New 7th Edition Offers Important Updated Information

books:


	• Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands (Country Guide) Danny Palmerlee, Carolyn McCarthy, ... Lonely Planet, 2006 - 440 pages average customer review:based on 15 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Superb Guidebook

I went on a one-week long trip in Quito and its surroundings. It was my first trip to South America, also to a country where I do not speak the language fluently. This one had accurate descriptions of places I wanted to see, and it also gave precise directions on how to get to the places that are outside Quito. I have visited extensively the capital and other near areas, and from little-known corner eateries to magical trees, everything is noted in this book. Lonely Planet never failed to amaze me again in this one.

New 7th Edition Offers Important Updated Information

I purchased the latest edition of this book shortly after it's release on November, 30 and was very impressed with it's significant improvements over the 6th edition. I bought the previous book 2 years ago and, even at that time, was struck by how out of date and inaccurate some of it's information was. My wife grew up in Ecuador, still has family living there and goes back every year to visit (I go there with her every 2 years). So we, especially she, have a pretty good idea about what is happening in the country in terms of politics, prices and other information relevant to travellers. But we were disappointed how the previous book barely mentioned the major impact of dollarization on the Ecuadorian economy and the substantial increase in prices it has caused. So much so that most Ecuadorian families now have at least one or more family members working overseas in order to send money home just so the family can survive.

Fortunately, the 7th edition provides much more up to date information on this subject and others. Of course, prices for travellers are also more accurate since this edition is "hot off the presses". The book does a good job of covering all regions of the country - the Andes mountains, the Pacific coast and the Amazon rainforest. Lonely Planet, as usual, includes not only the big cities and major tourist attractions. But also small towns and other "off the beaten path" places that may be of interest for those exploring the tremendous natural beauty and cultural diversity that Ecuador has to offer.

Lonely Planet is still among my favorite publisher of travel guides. But, this book, like many LP guides, seems to have moved away from the free-spirited, adventurous approach to travel that characterized it's early years. Nowadays, the guides seem much more inclined to politically correct lectures - no hitchhiking, no intoxicants, be a good little backpacker, blah, blah, blah. Of course, I understand the importance of being respectful towards the environment and local culture, making safe and responsible decisions, etc. But I also feel that LP's writers sometimes have their own political agenda to push and take an overly self-righteous tone that is more indicitative of Western values than Ecuadorian ones. Heck, I'm part of an Ecuadorian family myself now and I know that they would find alot of LP's advice and commentary about "how to behave" to be exaggerated and ridiculous. Ecuadorians are generally a very laid back and fun loving people. Of course, you should be respectful of Ecuador's beautiful nature and diverse cultures. But also relax, enjoy yourself and don't let LP's excessively "politically correct" attitude bog you down.

Still the 7th edition is a big improvement over the 6th and I recommend it for those travelling to Ecuador in the near future.

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Nice

Excellent book to give you an idea of Ecuador and help you plan your trip.

ecuador revealed

this book is not only informative but gives insight into the ecuadorian people.one feels as though you had already travelled there and were reading some memories.
the pics are fantastic...although i would have prefered more.
the descriptions are excellent and the suggestions are being hi-lited for our trip.
makes for great reading.

Good reading, info worked in a pinch

Basically the layout and info is good, though some important stuff was outdated,ie current location of the terminal terrestre (bus station) in Quito (This created some testy, but fun conversation with the taxi driver). One thing to beware of---the map symbols and numbers are miniscule. Granted, I am 50 andy eyesight isn't what it used to be. But if there is any one most important info in a travel guide,it's the maps. Grow it please.
Nice size overall for lightwgt travel.
Narratives on history and background just right.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3

Climb the snow-capped peak of Volcán Chimborazo, the most distant point from the center of the Earth. Get up close and personal with capuchin monkeys in the central plaza of Misahuallí. Step back in time at Ingapirca, Ecuador?s finest example of Inca architecture. Take in the surf scene on the south coast. Sophisticated cities, glaciated volcanoes, the lush Amazon Basin ? our inimitable guide gives you access to all the treasures of exotic Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.

Go Wild ? special chapter on Galápagos wildlife by noted nature writer David Andrew helps you identify the many species unique to the islands.

Venture Out ? expanded focus on activities, adventure and ecotravel, plus a dedicated Itineraries chapter to help you explore this compact yet varied country.

Get Smart ? comprehensive History and Culture chapters provide insight into Ecuador?s volatile political landscape and vital indigenous communities.

Walk The Walk ? discover the colonial charms of Quito and Cuenca with our detailed maps and walking tour.

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