General Books

Mexico (Lonely Planet Mexico)

Doug Richmond

List Price: $17.95 By: Lonely Planet Publications Amazon Marketplace: 19 new & used starting at $0.01

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Subjects -> Travel -> Latin America -> Mexico -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 55 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Is Lonely Planet Losing Its Touch? 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I have about five editions of Lonely Planet Mexico. All previous editions (this is the 11th) were better, if not a lot better. They have quit pricing in dollars, so you have to convert to pesos (admittedly not too hard when the exchange rate hovers at $10M to $1US) for hotels and restaurants. (Forget that travel guides for high inflationary countries are obsolete the day they are distributed.) Worse, they have ceased categorizing hotels as "Budget," "Mid-range" and "Top End," instead using a listing in ascending order of price (no help if the lodgings remodel and go up in price). Worse still, they continue to avoid money saving tips, like staying in San Juan del Rio (which they oimit entirely) when hotels and restaurants in nearby Tequisquiapan are out of sight: the latter caters mostly to rich "Chilangos" (Mexico City people), who go over for a weekend getaway. Some of the comments are downright absurd, e.g. calling Orizaba an industrialized dump, while praising the pricier, relatively boring Cordoba. All in all, this is a B- effort. I am considering taking some other travel guide next trip. In L.P.'s favor, I must admit it still covers small, out of the way spots that are in reality must see's: Rio Atoyac for its tasty, garlicky langostinos and Cuetzalan, Puebla, for its charm.

Editorial Review:

A guide to traveling in Mexico features information on lodging, food, artwork, history, landscape, and more. Original.

Frommer's Costa Rica 2009 (Frommer's Complete)

Eliot Greenspan

Amazon Price: $13.59 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Frommers Amazon Marketplace: 58 new & used starting at $11.22

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Editorial Review:

America’s #1 bestselling travel series

Written by more than 175 outspoken travelers around the globe, Frommer’s Complete Guides help travelers experience places the way locals do.

• More annually updated guides than any other series
• 16-page color section and foldout map in all annual guides
• Outspoken opinions, exact prices, and suggested itineraries
• Dozens of detailed maps in an easy-to-read, two-color design

Completely updated every year (unlike most of the competition), Frommer's Costa Rica features gorgeous color photos of the lush rain forest, the amazing array of wildlife, and the spectacular beaches that await you. Personally researched by a longtime resident, it's the only truly up-to-date guide that gives you such in-depth coverage of this fast-changing country, with recommended accommodations in every price category. You'll visit rugged wilderness preserves and sleepy beach towns, spectacular orchid gardens and mineral hot springs at the foot of a steaming volcano. There are adventures here to suit all ages and abilities: swooping from treetop platform to treetop platform on a canopy tour, taking a dip in a jungle swimming hole, spotting playful spider monkeys as you hike through lush foliage, windsurfing on Lake Arenal, or watching endangered sea turtles nest on the beach. With Frommer's in hand, you'll experience the wonder of Costa Rica's amazing biodiversity, as we point out the best places to see hundreds of unique, colorful species of animals and plants. You'll even get a color fold-out map!

Costa Rica (Country Guide)

Matt Firestone, Wendy Yanagihara

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Find a new author Lonely Planet 1 out of 5 stars.
11 of 12 people found this review helpful.

If you want to enjoy traveling to Costa Rica I would recommend another book. If you want to spend your time lamenting about how Costa Rica has changed, how Americans are annoying, and be afraid to take your valuables out of your hotel safe than I recommend you check this book out. I would often read passages out loud to different people I was traveling with. You would think that Jaco is similar to Jersey but with more crack and lots of prostitutes from reading this book. In fact, when I went it was mostly families, a little sketch, but man get a grip. I read the chapter on San Jose and was to afraid to take my camera to the central market and downtown. What a regret! The people everywhere in Costa Rica were so nice. Downtown was crawling with tourists with their cameras and police. It wasn't even remotely sketchy. We could only get reservations in Tamarindo for Christmas day and I was terrified that it was going to be like Myrtle Beach on Spring Break. Yes there were lots of condos but it was still Costa Rica! Dirt Roads. you could walk from one end of town to the other in less then 10 minutes, everyone was nice, the beach was pretty. I just couldn't understand why the authors seemed to hate travel so much and be so hateful towards places where we were going.

