No comments about Travels in South America, during the Years 1819-20-21: Containing an Account of the Present State of Brazil, Buenos Ayres, and Chile. Volume 2.

1 comments about Backpacking Chile & Argentina.

1. Having spent over 18 months hiking throughout the Chilean park system I looked forward to reading Tim Burford's guide to backpacking and hiking in Chile and Argentina, I was disappointed. I can only comment on parts of the guide that deal with areas of Chile I am familiar with. The far north of Chile is dealt with in 5 1/2 pages and after getting through the usual list of animals to be seen the 5 parks, 7 reserves and 2 national monuments are briefly described as attractive and amazing but very little is said about actual hiking and trekking access or trails. I can assure you there are dozens of well known trails throughout the parks, reserves and national monuments mentioned in the far north section. The three featured hikes in Santiago area are dealt with in a more detailed manner but this area as well as the three featured hikes described in the Araucania section, the five or so in the Chilean Lakes section, the three in the Carettera Austral section and the hikes in the Patagonia section seem to be be more of the same served up in other well known guides - not much new. I would characterize Tim Burford's guide as Chile and Argentina Lite. The maps are sufficient for only the most casual observation. If one is considering some serious hiking and trekking in southern Chile then I would reccomend Clem Lindenmayer's trekking in the Patagonian Andes. The maps are more informative, the information is focused on dealing with trekking and hiking issues and the flora and fauna are presented as an integral part of the life in in the wide open spaces.

No comments about Facundo: Civilization and Barbarism (Latin American Literature and Culture).

3 comments about Idle Days in Patagonia.

1. This is a tranquil, contemplative work of reflection on the varieties of nature. Like the amazing bird that changes its song regularly when one of its species, for reasons unkown, 'decides' to create a new melody which the others then follow. Another thing to look out for is the sensation that Hudson's glasses has on the local indigenous population - mocking laughter turns to incredulous amazement. This book brought peace to my life, and hopefully increased my sensitivity to natural wonders all around me - everyday ones as well as the extraordinary.



2. What I love about the writings of W. H. Hudson is his wonderful descriptions of the flora, fauna, and folklore of South America. But I suppose it is true what they say about idle minds. There is way too much anthropological philosophizing in this book and it gets tedious. The romance with rugged naturalism is a bit much.



3. Of the three non-fiction books I've read by W.H.Hudson(the other two being The Naturalist in La Plata and A Shepherd's Life)this is far the weakest. Where the personality of the writer was unobtrusive in the other works, it becomes intrusive to the point of being offensive in Idle Days in Patagonia. There are some interesting anecdotes about local characters and happenings, as well as details about animal behavior. But the biggest drawback is the overlong philosophical rambling, of which the topics sometimes seem downright trivial. However, don't be put off by one lesser work. The Naturalist in La Plata is an excellent book of natural history of the pampas, and A Shepheds's Life is quite good as well.

No comments about La Patagonia de Chatwin (Rumbo Sur).

No comments about Buenos Aires: A Cultural and Literary History (Cities of the Imagination).

No comments about A State of Fear: Memories of Argentina's Nightmare (Eland Classics).

No comments about Argentina.

4 comments about Moon Handbooks Buenos Aires (Moon Handbooks : Buenos Aires).

1. South American guidebooks aren't as plentiful as those from other parts of the world, so I often have to buy several to get complete information. This Buenos Aires edition from Moon Handbooks was surprising because it not only included some great information on the city, but had better information on surrounding areas like Montevideo than my other Uruguay book. Also included up-to-date hotel information that was simply missing from the others.



2. I just spent six weeks in Buenos Aires and used this book as a guide to my daily activities. Useful for more than just getting around, the book gives a careful, balanced view of many aspects of life in BsAs. The list of suggested readings in the back of the book shows the author's good taste. Instead of a book filled with hyperboles and hasty suggestions, you have a volume of reliable, thoughtful observations. An excellent companion to the beautiful city.



3. Of the five Argentina guides I brought with me (3/2006) this guide is the least useful and, the most out of date. Do not let the publishing date fool you; the information in this guide comes from research done in 2001/2002.
   
   In the past four years much has changed in Buenos Aires. None of the hotel rates given in this guide are anywhere near what is being charged today. There are hotels that charge triple what this guide quotes.
   
   The writing is uninspired and reads like something that you would read a government office of tourism. There is little information to helps you connect with the unique culture and characteristics of Buenos Aires. The maps in this guide are very difficult to use. The publisher has crammed everything on one map: hotels, restaurants, sights to see, etc. There are much better maps in other guides. The guide's recommendations for restaurants is sub-par in comparison to other guides.
   
   For Buenos Aires, one of the best guides out is Fodor's `Argentina'. Fodor's has excellent maps of the city and it has great recommendations for both restaurants and accommodations. Caveat: only use Fodor's `Argentina' (3rd edition) for Buenos Aires, outside of the capitol Fodor's is dismal as a guide. For a great all around Argentina guide consider either Lonely Planet Argentina 2005 or Rough Guide Argentina 2005. This guide is not recommended.



4. I have traveled to most all "corners" of the world and purchased many guidebooks. This one is without a doubt the best yet. The prices quoted are about 2/3 of actual but the economy in Argentina changes quickly at times and all are in relation to inflated costs per vendor. My congratulations to the writer and thank you for making my trip so much better!

No comments about Argentina / Chile / Uruguay / Paraguay Map.