Panama: The Bradt Travel Guide [Paperback]

Sarah Woods (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2005 | Series: Bradt Travel Guide

With an idyllic landscape of volcanoes, rain forest, and Caribbean coasts, and a skyline ever-colorful with butterfly migrations and over 350 species of birdlife, it isn't surprising Panama has always been a popular escape for Americans. Plan the perfect getaway with this guide, which features a multitude of opportunities for watersports and hiking.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

There's more to Panama than its canal; this bridge between Central and South America is host to a fascinating mix of cultures. From the traditional Kuna in the San Blas islands to the fusion of Latino, Caribbean and Indian influences in the Bocas region, the country offers remarkable diversity.
Panama is the latest ecotourism hotspot, with rainforest covering a third of its area. While twitchers delight in 350 species of bird - more than anywhere else on Earth - others can enjoy spectacular butterfly migrations. With excellent fishing, rafting and hiking, this is a haven for those with a passion for the outdoors.

Discover:
In-depth coverage of Bocas del Toro
Where to stay, where to eat, where to go
Natural history, national parks and marine conservation
Stunning beaches for ultimate relaxation
Watersports, trekking and adventure sports
The Panama Canal - its history and contemporary role

About the Author

Sarah Woods has traveled extensively worldwide and has worked as a freelance travel writer since the early 1990s, contributing to both consumer and trade travel magazines globally. She has recently spent extended periods in Panama working on articles that examined the growing popularity of the country as a tourism destination.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides; 1st edition (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 184162117X
• ISBN-13: 978-1841621173
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,221,434 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #84 in Books > Travel > Latin America > Central America > Panama

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "user friendly" and informative guide ideal for the casual tourist and the dedicated business traveler alike, December 9, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panama: The Bradt Travel Guide (Paperback)

Panama: The Bradt Travel Guide is a superb in-depth travel guide, packed cover to cover with everything from where to view more than 350 species of bird to fishing, rafting and hiking opportunities, prime beaches and watersport locations, top-rated locations to stay or eat, the history of the Panama Canal, an extensive focus on Bocas del Toro, and much more. On a less lighthearted note, Panama: The Bradt Travel Guide also covers "need-to-know" information concerning common diseases, what to bring in a first aid kit, natural hazards, and locations that are particular hotbeds of crime or danger. Maps, charts, graphs, and a handful of photographs round out this practical-minded, "user friendly" and informative guide ideal for the casual tourist and the dedicated business traveler alike.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent all round guide, November 24, 2005

By 

Maddy H (Republic of Panama) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panama: The Bradt Travel Guide (Paperback)

I feel suitably qualified to judge this guide on accuracy as I live full-time in Panama and know it well. Of course, no printed material can ever be 100% accurate - things change too fast, but this is the best on the market by far. For me, the Bocas del Toro and San BLas sections in particular are both way above average. I was also pleased to spot plenty of great bits of local insight in every chapter - plus stacks of info on birding, camping and truly discovering Panama's great outdoors.

I should add that I've just read the last review posted and in the interest of fair play, I'd like to point out that the Gamboa Rainforest Resort IS listed. Find it on page 121 under Panama Province - the correct location, as it is NOT located in Panama City itself. This is also clearly listed in the Index on page 339. Pipeline Road is listed in the index on the same page and is on page 119 of the guide - and is (as the last reviewer correctly mentioned) a spectacular spot to watch birds.

In my opinion money well spent for an excellent all round guide to the country.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AMEX, BRADT's Guide same thing, don't leave home without it!, June 11, 2005

By 

Barbara Lilley "Travelling Tigger" (Lake Worth, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panama: The Bradt Travel Guide (Paperback)

I was unfamiliar with "Bradt" and hesitated about buying the guide to Panama. Name brands, what a silly thing to rely on?! This was one of the best guide books I have ever purchased for all my travel around the World. It was so "on the money" in my opinion, that I sent a copy to my sister in law who is a Panamanian! Her exact words were; "the author captured our very essence, and left no stone unturned". 11 thumbs up for Ms. Woods! It made traveling an absolute delight, and I am excited about our future trips! I hope we have the same author for the next Bradt purchase. I highly recommend this guide for it's refreshing views, unbiased, colorful, passionate, non-political, content. Don't leave home without it!!...