Frommer's Costa Rica 2007 (Frommer's Complete Guides) [Paperback]

Eliot Greenspan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2006 | Series: Frommer's Complete Guides (Book 273)

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!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Frommer's. The best trips start here.

Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer.

• Expert advice on the best bird-watching, diving, surfing, and other adventures to get your adrenaline pumping.
• Outspoken opinions on what's worth your time and what's not.
• Exact prices, so you can plan the perfect trip whatever your budget.
• Off-the-beaten-path experiences and undiscovered gems, plus new takes on top attractions.

Find great deals and book your trip at Frommers.com

About the Author

Eliot Greenspan is a poet, journalist, and travel writer who took his backpack and typewriter the length of Mesoamerica before settling in Costa Rica in 1992. Since then, he has worked steadily for the Tico Times and other local media, and continued his travels in the region. He is also the author of Frommer's Belize, Cuba, and the upcoming Guatemala, as well as the chapter on Venezuela in Frommer's South America.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Frommer's; 1 edition (August 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471944408
• ISBN-13: 978-0471944409
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,101,281 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Tourist's guide to touristy places, March 24, 2007

By 

Jeff H. "Jeff" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Frommer's Costa Rica 2007 (Frommer's Complete Guides) (Paperback)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I hope you have some cash - not a book for backpackers, March 3, 2007

By 

Missouri Jones (Saint Louis, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Frommer's Costa Rica 2007 (Frommer's Complete Guides) (Paperback)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awsome book, December 3, 2006

By 

Stephen Myslik (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Frommer's Costa Rica 2007 (Frommer's Complete Guides) (Paperback)

I'm so happy with my purchase. I've bought Lonely Planet guides and National Geographic guides previously, and the Frommer's has become my favorite. It's everything you need it a travel guide! This book is easy to navigate and reference and the information is all very up to date. This book uses a 1, 2 & 3 star rating system and categorizes hotels by price. I have found this book so helpful in planning out my trip.

The only drawback to this book is that the pictures are not nearly as plentiful as the above mentioned books.