Customer Reviews

Moon Handbooks Panama

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Before reading this excellent book by William Friar, I would only buy Lonely Planet (LP) guidebooks. I was a true believer in the gospel of travel according to LP. William Friar converted me to Moon!

Unlike LP, Moon commissions a single author to write its guidebooks. What results a single voice and a more powerful and compelling narrative than your typical LP guide. Whereas LPs often read like spread sheets, this handbook reads like a novel. Friar's descriptions are loaded with quirky facts and personal anecdotes that make the handbook feel like a Bill Bryson travelogue as opposed to a Michelin Guide Rouge. There are also many useful sidebars such as one on the various dangers of the Darien jungle (both human, and natural) and another on how to choose a guide/naturalist. If that were not enough, this book contains far more detail on nuts and bolts stuff such as hotels and restaurants than the LP. In researching the Gamboa Tower eco-lodge, for example, Friar describes each type of room in the facility, including which ones have bathrooms and which ones do not. He also goes into depth on each tour offered by that eco-lodge so a tourist can decide what to do before arriving in-country. This is a tour de force! The best guide on Panama in-print.

Just returned from 2 weeks in Panama with Mr. Friar's guidebook close at hand. We also had, by way of backup, a copy of the Lonely Planet guide. Without doubt the Moon Handbook is the superior guide and I would consider it indispensable for anyone traveling to Panama. Friar's writing style is highly readable and we found the research and his assessment of the opportunities to be spot on. From budget travel to luxury stays, Friar covers the gamut with humor and perceptive insight. The only caveat I would offer is that the prices quoted by the author are already out of date. We found lodging to be consistently $5 - 15 higher than the prices quoted in the book. This is the challenge of writing about a dynamic world using a static medium, and in no way is meant to be a negative comment about the book or author. The reality is that Panama has "been discovered," and prices are rising to reflect increasing demand. Still, we had a great time and the success of our trip was due in no small part to the guidance set down in Moon Handbooks Panama.

Bill Friar is enjoyable to read. His books on Panama and the Canal have always appealed, because he is interested in the environment as well as the necessities of travel, hotel, restaurants. He brings the reader close to the sights, sounds and smells of a country, and off the usual beaten path. I recommend this book highly. Hal De Mun

Outstanding book! Am in the throes of planning a 15-person trip to Panama in December. Thanks to Mr. Friar's book, this job has become a pleasure! Sat down to browse through it and two hours later I was still "browsing!" Mr. Friar has done a magnificent job in every respect. Every traveler or visitor to Panama would be more than comforted to have this book in their possesion. Not only is EVERY detail addressed (phone numbers, bus/plane schedules, etc.), but Mr. Friar has woven historical events, traditions and bits of humor throughout. If you're visiting Panama for a few days or longer, don't leave home without this book. I promise you won't regret it!

Once again Bill Friar has done an outstanding job on a travel guide to Panama. With his usual attention to detail and personal knowledge of the country he provides everything you need for a successful trip, whether vacationing at the shore, hiking in the mountains or enjoying the City life.

This is a well organized and complete reference with everything from public transportation details, hotels, entertainment, museums, and all the places not to miss. Bill has been there so he knows!

In the summer of 2006 I went to Panama for three weeks, with my wife and our two daughters. We've planned all the trip with this book, where we allways find accurate information and some precious advices. The way the book is writing, is very good. And I allways remember this book for one thing: it's where I find the Al Natural, a superb place in Isla Bastimentos, in the Atlantic shore of Panama. Great!

I have read about 50 guidebooks in recent five years, from traveller's perspective - either traveling to these countries or choosing whether or not to do so - and this one turns out to be the best of all of them. I'm not exaggerating, since I'm so tired of inconsistent, untrue, uncomplete, otherwise unreliable books. This one simply doesn't have faults and is also remarkably better than the Lonely Planet's Panama.
William Friar is not advertising, not making something sound like it is not in reality, he's giving a full, truthful picture of the country and as much practical information as it is needed; as a sample I can mention Health and Safety chapter - it's just what you would need to know. Yes, of course, there is some dated information - but that's pretty non-escapable about the guidebooks. He has a truly great trait - to be trustable. I highly recommend this book.

a bit 'promotional' but otherwise i found it to be accurate (with exception of the author's anti-drug sentiments which were unrealistically extreme). a topographical map would be an extremely nice addition to the book and they could have skipped the color photos and put in color maps. overall, this book was helpful for my 07' trip. you will need a travel guide in panama.

I would suggest using this book along with the Lonely Planet Guide but just remember, don't let a guidebook keep you from exploring places they don't mention. Panama is a great country and a lot safer than most other Latin American countries. The fact that they use the US dollar for their currency makes it a lot easier. I have lived here in Panama for the past 8 years and it is a great place for a retiree.

I had high hopes for this book as the reviews were good. The author doesn't give many positive highlights about anything in Panama. I was really disappointed with the authors reviews on food. Out of all the places he reviewed they were all negative. Why would I want to go eat from a place listed in his book? There were some great places to eat in Panama City ( Taj Majal and Marsala). I agree that the cuisine is nothing to write home about in Panama, but he could have found some nice place to eat. Also if you plan on using the public transportation system, this book doesn't give very much. It is mostly written from the perspective of rental cars or your own car.