4 comments about Pauline Frommer's Costa Rica (Pauline Frommer Guides).

1. I looked through several guides on Costa Rica before purchasing this one - it wasn't just a list of where to stay etc., it had the kind of info a good friend really familiar with an area would let you know. For example we are interested in staying at the beach on the pacific side and there was a lot of detailed info on the beaches and beach towns to help decide which area we wanted to stay in. I know which beaches are considered more family friendly and which towns are the party spots. The book also talks about things like the history of development in the beach towns and gives info on which are still sleepy towns and which are sort of like Cabo. Also included is info on alternatives to hotels, and lots of good websites to check out. This isn't a comprehensive guide but rather a good place to start with all the online resources you need for further info.



2. For my super-detail oriented personality there wasn't quite enough meat (logistics-wise) in Pauline Frommer's Costa Rica for it to successfully stand alone as the only guidebook for someone on an independent vacation (with rental car). If you're on a package tour it's more than adequate. But when taken along with another guidebook (Moon's Costa Rica in my case) Pauline Frommer's shined.
   
   It excels in recommending excellent beaches, beach towns, restaurants and hotels but is lacking in maps and discussion on travel logistics - i.e. how long it will take to drive from town X to town Y on the dirt road, etc.
   
   Here's where it shines and is worth purchasing. On three occasions it guided us to sights (a secluded hard-to-reach pink sand beach, a beautiful beach town, and a wonderfully authentic restaurant (where there was no menu but 2 huge plates of food, 2 sodas, and 2 dessert pan dulces all came to under $9)) that made our vacation really special and were either totally left out of the other guidebook or not emphasized sufficiently to warrant exploration. This is a mark of a great guidebook and allowed me to feel confident that the authors, David Appell and Nelson Mui, knew what they were talking about and recommend great stuff! We also like the author's laid back and relaxed, but realistic attitude. We only traveled to areas covered by 3 chapters of the book so I can only imagine the other gems recommended in other parts of the country.
   
   This guidebook can definitely work alone, but I simply like to have more details about transportation - especially maps. The next version should include more. Also, as a young man I almost did not purchase this book simply because Pauline's picture is displayed prominently all around. It looks like it's targeted to my mom's demographic, which it may be, but if its trying to be a new series of guidebooks aimed at allowing the traveler to "see more" and "spend less" it could appear more contemporary and less like a book for ladies.



3. has a nice writing style, but I wish more specific places were reviewed. not quite the in-depth guidebook I was hoping for.



4. This book came from the library after we came back from Costa Rica, so we read the section about the area's we had visited, and BOY was Paula right on! It's simply amazing how one person could have such complete observations about so many area's. I would highly recommend this book (and Costa Rica). I will be buying it for my sister who is on her way... May all your travels be filled with wonderment, beauty and love.

2 comments about The Costa Rica Reader: History, Culture, Politics (The Latin America Readers).

1. By using variouus annotations on short stories the reader lives through many people which have helped create this nation. Events are told in first person that give realism to both their suffering and accomplishments. Interesting information about the United States influence/involement in the Central American zone and the indirect effect on Costa Ricans gives pause to think about current events.



2. I love sociology. This is a great reader presenting different points of view of a complex society. So you know a little about me to judge the (short) review...I've done immersion study in CR and am a master's level student in the us. US born. Also over 40.

5 comments about Frommer's Costa Rica 2007 (Frommer's Complete).

1. While I liked the general structure of the book, starting of with detailed best-of lists, and then giving more detail of Costa Rica's regions, I didn't feel I was included in the book's target group. Most hotels discussed start at $30, there isn't much information on local buses or camping - all those things that make backpacking cheap. The descriptions of hiking and tour options are also far less detailed than in the latest Lonely Planet.
   The book also caters to people that book whole Costa Rica itineraries, and some are suggested. However, this is not the book for the independent traveler with a limited budget.
   However, the wildlife section at the end of the book is really good, and such a section is definitely a good thing in a Costa Rica guide, as many travelers go there for seeing tropical animals and ecosystems.
   
   All in all, the latest Lonely Planet is more up-to-date, and definitely has more information on acommodations, eateries, getting around, camping and hiking. It also includes a lot more places, whereas Frommer's doesn't really leave the trodden paths.



2. It should be noted that the image used on the cover of this guide is of a private hot springs resort, not the natural environment that Costa Rica is noted for. I guess that's a popular trick though, as I bought a foldable laminated map that had a picture taken from the same resort.
   
   This book is a decent guide, but it will lead you only to the most touristy places on your travel. If that's what you're looking for, this is fine, but don't make the mistake of thinking it will help you find anything more obscure.
   
   Also, don't let the 2007 edition fool you: there is still much out of date information here including pricing and hours of operation. Nothing too glaring mind you, but not exactly up to the claim that they update the entire book each year. For instance, the resort where the cover picture was taken is open later but charges more than the book describes.
   