Also, the book didn't give a lot of key information about how to get around without a car. We wasted so much time in La Fortuna trying to figure out how to get to the different places we wanted to go. It turns out there isn't a bus, there are only guided tours. They are all expensive. We finally hitchhiked which worked out well but I never go to go on the hanging bridges. I loved Cahuita (it wasn't dangerous) and Dominical. I loved Costa Rica. I am ready to go back.

I just wanted to warn people to stay away from this book. I love guidebooks. I am the kind of psycho that gets them from the library and reads through them even when I am not going anywhere. This one was the worst.

Editorial Review:

This guide provides details on the less frequently visited Central Valley and Highlands regions, interviews with locals who offer contemporary cultural tidbits, and a chapter on sustainable travel options. Maps throughout.

Guide to Costa Rican Spanish

Christopher Howard

Amazon Price: $9.95 List Price: $9.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Costa Rica Books Amazon Marketplace: 9 new & used starting at $5.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Speak Easy 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I spoke Spanish before coming to Costa Rica, but found the people in San Jose spoke with more slang and pachuco. Chris Howard's book helped me to communicate better and with more credibility. When I moved to the coast, the dialect was even more different. People considered me snobby when I spoke like I did originally. His information was even applicable in the countryside. I give this book as a gift to new clients and friends visiting Costa Rica.

A Great Survival Tool 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful.

When I came to Costa Rica I quickly discovered the vast majority of Costa Ricans DIDN'T speak English. Since I only had a limited Spanish vocabulary, I had a lot of problems in daily situations. Then I bought this handy little book and it virtually helped me survive the first couple of years. I still refer to it now and then for important phrases.

Editorial Review:

A complete guide to Spanish for Travelers. Practical Pronunciation Exercises to Help you Sound Like a Native Spanish Speaker Useful expressions for Real Life Situations That You Will Encounter. Costa Rican Slang. Practical Vocabulary, Including Business and Legal Terms. Includes an English/Spanish-Spanish/English Dictionary.

The Birds of Costa Rica: A Field Guide

Richard Garrigues

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Cornell University Press Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $18.78

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Subjects -> Outdoors & Nature -> Reference

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

"Graced with bounteous natural beauty, a stable democratic government, and friendly citizens, Costa Rica has become a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Birds play a prominent role in attracting visitors, too. The shimmering quetzals, gaudy macaws, and comical toucans only begin to hint at the impressive avian diversity to be found throughout this small country."--from the Introduction This is the one field guide the novice or experienced birder needs to identify birds in the field in the diverse habitats found in Costa Rica. It features descriptions and illustrations of more than 820 resident and neotropical migrant species found in Costa Rica, all in a compact, portable, user-friendly design. The detailed full-color illustrations show identifying features--including plumage differences among males, females, and juveniles--and views of birds in flight wherever pertinent. Additional features of this all-new guide include:

o 166 original color plates depicting more than 820 species.

o Concise text that describes key field marks for positive identification, as well as habitat, behavior, and vocalizations.

o Range maps and texts arranged on opposing pages from illustrations for quick, easy reference.

o The most up-to-date bird list for Costa Rica.

o A visual guide to the anatomical features of birds with accompanying explanatory text.

o Quick reference to vultures and raptors in flight.

Central America (Shoestring)

Robert Reid

Amazon Price: $16.49 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Lonely Planet Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $13.95

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Dig into history along the Ruta Maya, zip through the rain forest canopy or spend the day searching out that perfect hammock spot by the beach. Adventures are born every day in Central America. And this comprehensive guide - with expanded Yucatan and Chiapas coverage - gives you the tools to avoid spending an arm and a leg on the journey of a lifetime.

Explore More - expanded do-it-yourself features help you create your own adventure beyond the 'Gringo Trail.'

Get Lost - detailed language and cultural coverage and more than 120 maps means you'll never get lost...unless you want to.

Immerse Yourself - volunteer as a game warden, study Spanish, or simply learn how to extend your stay.

Culture Club - candid local interviews reveal the true nature and spirit of the isthmus' No. 1 natural resource - its people.

