The New Key to Guatemala

Rating:
Summary: You can't go wrong with his guide to Guatemala
Review: Richard Harris has the uncanny ability to tell his readers the important facts, allude to the interesting titbits and list the necessary information that travelers need, all while knowing what to discard as irrelevant - an excellent writer's skill seldom mastered by most travel guide writers. You can't go wrong with his guide to Guatemala. His chapter on the ancient Capital of Central America, Antigua, is one of the best found today in any guide book. He not only illuminates the history of this important Spanish colonial town (an UNESCO world heritage site and a must see) he also lets you know the current contemporary situation of Antiqua. While I was in Guatemala (1/1999) I checked out his recommendations of lodging, restaurant, nightlife and they are "right on the money". He has an excellent recommended reading section and he is strong in his editorial support of eco-tourism. However, there are some obvious weaknesses : the maps are few and crude, and the index is entirely anemic. Recommend.