   It is also not a comprehensive guide, though that is forgivable. If you plan on spending any time on the Nicoya Peninsula, this book has exactly one paragraph for you. Other information and descriptions of major areas was accurate and detailed enough though.
   
   I'd by the Lonely Planet guide instead after reading this.



3. A very nice map, good detail, waterproof but so flimsy that it arrived TORN!



4. Frommer's Costa Rica 2007 (Frommer's Complete)
   Although I will not depart for Costa Rica until next month, I found this book to be very helpful & full of useful pre-trip info.



5. The Frommer's travel books are very comprehensive, full of information on hotels, resorts, restaurants, shopping, etc. for your travel destination. Also notes what to avoid. I have always found them very helpful.

5 comments about Choose Costa Rica for Retirement, 8th: Information for Travel, Retirement, Investment, and Affordable Living (Choose Retirement Series).

1. I've only read 4-5 books on CR but this is my favorite by far. John gives a lot of detail about what various towns & areas are like & why you may or may not want to live or visit there. That is just what I was looking for.



2. This is one of the first books we chose to start the process of deciding whether Costa Rica might be the spot where we could retire. The book is very informative - and teamed with some of the other Costa Rica books that Amazon has to offer - has helped us make our choice.



3. I'll mention up front that this is the only book I've read on the subject of living in Costa Rica, but I can't imagine many being much better. I spent 10 weeks in Costa Rica (8 weeks in language immersion school, 4 days a week). Having two full weeks plus several 3-day weekends to travel around, I'm familiar with the basics of Costa Rican culture & geography.
   
   Nowhere near retirement age myself, I was impressed to find plenty of information on other topics: Mr. Howells reviews culture & politics, but not in any long and boring sense - really keeping to the necessities. He frequently compares cultural topics with North American analogies, helping to define it better for North Americans. He does take pains to be clear, while concise, about business, legal & immigration matters - all of which you probably find interesting, anyway, if you think you want to move to Costa Rica. He also does a great job covering costs of living for all life styles, health care, transportation, education, real estate and investments. He's interviewed plenty of folks for the content, too. From parents with children in private or public schools to immigration or real estate lawyers. This was clearly not his first attempt at such a book.
   
   One thing I repeatedly found interesting were the details about North American & European expat communities all over the country. I'm sure some of those details change in time, but it really gives you a feel for what to expect in the way of finding English (or other European language) speaking friends & advice. (But you are encouraged to learn some Spanish, of course!) Another specific that he gives several pages to is driving to Costa Rica from the US! I've always wanted to do that, and he's done it several times... I'm inspired already!
   
   My only concern with the book would be for someone who isn't familiar with the geography (thus my disclaimer @ the top) might like to supplement their reading with Google Earth or a map. The book does a fair job of keeping you oriented as he travels around, though, so don't worry if you'd rather not. It does have some maps indicating the regions he discusses.
   
   I found the book so interesting that I actually read most of it while traveling in Ecuador. At no point did I ever feel bored or bogged down and I didn't skip a single page. There's even some comic relief! This book, combined with a good trip, should be a nice spring board into living, retiring or doing business in Costa Rica.



4. I just finished reading the 6th edition. The book really does a great job of discussing the many aspects of making the move to paradise (aka CR). The advice about importing vs buying a car alone was worth the price of the book -- that's the kind of useful info you just won't find in most of the books about moving to CR. He also does a good job explaining the rather daunting problems of employing people in CR (the rules are worlds different than in the US).
   
   I especially appreciated that the author admits when he doesn't know absolutely everything about a given subject. Makes me feel I can better trust the information he does impart. I also appreciated that he wasn't hawking his services like many similar books (he does suggest you visit his website, which is fine -- no hard sell or anything).
   
   The 6th edition was, I felt, a little light on language issues. I have found that not many Costa Ricans outside the tourist industry know much English but the author seemed to gloss over the fact that you better know your espanol when you make the move (unless you plan to lock yourself up in one of those expat enclaves -- ugh!). If you want to move to CR and not get taken for a ride by shady gringo characters your best defense is to learn Spanish so that you can deal with the Ticos yourself.



5. This book (8th edition) is a frank and helpful look at the practicalities of moving to Costa Rica. I especially appreciated the information about altitudes and temperatures of the various locales where expatriates tend to live, detailed immigration information, and considerations for renting or buying real estate. John Howells has a wry, self-deprecating wit that I found refreshing and his writing is entertaining as well as very informative. I found this book more helpful and much better written and edited than "The New Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica."

1 comments about Costa Rica Butterflies & Moths: An Introduction to Familiar Species (Pocket Naturalist - Waterford Press).

