 
Lonely Planet Peru
Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 45
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 On: 2007-03-19
Initially I wanted to purchase the 2006/7 edition (that was supposed to be released in Feb, 2007) but was unable to find it anywhere. However, this edition was very helpful for my travels in Peru. I did come across some problems when trying to locate the listed Vegetarian restaurants (some were closed down since publication) but otherwise all descriptions of hostels/ travel destinations were accurate.
by: eklock On: 2007-01-17
the material and facts are well provided and fairly well organized,but
the country deserves better then this. As one of the worlds most fasinating places, both from a human and natural perspective, this book falls short relative to providing a full view of Perus incredable wonders, seek another source if you are looking for an informative guide or historic perspective.
On: 2006-10-14
I have a tour operator in Peru, [...] I meet the writer, Rob Rachowiecki, he is a great explorer and he was a tour leader in Peru andean areas.
This book is very help full not only for foreing people, also for peruvians ones, many times when I go to a specific areas and I does not have enught info.. I open my travel survival kit and read for some extra info and many times I sent updates that I see have been taken in next edition... just one word... BUY THE BOOK, its a good help to do not be lost in Peru.
Rafael Belmonte
On: 2006-07-19
I found the LP Peru guide to be a useful tool on my recent trip to Lima, Cuzco and Machu Pichu. The country overview was insightful, the restaurant recommendations were tastey, and the advice about altitude sickness was ignored. Big mistake. Ive never paid attention to LPs health warnings and never had a problem. If youre heading to Cuzco, youd be well advised to listen to their experienced writers and bring the necessary medicine.
On: 2006-06-01
I used this guide for travelling with my family and was fairly useful, except for some good spots that were not considered.
For example, in the jungle we stayed in the Explorers Inn (www.explorersinn.com), which has a very nice setting and fights to preseve the amazon rainforest.
I was also amazed to find a quality hotel chain that wasnt part of an international network. Hoteles Libertador (www.libertador.com.pe) were a very good option in many of the destinations we visited.
Overall, the activities and destinations recommended were good, but the info was sometimes out of date and/or incomplete.
 On: 2006-03-09
Great little book. Lots and lots of useful information on history, itineraries, medical information and travel schedules. The print is really small, tho.
 On: 2005-11-23
This is the first Lonely Planet guide my wife and I have ever been disappointed with. We were in Peru in November of 2005 and relied on this guide to plan hotels, excursions and restaurants in Lima and Cusco.
The big problem with this guide was with the information on Cusco -- prices and information were out of date, and we were constantly surprised to find that things the book lists as free cost money, and the costs of tours, trips, and entrance fees were much more than what the book stated. I would go as far as to say that the book was wrong more than 80% of the time. Consequently, we eneded up spending much more money that we had anticipated, and ended up not going to several sites to avoid blowing the budget we set for this trip. An added drawback to this book was, when walking around Cusco with it in hand, having guides and other tourists go out of their way to tell you what a bad guidebook this is. (I wish I was making this up.)
I also found that the information on hotels in Lima was not very good. The hotel I stayed at was excellent and not even listed. However, the hotel next door, which was not nearly as nice, was listed and given high marks. I would have been upset if I relied on the book and stayed at the place next door.
I believe these problems are all because this guide has not been updated. And until it is, I wouldnt recommend relying on it to plan a vacation.
On: 2005-10-19
I swear by Lonely Planet guides since 1999 and found their books to be superior in many destinations, but the Peru book is an unfortunate exception. I hope that the publisher puts it for a complete re-write like they did with LP Bolivia. Anyway... I have traveled in Peru for 2 months and the following are the problems with the book: in each city I found that many addresses and locations marked on the maps are incorrect and represent either private residences, closed establishments, or a few blocks off; the information between sections does not jive (the book gives different travel times to/from Arequipa, depending on the chapter you are reading even though the cities are the same); the book gives BAD advice on what to do - in Lima it suggests a bicycle trip to Pachakamac ruins, which is a suicide mission because it involves first cycling through the slums of Lima and then many miles on the shoulder of Panamericana w/o a cycle lane, pretty much sharing the road with speeding trucks and buses; the book skips on the choice destinations and activities by locals - I was amazed that LP did not even mention Lares hotsprings near Cusco, which is not only the finest hotspring in the region, but also a spectacular trek, and the choice of local residents to visit when they have time off; many establishments, such as restaurants, mentioned in the book no longer conform to the description either due to change of ownership or just being spoiled by listing in the guide... There many other misc inaccuracies in the book as well. Alas, I cant recommend this guide book for travel in Peru. I ended up getting most of my intel from the South American Explorers club or just talking with the locals.
