This is an interesting book written in a direct and fluid style. The details and explanations are very credible and should be required reading for everyone that has a Guevara poster on their wall. Not that they would read anything that contradicts their distorted world view, of course. To the credit of the author and translator, this book seems like it would be dry and dull, but it is not. If you're interested in history and South America, then I recommend this book.

okay i'm reviewing this w/ an 8 year old's eyes-back when my uncle wrote this book and before he launched himself into his hard core church growth and spritual warfare mode-he wrote this book as a dedicated missionary of the gospel.i have no room any longer for any of the religious nonsense that accompanies my family's lives-however, i very much loved this book as a child and thought my uncle one fine guy.i should probably re-read this book-but, i think it best to let the memories live on.he doesn't need this review to continue writing or selling his books anyway.

The Foreign Service has many would-be-writers,who want to turn their exotic overseas adventures into novels and short stories. I know because I'm one of them. It is a rare one who can transform those experiences into stand-alone literary creations that do not center on the American diplomat protagonist. Mark Jacobs has succeeded. He is an inspiration. His foreign characters come alive. The interactions of cultures rings true. His sensitivity shines. I'm glad he's a writer. I'm also glad he represents his country abroad.

I bought this volume first and should have thought of it but I didn't ... since the central neotropics have many of the animals of the northern and the southern areas of the continent, many animals are only covered in shorthand style in this volume, as they've already been described in the other two volumes.

The relatively small number of color-plates was also a bit disappointing. Finally the size of the book (height & breadth) makes it a real challenge to take with you on a field trip. The information on species that *are* described in detail in this volume, however, is excellent. Distribution maps, behavior, detailed measurements, anatomical details and lots of references to source literature make it a joy to read and browse through.

In summary I'd say that, provided you purchase the whole series, it's an excellent reference and clearly deserves 5 stars. As a field guide it's of limited use, because it's so bulky, so that's 3 stars. ... makes 4 stars on average.

The best map printed for the Cordillera Real. More accurate than anything you will find in La Paz. The names often vary according to what the locals and climbers use, but the basic geographic info is suprisingly accurate. Buy this map before you come to Bolivia, because it is not available down here.

For anyone with an interest in Bolivia this book is an engrossing read. It gives a picture of Bolivia as it was in the early part of the century thru the eyes of a sympathetic but critical Englishman who lived in places not on most tourist itineraries. The only bizarre aspect is the ludicrous introduction cobbled onto this new edition: neo-Marxist PC drivel according to the current academic fad.

I just returned from Bolivia with this book as my only guide. I nearly threw it out the bus window in frustration. Although much of the out of date information is due to the fact that the book is five years old, there is no excuse for the scores of addresses for museums and the like that are completely wrong. There is also a major lack of basic info like the location of bus terminals. I also heard from many people who got lost for days trying to follow the book's directions on treks. Best to pay a little extra and hire a reputable guide who knows the area. Also be aware that because of changes in the Bolivian phone company, virtually none of the telephone numbers in the book are correct. It's definately time for a new edition, hopefully done with a little more care.

I just returned from my 4th visit to Bolivia, using my 3rd Lonely Planet guide. During one month in 4 cities, I became increasingly frustrated with the same dead ends that other reviewers have mentioned...incorrect phone info, little e-info, disappearing restaurants, etc., due to the guide's 1996 date. I have never appreciated Swaney's arrogant and condescending attitude toward one of my favorite nations and its people, and found it even more annoying each time I had to cross out another bit of her outdated information. Having whined and complained, I still must admit that this guide is by far the best for leading me to the specific kinds of hotels and eating places I'm always looking for, and giving me just the amount of historic and cultural detail I'm seeking. Lonely Planet is by far the most thorough and comprehensive guide to all of Bolivia (--others focus mainly on the Andes--), and I long for a new edition....hopefully penned by someone with more respect for the country than Swaney seems to have.

As always, this is a piece of lullage well worth its price and its weight. It contains unparalleled advice on how to get around in this wonderful land, from the heights bordering Peru to the low lands of Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. The advice is clear, well-writte, useful, and entertaining at the same time. Its only problem is that it dates back to 1996, and lots of things have changed since then.

I have been using this book when trekking in P&B in 1996. I have found many treks (in Colca Canyon, Cordillera Real for example) to be erroneus and very outdated (15 years at least regarding Colca). I've checked later editions (but not this one) and they didn't change a thing What's good about this book is that it at least tells you were you can possibly trek, but be very carefull later and don't trust the book to much or you'll be in trouble

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 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.

A top drawer travel guide should not only give you relyable 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 anthopological 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 temptures that get down to -25C. Hum. Recommended.

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.