Lonely Planet Peru (Country Guide) by Sara Benson, Paul Hellander, Rafael Wlodarski Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Lonely Planet Peru (Country Guide)
Book Review: Reliable travel info, though off on prices.
Summary: 4 Stars
I traveled for two weeks in Peru this past November using the LP guide. The transportation, restaurant, and hostel info were all great- I actually ended up staying at the "Editor's Picks" accommodations on two different occasions and was really pleased- but you will find that the actual prices are about 20-30% higher than listed in the guide. Aside from that, the guide is informative and well organized. Would definitely recommend it to anyone traveling that way.Book Review: Sets the Standard for Peruvian Travel Guides. This is the best.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are going to explore Peru and if you may go off the tourist track, then by all means get this guide. I first came to Peru in 1996 and I lived near Cusco from 2002-2006. I have explored most of Peru and I reach for this guide first to help me with almost any places of significance in Peru. Each time the information has been accurate and trustworthy.
This is 6th Ed. 2007 and Benson, Hellander and Wlodarski have done a very job on collecting, organizing and explaining both the essential information and the unique aspects about this alluring culture. That said, these authors don't have Rachowiecki's and Beech's (this guides previous authors) critical critique of those that are privileged, wealthy and political positioned and how they exploit the wealth of this country and the poor (54% live in poverty). No, this is a nicer guide. However, as I write, protesters are blocking roads and rail to Machu Picchu because the government of Allen Garcia wants to "privatize their water". There are two worlds, those that the tourist see and the one the Peruvians live in. The previous edition told you more about the later.
Back to the review; the traveler's information section is buried at the back of the book. It should be at the front of the guide as this is important, if not essential, information that you should read before going.
The guide give you very good recommendations on what to see, what to do and where to stay and eat. Most of the accommodations now have a webpage address. The cost for each accommodation and restaurant is listed in dollars, instead of the insipid icons that other guides use. Kudos!!! Wonderful are the population stats for each town/city and especially, the altitude. The maps are very good and the restaurants and lodging recommendations are reliable, though many are the same that was in the last edition.
Do consider reading "White Rock" by Hugh Thomson, especially if you are trekking the ruins. For those with a tour group, consider getting Frommer's Peru. It is also a very good guide and its description of sights to see is more informative and descriptive than Lonely Planet and its restaurant recommendations are the best.
That said, Lonely Planet guides are known for their no-nonsense, off the beaten path advice, this guide is no exception. Highly recommended.
Book Review: Try the Moon Guide
Summary: 3 Stars
I usually swear by the LP series (LP Mexico is great), but this is not LP's best effort. My girlfriend bought the Moon Guide while I bought LP, and we ended up using Moon Guide much more throughout our trip.Book Review: Very useful traveling handbook
Summary: 4 Stars
Lonely planet never dispointed me in the past years. Hope some of the information will be updated in the newer edition to be released in April this year.Book Review: a classic
Summary: 5 Stars
Helped me a lot while I was trying to figure out things on my own.