Pauline Frommer's Costa Rica, 1st Edition

by David Appell; Nelson Mui; Series Editor: Pauline Frommer

• ISBN13: 9780470228234
• ISBN10: 0470228237
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2008-01-01
• Publisher: Frommers

Summary

Spend less, see more. This is the philosophy behind Pauline Frommer's guides. Written by travel expert Pauline Frommer (who is also the daughter of Arthur Frommer), and her team of hand-picked writers, these guides show how to truly experience a culture, meet locals, and save money along the way.- Industry secrets on how to find the best hotel rooms- Details on alternative accommodations, great neighborhood restaurants, and cool, offbeat finds- Packed with personality and opinions"Full of good tips and suggestions." -Chicago Tribune"Packed with information on how to eat and sleep without depleting your bank account" -Louisville CourierAre You Ready to Travel Smart?If you'd like to get the most out of your dollar and your trip, this is the guide for you. I put a fresh spin on budget travel, showing you how to see the best for less and how to see it in a more authentic way-the way the locals do.The guide promises travelers a first-class trip on a third-class budget, with experiences that bring travelers closer to Costa Rican culture-language and cooking classes, volunteering to protect sea turtles during nesting season, and more.Destinations will include the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the Guanacaste beaches, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio National Park, and the thriving capital city of San Jos_.An illustrated guide to Costa Rica's wildlife as well as coverage of the country's history, culture, food, and drink.Happy Travels, Pauline Frommer www.frommers.com/pauline Winner of Best Guidebook for 2006 from the North American Travel Journalists Association (Pauline Frommer's New York City)

Table of Contents

A Note from Pauline

The Best of Costa Rica

A Quick Look at Costa Rica

Best Natural Sights & Attractions

Best Active Experiences

Best People-Watching Beaches

Best Beaches for that Castaway Feel

Best Beaches for Kids & Families

Best Museums & Historic Sites

Best Cultural Eye-Openers

Best Places to Eat

Weeklong Itineraries

San José & the Central Valley

DonÆt Leave San José & the Central Valley Without

A Brief History

San José

The Central Valley

Arenal & the Northern Zone

A Brief History

Lay of the Land

Getting to & Around Arenal & La Fortuna

Accommodations, Both Standard & Not

Dining for All Tastes

Why YouÆre Here: The Top Sights & Attractions

Side Trips from Arenal & La Fortuna

Attention, Shoppers!

Nightlife

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui

The ôOtherö Northern Zone

Up in the Clouds: Monteverde

DonÆt Leave Monteverde Without

A Brief History

Lay of the Land

Getting to & Around Monteverde

Accommodations, Both Standard & Not

Dining for All Tastes

Why YouÆre Here: The Top Sights & Attractions

Attention, Shoppers!

Nightlife

The ôOtherö Monteverde

The Central Pacific Coast

DonÆt Leave the Central Pacific Coast Without

Lay of the Land

A Brief History

Jaco

Manuel Antonio

Dominical & Punta Uvita

The Osa Peninsula

DonÆt Leave the Osa Without

A Brief History

Lay of the Land

Puerto Jimenez

Corcovado National Park

Drake Bay

The ôOtherö Osa

The Caribbean Coast

DonÆt Leave the Caribbean Coast Without

A Brief History

Lay of the Land

Tortuguero

Cahuita

Puerto Viejo & Manzanillo

Guanacaste & the Nicoya Peninsula

DonÆt Leave Guanacaste & Nicoya Without

A Brief History

Lay of the Land

Playa Hermosa & Vicinity

Tamarindo

Nosara & Vicinity

Playa Samara & Playa Carrillo

Montezuma & Malpais

The Essentials of Planning

When to Visit

Entry Requirements

Customs

Getting There

Finding Cheap International Airfares to Costa Rica

Flying Within Costa Rica

Getting Around by Car

Getting Around by Bus

Packages & Tours vs. Independent Travel

Saving Money on Accommodations

Travel InsuranceùDo You Need It?

Packing

Money Matters

Health & Safety

Specialized Travel Resources

A Word on Ecotourism

Recommended Reading

Costa Rican Wildlife

Fauna

Flora

Spanish Terms & Phrases

Basic Words & Phrases

Some Typical Tico Words & Phrases

Menu Terms

Index

Accommodations

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