Customer Reviews

The Rough Guide to Central America 3 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Rough guides are by far the best travel guides on the market! I have used them all over the world and have pin point accuracy...thank you rough guide!

I bought this book to help me decide whether or not I want to go to Costa Rica. IT seems very comprehensive and very interesting.

I am just at the beginning, but am enjoying the sections that I am reading..the material is giving me thought of how to enjoy my vacation