Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Average customer rating:

New 7th Edition Offers Important Updated Information
6th edition 3.5 stars... time for update, guys
You can take it with you
Solid Travel Reference
Outdated, lacks some good info

Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands (Lonely Planet Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands)
Danny Palmerlee , Carolyn McCarthy , and Michael Grosberg
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 174104295X

Book Description

Climb the snow-capped peak of Volcán Chimborazo, the most distant point from the center of the Earth. Get up close and personal with capuchin monkeys in the central plaza of Misahuallí. Step back in time at Ingapirca, Ecuador's finest example of Inca architecture. Take in the surf scene on the south coast. Sophisticated cities, glaciated volcanoes, the lush Amazon Basin - our inimitable guide gives you access to all the treasures of exotic Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

o GO WILD - special chapter on GalÃ¡pagos wildlife by noted nature writer David Andrew helps you identify the many species unique to the islands <BR>o VENTURE OUT - expanded focus on activities, adventure and ecotravel, plus a dedicated Itineraries chapter to help you explore this compact yet varied country <BR>o GET SMART - comprehensive History and Culture chapters provide insight into Ecuador's volatile political landscape and vital indigenous communities <BR>o WALK THE WALK - discover the colonial charms of Quito and Cuenca with our detailed maps and walking tour

Customer Reviews:

New 7th Edition Offers Important Updated Information.......2006-12-15

I purchased the latest edition of this book shortly after it's release on November, 30 and was very impressed with it's significant improvements over the 6th edition. I bought the previous book 2 years ago and, even at that time, was struck by how out of date and inaccurate some of it's information was. My wife grew up in Ecuador, still has family living there and goes back every year to visit (I go there with her every 2 years). So we, especially she, have a pretty good idea about what is happening in the country in terms of politics, prices and other information relevant to travellers. But we were disappointed how the previous book barely mentioned the major impact of dollarization on the Ecuadorian economy and the substantial increase in prices it has caused. So much so that most Ecuadorian families now have at least one or more family members working overseas in order to send money home just so the family can survive.

Fortunately, the 7th edition provides much more up to date information on this subject and others. Of course, prices for travellers are also more accurate since this edition is "hot off the presses". The book does a good job of covering all regions of the country - the Andes mountains, the Pacific coast and the Amazon rainforest. Lonely Planet, as usual, includes not only the big cities and major tourist attractions. But also small towns and other "off the beaten path" places that may be of interest for those exploring the tremendous natural beauty and cultural diversity that Ecuador has to offer.

Lonely Planet is still among my favorite publisher of travel guides. But, this book, like many LP guides, seems to have moved away from the free-spirited, adventurous approach to travel that characterized it's early years. Nowadays, the guides seem much more inclined to politically correct lectures - no hitchhiking, no intoxicants, be a good little backpacker, blah, blah, blah. Of course, I understand the importance of being respectful towards the environment and local culture, making safe and responsible decisions, etc. But I also feel that LP's writers sometimes have their own political agenda to push and take an overly self-righteous tone that is more indicitative of Western values than Ecuadorian ones. Heck, I'm part of an Ecuadorian family myself now and I know that they would find alot of LP's advice and commentary about "how to behave" to be exaggerated and ridiculous. Ecuadorians are generally a very laid back and fun loving people. Of course, you should be respectful of Ecuador's beautiful nature and diverse cultures. But also relax, enjoy yourself and don't let LP's excessively "politically correct" attitude bog you down.

Still the 7th edition is a big improvement over the 6th and I recommend it for those travelling to Ecuador in the near future.

6th edition 3.5 stars... time for update, guys.......2006-03-26

I'm a Lonely Planet addict who knew better than to blindly buy this edition (if you order one now -6th edition, as I did, you'll get 2003 info), but addicts usually are not known for using their heads.

Quito is rather different nowadays, bus lines are new, and there are different security issues.

At least I can say that 6th ed authors err on the side of caution (eg it's risky to expect to book last minute space on Galapagos boats; or take a taxi at night even if you're going one block), but the exceptions to these dicta are too great to accept that this edition is up-to-date. The errors in museum hours and bus info (Mitad del Mundo, for one) need revision.

Worst thing about ANY Lonely Planet is their system of maps. Reader never gets text of an attraction or restaurant or hotel referenced to map location. AND if you need reading glasses, just forget about using these maps when you're in a dark taxi or dark restaurant (often the places you need to read them). Bringing a magnifying glass is not always easy.

Another grouse... while authors want to tell the traveler that the most conveniences are in the Mariscal Sucre area (gringo landia), they don't leave it at that. They list almost no restaurants & resources outside that area. I thank the authors for including my fringe area hotel in the book, for I can walk to grungy backpacker-ville any time I want to, BUT there is a true pressure towards a kind of "this is where you will stay because most travelers do." Get off the beaten path, fellas!

