Goodies for Adventurers - http://snradventure.com

Editor's picks

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  Fodor's Costa Rica 2013 (Full-color Travel Guide)

  Book (Fodor's)
  

  Rating (14 reviews):

  (4.4/5)

  

  Indispensable

  A must-have guide for planning a Costa Rican adventure! Filled with descriptions on major attractions, hotels, and restaurants, plus tips on everything from tipping to road conditions, as well as interesting facts about the flora and fauna and local people. The guide is well-designed and organized and includes beautiful photography and numerous maps. I appreciate the way hotels and restaurants are indicated by price range. Websites are listed throughout to help you continue researching on-line. Includes a large pull-out road map in the back. I will be bringing this along with me in my carry-on to have while vacationing in Costa Rica! 5/5 L. Hench (Freeport, Maine) - See all my reviews, January 12, 2013

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  Costa Rica Travel Guide

  Lots of detailed information, well supported. Well organized, easy to follow, easy to navigate your way around and through the chapters. Great pictures. 4/5 Joanne B - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Fodor's Costa Rica 2013 (Full-color Travel Guide) (Kindle Edition) Lots of detailed information, well supported. Well organized, easy to follow, easy to navigate your way around and through the chapters. Great pictures. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 25, 2013

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  Indispensable

  A must-have guide for planning a Costa Rican adventure! Filled with descriptions on major attractions, hotels, and restaurants, plus tips on everything from tipping to road conditions, as well as interesting facts about the flora and fauna and local people. The guide is well-designed and organized and includes beautiful photography and numerous maps. I appreciate the way hotels and restaraunts are indicated by price range. Websites are listed throughout to help you continue researching on-line. Includes a large pull-out road map in the back. I will be bringing this along with me in my carry-on to have while vacationing in Costa Rica! 5/5 Natalie - See all my reviews This review is from: Fodor's Costa Rica 2013 (Full-color Travel Guide) (Paperback) A must-have guide for planning a Costa Rican adventure! Filled with descriptions on major attractions, hotels, and restaurants, plus tips on everything from tipping to road conditions, as well as interesting facts about the flora and fauna and local people. The guide is well-designed and organized and includes beautiful photography and numerous maps. I appreciate the way hotels and restaraunts are indicated by price range. Websites are listed throughout to help you continue researching on-line. Includes a large pull-out road map in the back. I will be bringing this along with me in my carry-on to have while vacationing in Costa Rica! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 12, 2013

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  List Price: $21.99
  

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  Lonely Planet Costa Rica (Country Guide)

  Book (Lonely Planet)
  

  Rating (39 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  Not very useful for a small family in 2013

  In 2013, with a family of 3 and a rental car, the book was not useful. We spent more time flipping through the book looking for information than we did reading the information available. (I used the then-current Lonely Planet guide heavily during a 3-month long trip to Costa Rica in 1998, and it was great then. I think that both the book and my needs have changed in the last 15 years.) A complete lack of road maps made this guide useless for navigation. The index doesn't allow you to look up sites of interest by topic (say "butterflies" or even the name of a city). The restaurants that were recommended by the Lonely Planet guide were uniformly mediocre, compared with the restaurants we happened upon without the guide (most of which we loved). Unfortunately, I don't have a good recommendation of a better guide, but this one wasn't for us. 2/5 Hartley - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Lonely Planet Costa Rica (Country Guide) (Paperback) In 2013, with a family of 3 and a rental car, the book was not useful. We spent more time flipping through the book looking for information than we did reading the information available. (I used the then-current Lonely Planet guide heavily during a 3-month long trip to Costa Rica in 1998, and it was great then. I think that both the book and my needs have changed in the last 15 years.) A complete lack of road maps made this guide useless for navigation. The index doesn't allow you to look up sites of interest by topic (say "butterflies" or even the name of a city). The restaurants that were recommended by the Lonely Planet guide were uniformly mediocre, compared with the restaurants we happened upon without the guide (most of which we loved). Unfortunately, I don't have a good recommendation of a better guide, but this one wasn't for us. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 23, 2013

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  Great new edition

  Lots of great information, presented in an easy-to-read format. Seems to have every base covered, from traveling with a child, to vaccination recommendations--and, of course, all of the great places to stay and visit. 5/5 Toby G. - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Lonely Planet Costa Rica (Country Guide) (Paperback) Lots of great information, presented in an easy-to-read format. Seems to have every base covered, from traveling with a child, to vaccination recommendations--and, of course, all of the great places to stay and visit. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 3, 2012

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  Wonderful Guide for all Budgets

