National Geographic Traveler: Costa Rica [Paperback]

Christopher Baker (Author)

Book Description

Series: National Geographic Traveler | Publication Date: September 1, 2004

Providing in-depth descriptions of major cultural, architectural and historical sites, this guide takes the reader on a tour of Costa Rica and includes mapping of specially commissioned walks and drives, plus regional and city maps.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic; Revised edition (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792279468
• ISBN-13: 978-0792279464
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,440,880 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Christopher P. Baker (1955-) was born and educated in Yorkshire, England, studied at universities in London and Liverpool, and has lived in California since 1980. He has since established himself as one of the world's leading travel writers & photographers and is considered the world's foremost authority on travel and tourism to Cuba and Costa Rica. He has authored and illustrated more than 30 books for such publishers as Dorling Kindersly, Frommers, Lonely Planet, Moon, and National Geographic, etc., including guidebooks, literary books, and his acclaimed coffee-table book, "Cuba Classics: A Celebration of Vintage American Automobiles." His writing & photography have appeared in more than 200 international publications, from National Geographic to Newsweek. His literary travelog "Mi Moto Fidel: Motorcycling Through Castro's Cuba," won both the Lowell Thomas Award as 'Travel Book of the Year,' and the North American Travel Journalist Association Grand Prize. In 2006, he won the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award 'Travel Journalist of the Year,' and has also been named 'Travel Journalist of the Year' by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (2005) and Jamaica Tourist Board (1998). He posts twice-weekly blogs at www.moon.com/blogs/cuba-costa-rica and promotes himself through his website: www.christopherbaker.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Guidebook on the Same Subject, December 11, 2000

By 

Christopher Robinson "Wayne Burke" (Vero Beach, Fl USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: National Geographic Traveler: Costa Rica (Paperback)

Over the years I must have read about 20 guidebooks about Costa Rica. Like the most of others this book does have something to offer the traveller. However, I prefer the author's other book, "The Costa Rica Handbook." If you're looking to move to Costa Rica or spend an extended period of time there, you should read "The Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica." It offers an excellent introduction to the local scene.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Caters to more intellectual travelers, November 8, 2005

By 

Karen C (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: National Geographic Traveler: Costa Rica (Paperback)

This book is much better at diving into the details and characteristics of the places and events than many of the other travel guides I considered. I wouldn't use this book if you're looking for a specific place to stay or cheap eats, but rather the historical context or anectdotal information that makes traveling more insightful. Don't get me wrong; there are plenty of lists, walking routes, maps and key data that will make travel easier. But National Geographic prides itself in making the leisurely travel experience much more encompassing to your senses. The photographs are incredible, and the text is in-depth. I would make this book (and the entire Series for that matter) a supplement that rounds out your vacation, alongside your "best restaurants and hotels" guide that will help find the basics.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book worth it for the photographs alone, July 16, 2003

By 

Agnes Nagy (Central, SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: National Geographic Traveler: Costa Rica (Paperback)

I agree with the other reviewer of this book that, as a guidebook, it is useful but not unsurpassed. When I went to Costa Rica I took it along with a copy of Lonely Planet Costa Rica with me and I was covered. This book is worth it though for the photographs alone. The photographs are so good they make you want to get to every nook and cranny of Costa Rica and find these stunning people, places, and things. National Geographic totally lived up to it's name with this one.