Footprint Handbook

When the rain stops falling and the mist clears there is no more beautiful place on earth than Scotland's Highlands and Islands. Footprint's Scotland Highlands & Islands gives you everything you need to get the most out of Europe's last great wilderness: the loveliest glens and lochs, the spookiest places, the most evocative castles and most glorious beaches. • Great coverage of all the jaw-dropping scenery including national parks, mountains, castles, glens and lochs. • Comprehensive listings from B&Bs, bothies and baronial castles to where to enjoy a wee dram of malt whiskey • Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from puffin-spotting to horse riding • Includes fantastic mapping and inspiring colour section to help you plan your way around the vibrant cities, stunning highlands and hundreds of islands. Footprint's fully updated Scotland Highlands & Islands is packed with all the information you need to get the best out of this breathtaking region.

Costa Rica is undeniably a nature-lovers' paradise: home to moss-draped cloud forest, rainforest wilderness, remote turtle-nesting beaches and volcanic peaks. With endless sand and surf beaches and adrenaline-charged adventure activities too, this diverse country has something to offer all travelers. From the idyllic white shoreline of the Nicoya Peninsula to the verdant slopes of Volcán Arenal, Footprint's Costa Rica Handbook will help you get the best out of your trip. • Practicalities section with essential information on getting there and around. • Highlights map and inspirational color section, so you know what not to miss. • Listing you can trust, including where to eat, sleep and relax. • Detailed street maps for San José and other key towns. • Slim enough to fit in your pocket. Loaded with advice and information on how to get around, this Footprint Handbook will help you get the most out of Costa Rica without weighing you down.

"Vital, vivid and engaging, this cluster of ancient kingdoms is home Gothic cathedrals, stunning mountain ranges, charming seaside towns and buzzing cities. From sampling fresh seafood and delicious cider to walking the medieval pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, Footprint's Northern Spain Handbook will help you make the most of your trip. • In-depth coverage of the region's activities, from skiing and surfing to the best fiestas • Highlight maps to help you get the best from this vast region • Exceptional background and history section - from the Reconquista, to pilgrims, to politics • Where to stay and eat for your budget; also offers information on the best refugios, paradores and sidrerias • Includes feature on the Camino de SantiagoFrom the gourmet scene of San Sebastian and Bilbao's iconic Guggenheim museum, to the wild and dramatic coast of Galicia, Footprint's Northern Spain Handbook will ensure that you get the best out of this culturally rich destination.|Vital, vivid and engaging, this cluster of ancient kingdoms is home Gothic cathedrals, stunning mountain ranges, charming seaside towns and buzzing cities. From sampling fresh seafood and delicious cider to walking the medieval pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, Footprint's Northern Spain Handbook will help you make the most of your trip.|Spain began in its north. Say that to the Asturians and they'll puff up with pride, for when the moorish wave swept rapidly across the peninsula in the eighth century, the small mountain region stood indomitable. It was from here that the long process of Christian reconquest began, laying the foundations of modern Spain. It wasn't necessarily subtle, and the culturally sophisticated Moors must have wondered where they had gone wrong, but the tide turned. The Asturians erected beautiful churches in the eighth century, León had 24 kings before Castilla had laws, and Castillawas a muscly European kingdom centuries before Madrid was heard of. Aragón ruled the western Mediterranean and half of Italy, and progressive Navarra briefly united the whole of Christian Spain in days when Vikings still prowled the seas. Fascinatingly, these ancient kingdoms still exist, and not just as modern administrative boundaries. Travel between the Basque Country and neighbouring Burgos and you're crossing a sociocultural border that's immediately evident in every way: how people eat, dress, earn a living and even what language they speak. The same goes for Asturias, for Aragón, for Galicia; and the cities of the plain in Castilla seem like little autonomous kingdoms.One common aspect is the region's immense architectural wealth. Even the most forgotten of villages may flaunt city walls, a majestic church and a handful of imposing stone palacios unchanged by the passage of time. On the natural side is a series of fabulous protected parks and reservesbacked by a network of excellent rural accommodation. Tourism in the north is a world away from the crowded southern coasts. It's the original Spain, or more accurately Spains, and whether you're admiring Gothic vaulting, nosing wine in the Rioja, surfing Basque waves or pacing the pilgrim road to Santiago, it's a vital, vivid and engaging place."