1. On my visit to Costa Rica, this was helpful in identifying butterflies and moths, of which there are many, many species. This laminated card contains many of those I saw, but, of course, was far from a comprehensive guide. It is sturdy and fits easily in a backpack.

5 comments about The New Key to Costa Rica.

1. [...]The 18th edition of New Key to Costa Rica improves upon a veritable classic.
   
   2006 marks the 30th anniversary of the guidebook which guides travelers toward
   tasteful family-run lodgings and communities that are actively protecting the rural environment.
   
   Written in a style that feels like a conversation with a travel guide, the New Key provides countless insights about the culture, the environment and the people of Costa Rica.
   
   First authored by Jane Wallace, the book was then updated by her daughter Beatrice Blake and Anne Becher. Beatrice prepared this edition alone, but it is easy to see that the text has been guided by a number of joyful souls.
   
   In 1992 this book was the first guidebook to use a green-rating system. In this edition, the rating system is downplayed in favor of focusing on community efforts.
   
   Focusing on family farm visits allows Blake to show travelers the connections among organic agriculture, appropriate energy technology and diverse ecosystems. She writes: "By visiting these communities, not only will you meet some lovely people, but you will be inspired by their ability to put innovative principles into practice."
   
   For travelers wishing to experience tropical nature, there is no better immersion than visiting the communities that are at the forefront of conservation.
   
   Exciting adventure sports are not omitted. One of the highlights of the book is a review of the country's best canopy tours. Additional "adventure reports" showcase innovative efforts throughout the country.
   
   Among the informative sidebars are capsule reviews of the Talamanca Ecotourism Network, the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center and turtle watching at Ostional Wildlife Refuge.
   
   New Key to Costa Rica covers all the bases - from the practical details of deciding when and where to go to tips on learning Spanish and volunteer vacations. For those seeking an eco trip, this book is a must.



2. I used this book, and the community-based eco-tourism agency recommended in this book, to plan a two-week trip. I was alone, female, and non-Spanish speaking. I had the time of my life. Everything went off without a hitch. Great people, waterfalls, food, views, and adventures galore. Thanks to the author. None of the other guidebooks came close to the insight and accuracy of this guide.



3. This guide was the better of the two I bought....and the other one was Fodor's. New Key was accurate, impartial, and covered lots of different kinds of stuff....



4. We have been to CR for a visit and are now considering the BIG move. This book covers every you would need to know and surprises you with information you didn't think of. We have even shared this information with our family that has lived there for 5 years and it has helped them. It also gave a brief but interesting history of Costa Rica as well as current government, economics and culture. Does a good job of explaining the cultural differences which are most important to the person considering a move anywhere! One thing I might stress... the author states several times that English is taught in the schools. This might lead you to believe that you will have little problem with communication. In our trip last year to the Central Valley and the Pacific Coast we did not meet one person that understood us or could speak to us in English. I highly advise, begin you Spanish Lessons before your anticipated trip!



5. 'The New Key to Costa Rica' is the best guide/travel book on this Central American country I've found yet. I'm contemplating moving to Costa Rica and am planning my first trip later this year. Beatrice apparently updates this guide every other year to keep it current. There is a great focus on eco-friendly traveling and she can personally help you design a trip to your specifications. This book is chock full of practical information on everything you could ever want to know about Costa Rica. Look no further if you want the best guide for this country.

5 comments about The New Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica.

1. A MUST HAVE BIBLE OF INFORMATION. IT GIVES SPECIFIC DETAILS ON THE TRANSITION PROCESS NEEDED TO SUCCESSFULLY MAKE THE MOVE OF LIVING YOUR DREAM.



2. I had a hard time reading this book because it needed a lot more proofreading and editing. The information will prove useful, I'm sure, but the organization of the book made it a little difficult for me to follow.



3. "This is the ONLY book you need to move to Costa Rica. It is jam-packed with practical information. It helped me make the move and find happiness here. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking of living or investing in Costa Rica."



4. chris howard the author knows costa rica. i am a long time resident of costa rica and you can take my word chris howard tells the truth. his is the best book out on costa rica.



5. I have lived in Costa Rica for over 12 years and have worked extensively in the areas of tourism and real estate. I recommend this book to PEOPLE OF ALL AGES with an interest learning about every possible area of LIVING and INVESTING here. I have read all of the other books about making the move and Mr. Howard seems to have a BETTER FEEL for the country than any of the other authors. Perhaps this is because he is the ONLY one of them who has lived here FULL TIME during the last 27 years. Therefore, it is not surprising that he displays GOOD COMMON SENSE and possesses INCREDIBLE knowledge of how things REALLY WORK here. NOBODY seems to have the network of CONTACTS that Mr. Howard has made over the years.
   
