Brazil (Lonely Planet Country Guide)

I used this guide during the planning of my 3-week treck in Brazil and during my stay there. I had it with me 24/7 and without it I wouldn't have done it. It's by no means perfect and I've given my feedback to Lonely Planet but really the omissions/errors are rare and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to mates.

Good guide (0/0 people found this helpful)

When I travel to new countries, and I have been to quite a few; not just backpacking but also to live and work and to get to know the areas where I go, I have invariably taken with me a copy of the Lonely Planet.

The guide for Brazil was the first guidebook I had bought as it was the first time I had ever travelled abroad. Believe me, it helped!!! In spite of what the above reviewer says, it gives a good range of hotels and it gives a good range of ideas of where to go and what to see (by the way, in Shanghai for example the LP suggested for those inclined to try it, to stay out in the 5* Grand Hyatt hotel whilst I was there... something I did and, as I am unaccostomed to staying in such luxury, I probably wouldn't have done it!). If you are not confident in yourself for reasons such as language or knowledge of the place, then I would say that the book is fantastic.

I am going back to Brazil now after five years away amd this time I will be living there. I love the country and I have got a good knowledge of it, but I have got this updated copy anyway. I don't think I will use it quite so heavily as the first time I was there, but the fact is that it does contain great ideas as to excursions to go on and places to stay. What the reviewer above does not appreciate is the fact that the LP books, and this LP Brazil book in question, are GUIDE books. They don't pretend to have any great insights into countries.

For sure, to have a comprehensive idea about the history of Brazil, you would need a much thicker book! But then again, if you are interested in that, you should buy it seperately!! Indeed, in regards to this, reading through the pages that give a BASIC outline to the history of Brazil, if anything they actually make you curious to go and read further information. Afterall, whether you are a backpacker or a general tourist, you generally don't want to carry around a massive book everywhere you go.

A must have (6/10 people found this helpful)

I really enjoyed this guide. been travelling around all over brazil and i found it really good. a must have for travellers. bruno

Bland Boring and Formulaic (18/23 people found this helpful)

These books are so formulaic. Everyone is the same and reads the same.

The background here, as ever is colourless - GCSE textbook history and geography and bland contextual information (that looks like it was copied from the web), with all the bite and personality of the back of a cereal packet.

Brazil's history is full of wild and brilliant characters. Its music is a delight bursting with life and vitality, but these authors seem to know very little beyond the stereotypes or cliches.

Lonely Planet are OK if you are a backpacker and care most about cheap restaurants and where to find the nearest laundry. But for anyone who is looking for a hotel which isn't a hostel and has character or for a decent restaurant they are dreadful.

Go for a more specialist guide with some persoanlity like Footprint.

Gary Chandler Prado, Andrew Draffen, Molly Green

Reader Reviews:

Indispensable companion (0/0 people found this helpful)

Good guide (0/0 people found this helpful)

A must have (6/10 people found this helpful)

Bland Boring and Formulaic (18/23 people found this helpful)

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