Guadalajara

J.H. Galloway is a professor of geography at the University of Toronto.

Many travelers will be familiar with the Montreal-based Ulysses Travel
Guides. The Cuba guide is now in its fourth edition, while the Costa
Rica guide is in its second edition. The Guadalajara guide is a new
addition to the series.

The guides cover not only the most-visited cities and resorts of the
countries but also the outlying, less-developed regions. Each guide
begins with a brief history and geography of the country and continues
with information on hotels, restaurants, and entertainment (including
gay and lesbian bars), as well as hotels’ policy decision to cater to
those on modest budgets. Other information includes caution about health
risks, advice about getting around, and some comments on changing money,
local culture, and traditional cooking. The greater part of each guide
is devoted to monuments, museums, and national parks.

Excellent maps and beautiful color photographs supplement the main
text. The numerous sketches of plants, animals, birds, and buildings are
a trademark of the Ulysses guides, with some sketches appearing in more
than one guide. The sleepy jaguar balanced on a bough and three palm
trees swaying to the trade winds seem to be particular favorites of the
editors. In brief, these are attractive, informative, and user-friendly
travel guides.