The South American Handbook 2004 is the celebratory 80th edition of the longest running travel guide in the English language. It first appeared in 1924 and has been published annually ever since. Used by Graham Greene, Michael Palin, Paul Theroux and many others, it is known as The traveller's bible . This celebratory edition covers the whole of the continent, from Argentina to the Guianas, and offers up-to-date travel information for all budgets and all ages. It includes ten adventure highs - from base-jumping to white water rafting - while providing background information on ancient civilizations, archaeology and culture, along with essential information on exchange rates and dialling codes, emergency numbers, hotel and restaurant price guides. New for this edition is a 16-page central colour section highlighting the excitement and attractions of South America. The 80th edition special feature offers Travel tips from 1924 to 2004 while a 24-page introduction to South America is illustrated with colour photography. The planning your trip feature focuses on first time visitors and an adventure travel feature and festival guide is also included. Also new for this edition is a special full colour front map highlighting the best sights, plus improved contents listings and chapter openings so that you can find what you want quickly. Countries covered are: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Gal pagos, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, The Guianas, and the Falkland Islands.

I carried the South American Handbook from Cape Horn to Cartagena and consulted it every night for two and a half months. I wouldn't do that for anything else except my hip flask. Michael Palin, BBC Full Circle