Moon Handbooks Peru

Rating:
Summary: Thorough, upbeat and well written new guidebook to Peru
Review: I have been living in Peru for the last two years and I am still eager to check out any new guidebooks on Peru. This one is the latest new edition to hit the shelves. The authors make a good team: Ross is a journalist and mountain guide while Renee is an architect. They traveled throughout the country to research this book which is filled with an abundance of facts, advice, maps and photos.

The first feature that stood out for me are all the interspersed articles, these really give you an insider's perspective on Peru. The Wrong Way to Take Ayahuasca; Camisea Gas Fields: The Last Place on Earth; Advice from a Reformed Terrorist; and Peru's White Gold are just some of the well written and informative pieces. The Truth Behind Hemingway's Caboblanco; and The Who's who of Paracas Birds are among the lighter topics to be found.

For easy reference the guide is broken down into nine regionally defined sections. The only bone I have to pick with the authors is that Arequipa didn't get it's own chapter. But, as I read the write up on my favorite Peruvian city, under the Lake Titicaca and Canyon Country section, I immediately forgave them as they were able to really cover the ins and outs of Arequipa. Two additional sections are entitled "Discover Peru" and "Know Peru". These are very useful to the reader; as well as including the usual pieces on the country history, health and safety and a Spanish phrasebook there is also a Quechua basics and a great list of recommended reading and Internet Resources, as well as a section on Volunteering in Peru.

Another unique feature is the index; apart from having a comprehensive alphabetical index there are six highlighted boxes with a very helpful thematic index, these are titled: Ancient Cultures; Beaches; Hiking / Backpacking; Inca Sites; Reserves and Protected Areas. And believe me when you are rushing around the country and having to make quick decisions it's all about a good index!

This useful guide is a practical book for the traveler and explorer and is packed with invaluable advice such as: "Lima is an extraordinary city, but it takes a little getting used to. The country's leading museums, churches and restaurants are here along with nearly eight million people... It is the maximum expression of Peru's cultural diversity (and chaos)...But do yourself a favor and see Lima at the end of your trip, not at the beginning. That way you have a better chance of understanding what you see and not becoming overwhelmed in the process."

Whether you are coming to Peru as an independent traveler or you or on an all-inclusive deal you will be get more out of your trip if you glance over this guidebook before you set off.