  We are planning a return visit to Costa Rica this summer. We first visited the country in 2010 and used the and guide books. We wanted an updated guidebook with perhaps a little different perspective for this trip and this book certainly fits the bill!After an introduction and activity guide, the book is divided into 9 different sections based on regions of the country. (Since our travels will be limited to the northwestern and nicoya peninsula regions my review is largely focused on those areas.) As with most guidebooks, we are given a good overview of regional activities and sites... 4/5 C. Klaassen (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews, April 5, 2013

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  List Price: $24.99
  

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  DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Costa Rica

  Book (DK Travel)
  

  Rating (9 reviews):

  (4.8/5)

  

  Quality Guide to CR

  DK always produces quality Guides. I have always valued their Backpacking Guides and now this beautiful Guide to Costa Rica. I have found this guide to be the most informative and useful of the guides I have used. It is my 1st choice by far! It may not go into the depth of some other Guides about a specific place, like Frommers or Fodor or the nitty gritty of off the beaten trail like Lonely Planet and others, but it gives you a wonderful overview of the country and the full color pictures jump out at you. They give you a taste of what to expect, that just words can not. The 3D drawings of places in San Jose and the Central valley are really most helpful in understanding what you will be seeing and experiencing. This guide introduces you to the essence of this beautiful country. I found the maps give you a great sense of where things are. Be sure to check out this guide before making your final selection of a Costa Rica Guide. 5/5 Robert Whitney "Roberto" (Deltona, Florida USA) - See all my reviews, December 19, 2012

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  Good guide with helpful field guide

  As newcomers to traveling to see animals, this book gave a brief overview and suggested the most important animals to look for. It has lovely photos and was a pleasure to read. I'd recommend it to first time travelers to this country. 4/5 cly (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Costa Rica (Paperback) As newcomers to traveling to see animals, this book gave a brief overview and suggested the most important animals to look for. It has lovely photos and was a pleasure to read. I'd recommend it to first time travelers to this country. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 10, 2013

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  Great Travel Guide

  I love all the travel guides put out by DK. This one is no exception. Great photos, great tips. A very useful guide. 5/5 FT "F" (MA) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Costa Rica (Paperback) I love all the travel guides put out by DK. This one is no exception. Great photos, great tips. A very useful guide. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 3, 2013

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  List Price: $25.00
  

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  Frommer's Costa Rica 2013 (Frommer's Color Complete)

  Book (Frommers)
  

  Rating (15 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  Best yet on CR

  Compared to 3 other travel guides read, I used this the most. Great lay out as well as up to date information. Map also attached. Recommend saving money by buying this book only. You will not be disappointed. 5/5 Kathleen A. Connell (NEW YORK, NY, US) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Frommer's Costa Rica 2013 (Frommer's Color Complete) (Paperback) Compared to 3 other travel guides read, I used this the most. Great lay out as well as up to date information. Map also attached. Recommend saving money by buying this book only. You will not be disappointed. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 23, 2013

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  Excellant Guide

  As usual Eliot Greenspan has written another informative guidebook in his continuing series of guidebooks of 5 or more countries. I went to school in Costa Rica. and I have lived there in the past. I found it most useful in noting changes that have occurred in the country since I was there last. Now I can take a relative to see my country with confidence. Eliot has a fine track record of including just the right information to make your trip to Costa Rica a most enjoyable experience. This guide book is written for visitors and does not go into some of the details that residents might find useful. There are other books that give that kind of information on Costa Rica. Look under Living in Costa Rica, Retiring in Costa Rica or Gringo to Tico etc. 5/5 Robert Whitney "Roberto" (Deltona, Florida USA) - See all my reviews, December 17, 2012

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  Great Costa Rica guide

  I'd give it 5 stars if it were about twice as big, but no book these days can cover ALL of Costa Rica. I recommend purchasing several guides from several differnt companies. Otherwise yes can't go wrong with this book. 4/5 Jeff - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Frommer's Costa Rica 2013 (Frommer's Color Complete) (Paperback) I'd give it 5 stars if it were about twice as big, but no book these days can cover ALL of Costa Rica. I recommend purchasing several guides from several differnt companies. Otherwise yes can't go wrong with this book. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 22, 2013

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  List Price: $21.99
  

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  Happier Than a Billionaire: Quitting My Job, Moving to Costa Rica, and Living the Zero Hour Work Week

  Book (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)
  

  Rating (283 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  Loved this Book