   For example, he has met with Noble Prize winning president of Costa Rica on several occasions to discuss retirement and other important issues. Mr. Howard even has access to the president's private cell phone number and is one of the FEW Americans who can contact the president anytime. This says a lot about Christopher Howard's respectability.
   In over a decade, I have seen him work with literally hundreds of people. He has never failed to be fair, honest and sincere. If he is in the least bit unsure of an inquiry, he will verify the answer with several sources. He never quits studying and expanding himself through self education and information that comes through his connections. To keep himself aware and up-to-date is a job he takes seriously, but enjoys doing.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

1 comments about Costa Rica - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette (Culture Smart!).

1. I'm glad that I read this book. My family and I are considering living in Costa Rica.
   
   This book will help us understand Costa Rican culture so we can have a positive experience in Costa Rica.

5 comments about Travellers' Wildlife Guides Costa Rica (Travellers' Wildlife Guides).

1. Les Beletsky's "Costa Rica (Traveller's Wildlife Guide)" was a delightful and much-used companion on our recent tour in Costa Rica; and we are still reading it, now that we are home. Since we are especially interested in wildlife, we really enjoyed the beautiful, clear bird and animal illustrations and descriptions. We carried it with us on every bus and boat excursion, and it enabled us to identify many of the birds we saw. We found the comments about the parks and ecosystems in which the animals can be found to be very helpful.
   The only shortcoming is that the plant descriptions are so brief and the plant illustrations are not in color.
   The habitat photos are outstanding. Looking at them reminds us of the amazing variety of scenery we saw in Costa Rica.



2. I just returned from 10 days in CR and bought this guide (under seal so I could not examine it before purchasing) when I arrived there. This guide is great in that is provides wonderful data on amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals and lots of information on CR geography, conservation, ecology and related. The guides I met really like the book for the "friendliness" of the presentation. Unfortunately I found the book to be cumbersome because it separated the animal data from the plates and the book lacked cross-referencing, so there was a lot of back and forth trying to read about something then find its illustration. Also, the book is very limited in the varieties of each type of animal. Since my main interest is birding, I was very frustrated not to find many of the birds I was seeing. Lastly, I paid $48 for this book when I arrived in CR and later I saw it for $38; state-side the book sells for $20 or so. I think it is a wonderful overview book on animals of CR but I do not recommend it as a field guide.



3. We are going to Costa Rica this SPring and this book has been the most helpful guide in preparing for this trip.



4. Overall, I think this is a good book. It provides good descriptions and illustrations for identification. I also liked that it included the parks and habitats where each of the species could be found. I was a little disappointed by the organization of the book (how the information is separate from the pictures). It is helpful when trying to quickly trying to ID an animal to have all the pictures in one spot, but it is a pain to have to flip back and forth to find out any facts. I was also wish that some butterfly species were included in this book.



5. I found this book only really useful for mammals. I had to supplement this book for amphibians, reptiles, and especially for birds. I found it is really only good for 'popular species' of the non-mammals. If you are a casual naturalist and only want to bring one book, it is ok, but if you trying to really id a lot of organisms and add to your life-list, this isn't a great book.

5 comments about Waterproof Costa Rica Map.

1. This map split at the seams within the first couple of times of laying it out.



2. This map has a lot of small places on it and was a BIG help driving in unfamiliar places that do not have road signs. We were able to tell we were on the right road by looking at the small town names and catching the town names off the churches once we were going through the city. Also we were able to see what town was coming up to check the rare signs with distances to the next larger place.
   
   This map is way better then the free map you get in Costa Rica. That one is detailed - but not as detailed as this map. It omits a LOT of small back roads, small cities and even medium sized cities and this map has many of them included.
   
   The map is easy to read and the waterproofing was great.... we were not there in the rainy season but had a 6 year old with us (enough said!)
   
   We did not do a lot of remote driving, but when we were driving we were certainly referring to this map.
   
   Ours did not tear or split at the seams at all - and it was pretty abused during our travels.



3. I just returned from Costa Rica and this map was great. Much better than the map provided by the rental car agency. It's durable design makes it tear proof. The country is divided North and South so everything is large and easy to read. The roads to the tourist destinations are in good shape(no potholes like I was expecting). Driving in Costa Rica was easy, although there are a lot of trucks and busses that slow you down. I would recommend this map to anyone going to Costa Rica both for planning before you go and for use on the road.



4. I have to second the two-star review by Amanda. While the cartography is good (easy to read, nice colors), the map itself is extremely fragile along its folds. Even when I first opened it there were perforations that were large enough for light to shine through. These, of course, turned into splits. Probably okay for a short trip, but don't expect this to last you a long time. Maybe try Waterproof Travel Map of Costa Ricaor National Geographic Costa Rica Adventure Map, both of which are waterproof as well.



5. Got the map within one week - Fast. It's a good product and much better than the "rental car company map" and any of the other C.R. maps I've seen. You may not need a map this detailed, but if you're driving around a lot, I'd recommend it.