Costa Rica Handbook

Moon Handbooks

by christopher-p-baker

Moon Handbooks are more than just travel guides -- they're reference tools, ideal for independent travelers who desire complete immersion in the culture of their destination. The only guidebooks to win Lowell Thomas Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers six years in a row, Moon Handbooks deliver a wealth of practical advice, as well as in-depth coverage of each region's history, geography, people, arts, politics, and social issues.-- Engaging narratives that allow readers to capture the true spirit of their destination -- even before they head out the door

-- Helpful information on language, transportation, accommodations, restaurants, outdoor recreation, and sightseeing

-- Detailed maps that highlight city streets, highways, hiking trails, and parks

-- Dozens of online resource listings for easy travel planning and booking

-- Additional Moon Handbooks information on destinations throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific can be found at moon.com

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Reference

785 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1994

Reviews

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wrote this when I first bought it: "I'm reading it for Peace Corps, but so far it seems Costa Rica has little to offer except toucans, monkeys, a lot of pretty trees, and decades of uninterrupted democracy. Boring."

"Written by the guy who wrote the Moon Cuba book and that was really great, so the book has a good pedigree at least."

Well, two years later and yeah...what I wrote above was sort of true. But obviously not entirely. It is just that to see "real" Costa Rica is pretty impossible as a tourist since what is easy to get to (beaches, nature) is not really that unique or interesting, to me.

But the book was kind of useful for reading up on places and regions, not so much for actual travel information. I thought I saw the author at a fair in my town but I did not approach him, though I now wish that I had.

Also, I thought his Cuba book was a much more candid "warts and all" review of a country.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the major differences in this guidebook is that on the maps inside, not only are all the spots identified, but they're identified in English. Plus, you don't have to look at one map for hotels, a second map for places to eat, and a third map for anything else (hospitals, museums, etc.), though separate maps are available also.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

while the dk book gave a nice overview of the regions, this guide gives a lot more detail, including for smaller towns barely mentioned in other books. the practical info re: getting around in the country seems very helpful.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was very useful for our trip this past year

[Jordan Funke · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is an awesome series of travel guides. let's hope it serves me well on my trip to costa rica in two days.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the format and info in these Moon guidebooks!

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of info packed in here. Still, at a hand sized 850 pages it's a tote. It was arguably the best book I took and I took too many.