of information on the subject. However, by comparing it for example with the similar LP guide *Trekking in the Indian Himalaya", it lacks some useful information, like description of side-trips, e.g. easy climbings along the trek. In addition, the index contains only geographical locations, which limits its usefullness.

I thought this book was very informative. It described quickly the geology and other "natural" facts about the area as well as supply excellent descriptions of the trails. It is small enough to carry with you.