From its ramshackle mansions and retro motors to stunning white beaches and fine cigars, Cuba's unique culture is one of extremes. Footprint's Cuba Handbook will guide you from the faded colonial splendour of Old Havana to pristine diving reefs and vibrant, eclectic towns. * Great coverage of the activities and sights on this island rich in history and culture * Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from hiking in the Sierra Maestra to the idyllic sands of María la Gorda * Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport and practicalities to politics, culture & landscape * Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget * Full-colour planning section to inspire you and help you find the best experiences * Personal recommendations from the author on everything from rum, rumba and salsa to diving, hiking and architecture. From dancing at the liveliest fiestas to exploring key sites of the Revolution, Footprint's fully updated 6th edition will help you navigate this fascinating destination.

Linked by the sinuous spine of the Andes, Peru, Bolivia & Ecuador are born of a synthesis of ancient America and medieval Europe. Footprint's Peru, Bolivia & Ecuador Handbook will guide you from the unforgettably unique Galápagos Islands, through the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu, to the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Titicaca. • Great coverage of the top activities and sights in the region, including the colonial treasures of Quito; spectacular costumed festivals; sacred pyramids and temples; the incredible salt flats of Salar de Uyunia • Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from where to find the best artesanía to seeking jaguars in the rainforest • Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport and practicalities to history, culture & landscape • Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget • Full-colour planning section to inspire travellers and help them find the best experiences. From the mysterious Nazca lines to bustling indigenous markets, Footprint's fully updated 5th edition will help you navigate this breathtaking destination.

India strikes its visitor with a sensory, intellectual, spiritual and philosophical assault that's unmatched by any other place on earth: this subcontinent's sheer diversity is staggering. Footprint's 19th edition India Handbook will guide you from tropical beach paradises and lush backwaters, to forests where elephants roam and foothills clad in tea plantations. Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from ruined temples and shimmering cities to spotting tigers and trekking the Himalaya. Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport and practicalities to history, culture & landscape. Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings that you can trust, for every budget. Full-colour planning section to inspire and help you find the best experiences. Personal recommendations from the authors on everything from festivals and haggling to camel safaris and rail routes. From navigating the outsized metropoles to exploring sprawling temples, Footprint's fully updated 19th edition will help you get the best of this enigmatic destination.

Nicaragua's ethereal beauty and anarchic charms make travelling in the country an intense adventure. From the tempestuous spine of volcanoes that run down towards vast Lake Nicaragua, to the sultry rhythms of Caribbean life on the Corn Islands, Footprint's Handbook will ensure you get the most from your trip with all the information you'll need. • Great coverage of sights and activities, from the romantic city of Granada to the enchanting Isla Ometepe • Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from the wilderness of Bosawas Biosphere Reserve to witnessing turtle migration in the cays • Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport and practicalities to history, culture & landscape • Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget • Full-color planning section to inspire you and help you find the best experiences From the energy & dramatic setting of Managua to the verdant hills surrounding the coffee fincas, Footprint's fully updated 6th edition will help you navigate this gripping, intense and poetic country.

Vietnam's allure lies in its ripples of vibrant green paddy fields, historic temples, and herb-infused cuisine. Footprint's 7th edition Vietnam Handbook will guide you from the elegant, belle-époque boulevards of Hanoi to the frenetic motorcycle hum of Ho Chi Minh City. • Great coverage of the top activities and sights in the country, including cookery schools, kayaking and motorbike tours • Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from remote ethnic markets to deserted white-sand beaches • Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport and practicalities to history, culture & landscape • Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget • Full-colour planning section to inspire you and help you find the best experiences From the vibrant Pearl of the Orient to the towering karst islands of Halong Bay, Footprint's fully updated 7th edition will help you navigate this dynamic destination.

The provinces of Valencia & Murcia have it all: gorgeous beaches, stylish cities and pretty, low-key towns. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa Blanca to Murcia's delightful, flower-filled squares, the region is a great base from which to enjoy the Mediterranean coastline as well as indulge in authentic Spanish traditions. This Footprint Handbook provides invaluable information on transport, accommodation, eating and entertainment to ensure that your trip includes the best of this glorious region of Spain. • Essentials section with useful advice on getting to and around the provinces of Valencia & Murcia, and the Costa Blanca • Comprehensive, up-to-date listings of where to eat, sleep and play. • Includes information on tour operators and activities, from sampling great tapas to attending traditional fiestas. • Detailed maps for key destinations in the provinces of Valencia & Murcia. • Slim enough to fit in your pocket. With detailed information on all the main sights, plus many lesser-known attractions, Footprint Handbook Valencia & Costa Blanca provides concise and comprehensive coverage of one of Spain's most popular regions.

