This book caught my attention as it focuses on two of my favorite cities in South America and fond memories of my own trek through the region in the early 1970s. Buenos Aires always felt like a little piece of Italy and merited the nickname, “The Paris of South America.” The author brings the insights of a veteran writer with over a dozen travel books to his name so far, and his photographs add color and culture to everything he does. The book is not just a guide; it’s an immersive experience combining cultural observations, historical context, and hundreds of original photographs.
The author focuses on three exotic locations: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Iguazu Falls. He knows Rio exceptionally well and wrote a book about its iconic celebration, Carnaval. His photos capture the dramatic natural beauty—its beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the statue recognized worldwide, Christ the Redeemer. He also captures the city’s street life in its vibrant neighborhoods such as Copacabana and Ipanema , samba rhythms, and bustling cafes serving the never-to-be-forgotten bold Brazilian coffee.
Kaffen brings out the best of Buenos Aires with its elegant neighborhoods, such as Recoleta and Palemo, grand coffeehouses, and its cosmopolitan arts scene. And of course, one of my favorite musical and dance scenes is the tango clubs, which are far more than a performance. This living tradition breathes cultural ritual rooted in emotion, expression, and history.
The author takes us outside these two spectacular urban settings and crosses the border into the country to the magnificent falls of Iguazu, describing them as “a mesmerizing display of nature,” with panoramic views and trails that reveal the falls’ raw power and lush surroundings.
Initially, I thought the extensive appendices at the end, especially the “Travelogue,” were excessive. Until the author explained that he was responding to a growing interest among his readers in asking for assistance in organizing their own visits, making this valuable for both armchair travelers and those preparing for their dream trip.
And I’ll have to admit, although fifty years have passed since I first trekked through Latin America, I’ve been contemplating a return trip to Santiago, Chile, via the Lake District, to Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and Rio. A lot has changed for global travelers, so Kaffen’s Travel Tips were a good reminder:
- Embrace Local Transport: His books ‘Europe by Bus‘ and ‘Australia by Bus’ champion buses to see landscapes up close and interact with locals—advice that applies to Brazil and Argentina. [peacecorps…ldwide.org]
- Take Risks & Learn Languages: Kaffen often advises travelers to take calculated risks and learn basic phrases in local languages for richer experiences. I never had that problem, but a Spanish/Portuguese phrase book or app is a good idea.
- Document Everything: His habit of keeping pocket notebooks underscores the value of recording impressions for future reflection or creative projects. Kaffen filled over 100 pocket notebooks for his four-year journey across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Kaffen adhered to Paul Theroux’s philosophy by traveling to maximize spontaneity and cultural immersion. He appreciated solitude as the “great teacher,” echoing Theroux’s ethos that independence fosters authenticity. Evidently, he appreciated the South American Handbook, the legendary guidebook for independent travelers, to plan his travels. It was my favorite companion on the Road as well, and it is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
About the Author
Steve Kaffen has written 19 books to date, covering destinations from Asia Without Borders to Europe by Bus, Australia Adventures and Encounters, Escape to Alaska, and thematic works like The 2024 Paris Olympics and Rwanda and the Mountain Gorillas. Several have won Peace Corps Writers Awards for Best Travel Book and have ranked among Amazon.com’s most popular titles in regional travel, photography, and sports. Steve Kaffen is a seasoned traveler and writer whose life reads like an adventure novel. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Russia (1994–96) and later as the organization’s audit director, visiting 35 posts worldwide. He is a long-time member of the respected Explorers Club, nominated by Sir Edmund Hillary after meeting him in the Himalayas. His adventures include climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and voyaging to Antarctica with Chile’s Navy. Kaffen publishes under SK Journeys, a boutique imprint specializing in experiential travel books. SK Journeys emphasizes high-quality production, rich photography, and practical guidance for independent travelers.
About the Reviewer
Mark D Walker was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala and spent over forty years helping disadvantaged people in the developing world. Walker’s three books are: Different Latitudes: My Life in the Peace Corps and Beyond; My Saddest Pleasures: 50 Years on the Road, named Best Travel Book of the Year; and The Guatemala Reader: Extraordinary Lives and Amazing Stories. He’s written 80 book reviews, and of his 30 published essays, two were recognized by the Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing. He’s a contributing writer for the “Arizona Authors Association Digest,” “The Wanderlust Journal,” “Literary Traveler,” and “The Great Writers You Should be Reading.” His wife and three children were born in Guatemala. You can learn more at www.MillionMileWalker.com