The title page of this new edition of the acclaimed Footprint Handbook for Chile has a singularly apt quotation from Pablo Neruda’s Memoirs:
I can see how puzzling a country can be that starts at the frozen South Pole and stretches upwards to salt mines and deserts where it hasn’t rained for eons.
Neruda might have added Chile’s east‐west extent: from the towering Andes mountains to the “navel of the world”, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), far out in the Pacific Ocean. This bewildering diversity is faithfully reflected in this handbook, one of the first in the handsome new Footprint format, “a new wave of guidebooks with travel‐proof paperback covers, colour pages and a more relaxed, user‐friendly style for the traveller of the twenty‐first century”. The new card cover may, or may not, prove to be “travel‐proof”, but it is certainly tough and a definite improvement in durability. The striking colour photographs and the series of colour maps covering the whole of the country are excellent, greatly enhancing the attractiveness and utility of this outstanding guidebook.
The first 67 pages deal with practicalities, from trip planning to serious health risks, simply, soberly, and cogently. A total of 13 regional sections follow, with lots of up‐to‐date travel information, route diagrams, town plans, and details of local attractions. The coverage is realistic and clearly based on first‐hand observation. I was especially impressed by the new sections on Chile’s Pacific Ocean dependencies: the Juan Fernández Islands (of Alexander Selkirk/Robinson Crusoe fame) and Rapa Nui. The plan of Hanga Roa, the only town on Rapa Nui, exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail that characterizes this series of fine guidebooks. Section 16(pp. 483‐527) provides concise, good quality background information on history, land and environment, art and architecture, culture, modern Chile, and displays detailed knowledge and good judgement. My only minor criticism is the underestimation (on p. 513) of the literary importance of the writer Jorge Edwards (born 1931), now a Nobel Prize laureate.
Among many new features there is information on air‐passes and the latest developments in the “adventure tourism” scene. The sophisticated bus network is thoroughly covered, with up‐to‐the‐minute information. As in the first edition there are many inserted boxes throughout the book giving interesting snippets of information which illuminate and enliven the text.
Accommodating such a tremendous amount of facts, figures, and sheer good sense has been achieved by use of typefounts which at times present problems for tired or ageing eyes. That aside, one can only marvel at this splendid achievement, surely the finest guide to Chile available at such a modest price. It is essential stock for all reference libraries.