The northernmost capital city in the world, Reykjavík is also one of the friendliest. From deliciously warm springs and lagoons to its background of snow-topped mountains, Reykjavík is creative and unique. This Footprint Handbook provides invaluable information on transport, accommodation, eating and entertainment to ensure that your trip includes the best of this welcoming city and the surrounding countryside. • Essentials section with useful advice on getting to and around Reykjavík. • Comprehensive, up-to-date listings of where to eat, sleep and play. • Includes information on tour operators and activities, from puffin-spotting to quirky coffee shops. • Detailed maps for Reykjavík & other destinations in Iceland • Slim enough to fit in your pocket. With detailed information on all the main sights, plus many lesser-known attractions, Footprint's Reykjavík Handbook provides concise and comprehensive coverage of one of the most interesting capitals in Europe, and also covers other key destinations in Iceland.

Surrounded by a spectacular mountain range and rugged beaches, Cape Town has one of the most beautiful city backdrops in the world. Footprint's Handbook provides invaluable information on transport, accommodation, eating and entertainment to ensure that your trip includes the best of this vibrant city.

Immense, intense and dramatic, Argentina is a land of contrasts. From sophisticated Buenos Aires, home to grand baroque buildings and the mysteries of the tango, to the lush, jungled Iguazu Falls, down to the incredible frozen landscapes of Patagonia, Footprint's Argentina Handbook will ensure you discover the best of this incredible and varied country.• Great coverage of sights and activities, from the plazas and vineyards of Mendoza to wild and icy Ushuaia.• Packed with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track from prehistoric cave art to Welsh tearooms.• Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport and practicalities to history, culture and landscape.• Plus advice on where to stay, eating and drinking listings for every budget.• Full-colour planning section to inspire travellers and help find the best experiences. From the colourful houses of La Boca to the crystalline waters around Bariloche, Footprint's fully updated 8th edition will help you navigate this elegant and atmospheric country.

The Camino de Santiago has experienced a striking revival. Cutting across Spain from the Pyrenees in the east, to Santiago de Compostela in the west, it leads you through the varied and beautiful ancient kingdoms of northern Spain. This Footprint Handbook provides invaluable information on transport, accommodation, eating and entertainment to ensure that your trip includes the best of this medieval pilgrim route. • Essentials section with useful advice on getting to and along the Camino de Santiago. • Comprehensive, up-to-date listings of where to eat, sleep and play. • Includes information on tour operators and activities, from sampling red wine in La Rioja to the magnificent cathedral at Santiago. • Detailed maps for the Camino de Santiago. • Slim enough to fit in your pocket. With detailed information on all the main sights, plus many lesser-known places of interest, Footprint Handbook Camino de Santiago provides concise and comprehensive coverage of Spain's most famous historical route.

Granada is defined by the fountained courtyards, sensuous archways and secluded galleries of the Alhambra, and looked over by the spectacular Sierra Nevada. Explore the winding Moorish streets of the city, dine on tasty tapas and discover charming and authentic villages nearby; Footprint Granada & Sierra Nevada covers all the top attractions in this magnificent region, plus lesser-known sights off the beaten track. Provides recommendations for all budgets on where to eat, sleep and taste delicious wine, as well as the low-down on the region's literary heroes and the best place to watch the sun set. • Essentials section with practical advice on getting there and around. • Highlights map so you know what not to miss. • Comprehensive listings including where to eat, sleep and relax. • Detailed street maps for Granada, La Alhambra & Generalife • Slim enough to fit in your pocket. Loaded with advice and information, this concise Footprint guide will help you get the most out of Granada & the Sierra Nevada without weighing you down.

Ho Chi Minh City, Pearl of the Orient, is the largest and most dynamic city in one of the most rapidly growing economies in the world. Explore this city of remorseless & relentless activity, take a slow and drifting trip along the Mekong River or relax on the stunning beaches of Phu Quoc Island; Footprint Ho Chi Minh City & Mekong Delta covers all the top attractions in this enchanting region, plus lesser-known sights off the beaten track. Provides recommendations for all budgets on where to eat, sleep and try the local beer, as well as the low-down on late-night noodles and Khmer temples. • Essentials section with practical advice on getting there and around. • Highlights map so you know what not to miss. • Comprehensive listings including where to eat, sleep and relax. • Detailed street maps for Ho Chi Minh City & other key locations in the region • Slim enough to fit in your pocket. Loaded with advice and information, this concise Footprint guide will help you get the most out of Ho Chi Minh City & the Mekong Delta without weighing you down.

