The South America Handbook, begun in 1921 as the Anglo-South American Handbook (before the Royal Mail Steamship Company privatized it in 1924), has been one of the most talked about, written about, and longest continually published guidebooks in the world. The guide doesn’t have the commercial appeal of Lonely Planet South America, but everyone from Graham Greene to Michael Palin have raved about its resourcefulness. The pages are full of info and bible thin, which is only partly why sometimes the guide is compared to “that other bestseller.” It doesn’t tell you where to go like some of the other guides as much as it tells you of what is there. On my first trip to South America, this is the guide I carried with me.

My 1st edition Frommer’s Honduras has been released, conveniently about the same time as the former tourism minister of the country says not to travel there. FYI: Most of Honduras is still relatively safe to travel in, particularly the Bay Islands. Great deals are being had for divers now if you dig around. Read an interview [...]

Bradt guides take you to the farthest corners of every country and are written in an opinionated, pleasing to read manner that make the books as much as a novel as guide. The Argentina book is no different with a plethora of long, narrative passages and fine background information.

The oldest guidebook bout South America has reached its astounding 82nd edition. Having sold over a million copies says something. This is the preferred guide to South America by serious travelers.

If you are unfamiliar with Frommer’s guidebooks they are wordy, upscale guides that focus on a slightly older more experienced crowd with money to spend on hotels, restaurants, and entertainment and offer lengthy sections on trip planning. The do lack photos, but they do a good job for the most part of giving you an idea of what to expect.