by: Anonymous On: 2005-09-17
I am so dissapointed that the Lonely Planet Guides are changing their format and leaving out the budget traveller. This was evident in the Peru guide, the first of these new Lonely Planets I have used. The voice has really changed, and many of the suggested sites and so forth no longer speak to travellers on a small budget or travellers wanting to get off the beaten path. The clarity of the guide remained intact. The maps were great, and many of the essential details I found deficient in the Rough Guide were included in the Lonely Planet. But without the Rough Guide, I would have missed many of the great experiences I had in Peru.
by: adam_rosenbaum On: 2005-08-10
Ive been travelling to Peru regularly since the mid 1990s and lived in Lima for a year in 1996 to 1997. My wife is also a native of Lima, which is one of the reasons Im back so often.
The Lonely Planet Peru guide is one of the books we continuously refer to for ideas and advice about trips and excursions around the country. The data regarding the different regions of the country is accurate and descriptive, the categorization of hotels and restaurants is as up-to-date as can be expected for a guidebook, and the overall format is easy to follow from section to section.
One thing to remember when using a guide like the Lonely Planet is that it is not a substitute for an encyclopedia or local knowledge, and cannot possible contain limitless information on every square inch of the country. But, it will help you navigate from place to place with relative ease and within a reasonable budget. I would recommend that once you reach a destinatation, hire a guide recommended by the book or take a city or town tour. Dont worry about looking like a tourist. The local already know your not from there!
Finally, Lima can be somewhat intimidating initially as it is a very large and busy city. But Peru is a very safe country and the people are friendly, and as a guest you should simply take the intelligent precautions to ensure that your trip goes smoothly. Using the Lonely Planet can help, and I would also recommend the South American Handbook, especially if you plan to visit more than one country on your trip.
by: fdoamerica On: 2005-04-30
If you are going to explore Peru, and may go "off the tourist track," then by all means buy this guide. I have used this guide for towns and places that other guides dont even list. Each time the information was accurate and trustworthy. If you are staying on the "tourist track" then Frommers Peru description of sights to see is more informative and descriptive, and its restaurant recommendations are better selections.
Rachowiecki and Beech have done a superb job on collecting, organizing and explaining both the essential information and the unique aspects about this alluring culture. Rachowiecki is an avid bird watcher and inveterate traveler who has covered this country top to bottom. The city maps are good, and plentiful.
Do read their "snapshot" section (pg. 23) which will give you an update on the social situation in Peru. Rachowiecki and Beechs critique of the pathetic performance of this government is "spot on." President Toledo has achieved the infamous notoriety of having lowest approval rating in Andean history - 9%! Because of the impotent government, and the frustration among the people, there is a likelihood that you will encounter strikes and protest. For the past two years strikes have been common. That said, do not be afraid to travel here, tourism is the sacred llama of Peru, and tourists are, by-and-large, safe, but, do check the State Department web site for travel warnings. Note that the travelers information section is buried at the back of the book.
All most all accommodations have an email address, but strangely no webpage address. None of the restaurants have a webpage listing, though, in 2005, many of the top restaurants have excellent web pages explaining their menu and prices, along with maps and enticing photos. The cost for each accommodation and restaurant is listed in dollars, instead of the insipid icons that other guides use. Kudos!!! Because of the fall of the dollar against the `Sol, you will need to add at least 10% to the quoted price for hotels.
Also, consider these three travelogues that will enhance your time in Peru: "Aguirre" by Stephen Minta, "White Rock" by Hugh Thomson and "Chasing Che" by Patrick Symmes. Lonely Planet guides are known for their no-nonsense, off the beaten path advise, this guide is no exception. Highly recommended. 5 stars.
