Moon Costa Rica

This is my #1 favorite guidebook to Costa Rica - and I've owned quite a few. Always seemed like the book was right on, and in tune with my interests. (I'm not a backpacker, cost conscious but not overly frugal, don't like roughing it TOO much. But I don't like lookalike commercial hotel chains, and I DO like being out in nature.) This book always seemed to provide great advice. Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, as I photographed the cover art. Having lived in Costa Rica and traveled there many times, I was interested in the content and immediately set about looking through the book. I found many of my favorite hotels described exactly as they are, in such glowing detail that I find myself wanting to go back. The writing is engaging and it's clear the author knows the country inside and out, often inserting blurbs on future projects where relevant. It's also well illustrated with b & w photos throughout. This is THE guidebook on Costa Rica! Also recommended: Moon Guatemala (Moon Handbooks)

Although originally from the US, I've lived in Costa Rica for many years. This is the guidebook I use personally and the one I recommend to friends. Not only is it very complete and up to date, but it's also well-written and enjoyable to read.

Christopher Baker makes this one of the most versatile guide books for Costa Rica to be found on the market! You get a lot of info for one book-historical, nature, lodging, restaurants, things to see and do -my favorite! Thanks!

I bought 4 guidebooks before our trip to Costa Rica, and left "Explore Costa Rica" at home because the middle section of the book had already fallen out after a few looks. "Lonely Planet" was also left at home because the reviewer didn't seem to go inside most of the restaurants and lodgings he reviewed. I took "New Key Guide" and "Moon Handbook" and rarely opened the "New Key Guide". The writers of "New Key Guide" don't seem to like Costa Rica very much, making unnecessary and inaccurate comments like "Costa Ricans don't trust each other, and neither should you". This left me relying on the Moon Handbook, which more than made up for the inadequacies of the others. It has everything you need: first you need to find a place to stay. They're grouped by price and described accurately as to amenities and type of clientele. Then you want to eat. Same orderly presentation. Some of the other guides group the hotels and eateries all together, without sorting into price and type. What a hassle to do the sorting yourself when you're tired and it's late. Moon Handbooks also give lots of descriptions of things to do. But the best and most indispensible part was the town maps. I don't know how we would have figured out where we were going without them. This is the only one you need. And it is still intact after a month of daily use and abuse.