The New Key to Costa Rica: Your Guide to the Land and Culture

by Beatrice Blake, Anne Becher, Deidre Hyde (Illustrator)

The latest edition of The New Key to Costa Rica describes the ecolodges that have made Costa Rica famous, along with 500 pages of practical travel information, chapters on history and ecology, and over 20 maps. The new, 17th edition focuses on destinations owned and operated by grassroots community conservation groups. The guidebook highlights the adventures you can have at these rustic country riding horses to a valley hidden in the mountains of the Karen Mogensen Reserve in the Nicoya Peninsula; watching sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach at Ostional Wildlife Refuge in Guanacaste; setting out across a hanging bridge to get close to a 175-foot waterfall at Los Campesinos Reserve near Quepos; and traveling down jungle rivers in a dugout canoe to Yorkin village in the Bribri Indigenous Territories on the Panama border, where women raise organic cacao. These destinations have the added advantage of being easier on the pocketbook than many other forms of ecotourism. Most community-based lodges cost $25 to $35 per person including three hearty meals. Costa Rica is recognized as a leader in ecotourism, and The New Key to Costa Rica has been instrumental in fostering responsible tourism since its inception in 1978. Author Beatrice Blake has traveled there for over 30 years and knows the country well. Take advantage of her expertise to help you plan a vacation that will also benefit Costa Rica's rich biodiversity and its vital democracy. Including 20 maps and features a full-color, fold-out map of Costa Rica.

Genres: Travel

560 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 1991

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great info in this travel book to Costa Rica. . .Liked the eco-tourism tips and suggestions for lodging and activities. She didn't steer us wrong at all. There's a little disorganization, but you can figure it out easily.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 9th edition, 1989, 252p.

Obviously this early edtion is very dated in many respects, but parts are still useful.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect book to have when you travel or plan on travelling to Costa Rica. This came in handy when we were planning our trip and while we were there a month ago.