 On: 2005-04-11
I have used several Lonely Planet guidebooks in the past and I have found them all to be very useful. Unfortunately, my copy of this book (5th edition) came missing pages 101-108 - the section dealing with Nazca. The rest of the book is good, but how can a publisher let an error like this make it onto the bookshelf or into Amazons warehouse?
by: ncpa On: 2005-03-05
I never visit a country with just one guidebook. For Peru, with its diversity of places and wildlife I got several. However if I really had to pick my favorite for Peru, I would chose Lonely Planet. The city maps are fairly good for the larger, more visited areas. The sections on history and culture are interesting and insightful without being too lengthy.
I particularly liked the section on health issues. This guidebook did a better job with altitude sickness, and some of the jungle diseases than any of the other guidebooks I have read. To my chagrim, I read that the two most commonly used medications for altitude sickness were contraindicated for me. I found out that I would have to plan well before my trip so that I could get all of the the proper immunizations for the jungle part of our trip. Based on the book, I decided to get a travel medicine consult--a very good move that probably saved me a lot of potential problems.
The sections on social customs and conveniences were helpful. You wouldnt buy a guidebook just because it has a section explaining Peruvain toilets and toilet paper, but things like this are really really useful if you are traveling with kids.
The climate charts for different sections of Peru only occupy a page or two, but are actually quite helpful in planning vacation dates.
I would have liked for the guide to include more information on the beautiful and remote Manu National Park. I had to buy another book and go on the Internet to get much information on that area.
On: 2004-12-21
The most up-to-date on Peru when it was published, it remained briefly the most popular, readable & user-friendly guide book on Peru for indicating highlights, cross-referencing & being available in English, French, Italian & Spanish.
You did not have to spend all day in your hotel room figuring how & where to go, & it is compact enough to carry everywhere. It was not just for backpackers but matured with Lonely Planets original customers to continue to serve a variety of generations.
For whatever reason you go to Peru, be prepared to vary your itinerary to integrate new interests that Perus diversity awake.
I agree that is better to start in the north coast with the oldest sites like El Brujo, Caral, Sechin, Chavin; the most interesting cultures like the Moche, Chimu & Chachapoyas; then the South Coast for Nazca & Paracas; before rising through Arequipa & Cuzco to appreciate the Incas & finish in the Altiplano having had some time to prepare for the altitude.
Site Museums & the Museo de la Nacion are the best, leave the more complicated Lima Museums till the end when you have some understanding of the cultural diversity.
Sadly it appears only every 3-5 years, the 2007 Lonely Planet has less info than Footprint & Rough Guide, no websites, out of date email addresses & has omitted almost all tour guides, but included its website on every page of its Peru & South America books.
Most others include websites & still list individual tour guides, while Lonely Planet includes out of date email addresses & hopes you will buy services from hotels & travel agents on their website.
There is none of the history of colonial Trujillo, how it links to the colonial houses, neighbours like Huanchaco or the highlands.
The instructions to El Brujo will leave you short by a 5km dry, dusty, remote walk, without the help of any map.
Huaca de la Luna is also omitted from the 2007 map on p.323, & El Brujo is misleadingly located on the map on P.323 & omitted from p.335 map.
It does not say that you have to walk kilometers from the road along a hot deserted path to Chan Chan.
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.
by: fred_bosanquet On: 2004-10-27
Lonely Planet Peru exhibits the standard advantages and deficiencies of a guide that attempts to cover the entirity of what is a large and diverse country. I used the guide predominantly in my travels in Cuzco and the surrounding area so the information may not be applicable for other parts.
On the plus side, the information is generally accurate and reasonably comprehensive. Useful bars, restaurants, museums, hostels, bus stops and other useful locations are mentioned. Of course, there are plenty of other places that are missed out but that is to be expected in a guide that is this concise.
The street maps are good and reasonably well detailed, although it would be useful if some plans of smaller towns (such as Chinchero) that are popular with tourists could be included in a future edition.
Sections detailing the history and culture of the country are informative but brief.