Laos satisfies all the romantic images of southeast Asia: perfumed frangipani trees, saffron-robed monks, rusty old bicycles and golden temples. Footprint's 7th edition Laos Handbook will guide you from traditionally constructed villages and verdant countryside to the charming colonial city of Vientiane. • Great coverage of the top activities and sights in the country, including caving, meditation and zip-lining through the forest • Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from remote cascading waterfalls to spotting rare freshwater dolphins • Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport and practicalities to history, culture & landscape • Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget • Full-color planning section to inspire and help you find the best experiences From the eerie Plain of Jars to the golden temples of Luang Prabang, Footprint's fully updated 7th edition will help you navigate this warm and welcoming destination.

Andalucía is home to a cornucopia of historical treasures and rich layers of culture resplendent with color. Footprint's 8th edition Andalucía Handbook will guide you from the noble churches & tasty tapas of Sevilla to lush green hills crowned with postcard-pretty white villages. • Great coverage of the activities and sights in the 8 provinces that make up the region • Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from remote towns with Renaissance palaces to peaceful hill-walking • Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport, practicalities to history, culture & landscape • Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget • Full-color planning section to inspire and help you find the best experiences • Personal recommendations from the author on everything from food & wine to surfing, hiking and architecture From dining on the freshest of seafood to exploring prehistoric monuments, Footprint's fully updated 8th edition will help you navigate this intoxicating destination.

Rugged scenery, vibrant colour, diverse people and the thrill of discovering the unknown: the north represents the finest Vietnam has to offer. Explore the charming, tree-lined boulevards of Hanoi, visit hill tribe minorities, and marvel at the jagged islands of Halong Bay; Footprint Hanoi & Northern Vietnam covers all the top attractions in this magnificent region, plus lesser-known sights off the beaten track. Provides recommendations for all budgets on where to eat, sleep and try the local beer, as well as the low-down on the best food markets and water puppet theatre. • Essentials section with practical advice on getting there and around. • Highlights map so you know what not to miss. • Comprehensive listings including where to eat, sleep and relax. • Detailed street maps for Hanoi and other key locations in northern Vietnam • Slim enough to fit in your pocket. Loaded with advice and information, this concise Footprint guide will help you get the most out of Hanoi & northern Vietnam without weighing you down.

From its powdery beaches and glittering, turreted skylines to ancient monuments and thatched ethnic villages, Cambodia never fails to excite the senses. Footprint's 7th edition Cambodia Handbook will guide you from floating villages and religious complexes, to stunning beaches and royal palaces. • Great coverage of the top activities and sights in the country, including diving, cycling and elephant trekking • Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from where to find the best fresh crab to stunning waterfalls in the jungled northeast • Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport, practicalities to history, culture & landscape • Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget • Full-color planning section to inspire and help you find the best experiences From the derelict French buildings of Phnom Penh to the palm-fringed coastline, Footprint's fully updated 7th edition will help you navigate this beguiling destination.

Seductive, sunbaked and hedonistic, the city of Sevilla embodies the romance of southern Spain. Admire the city's amazing architectural heritage, gaze upon the canvases of the Golden Age of Spanish painting or become entranced by the flamenco; Footprint Seville covers all the top attractions in this magnificent city, plus lesser-known sights off the beaten track. Provides recommendations for all budgets on where to eat, sleep and be tempted by tapas, as well as the low-down on the city's haunting Semana Santa and riotous Feria de Abril celebrations. • Essentials section with practical advice on getting there and around. • Highlights map so you know what not to miss. • Comprehensive listings including where to eat, sleep and relax. • Detailed street maps for Sevilla and its key locations • Slim enough to fit in your pocket. Loaded with advice and information, this concise Footprint guide will help you get the most out of Seville without weighing you down.

From its vibrant and lively cities to snow-capped volcanoes and white-sand beaches, Colombia offers enormous variety. Footprint's 5th edition Colombia Handbook will guide you from salsa clubs & gold museums to the Amazon jungle and mountain peaks. • Great coverage of the top activities and sights in the region, including numerous adventure sports, jungle trekking and hot springs • Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from stays in authentic coffee fincas to lively fiestas in the tiniest of villages • Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport and practicalities to history, culture & landscape • Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget • Full-colour planning section to inspire you and help you find the best experiences From Cartagena, the emerald in Colombia's crown, to the hidden tombs & mysterious statues of ancient cultures, Footprint's fully updated 5th edition will help you navigate this incredible destination.

