Bolivia Handbook: The Travel Guide (Footprint Handbooks)

I was saddened by this review. As author of Footprint's Bolivia Handbook, and someone who lived in La Paz for a while, I have a deep affection for the country and its people. The accusation that I "speak in a very bad way" about the country is deeply offensive and shows that the reader hasn't bothered to read the text thoroughly before sharing their views. This guidebook is by no means perfect - no guidebook every can be - but at least it strives to be honest. Sometimes, unfortunately, certain people take exception to this policy.

I really enjoyed this travel book: Even though my family-in-law is Bolivian, this book still offered new information (to them and me) and really helped me get around. Lots of practical info on banks and restaurants for the seasoned traveller. The best part is all the historical and cultural information which is an interesting read in itself. Very up-to-date with funny descriptions of some of the more adventurous activities in Bolivia. Highly recommended.

A top drawer travel guide should not only give you reliable facts and information on the country you are going to, but paint pictures, tell stories and capture your imagination while stimulating your desire to go and explore. The Bolivia handbook does all of these and more. Murphy's section on Culture is the best anthropological treatment in travel handbooks on the market today. He has a few week areas, but they are minor. His section "Responsible Tourism" (Eco-Tourism) could stand more in depth treatment of the state of ecology. And, a personal area of irritation, especial for a "Yank", is Murphy (who is English) elected to use only the metric system, forgetting that most Americans have yet to grasp metric conversion. Thus, Lake Titicaca covers 8,300 sq. km., rises 5m each season and have temperature that get down to -25C. Hum. Recommended.