In recent years the travel industry has promoted trips to cultural landscapes that contain great historical and symbolic landmarks, and Latin American towns and cities are anything but isolated from this trend. Many historic city centers in Latin America have been preserved intact from the colonial era and today may serve institutional, commercial, or residential needs. Now economic forces from outside the region have created a demand for the preservation of historically "authentic" districts. This book explores how heritage tourism and globalization are reshaping the Latin American centro histórico, analyzing the transformation of the urban core from town plaza to historic center in nine cities: Bogotá, Colombia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cartagena, Colombia; Cuenca, Ecuador; Havana, Cuba; Montevideo, Uruguay; Puebla, Mexico; Quito, Ecuador; and Trinidad, Cuba. It tells how these pressures, combined with the advantage of a downtown location, have raised the potential of redeveloping these inner city areas but have also created the dilemma of how to restore and conserve them while responding to new economic imperatives. In an eclectic and interdisciplinary study, Joseph Scarpaci documents changes in far-flung corners of the Latin American metropolis using a broad palette of tools: urban morphology profiles, an original land-use survey of 30,000 doorways in nine historic districts, numerous photographs, and a review of the political, economic, and globalizing forces at work in historic districts. He examines urban change as reflected in architectural styles, neighborhood growth and decline, real estate markets, and local politics in order to show the long reach of globalization and modernity. Plazas and Barrios spans all of Spanish-speaking America to address the socio-political dimensions of urban change. It offers a means for understanding the tensions between the modern and traditional aspects of the built environment in each city and provides a key resource for geographers, urban planners, architectural historians, and all concerned with the implications of the emerging global economy.

"Scrobie probes beyond the physical and demographic growth and examines the socioeconomic impact of settlement patterns, social structure, and cultural attitudes. He emphasizes the amazing urban expansion, both as a symbol and as an explanation of Argentina's direction and development to the present day. Buenos Aires presents the fullest account of the late nineteenth-century growth of any Latin American city - its sights, smells, sounds, and ethnic composition"--Jacket.

An ebook exclusive, Moon Central America combines Moon's full-length guides to seven Central American countries into one comprehensive digital guide. Moon Central America includes the following country guides: Moon Belize Moon Costa Rica Moon El Salvador Moon Guatemala Moon Honduras & the Bay Islands Moon Nicaragua Moon Panama For each country, you'll find trustworthy advice from Moon's experienced travel authors. Professional photographer Al Argueta compiles the best places to take in Guatemala's awe-inspiring volcanoes, and adventure traveler Amy Robertson shares her list of Honduras's best places to get face-to-face with nature—from caves to cloud forests. If you're dreaming of a Central American trip of any length or mix of destinations, Moon Central America is the travel companion for you.

Moon Handbooks give you the tools to make your own choices. Can't-miss sights, activities, restaurants, and accommodations, marked with M Essential info on San Salvador, El Salvador's resilient urban heart Suggestions on how to plan a trip that's perfect for you, including: The Best of El Salvador Surf's Up! From Cool Cloud Forests to Warm Waves Art and Culture: Past and Present 13 detailed and easy-to-use maps The firsthand experience and unique perspective of author Jaime Jacques

The new full-colour Rough Guide to Central America on a Budget is the ultimate guide to travelling the region and getting the most value for every dollar, colón, quetzal or lempira. Detailed colour maps and in depth coverage of how to get around go hand in hand with inspirational itineraries and authoritative accounts of every attraction. It covers all the Central American countries and features first-hand reviews of affordable accommodation, cheap places to eat, laidback bars and thrilling outdoor adventures. The Rough Guide to Central America on a Budget is packed with epic road trips, adventure activities, ancient ruins, beach hideaways, wildlife watching, atmospheric colonial cities and all the best festivals. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to Central America on a Budget. Now available in ePub format.

The definitive handbook for budget travellers to the region, the Rough Guide covers all seven Central American countries in depth. Whether you want to go scuba-diving in crystal-clear marine reserves, kick back in unspoilt colonial hill towns, trek throug