South America is epic. Home to the world's highest waterfall, the longest mountain range and the largest rainforest – this continent will baffle you with its enormity. While cities like Rio de Janeiro swing to the sounds of samba, locals jostle around market stalls in Cuzco and indigenous farmers offer prayers to Pachamama – Mother Earth. Footprint's 93rd edition of the South American Handbook is the ideal guidebook for adventure-hungry travelers. From Inca ruins and tropical jungles to the vast open plains of Patagonia, Footprint's revised and updated guide to South America provides comprehensive coverage, enabling you to escape the crowd and discover the continent for yourself. • Highlights section so you know what not to miss • Practical information on how to get to each country and around, plus suggested itineraries to help you plan your trip, whether you are travelling for a week or a month • Well-researched cultural and historical background sections available as an online resource • Tips for travelling with your kids • The core of the guide provides comprehensive coverage of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, the Guianas, and the Falkland Islands. • Each country and region has an overview map which includes 'Don't miss' destinations, local information on how to get around and detailed street maps where relevant • Detailed listings on where to sleep, eat and play are provided for every destination within each country, enabling you to have an even better travel experience. Now in its 93rd edition, Footprint's legendary South American Handbook covers the continent in amazing detail, enabling you to explore for yourself. From spectacular carnivals to shuddering glaciers, this guide will open your way to the irresistible spirit of the world's greatest continent.

The land of the Basques is a vibrant place with an intoxicating spirit. Whether you're taking in the culture in Bilbao, grazing on elaborate pintxos in San Sebastian or exploring the rugged coast, Footprint's Bilbao & Basque Region Handbook covers all the top attractions in this quirky area, plus tips for getting off the beaten track. • Practicalities section with essential advice on getting there and getting around • Highlights map and inspirational color section, so you know what not to miss • Comprehensive listings including where to eat, sleep and relax - whatever your budget • Detailed street maps for Bilbao, San Sebastian and Vitoria. Packed with advice and information, this concise, pocket-size Footprint Handbook will help you get the most out of Bilbao and the Basque Region without weighing you down. Packed with information on Spain's buzzing cultural capital, this Footprint Handbook guide offers you the chance to experience ancient Spanish towns steeped in tradition as well as the stunning beaches of San Sebastian. Europe's oldest people are in many ways Spain's most modern, always a step ahead of the rest in social attitudes, gastronomy and urban planning. The land of the Basques is a vital, optimistic place with an intoxicating spirit.

Take a plunge off Mexico's Caribbean coastline and marvel at the coral and plants that have been popular with divers since the 1960s. Trek inland and visit Mayan ruins immersed in ancient forests. Stop briefly at the popular sites in Uxmal and Tulum, but stay as long as you like at the lesser-known monuments that are off the beaten path. Footprint's Cancún & Yucatán Peninsula Handbook provides thorough coverage of the area, with detailed information on everything from flamingo feeding grounds to beach resorts in Cancún. Includes Background section with fascinating insights into the history of the peninsula. • Essentials section with practical advice on getting there and around. • Highlights map so you know what not to miss. • Comprehensive listings including where to eat, sleep, and have fun. • Detailed street maps for Cancún, Campeche and other important towns and sights. • Slim enough to fit in your pocket. Loaded with advice and information, this concise Footprint Handbook will help you get the most out of the Yucatán Peninsula without weighing you down.

A vast city, Sao Paulo is the intellectual capital of Brazil, and nowhere in the country is better for concerts, clubs, theatre, ballet, classical music, all-round nightlife, restaurants and beautifully designed hotels. From admiring modernist Niemeyer buildings in the centre to relaxing on the glorious beaches of the coast, this Handbook will help you pick the most rewarding places to discover in this diverse state. • Essentials section with practical advice on getting there and around. • Highlights map so you know what not to miss. • Reliable listings that you can trust, including where to eat, sleep and relax. • Detailed street maps for Sao Paulo, Santos, and the Sao Paulo Metro. • Slim enough to fit in your pocket. Brimming with advice on how to navigate this buzzing metropolis, this Footprint guide will let you tantalise your taste buds in the city one day and explore the magnificent, rainforest-backed coastline the next.