The main negative I found with the book is, that like many country guidebooks, it focuses too heavily on the showpiece attractions (such as Machu Picchu) where plenty of information is available anyway and not enough on the smaller attractions (such as the smaller Inca ruins) where it is often difficult to ascertain where they are and what their significance is.
Overall, Lonely Planet Peru is a useful basic guidebook to the country, but a traveller wishing to find out things in more detail will need to scour other sources of information as well.
On: 2004-07-18
Peru is a remarkably interesting country. This is a pretty good guidebook. One area where the guide could be improved is advising tourists on itineraries that work up to high altitude gradually. The easiest trips to arrange go straight from Lima at sea level to sleeping in a hotel in Cusco at 11,000 above sea level. At best you wont feel good and at worst you could get acute altitude sickness. A bit of planning, however, and you can either zip straight from the airport at Cusco to Aguas Calientes below Macchu Pichu (about 8000) or work your way up to Cusco from some towns that are at 7000. Simply by reshuffling your itinerary you can have a trip where you are feeling good and strong all the time rather than a trip where you stagger around breathlessly and suck down aspirin for the pounding headache.
On: 2004-07-17
Peru is a remarkably interesting country. This is a pretty good guidebook. One area where the guide could be improved is advising tourists on itineraries that work up to high altitude gradually. The easiest trips to arrange go straight from Lima at sea level to sleeping in a hotel in Cusco at 11,000 above sea level. At best you wont feel good and at worst you could get acute altitude sickness. A bit of planning, however, and you can either zip straight from the airport at Cusco to Aguas Calientes below Macchu Pichu (about 8000) or work your way up to Cusco from some towns that are at 7000. Simply by reshuffling your itinerary you can have a trip where you are feeling good and strong all the time rather than a trip where you stagger around breathlessly and suck down aspirin for the pounding headache.
On: 2003-08-23
I adored the writing style of this particular guidebook. I felt I knew the author after spending so much time reading it. Alas, the Arequipa section is outdated in the following areas: restaurants, cafes and entertainment. Establishments seem to come and go in Arequipa.
Also note that Arequipa is a region not just a town. I wish the guidebook had better expressed this reality. Nearly all of the adventure tours are a 5-6 hour bus ride out from Arequipa (and Peruvian buses that tend to break down). Allow enough time to travel between Arequipa and your adventures...
On: 2003-02-10
My wife and i were pen pals. when i wanted to make the trek to meet her.I was nervous. This book acurately descibed all of the various aspects of the country.This book helped prepare me and also get the right hotel. I LOVE PERU. One day i want to live there. the food is fabulous.the beer especially cuzquena is the best. also drink some inca kola if you get the chance. the churchs in lima are out of this world. A must see. Breath taking.
On: 2002-09-30
like all travel guides, you can find something that is not there in lonely planet peru... i traveled peru for three months last year and had the advantage of using three different guidebooks along the way... they all have their pros and cons, so a review of any of them must necessarily discuss these:the pros: the maps and city plans are substantially better than in the competitors guidebooks (where footprint is severely lacking, for example)... lonely planet is one of the few cheap-o style travel guidebooks that gives you information on at least a few hotels that are not youth hostels, dives or other forms of bottom-barrel accommodation; in other words, they at least give you a few mid-range and expensive options if you wish to go that way... all the essentials are there, with great suggestions on places to sleep, eat and visit the cons: as with ALL of the backpacker/youth travel guidebooks (LP, footprint, rough guide, lets go), the information on sights/monuments/museums, etc., is SEVERELY lacking... there is just the most basic of information on the history of the sights that you have gone so far to see... which makes it necessary to buy another book, pay an expensive guide or some such thing... (for instance, you will rarely read detailed descriptions of the artwork to be found in a church and are often left wandering about saying this is so beautiful, i wonder what it is...i wish the guidebook would tell me more!) i know this would make the guidebooks huge, but even 50% more information would be wonderful so as to have a little bit more of a grip on what you are looking at after taking a 12-hour bus ride through the andes to get there! which is why, despite its quality, i always felt the need to take another guidebook along, just in case...using my usual technique of tearing out just the pages i would need from each book
On: 2002-07-19
I have been working and doing some traveling in Peru the past 3 summers and have used Lonely Planet throughout. This year was my 2nd on the new green 4th ed. Although the regions I have visited have been quite out-of-the-way (in Moquegua & Amazonias) for the most part LP has it down OK. There are some things that are just wrong, but they do a good job of paying attention to those of us who write in with corrections and updates so when you buy an edition, it is often the best information available. The greatest advantage to LP is how comprehensive it is plus the concise text with decent maps do help considerably.I can strongly recommend sticking with LP regardless of whether you are sticking to tourist areas or making an attempt to interact with the real spirit of Peru by getting out and meeting people in the less well-traveled regions.