  I just finished reading this book on my Kindle and loved it. It had me laughing out loud, in fact my wife kept looking at me like I had lost my mind! She will read it next, than I can throw barbs at her. This book was funny, sarcastic, insightful and just downright a pleasure to read. Her style of writing is light and fun, but also very insightful into what her daily life is like living in Costa Rica. I can't wait to read her next book about her continuing adventures in this exotic land. I highly recommend this book !! 5/5 Tom D. - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Happier Than A Billionaire: Quitting My Job, Moving to Costa Rica, and Living the Zero Hour Work Week (Kindle Edition) I just finished reading this book on my Kindle and loved it. It had me laughing out loud, in fact my wife kept looking at me like I had lost my mind! She will read it next, than I can throw barbs at her. This book was funny, sarcastic, insightful and just downright a pleasure to read. Her style of writing is light and fun, but also very insightful into what her daily life is like living in Costa Rica. I can't wait to read her next book about her continuing adventures in this exotic land. I highly recommend this book !! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 22, 2011

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  Funny, even hilarious, but needs copyediting

  I enjoyed most of the stories in the book and the author does a great job at the buildup to the move. She makes Costa Rica sound like a wonderful place and details her transition from wigged out city dweller to laid back jungle cat with humor, both at her own expense as well as her husband's. The first half of the book is much stronger than the second half, and some of the vignettes seem like they came directly from a first draft rather than getting the polish they need.Sadly, the usage errors in the text (prospective vs. perspective, taught vs. taut, etc) were a big distraction for this reader. It's too bad the book didn't get more editorial attention -- it really deserves a good couple of rounds with the red pen. And by deserves, I mean that in the nicest way. I have spent money on flawless books that weren't nearly as good (or funny) as this one was. A star and a half deducted for the errors. 3/5 Dan Comden - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Happier Than A Billionaire: Quitting My Job, Moving to Costa Rica, and Living the Zero Hour Work Week (Kindle Edition) I enjoyed most of the stories in the book and the author does a great job at the buildup to the move. She makes Costa Rica sound like a wonderful place and details her transition from wigged out city dweller to laid back jungle cat with humor, both at her own expense as well as her husband's. The first half of the book is much stronger than the second half, and some of the vignettes seem like they came directly from a first draft rather than getting the polish they need.Sadly, the usage errors in the text (prospective vs. perspective, taught vs. taut, etc) were a big distraction for this reader. It's too bad the book didn't get more editorial attention -- it really deserves a good couple of rounds with the red pen. And by deserves, I mean that in the nicest way. I have spent money on flawless books that weren't nearly as good (or funny) as this one was. A star and a half deducted for the errors. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 17, 2011

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  A thoroughly enjoyable adventure

  Great read - downloaded it to my Kindle Fire and finished it in less than three hours. I was hooked after reading the first paragraph. 5/5 Mike Gusler (Tampa Bay, Florida) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Happier Than A Billionaire: Quitting My Job, Moving to Costa Rica, and Living the Zero Hour Work Week (Kindle Edition) Great read - downloaded it to my Kindle Fire and finished it in less than three hours. I was hooked after reading the first paragraph. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 4, 2012

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  List Price: $12.99
  

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  Two Weeks in Costa Rica

  Book (Travelogue Adventures)
  

  Rating (29 reviews):

  (4.7/5)

  

  Insightful and Cogent

  This is a good travel book for people who like to read about the kind of things that really happen on trips. The authors do a good job of describing their transition from city-folk to near locals, something that lots of people dream about. I especially enjoyed their description of how easy it is to get around Costa Rica, as long as you are willing to embrace the idea that not everything will go according to plan. The book is really well-written with a clear narrative and lots of action. It maybe lacks some of the crushing drama one so often finds in travel books these days, but I prefer to count that as one of its primary charms. Two Weeks in Costa Rica presents an account of a trip anyone might take, and does so with a breezy, intimate voice. Recommended. 5/5 Alexander - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Two Weeks in Costa Rica (Kindle Edition) This is a good travel book for people who like to read about the kind of things that really happen on trips. The authors do a good job of describing their transition from city-folk to near locals, something that lots of people dream about. I especially enjoyed their description of how easy it is to get around Costa Rica, as long as you are willing to embrace the idea that not everything will go according to plan. The book is really well-written with a clear narrative and lots of action. It maybe lacks some of the crushing drama one so often finds in travel books these days, but I prefer to count that as one of its primary charms. Two Weeks in Costa Rica presents an account of a trip anyone might take, and does so with a breezy, intimate voice. Recommended. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 27, 2012

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  A Fun Read for those Preparing for a Trip to Costa Rica

