Costa Rica: A Natural Destination (ISBN 1562612913)

Amazon.com Review:
Costa Rica is a small country with enormous bio-diversity. From its pristine beaches, which border both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, to its still-active volcanoes and thriving tropical rain forests, Costa Rica is a nature lover's dream destination; and Costa Rica: A Natural Destination is an ideal guidebook. The fully revised fourth edition provides plenty of information about national parks, biological reserves, wildlife refuges, and privately-owned nature reserves. There's also a section that covers the country's history and culture and offers practical tips on preparing for a trip to Costa Rica. Once there, Costa Rica keeps travelers up to date on accommodations, restaurants, and activities in every region of the country. It also includes information about adventure travel outfitters, fishing and diving services, local and international conservation groups, and Costa Rican flora and fauna. If your primary goal is to experience the tropics, you won't find a better guide.

Well intended, but confusing:
The author clearly loves this country and the book shows it. However, she does not do a good job of organizing this information in an easy-to-read way. The text is continuous and does not have any headings. I also got the feeling that she did a lot o promotion of her local friends who own restaurants, hotels and nature preserves. Overall, the book does not give a professional impression. I do not recommend it.

Lots of good information to supplement "The New Key":
There is a lot of good information here, if you are willing to search it out--since information about one destination might be found in several sections ("What to See," "National Parks," "Private Nature Reserves," etc.) Ree Strange Sheck has a lot of knowledge to share, and I feel she only writes about what she has personally researched and experienced. I found many interesting lodging descriptions in various price ranges, where travelers can experience natural areas on their own. The author also mentions local guides, nature preserves, drivers and Costa Rican tour companies which provide services similar to the large foreign tour companies as well as the opportunity to meet Costa Ricans, generally at lower cost and with more benefit to local people. My first choice in Costa Rica guidebooks would be The New Key to Costa Rica, but this book is a nice supplement.

Great book!:
Hi, My name is Leonie and I am working at ILISA Language Institute in Costa Rica, San Jose and I just want to say that this book helps our students a lot by giving them helpful tips and their way around in Costa Rica. Thanks!