Footprint Peru (Paperback)

~ Ben Box (Author) "Ever since the intrepid explorer Hiram Bingham first described Machu Picchu as a "wonderland", the fabled Inca city has become one of the most recognized..." (more)
Key Phrases: Plaza de Armas, San Martin, San Isidro (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Recommended without reservation." Daily Telegraph; "A fabulous resource." Conde Nast Traveler

Product Description

Prized for its natural beauty, rich history, and architectural wonders, Peru is one of the most popular destinations in South America. From the publisher and editor of the legendary South America Handbook comes the fifth edition of Footprint Peru, a leading source of quality, up-to-date travel information, including critical restaurant reviews, lively descriptions of attractions from must-see's to hidden gems, and accommodations. Author Ben Box shares his irrepressible love for Peru, leading readers in exploring this extraordinarily diverse country, home to the driest desert in the world, a jungle that consumes two-thirds of its land, the massive Andes mountains, and some of the world's most historic ruins. Beautiful full-color photographs inspire travelers to visit the country's classic Inca sites such as Machu Picchu as well as embark on adventure travel expeditions, from white-water rafting in the Cordillera Blanca to trekking through the Amazonian jungle. Aimed at free-spirited travelers who want to go beyond the Gringo and Inca Trails, this guide includes trips off the beaten path in search of wildlife sanctuaries, the source of the Amazon, pyramids, condors, and more.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 639 pages
• Publisher: Footprint Handbooks; 5th edition (February 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1904777198
• ISBN-13: 978-1904777199
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 4.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,135,006 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid and practical information, June 16, 2005

By	Casey Allen "Geographer" (All Over The World, as time permits of course...) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have used the all-encopmassing "South American Handbook" also by Footprint with great success, and this was my first attempt at a specific country guide. I was impressed with the useful and in-depth information regarding each city or town that I visited. The accommodation, food, and entertainment suggestions were spot-on and always just as it said.

The only thing lacking for me was the, um, somewhat skimpy coverage of some of the ancient sites. For example, the suggestion to take a taxi to the ruins of Tambo Machay and walking down to the city (Cuzco) was wonderful, but information pertaining to the specific sites on the way down (Tambo Machay, Puca Pucara, Quengo, and Sacsaywahyman) was restricted to a sentence (or less) each.

Low down: if you want spot-on guidebook for lodging, food, and entertainment listings, and are not as interested in the cultural sites, ruins, museums, and other things to do, this would be a perfect book. If you do want more of the ruins, cultural sites, etc., I would suggest another supplemental guide, perhaps.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best on Peru., July 3, 2005

By	Michael White & Clara Bravo "microbewhite" (Trujillo, Peru) - See all my reviews

The most experienced writers on South America produce the most complete, objective, relevant, orderly, up-to-date guide book on Peru, now also with the clearest maps.
It has more detail on areas of growing interest like El Brujo, Chachapoyas & Huamachuco, newly opened sites like Caral, & getting to them, than any competitors.
Footprint includes websites & still lists individual tour guides, while Lonely Planet includes out of date email addresses & hopes you will buy services from hotels & travel agents on their website.
Cuzco is already saturated with tourists & information, & it is time other areas of Peru be made known in this way.
It should be pointed out that Footprint has Cusco & The Inca Heartland, 3rd Edition (Footprint Cusco and the Inca Trail) by Ben Box (Paperback - May 25, 2006), to supplement the info in the Peru & South America books.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not what I hoped for, May 25, 2006

By	Wonton Excess (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

I just returned from a trip to Peru and this was about the worst guide book I have used. It provided very minimal information of the kind a traveler can use (especially for someone accustomed to the Lonely Planet series; the only reason I got this instead of LP was it was a bit newer). The maps are not very complete, the listings are even worse and there is very little info on the sights they list. Don't bother.