Panama

I must say I don't understand the critial reviews, especially those about the style of the author. This is one of the few guidebooks with which Lonely Planet has gone back to basics. In the old days Lonely Planet books where aimed at backpackers, where supposed to be funny and a good and informative read not only a listing. Later LP changed that format - drasticly, too drasticly for many, by adding more Top-End stuff and taking out readable stuff. Sure, this boosted sales, but as some LP guides are now going back to basics, they must have seen they went to far. I don't understand how some people can be offended by the comments. Lonely Planet was never for package travellers and Matthew's style is the style of the young backpacker crowd. The Darien chapter is a masterpiece. It reads more like a book then a guidebook though it is packed with information. My advice to all Top-End travellers offended by such books would be to just read the listings and let backpackers enjoy LP as it was for a long time (70s to late 90s). You have your listings, leave us the unique style.

I traveled in Panama for about 2 weeks using local transportation, and this book was really helpful. There is a lot of information and background about the culture and history of the country, too, which is nice. However, prices (hotels in particular) were not accurate (much higher!), but it gave us a reference point, especially for taxis. I recommend this book overall, especially if you are traveling by yourself.

I found this guidebook to be very useful during my time in Panama and I can't see what the problem is with the other reviewers here. LP guides are all different, I was just in Mexico using another LP guide and found it just as useful as the one for Panama. The book contains plenty of maps and information to help you plan a thorough trip around the country. I found the information to be quite detailed and to the point. Very good tips on restaurants, where to stay, etc... prices do vary a bit and I would not expect an empanada or a tortilla to cost exactly what is stated on the book. Prices do go up all the time. Conclusion: Lonely Planet PANAMA is a keeper! I also recommend the MOON GUIDE to PANAMA, and if you are into birdwatching, you should get yourself the bible: The Birds of Panama.

This guidebook is a baffling mixture of recommendations that are dead-on and those that make you wonder "What was he thinking?" I also could have done without the author's insertion of his own political and social opinions. A travel guidebook is hardly the place for value judgements. Would I recommend buying this book for an upcoming trip to Panama? Yes. It has a lot of good information and, as I said, some excellent recommendations. That is why I decided in the end to rate the book 4 stars instead of the 3 that I initially planned. But, I would definitely advise the user to supplement the book with other information, especially recommendations from local residents or people who have visited the country previously.