The Rough Guide to Central America 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides) [Paperback]

Rough Guides (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 29, 2004 | Series: Rough Guide Travel Guides

The Rough Guide to Central America gives unparalleled coverage to all seven Central American countries. The guide provides focused advice and information for those doing overland travel and planning multi-country trips. The full-colour introduction gives a run down of the regions climate, culture and geography and includes the inspirational ''Things Not to Miss'' - stunning photography of the best sights, activities and events the region has to offer from the beaches of the Caribbean coast to the lost Maya cities of the jungle. There are opinionated reviews of the best places to stay eat and drink, assuring the experience will match the expectations. Topical coverage is given to each country''s culture and politics, with background articles on history, wildlife and ecotourism. For every region of every country there is practical advice on the wide range of activities available, from scuba diving off the reefs of Belize to exploring the flora and fauna of the cloudforests.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Written by a team of experienced Rough Guide authors, including the writers and researchers of the individual Rough Guides to Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Mexico - all bringing their wealth of knowledge on specific countries.

Product Details

• Paperback: 896 pages
• Publisher: Rough Guides; 3 edition (November 29, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843532883
• ISBN-13: 978-1843532880
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,082,574 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Central America guide available, April 27, 2006

By 

William J. Fickling (Columbia, SC, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rough Guide to Central America 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides) (Paperback)

I just returned from a month long trip through Central America, during which I visited the following countries: Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, in that order. For the trip I brought two guide books along with me, this one and Lonely Planet's Central America on a Shoestring. I found myself using this guide almsot constantly and Lonely Planet's not at all. So if you are going to Central America, take this book with you.

The best thing about this book is that it is well-organized and easy to read. This is especially true of the maps, which are in color and a delight to read. Anything you might be seeking can be found with ease. There are ample listings of sleeping accommodations and places to eat. The title might lead you to think that this book is just for backpackers and those seeking accommodation and restaurants just on the lower end of the scale. Not so! In every country, the book lists a wide range of hotels and restaurants, ranging from the luxury to the most basic. So, there is something in here to accommodate every budget. The book is especially useful in providing keys to providers of side activities, such as specialized tours like the Panama Canal. Through information in this book, I was able to contact a tour provider and make a reservation for a boat ride on the Panama Canal. I also found the best place to stay at the ruins in Tikal and in most of the major Central American capitals.

In summary, I can't praise this book enough. Don't even think about going to Central America without it.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Limited info, often misleading info, May 16, 2007

By 

Soulsurfer "Soulsurfer" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Rough Guide to Central America 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides) (Paperback)

I just traveled through Central America (Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Guatemala) for 2.5 months using the Rough Guide. I found the info in the Rough Guide of very limited utility. Their maps are not very clear. Overall, the guidebook could use more detailed maps. Sections of the book do not follow common sense organization (Costa Rica for instance is a mess without a north to south organization you think would make sense) making it difficult at times to find the destinations you're traveling to.

They generally did a decent job with recommendations for accommodations, however they often neglected noting the popular backpacker hostel of the area (there's usually one) (maybe to distinguish themselves from the Lonely Planet whose recommendations seem to become the popular destination).

Their health recommendations are shameful. They only mention the presence of malaria on the Bay Islands of Honduras, and that info is hard to find. Other important info, about weather or need for rain gear is simply lacking.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, January 31, 2012

By 

Sassy1 - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Rough Guide to Central America 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides) (Paperback)

Of course, they probably have more recent editions now, but Rough Guides in general are fantastic!!
I traveled to Guatemala shortly after buying this book and lived there for 4 months while studying Spanish. The guide was extremely accurate and helpful. Of course, with anything, you often have to see it for yourself to get the real perspective. But overall, this book was a great asset.