by: Anonymous On: 2002-07-17
Having just returned from Peru - I can say I fully appreciated having this book with me.However - the rules for hiking the Inca Trail were changed in 2001. You now have to be on a guided tour, it is not possible to hike the trail alone. Also you are required to register for tours at least two days prior to starting the trek. There are plenty of tour companys - charging between [price range] per person for the 4 - 5 day hike. Some thing else - is that when you fly to & from Cusco try to make all your flights early morning. As the ones in the afternoon are the ones that get cancelled more. It is a very useful book.
On: 2002-03-19
What else could you expect of Lonely Planet than a very useful guide with nearly all the information you could wish for. Its a miracle they succeed in keeping these books as up-to-date as they do.
Anyway, it helped me a lot during a one months journey in the Cuzco area.
I just wish the index would be more extensive, although, of course, it would add some extra grams to it.
On: 2002-03-10
This little purse-sized book is a great reference, especially for those who want to see more than Lima, Machupicchu & Cuzco. There are great tips on out-of-the-way places to visit and things to see that many might otherwise miss. The book makes great pre-trip reading or just good dreaming, and there is no doubt youll find room for it in your briefcase or backpack when you go. ...
On: 2001-10-11
Being Peruvian, it has been a great source for helpful hints that you normally dont find out easily.You can get excellent references, specially a good help to find cheap accomodation and to find out the best way to get to remote places. It tells you where and when is the best time to take buses and train for example to Machupicchu, and tells you the main atractions you shuoldnt miss. In the other hand its a little bit short in museums and historical explanations, they ned to make a deeper research. There is also a poor cover of the surf spots and beaches.
On: 2001-08-03
Whether youre traveling solo or with a group, the Lonely Planet Guide to Peru is by far the best travel book to pack in your suitcase (or backpack). Ill soon be returning to Peru and have read both the Lonely Planet and Insight Guides. Lonely Planet has the most interesting and useful travel information, and a generous helping of history as well. The guide is compact, and if I have any complaints at all, its that the small print is a bit hard to read by the end of the day; however, it is easier to pack. There are a lot of great city maps, and they ARE big enough to read. Lonely Planet gives you information you wont find in other guides. They have a personal touch only possible when youve been to the place youre writing about. They helped me travel solo in India in 1988 and 1990 and they are as good as ever in 2001. Thanks Lonely Planet! Keep those great guides coming!
On: 2001-04-23
hola quisiera saber cuanto cuesta alquilar una casa en Cuzcopara abrir un hostal,,que tenga 15 o 20 cuartos
On: 2001-01-18
Lonely Planet Peru by Rob Rachowiecki is a good guide for Peru, but however, like others have said, this edition does not have much difference from the last edition. Many of the parts of Lima, Cuzco, etc., have not been changed at all, or if it has, it has been minimal. The chapter on Lima really needs to be updated, especially the introduction. Another problem is that the author has discluded many interesting places in Peru, such as the towns around Ayacucho. It says the names of towns, but the book never tells the reader about the place. Again, another problem with this book is its lackluster detail on Peruvian food. Peruvian food is in the top three of the western hemisphere for quality and the quantity of dishes, yet the author only mentions a scat few. Overall, this book is good for those who want a small and light book to take with you to Peru, but get another book thats even more updated like the Rough Guide to Peru. Technically, I would rate this edition 3 and a half stars.
