As an informational guide book it has the basics, where to stay, where to catch the bus, useful phrases, even a colour wildlife section, which is a nice touch, but for me it lacked the insider knowledge, very little insight or opinions to assist in planning - what's hot, what's not, where's a definite must see and where to sweep straight through.

If you already know Costa Rica and have planned your intinerary from other sources, then I could see this would be useful, but I want a single guidebook which will help me make informed decisions on where to go once I'm there, and sadly this one will be left at home on the shelf.


INVALUABLE! Forget the rest: this is the best!   April 26, 2002
 11 out of 14 found this review helpful

Last year I travelled in depth for three months around the stunning country that is Costa Rica. This guide was invaluable for my adventure. It got me off the beaten track leading me to empty beaches, secluded waterfalls and lush rainforests as well as more practically, value for money accomdation and meals. It gave amazingly accurate information on bus times which saved time and effort.

I would recommend this wild and beautiful country to anyone with a spirit for adventure but make sure you remember to bring a copy of the lonely planet guidebook with you!

I met travellers using other popular guides but the lonely planet was the only guide to rely on for the most up to date and reliable information. Because of the brilliant way this guide is arranged, information could be found quickly; essential when you are laden with a heavy backpack and you need to find a place to stay before the sun sets.


Excellent revelant information and straight to the point   October 7, 2000
 14 out of 18 found this review helpful

About to travel to Costa Rica in July of next year, I needed a book for help. Not the normal "Handy Guide to WHEREVER", but a book that was different. A book that was to-the-point; told you where, what, who, why and everything you needed to know about the wet and wild (literally!) country that is Costa Rica.

Needing to know every little fact about each area of the realtively small country of Cost Rica (slightly bigger than Scotland, UK), I have to be sure that when my group and I land in San Jose, capital of the country, we know what hotels to go to and which to, say, "by-pass." By choice that is.

An excellent feature of the book is that Mr Rachowiecki has divided the country up into areas that can quickly and efficiently be examined for such facilities as accommodation, food, national parks, wildlife and many other groups. And the book begins with a "Facts about Costa Rica" section with draws attention to revelant information about the country's culture, weather, health and other important facts a first-time explorer really needs to know.

Not, in any way, am I implying that this book isn't for the most experienced of "Jungle-trekkers", oh no, but I can't stress enough that this book is the most helpful, by a long distance, than any other information books on Costa Rica available at the moment.

Congratulations Mr Rachowiecki! And thank you in anticipation for assisting in guiding my group around the now familiar, country of Costa Rica.