Lonely Planet Trekking in the Central Andes

I endorse other reviewer's opinion that the book is useful in particular as a pre-trip planning. In this sense, in my opinion the book is well written, and contains a wealth of information on the subject. However, by comparing it for example with the similar LP guide *Trekking in the Indian Himalaya", it lacks some useful information, like description of side-trips, e.g. easy climbings along the trek. In addition, the index contains only geographical locations, which limits its usefullness.

I can only speak to how helpful this book was to me on my trek (the Alpamayo circuit) and for the most part, it was a valuable friend to have along the way. The route description was well detailed and for the most part everything was as the book said it would be. Admittedly, it would have been nice if the book had mentioned the surfeit of horseflies which attack you in the Huiscash campsite, as apparently this is a well known campsite for the bothersome biting flies which dive-bomb you 5 at a time. I would have brought some bug repellent if I had known. But other than minor things like this, the book served it purpose very well, and I hope to use it again for when I go back to this beautiful part of the world. One suggestion I would make is to add a few more pages of Spanish words at the back of the book....that could only prove helpful.

I thought this book was very informative. It described quickly the geology and other "natural" facts about the area as well as supply excellent descriptions of the trails. It is small enough to carry with you.