Panama

Panama: The Bradt Travel Guide is a superb in-depth travel guide, packed cover to cover with everything from where to view more than 350 species of bird to fishing, rafting and hiking opportunities, prime beaches and watersport locations, top-rated locations to stay or eat, the history of the Panama Canal, an extensive focus on Bocas del Toro, and much more. On a less lighthearted note, Panama: The Bradt Travel Guide also covers "need-to-know" information concerning common diseases, what to bring in a first aid kit, natural hazards, and locations that are particular hotbeds of crime or danger. Maps, charts, graphs, and a handful of photographs round out this practical-minded, "user friendly" and informative guide ideal for the casual tourist and the dedicated business traveler alike.

I feel suitably qualified to judge this guide on accuracy as I live full-time in Panama and know it well. Of course, no printed material can ever be 100% accurate - things change too fast, but this is the best on the market by far. For me, the Bocas del Toro and San BLas sections in particular are both way above average. I was also pleased to spot plenty of great bits of local insight in every chapter - plus stacks of info on birding, camping and truly discovering Panama's great outdoors. I should add that I've just read the last review posted and in the interest of fair play, I'd like to point out that the Gamboa Rainforest Resort IS listed. Find it on page 121 under Panama Province - the correct location, as it is NOT located in Panama City itself. This is also clearly listed in the Index on page 339. Pipeline Road is listed in the index on the same page and is on page 119 of the guide - and is (as the last reviewer correctly mentioned) a spectacular spot to watch birds. In my opinion money well spent for an excellent all round guide to the country.

I visit Panama at least twice a year and this guide is as up-to-date as you can get. There's lots in it that's not in any other guidebook - and those heading to Bocas del Toro and Kuna Yala (San Blas) will be particularly pleased with the detail and local insight. Highly praised.

As someone who recently spent a few months in the Bocas del Toro region of Panama, I found this book to be excellent and definitely "right on". Sarah Wood's detailed and comprehensive coverage of the various areas of Panama, as well as her very accurate and insightful guide to the Bocas region is fantastic. Aside from providing very practical information for someone planning a vacation in the Bocas region, Sarah manages to capture the essence of its daily life. She includes stories of the colorful and quirky characters who abound, including the "Aeroplane Guy", who tests out his makeshift planes on Main Street. The book also describes little known historical facts and gives information on hidden trails, wave-types for surfers, walking time to beaches, volunteering opportunities, etc. It would take someone a very long time to learn this their own. This book is extremely well-written and very well-researched. I don't think that there is any hotel, restaurant, bar, diving or fishing spot, beach, tour, and so forth that the book does not capture. It is all there... every single detail. It is obvious that Sarah has done her homework. I have read many guide books in my life, and this is definitely one of the best.

I was unfamiliar with "Bradt" and hesitated about buying the guide to Panama. Name brands, what a silly thing to rely on?! This was one of the best guide books I have ever purchased for all my travel around the World. It was so "on the money" in my opinion, that I sent a copy to my sister in law who is a Panamanian! Her exact words were; "the author captured our very essence, and left no stone unturned". 11 thumbs up for Ms. Woods! It made traveling an absolute delight, and I am excited about our future trips! I hope we have the same author for the next Bradt purchase. I highly recommend this guide for it's refreshing views, unbiased, colorful, passionate, non-political, content. Don't leave home without it!!...