On: 2000-12-28
This very recent guide published by Lonely Planet in year 2000 is an indisensable and wonderful tool to take to Peru with you. As always, LP has explored the country, giving you advice on places to stay - from top 5-star hotels to low-budget accommodation - as well as restaurants, transport, etc. There is little or nothing which you wont find in this book, because this guide has it all... Including indispensable advice on local customs, how to deal with people, what to buy, etc, as well as historical, social and political overviews, all up-to-date ! A small piece of luggage, but well worth the weight and the price.
On: 2000-12-27
This very recent guide published by Lonely Planet in year 2000 is an indisensable and wonderful tool to take to Peru with you. As always, LP has explored the country, giving you advice on places to stay - from top 5-star hotels to low-budget accommodation - as well as restaurants, transport, etc. There is little or nothing which you wont find in this book, because this guide has it all... Including indispensable advice on local customs, how to deal with people, what to buy, etc, as well as historical, social and political overviews, all up-to-date ! A small piece of luggage, but well worth the weight and the price.
by: Anonymous On: 2000-12-13
I am extremely disapointed with the tone Lonely Plane has decided to take with this book. Instead of highlighting the beautiful spots, the wonderful people and overall magnificent country that Peru is - the author has decided to take a negative tone throughout the book. No side trips off the beaten track, it goes into detail describing typical tourist traps (certainly not why what one goes to LonelyPlanet looking for). Not enough recommendations for day itineraries, an overall boring read with no insightful advice on what to do. And a flat negative tone for everything else.
On: 2000-11-22
Its very important for a lot of travelers like me who are traveling by motorcycle or by car or even in a bycicle that the distances are measured by kilometers and not in bus hours. One of the few distances that appear is the one from Cusco to Puerto Maldonado, and maybe the conversion from miles to kilometers failed. from Cusco to Quincemil there are 272 kilometers not 250 as the book says. IS STILL THE BEST GUIDE TO EVERYWHERE IVE TRAVELED THIS FAR
On: 2000-09-15
Id used Lonely Planet several times in both east and west Africa, and was impressed by the breadth of their coverage. So when planning a trip to South America, I bought their guide to Peru, as well as their books to Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. The plan was to start in Quito and spend six months en route to Tierra del Fuego. Well, Im in Cuzco now, and just steps from Machu Picchu, Ive dumped all four at a book exchange. The Ecuador book (last written about eight coups and one currency ago) was a joke. Some of the museums I tried to visit had disappeared or moved, years ago. Many of the railways I tried to ride had been crushed in mudslides. The restaurants they recommended? Some never existed at all, according to townspeople. But it wasnt until Peru that I really lost all patience. The transportation information is a joke, and some of the information about jungle trekking near Iquitos is downright dangerous. The most infuriating thing about this is that this was a brand-new edition--it came out right before I left. Yet I really dont think they updated a single thing in the book--Ive compared it with other travelers old editions, and the two are identical; basically, Lonely Planet slapped another cover on the same old coverage and re-released it. I wouldnt recommend Lonely Planets South American books to anyone. __________________________
On: 2000-07-28
This is one of the few travel guides to Peru available - I hadnt used a Lonely Planet guide before my recent trip, but I found this one chock full of information. Read the first section before you leave, and carry it with you during your trip for on-the-spot access to restaurants, city maps, archaelogical sites, and other get-around info. Highly recommended, although there arent too many pictures (I had used the EyeWitness series of travel guides on previous trips, and longed for the myriad of photos contained in those books).
On: 2000-07-28
Overall, Lonely Planet is my favorite series of travel guides. In many ways, the Peru 2000 edition is excellent. It covers a lot of secondary tourist destinations, and its maps are definitely better than what you find in other guidebooks. But, and this is a big but, there isnt much difference between this version and the previous one. I expect a new edition to cover new territory but this one is basically a repeat of the previous one; the only notable difference is that the author has added a bunch of e-mail addresses for hotels.
On: 2000-06-08
My finger oil and dirt are all over the pages of my LP Peru book... I used it a lot, and it was accurate, informative, and reliable (or at least as much so as possible when accounting for the constant changes in the dynamic 3rd world). I stayed mostly in 2-star hostels or hotels, and all described in LP were accurate. I even managed to avoid getting sick from food while eating at many of LPs recommended eateries. (I would strongly recommend, however, to heed the warnings about altitude sickness.:) ) When they said a hotel or hostel was a good value, it was certainly accurate. I found LP Peru to be the best of the 3 LPs I used on the trip (Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil). Most maps are good, but sometimes street names are mentioned in the text and one has to search the maps street by street to find it (a minor complaint). Overall... its certainly a recommended book for Peru-bound travelers.
