This 430-page guide includes a section detailing the history of South America, 26 features covering the continent's life and culture, ranging from its magnificent archaeological heritage to the irrepressible carnival of Rio de Janeiro; a country by country visitor's guide to the sights, and a comprehensive travel tips section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. Its key features include: places - region-by-region gazetteer section, with top attractions highlighted and cross-referenced with detailed local maps; essay features - incisive essays on the islands' history, people and culture, from music and dance to arts and crafts; photo features - magazine-style full-colour features on some of the country's most exotic sights, including Lake Titicaca and the wildlife of the Amazon; travel tips - practical listings section, including accommodation, restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes, entertainment, nightlife, transport, and essential contact addresses and numbers; and hundreds of photographs and 22 maps.