ALL NEW
Highlights & Planning Sections
Cutomized Itineraries
Snapshot Coverage
Responsible Travel Tips
Cross-referenced Maps

Belize (Country Guide)

Mara Vorhees, Joshua Samuel Brown

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Editorial Review:

The third edition features expanded coverage of diving and snorkeling opportunities in the pristine waters of Belize, and interviews with locals provide travelers with insight into the hidden culture.

Moon Panama (Moon Handbooks)

William Friar

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Avalon Travel Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $12.36

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Simply the best 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is, hands down, the best guide book on Panama. Terrific detail, excellent maps, accurate and insightful information. Best of all, the author's obvious love for Panama -- quirks included -- comes through on every page.

Simply....The best guidebook on Panama. 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This guidebook provides a very balanced & well put together information on the country. The author, being a "zonian" himself (one who grew up in the former Panama Canal Zone) & continues to spend time in the country, has a vast knowledge of the area. From the usual tourist areas to the people, history and culture; from the not so well known areas to do's & dont's, he covers it very well. What I like the most is that - unlike some other guides - he covers whatever is negative in a constructive manner without being overly critical. This latest edition includes a few more color pages at the beginning. A perfect companion to relocation guides like "Living in Panama" & "Choose Panama..." Bottom line...If there's room for only one Panama guidebook...look no further.

Editorial Review:

Writer and Panama native William Friar offers his unique perspective on this up-and-coming destination, from lounging in the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro to hiking the highlands of Boquete and exploring Panama City. Friar uses his local knowledge to craft unique trip strategies, such as The 14-day Outdoor Adventure and Six Days for History Buffs. Complete with details for navigating jungle trails, finding cheap taxis and underground bars, or planning a river expedition, Moon Panama gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

The Rough Guide to Belize, Third Edition

Peter Eltringham

Amazon Price: $12.36 List Price: $16.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Rough Guides Amazon Marketplace: 23 new & used starting at $2.58

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

very handy 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

this book did cover low bidget places and was very handy. it also covered more upscale loactions but did indicate that quite well. (we visited Belize 10/06). the prices were pretty accurate and the reviews as well.
one of our favorite places in san pedro was a 'hole in the wall' almost literally that this book recomended. it cost about $1 american for 2 of us to have breafast (home made belizian style breakfast tacos) and we would get a slice of homemade cake to take with us for lunch. we also stayed at rubies and breakfasted there often. rubies was definetly the best stay for the money.

we also used this book in san ignacio and found it extremely helpful and again in belize city (belmead i think). it told us everything we needed to know.

i higly recomend this book for any savy low budget traveler.

Editorial Review:

The Rough Guide to Belize is a complete and in-depth guide to the places, activities, people, customs and history of this fascinating Central American country. The full-colour ''Things Not to Miss'' introduction shows the country''s highlights in a series of inspirational full-colour page spreads. There are accounts of all of Belize''s major Mayan sites, plus Tikal in Guatemala, along with contextual boxes on the culture of the Mayans. There are also full accounts of Belize''s diverse outdoor activities - from surfing and rafting to trekking and eco-tourism. Practical coverage provides all the details you need to get around and find the best places to eat, sleep and drink - from bustling Belize City to the remote beaches, lakes and mountains. 

Panama Canal By Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide To Cruising The Panama Canal (Panama Canal By Cruise Ship)

Anne Vipond

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Ocean Cruise Guides Amazon Marketplace: 9 new & used starting at $14.90

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Guide for upcoming partial transit of canal 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This will be packed and going on my upcoming cruise. It has not only the historical, cultural, political perspectives on the canal, but has all the Central America, Mexico, South America ports where you stop during the cruise. Wonderful maps, pictures, and discussions about the surrounding areas.
I am enjoying studying it each night in prepartion for our cruise.
Well write and easy to pack. This author did a tremendous job with this guide. I would definitely buy other guides from Ms. Vipond.
Linda Canada

Editorial Review:

One of the greatest engineering feats ever, the Panama Canal is becoming one of the world's most popular cruise itineraries. Ports of call span the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, but the highlight of the cruise is the eight-hour transit of the Canal in which six massive locks raise and lower the ship 85 feet. Read about the monumental construction of the Canal as well as the history, culture, flora and fauna of this tropical region. Detail provided on popular ports, from Florida to California. Over 400 maps and photos most in color. Includes giant color fold out map of Panama Canal