On: 2000-04-20
The best reference to plan your trip; everything is included. Its so inclusive, youll probably decide to take notes and leave the book at your hotel when you hike about the ruins of Machu Picchu (for example).
by: Anonymous On: 2000-04-04
This book is well organized, presenting important and useful information in an easy-to-read format. Facts about the country and guidance for travel within Peru are included in the first four chapters in the book. The next several chapters are neatly organized by area within Peru. The colored tabs are a great help in finding the different sections of the book. The map of Peru inside the front of the book is in color, giving instant information to the reader about the elevation of the area, along with a brief description of the highlights of the area. Great book!
by: Anonymous On: 2000-04-01
Superbly written guide which overflows with the authors obvious love for this country, dont leave this on the bookshelf if you are going to Peru.
On: 2000-02-04
As a still up and coming traveller, Peru was one of my first trips as a tourist, and the LP Peru was the perfect complement to a fantastic country. My only real qualm is that Rob Rachowiecki, who has an excellent writing style, loves the country so much that he reccommends nearly everything it has to offer, which could make a trip difficult for someone with limited time; I was there a month and I know I will have to go back to see everything the book mentions. But if you know what you want, youll find everything you need to know from this well laid out and entertaining guide. Rob Rachowiecki knows a hell of a lot about travelling and about being a traveller, he is an exceptional writer. And it makes great travel reading for the less scenic travelling spots, so you can find out about all the amazing things you missed.
On: 2000-01-02
This one will tell you how it is. The best guide book. We successfully navigated through the airport at Lima, the taxi cabs, hotels, restaurants, tours, domestic airlines, scams and the Inca Trail with this survival guide!
by: Anonymous On: 1999-10-02
No comments on accomodations info, I dont think one should ever rely on a book for this kind of info, things can change to quickly, especially in a country like Peru. This book had the best mix of pictures, maps, and tourist info. Insight guides has more pictures, but Id take this and leave the larger, heavier Insight at home. also reviewed, Insight guides Peru, Rough Guide Peru, and Peru Handbook by Alan Murphy.
by: Anonymous On: 1999-06-09
This book is very useful and even necessary if youre planning to go to Peru. However, prices (hotels, restaurants and airport tax...) need to be updated!
by: Anonymous On: 1999-04-29
The information in this book may have been accurate when first published but now (April 1999) it is well out-of-date and consequently the book has limited value. There is a new edition coming out later this year.
by: Anonymous On: 1998-08-05
The Lonely Planet Guide to Peru was the most useful travel book I purchased before my visit to Cuzco and Lima. The cultural and more prosaic travel information in it was invaluable, and the excellent index made it possible for me to access all the facts that I needed easily and completely. If I were to take one travel guide with me to Peru, this is the one Id want at hand.
by: Anonymous On: 1998-06-09
This book helped make an independent trip to Peru easy -- considering I dont speak more than 50 words of Spanish! Many Peruvians I encountered were impressed by the quantity/thoroughness of information in the book.
by: Anonymous On: 1998-04-23
I used the Lonely Planet Peru guide extensively on my trip to Peru in August 1997 and an earlier edition when I traveled to Peru/Ecuador in 1994. Both times I found the information to be clear, concise and right on target. Lonely Planet is particularly good for "straight from the hip" information on lodging, restaurants and getting around a country. However, I prefer the Insights Peru guide for more detailed information on the countries culture and descriptions of certain sites. I also used the Rough Guide to Peru, but found that the information in Lonely Planet Peru was more complete for every area of Peru with the exception of Manu. When I returned from Peru I sent comments to each of the three guides I used and found the Lonely Planet was the only one that openly welcomed comments and made it easy to submit them. Rob Rachowiecki exhibited a clear understanding of the current conditions in Peru and his writing left me itching to leave on my adventure. I highly recommend this guide
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