  I really enjoyed the engaging way this couple wrote about their adventures in Costa Rica. They clearly love the place--in fact rumor has it they are considering a move there to write the definitive guidebook.This book is not a guidebook (although there is valuable information in it to plan your trip). It is a travelogue. When I am planning a trip somewhere, I love reading books like this to give me more than a guidebook. This book gives you a "feel" for the place. Trips are really not about a guidebook "check off". They are about all you adventures--and misadventures (and I have had plenty of those over the years on my 51 home exchanges).So, if you are planning to visit Costa Rica, this is a must read. 5/5 Lauren S. Kahn (McLean, VA USA) - See all my reviews, April 12, 2013

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  Well Written, Engaging, and Witty

  The perfect melding of travel guide and narrative, this is a fun read that also offers insightful and useful tips for practical travel in Costa Rica. I thoroughly enjoyed reading of Matt and Jen's adventures. The writing style makes you feel as if you are there with them and has none of the dry style of, well first we went here and then we went there, that so many travel books have. It's been years since I've been to Costa Rica and I didn't think I wanted to go back, but I am re-evaluating my position now. I really want to find that hidden waterfall and check out some of the beaches they explored.This is a must read for anyone considering a trip to Costa Rica and a fun read if you just want to live vicariously through someone else's travel adventures. 5/5 Julie Morey "Juls" (Ecuador, South America) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Two Weeks in Costa Rica (Paperback) The perfect melding of travel guide and narrative, this is a fun read that also offers insightful and useful tips for practical travel in Costa Rica. I thoroughly enjoyed reading of Matt and Jen's adventures. The writing style makes you feel as if you are there with them and has none of the dry style of, well first we went here and then we went there, that so many travel books have. It's been years since I've been to Costa Rica and I didn't think I wanted to go back, but I am re-evaluating my position now. I really want to find that hidden waterfall and check out some of the beaches they explored.This is a must read for anyone considering a trip to Costa Rica and a fun read if you just want to live vicariously through someone else's travel adventures. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 5, 2013

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  List Price: $9.99
  

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  Costa Rica: A Journey through Nature

  Book (Firefly Books)
  

  Rating (9 reviews):

  (4.9/5)

  

  I love the rainforest

  I wanted a book that showed the rainforest vegetation, flowers, and birds. Some animals and fish photos would just add to the memories. I got that in this book. I had looked through a lot of library books before deciding to buy this one and Nature of the Rainforest: Costa Rica and Beyond. The black background on the pages made the photos really jump out vividly. 5/5 LD (Colorado) - See all my reviews, April 5, 2010

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  colorful graphics

  wnet to Costa Rica and wanted to purchase this book, but didn't want to carry it around on our trip, so we waited and ordered it upon our return. this is one of the best books on Costa Rica for the animals and most of the best places to visit. 5/5 Diane M. (Incline Village, NV United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Costa Rica: A Journey through Nature (Hardcover) wnet to Costa Rica and wanted to purchase this book, but didn't want to carry it around on our trip, so we waited and ordered it upon our return. this is one of the best books on Costa Rica for the animals and most of the best places to visit. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 1, 2010

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  amazing photos

  Beautiful photos, interesting explanations. Highlighted the types of animals and flora that we had just seen on our trip to Costa Rica. This will definitely be a popular coffee table book in our home! 5/5 L. Landman (New York) - See all my reviews, April 17, 2012

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  List Price: $39.95
  

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  Costa Rica

  eBooks (Safari the Globe)
  

  Rating (2 reviews):

  (3.0/5)

  

  Some interesting info.

  The book was a quick read, and gave some interesting information about Costa Rica. If you want to supplement some of your knowledge of the country this is a nice start. However, it does have some grammar errors that give you the feeling it was written by someone who didn't have a native english-speaking proofreader. It's also a little light on content. But I do recommend it for what it is: a small book with some interesting facts. 3/5 Daniel L. Pittenger - See all my reviews, January 29, 2013

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  ok

  Has good detail and content but seems hard for me to find what I want when I need it. I have kindle version, maybe that's it. 3/5 Raymond D. Gausmann - See all my reviews, March 7, 2013

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  Fodor's Costa Rica 2012 (Full-color Travel Guide)

  Book (Fodor's)
  

  Rating (53 reviews):

  (4.2/5)

  

  Eugene Fodor, the spy who loved to travel

  The writers at Fodors say that they spend lots of time finding the best places in a destination "so you don't have to." Having used several of their guides for vacations, I believe that their claim is largely true. Fodor's guides are solid, reliable, comprehensive, and not terribly entertaining. They are more reliable than Lonely Planet, and more comprehensive than Frommer's. If you are part of their intended audience, which implies being over 30, financially secure, and not too adventurous, these are the best general guides for travel.I read Fodors to extract information, not for pleasure or deep insight. This guide will provide needed information before a trip to the Costa Rica, including broad overviews of the country's regions, hotels and restaurants in every price category, details on major attractions, and a few "Fodor's choice" highlights.I recommend this guidebook, although the suggested retail price, $21.99, may be a bit steep for your wallet. I... 4/5 BrianB (Northern California) - See all my reviews, November 6, 2011

