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

by Rough Guides (Author) "Hemmed in by the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, the slender land bridge of Central America stretches from Mexico to South America - seven piecemeal nations..." (more)
Key Phrases: centro histórico, great plaza, southern highway, San José, Costa Rica, Central America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
The Rough Guide to Central America on a Budget is packed with all that the budget traveler needs to prepare and enjoy their trip -

* an introductory section, including highlights of each region
* in-depth coverage of all the must-see sights in 7 countries
* comprehensive listings of the best places to stay, eat, party
* useful spanish words and phrases
* detailed maps for over 100 locations
Now that we are traveling with a kid, we don't really need the nightlife part of this book, and there are no entries on traveling with children - but this travel guide is quite detailed for all the things we'd need to plan a trip to Central America.
It includes itineraries, basics (getting there, getting around, etc.), a culture guide, health and travel essentials, country guides, and language guides.
As always with Rough Guides Budget travel books, there are a wide array of budget options, each one laid out in great detail. You never feel like you'll walk into a dive, with this guide. For instance, the Hotel Silani in Guatemala's description: "Turn right off the dock and walk till the end of the path. Tranquil setting with superb lakeside views and a lovely little treehouse to stay in, as well as some more traditional doubles." - who can resist THAT?
Or, try Patty's Bistro, in Belize: "A brightly decorated, small place that draws both locals and tourists. Great Belizean , Mexican and American fare - cheeseburgers to fish soups." - anything with locals has to be good - what a great recommendation!
This book is an incredible find, and a great resource for any traveler, but especially those that would like to stretch their money to travel more. --WanderingEducators.com: --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
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.

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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 (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #564,379 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 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 (REAL NAME)

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.

6 of 8 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

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 Rough Guide to Central America, February 8, 2009

By	E. Chamberlain - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!