Inca Kola

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I couldn't put it down! - Rated
I bought this book, hoping to find out something about Peru without it sounding like a guidebook. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop. It went everywhere with me, to read in my lunch hour, on buses, even in queues in shops! It is a tale of 4 men's journey through peru - what happens to them and where they visit. The book tells you about the people of Peru and the lesser known places to go (and how to get there!), rather than the "guidebook" go here, do that... approach. I loved every page of it and I was really quite dissappointed when I realised that I had come to the end of the book. I will definitely be keeping it and reading it again.

Very enjoyable account of travelling in Peru in the 80s - Rated
Initially I was reluctant to buy this book because I was looking for books about contemporary Peru when I first went there in 1997. Inca Kola was written in the late 80s, when Peru was on the verge of collapsing into chaos and civil war, and the political situation was completely different from now or even the late 90s. I thought a book from the 80s would be hopelessly dated.

However, I eventually bought it after my third trip to Peru, and found it to be a delightful account of visiting a country I'd come to know a little, and love a lot.

Yes, some things have changed dramatically since Parris's trip. The political and security situation is far, far better, but serious poverty, inequality and racism remain. So much of what Parris writes about is instantly recognisable. Peruvian culture won't change in a hurry and neither will the people - warm, incredibly hospitable and nosy, utterly cavalier and irresponsible in dealing with regulations and authority.

Much of Parris's book is timeless, and most of the rest is a fascinating account of visiting Peru at a time when no sensible tourists wanted to go there. It's a delight to read.

Good read - but a bit out of date - Rated
I brought "Inca Kola: A Traveller's Tale of Peru" with me to Peru this summer.

The book is well-written and a good read, as the other reviewers have written. However, I found the book a bit outdated - it is (almost) 15 years ago, Mr Parris visited Peru, and the country has come a long way since. Especially in the last decade.

This does not make the book bad per se - it is still OK.

I recommed the book "The Gringo Trail" as an better, new, alternative read. It covers more countries than "just" Peru, but is just as witty and thought-provoking.

Or you can do like me, and buy them both;-)

Awe inspiring... - Rated
'Inca Kola' is an infusion of fascinating description and humour. You find yourself travelling alongside Matthew Parris & his companions as you become immersed in this exhilarating traveller's tale.

I found myself so absorbed in Parris' journey, that I am inspired to travel around Peru myself. One of the most enchanting stories i've had the pleasure of reading.

Brilliant. Thought provoking and funny too. - Rated
What a life this man has had! This great little book is jam packed full of travel genre scrapes and adventures, historical and cultural insights and bizarre recollections from the author. A wonderful read.