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  Many positives outshine a few big negatives

  Overall this guidebook provides a great overview of the entire country and will be especially pleasing to travelers who design a trip around the activities they want to experience. Other highlights include a map featuring Costa Rica's Eco-zones and National Parks that is helpful for vacationers wanting to pick their micro-climate. There are nice color photographs in the flora and fauna section which includes marine life.Major thumbs down on the book's use of quotes from website users. Do the publishers at Fodor's realize how many fake reviews are on the internet? This is quite lazy on the part of the publisher. Am I really going to take seriously a comment by "volcanogirl" (pg. 311, 499)or "owlwoman" (pg. 486 who comments on her stay at the Iguana Lodge). owlwoman could own the Iguana Lodge! I would rather the guidebook author, not any old random, comment on lodging and restaurants. Isn't that why I'm buying a book to plan a trip instead of just reading online... 4/5 Jennifer Kline (Arizona) - See all my reviews, December 22, 2011

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  Amazing Book!

  I was in Costa Rica earlier this year and wish I had this book with me when I was there. It is jammed packed with information on every aspect of Costa Rica and its warm welcoming people. Its coverage of tourist attractions is simply second to none, and I found it to be very accurate in regards to places I visited. I would only take exception to its comments on coffee which it says the best is exported and what is left is not that good. I disagree, I tried several local brands and brought back a suitcase full and everyone who tried it begged for more! Also, the tap water is safe and good tasting and the locals drink it. I visited several houses and none used bottled water!This wonderful country felt more like a small European country in some ways and was absolutely safe. The book comes with a superb fold-out map in the back which itself is worth the price of the book. It is full of quality color photos. It's print is large enough for me to read comfortably yet the book is travel... 5/5 Brian M. Edwards (Edinburg, Texas USA) - See all my reviews, December 7, 2011

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  List Price: $21.99
  

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  National Geographic Traveler: Costa Rica

  Book (National Geographic)
  

  Rating (14 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  Great Book

  This is a great book. My wife has been to Costa Rica many times, however, this is my first trip. So, I wanted to read something about the country before getting on the plane. After going through most of the book, my wife is saying that many of the helpful hints, suggestions for places to go and stories about the local life are right on the mark. The National Geographic Traveler: Costa Rica provides plenty of colorful pictures and helpful information to get you started on your first trip to Costa Rica. The author did a great job and provides plenty of helpful hints about the country, culture, wildlife and plants. The compact book will also fit in your hiking pack nicely. It's about half the thickness of the Frommer's and Froder's guides. 5/5 Timothy Miller "Sixty" (MD) - See all my reviews, May 13, 2009

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  Not a good source for planning your own trip

  While this book has interesting descriptions of things to do in Costa Rica, it fails to suggest reputable vendors and ways to actually do many of the activities. I tried to use this book to plan a trip to Costa Rica and was disappointed in the format. We wanted to plan an active vacation (rafting, canyoning, surfing, etc.) and found it difficult to use this book to find reputable vendors and the best places for these activities. If you are looking for clear recommendations of places to stay at different price points and specific hikes, rafting outfits, and things to see in helping you plan your trip this is not the book for you. If you prefer to read about Costa Rica or have a companion on a guided trip, this would be a good fit. 2/5 K. Cameron (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews, August 25, 2009

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  Excellent photography and essays on a beautiful country

  We recently had a vacation in Costa Rica and used this guide in San Jose, Heredia, the volcanoes of central Costa Rica, Quepos and Manuel Antonio/Rain Forests, Tamarindo Beach, Monte Verde/Cloud Forests and Santa Elena. I will start the review with comments on the layout of the guide itself and comment on whether or not it is user friendly. Then I will give specifics regarding the content of the guide and our various experiences using the guide. Then I will identify a few of the weaknesses of the guide. I will end the review with a general comment on our travel experiences in Costa Rica that may assist other travelers.The guide is full of beautiful color photographs and insightful well-written essays. This is the major strength of this book. Major landmarks are described and put into historic or geologic contexts. The book is organized by major geographic regions, making it easy to use as a planning tool as well as a field guide when actually traveling.We used... 5/5 C. B Collins Jr. (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews, February 21, 2009

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  List Price: $22.95
  

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