Backpacking and Trekking in Peru and Bolivia

Fortunately, the daunting size of the book wasn't a factor. I used Backpacking... in 2000 mainly in Bolivia. I was disconcerted by the lack of updated information, but overall the maps and descriptions are very helpful. I spent three weeks in western Amboro National Park studying river otters and the impact of human presence in the area; I used Bradt's 1995 edition during a reconnaisance into the area two years ago, and found Jon Derksen's descriptions thorough and informative. Two tips--unbuckle your pack while fording rivers, and float your pack during deeper crossings were particularly insightful. What is more, the trip paved the way for the recent otter study. (Mr. Derksen, if you read this, I found the 'message in the bottle' you left in the crack in the 'cave'! Did you ever make it to the headwaters of the Macunucu?).

Although I've read negative reviews about the 1999 edition, over the past ten years I have used "Trekking and Backpacking in Peru and Bolivia" as a reliable source of information both for myself and friends. Sure, some of the details are outdated, but there isn't a travel guide out there where that isn't the case. What I like about the Bradt publication is that it rounds out the hiking experience, offering alternatives and interesting insights. I have found especially valuable the 1995 ed. section on Bolivian National Parks--the information provided a gateway to some amazing adventures I had in the Apolobamba (a must see) and Amboro National Park. I know Bolivia quite well, and can say that this book is an important addition to the Andean travelers backpack.

I found 'Backpacking and Trekking...' a worthwhile read. I've spent six years running tours into the Andes and this latest edition offered me some good tips on some great hikes. Like any guide of its kind some of the information is no longer accurate, but the Bolivia section was particularly useful, since it is the area I know least.

I spent a total of two months in Bolivia, and 'Backpacking and Trekking...' was my constant companion. Perhaps most useful were the national parks sections written by John Dirkson. Although some of the telphone numbers were outdated, the maps and detailed route information were excellent. Thanks to Bradt Publications.