Lonely Planet Perou

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you’re going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling’s “been there” advice. The original backpacker’s bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money. Lonely Planet Peru is a good practical guide for independent travelers, whether they plan to explore Peru by dugout canoe, train, bus, or foot. Highlights include 64 maps of regions, towns, and historical sites; extensive background on archaeological sites; advice on food and accommodations for every budget; a useful history section ranging from pre-Inca cultures to modern; helpful hints on outdoor activities; and a traveler’s Spanish section. Intriguing sidebars provide details on topics such as Inca Trail tours, fiestas, and folklore about Lake Titicaca, human sacrifice in the Andes, archaeology around Paracas, a week on the Amazon, and the Shipibo Indians, as well as their handicrafts. –Kathryn True