Fodor's upCLOSE Central America, 2nd edition (Fodor's Upclose Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama) [Paperback]

Fodor's (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 8, 2001 | Series: Fodor's Upclose Central America: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama

Fodor's upCLOSE series is designed for travelers who want to travel well and spend less. With candid reviews and a fresh outlook, Fodor's upCLOSE points the way to authentic experiences that will take travelers away from the crowds and close to the culture — without having to spend a fortune.

Discover the essence of Central America

Revel the sounds of the rain forest. Discover the symphony of a coral reef. Scan the horizon from atop a Maya temple. And if you want to experience the heart and soul of Central America — whatever you do — don't spend too much money. If you can't take your best friend on the road, or if your best friend is hopeless with directions, stick with us and explore the region upCLOSE.

Find the special small hotels in the best locations
∑Charming places to stay that won't bust your budget
∑Dozens of tell-all reviews
∑Beachfront bungalows, jungle lodges, and the best places to hang your hammock

Eat & drink what locals do, catch the buzz on nightlife
∑Dine on regional specialties and delicious comida típica
∑Great meals at comedores, cafés, and bustling markets
∑Where to dance til dawn to rock, reggae, or merengue
∑Get the lowdown on cool cocktails and killer coffee

Practical info, great maps
∑Airfare deals, how to get around
∑Tips on traveling smart and losing the crowds
∑Clear, easy-to-read maps

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Fodor's upCLOSE series is designed for travelers who want to travel well and spend less. With candid reviews and a fresh outlook, Fodor's upCLOSE points the way to authentic experiences that will take travelers away from the crowds and close to the culture — without having to spend a fortune.

Discover the essence of Central America

Revel the sounds of the rain forest. Discover the symphony of a coral reef. Scan the horizon from atop a Maya temple. And if you want to experience the heart and soul of Central America — whatever you do — don't spend too much money. If you can't take your best friend on the road, or if your best friend is hopeless with directions, stick with us and explore the region upCLOSE.

Find the special small hotels in the best locations
∑Charming places to stay that won't bust your budget
∑Dozens of tell-all reviews
∑Beachfront bungalows, jungle lodges, and the best places to hang your hammock

Eat & drink what locals do, catch the buzz on nightlife
∑Dine on regional specialties and delicious comida típica
∑Great meals at comedores, cafés, and bustling markets
∑Where to dance til dawn to rock, reggae, or merengue
∑Get the lowdown on cool cocktails and killer coffee

Practical info, great maps
∑Airfare deals, how to get around
∑Tips on traveling smart and losing the crowds
∑Clear, easy-to-read maps

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Hike through virgin cloud forest. Drive down to a coral reef. Climb to the top of a Maya temple. Go to a festival. Shop in a native market. Commune with nature. Memorize the symphony of the streets -- then get lost. And if you want to experience the heart and soul of Central America, whatever you do, don't spend too much money.

The deep and rich experience of Central America that every true traveler yearns for is one of the things in life that money can't buy. In fact, if you have it, don't use it. Traveling lavishly is the surest way to turn yourself into a sideline traveler. Restaurants with white-glove service are great -- sometimes -- but they're usually not the best place to find the perfect tamale. Doormen at luxury hotels have their place, but not when your look-alike room could be anywhere from San Salvador to Seattle. Better to stay in a more intimate place that gives you the atmosphere you traveled so far to experience. Don't just stand and watch -- jump into the spirit of what's around you.

If you want to see Central America up close and savor the essence of the region and its people in all their various glory, this book is for you. We'll show you the local culture, the offbeat sights, the bars and caf?s where tourists rarely tread, and the B&Bs and other hostelries where you'll meet fellow travelers -- places where we would send our friends. And because you'll probably want to see the famous places, we give you tips on losing the crowds, plus the politics, the history, and all the quirky and obscure facts you want as well as the basics everyone needs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Fodor's; 2 edition (May 8, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679006176
• ISBN-13: 978-0679006176
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,274,818 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Travel > Latin America > Central America > El Salvador
  • #60 in Books > Travel > Latin America > Central America > Guatemala
  • #87 in Books > Travel > Latin America > Central America > Panama