So, thanks for the tips, but I'm glad I used travelwise.com and other resources. Lonely Planet system may be a thing of the past soon.

You can take it with you.......2006-02-24

I've used LP before for trips. Once you get the book, you are invited to go on-line for up-dates. There you are directed to "The Thorn Tree" forum. I used it just about every day to keep well-informed and prepare for the trip. The guide is an easy ready and full of useful information. Prior uses were very accurate.

Solid Travel Reference.......2005-11-28

Many travelers depend on LONELY PLANET travel guides, and usually with good reason. I used this very practical travel guide during my summer (2005) visit to the affordable and thoroughly enchanting nation of Ecuador. This edition contains much valuable information on budget hotels, travel hostels, local customs and fauna. Just as importantly, there's the vital information on getting to and from cities, resort areas, train stations, bus stations, airports, city centers, etc.

I have the 6th edition printed in 2003, and gave it just four stars because there were a few inaccuracies and omissions - something one doesn't expect from Lonely Planet. For example, Quito's population is bigger than 1.4 million, some prices have risen a bit, and not every budget hotel is listed Still, this remains a solid travel reference for budget (and non-budget) travelers, and one hopes the next edition will correct the small number of misses in this one. Perhaps the best recommendation comes from the many international travelers in Ecuador that one saw carrying this book.

Outdated, lacks some good info.......2005-09-19

Two years after print, I found the LP Ecuador guide to be very outdated. The book was written when the Sucre was the currency of Ecuador, now that they have change to the dollar, all of the prices have increased 20%-40% over what the book says. Also, I found that it lacked information on good, reliable tour operators. I found more reliable tour operators and better prices by doing online searches and by going to the towns and asking around. I believe that a lot has changed in Ecuador since the publication of this 6th addition so I suggest finding a more recently published guide.

Lonely Planet Ecuador Y Las Islas Galapagos (Lonely Planet. (Spanish Guides))

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Ecuador Y Las Islas Galapagos (Lonely Planet. (Spanish Guides))
Danny Palmerlee , and Michael Grosberg
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Lonely Planet | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Lonely Planet Ecuador Y Las Islas Galapagos (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Ecuador Y Las Islas Galapagos (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)
Rob Rachowiecki
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Lonely Planet | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Lonely Planet Ecuador and the Galapagos (4th ed)

Average customer rating:

Great help for budget travelers
Old, but plentiful information
A very practical, up-to-date view of Ecuador.
Another triumphant edition, a "must have" for travelers.
Terrific

Lonely Planet Ecuador and the Galapagos (4th ed)
Rob Rachowiecki
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Lonely Planet | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0864423489

Amazon.com

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years, and as a result has experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

Lonely Planet's Equador and the Galápagos Islands takes you from the colonial capitol of Quito to remote Andean villages. You'll learn about volcanoes to climb, jungles to explore, and sea lions to swim alongside. The author includes essential details on conservation issues, ecotourism, national parks, and reserves. Also provided is an excellent 30-page color guide to Galápagos wildlife. --Kathryn True

Book Description

55 Maps

Customer Reviews:

Great help for budget travelers.......2000-02-24

An excelent guide for people wanting to see Ecuador better than the average tourist, it has wonderfully explained items precious for off the beat explorers. A new edition is needed though due to the devaluation of the Sucre (prices are as lower as a third of what the book says)

Old, but plentiful information.......1999-09-16

Well researched, but rests on its laurels. Many descriptions in this 1997 publication are unchanged from the previous edition, which I believe was 1992. If you publish twice a decade, at least update the research you did 5 years ago.

A very practical, up-to-date view of Ecuador........1999-02-07

My wife and I have lived in Ibarra, Ecuador for a year now. We have used this book extensively in locating a place to live and touring throughout the country. Though the newest edition is now almost two years old, the prices quoted are still very reliable due to the devaluation of the Sucre.

The information provided is very thorough and accurate and is a MUST for anyone traveling to Eucador.

Another triumphant edition, a "must have" for travelers........1998-10-21

This is the third edition that I have owned. I know that I can trust it to be the best, especially on a less than 5 star budget. Great background and vital information for everyone.

Terrific.......1998-08-22

This guidebook only gets better and better with each new edition. I recommend this highly for anyone interested in getting off the beaten track and enjoying the wonders that Ecuador and Ecuadorians have to offer.

Ecuador y Las Islas Galapagos - Lonely Planet En Espaol (Lonely Planet Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands)

Average customer rating:

Ecuador y Las Islas Galapagos - Lonely Planet En Espaol (Lonely Planet Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands)
Rob Rachowiecki
Manufacturer: Geoplaneta
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet: Ecuador E Galapagos
R. Rachowiecki
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 8870635023

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