Two Weeks in Costa Rica


Book Description

A combination travelogue and guidebook that tells the humorous tale of the authors' vacation in Costa Rica while also giving valuable travel tips.




Marine Biodiversity of Costa Rica, Central America


Book Description

Life began in the sea, and even today most of the deep diversity of the planet is marine. This is often forgotten, especially in tropical countries like Costa Rica, renowned for their rain forests and the multitude of life forms found therein. Thus this book focusing on marine diversity of Costa Rica is particularly welcome. How many marine species are there in Costa Rica? The authors report a total of 6,777 species, or 3. 5% of the world’s total. Yet the vast majority of marine species have yet to be formally described. Recent estimates of the numbers of species on coral reefs range from 1–9 million, so that the true number of marine species in Costa Rica is certainly far higher. In some groups the numbers are likely to be vastly higher because to date they have been so little studied. Only one species of nematode is reported, despite the fact that it has been said that nematodes are the most diverse of all marine groups. In better studied groups such as mollusks and crustaceans, reported numbers are in the thousands, but even in these groups many species remain to be described. Indeed the task of describing marine species is daunting – if there really are about 9 million marine species and Costa Rica has 3. 5% of them, then the total number would be over 300,000. Clearly, so much remains to be done that new approaches are needed. Genetic methods have en- mous promise in this regard.




Moon Costa Rica


Book Description

Whether you're zip-lining through cloud forests, relaxing on a wellness retreat, or swimming with manta rays, discover the real pura vida with Moon Costa Rica. Inside you'll find: Flexible, strategic itineraries designed for backpackers, beach-lovers, adventure travelers, honeymooners, and more, including the best beaches for swimming, sunsets, and seclusion The best spots for eco-friendly outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and scuba-diving: Swim under a waterfall, raft over rapids, explore mysterious caves, and cliff-dive into river pools. Hike to the summit of Mount Chirripó, the highest point in Costa Rica, snorkel with sea turtles in warm turquoise water, or soak in a volcanic mineral pool Unique and authentic experiences: Admire the forest floor from the middle of a hanging bridge, or take an aerial tram to lake, volcano, and ocean views. Relax on a pristine beach and watch the sunrise with a cup of flavorful local coffee. Fill up on fried plantains at a traditional soda, and shop at a neighborhood mercado Insight from Cartago local Nikki Solano on how to experience Costa Rica like an insider, support local and sustainable businesses, avoid crowds, and respectfully engage with the culture Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Background information on Costa Rica's landscape, history, and cultural customs, as well as volunteer opportunities Handy tools including a Spanish phrasebook, packing suggestions, and travel tips for disability access, solo travelers, seniors, and LGBTQ travelers With Moon's practical tips and local know-how, you can experience Costa Rica your way. Exploring more of Central America? Check out Moon Belize.




In Search of Captain Zero


Book Description

In 1996, Allan Weisbecker sold his home and his possessions, loaded his dog and surfboards into his truck, and set off in search of his long-time surfing companion, Patrick, who had vanished into the depths of Central America. In this rollicking memoir of his quest from Mexico to Costa Rica to unravel the circumstances of Patrick's disappearance, Weisbecker intimately describes the people he befriended, the bandits he evaded, the waves he caught and lost en route to finding his friend. In Search of Captain Zero is, according to Outside magazine, "A subtly affecting tale of friendship and duty. [It] deserves a spot on the microbus dashboard as a hell of a cautionary tale about finding paradise and smoking it away." In Search of Captain Zero: A Surfer's Road Trip Beyond the End of the Road is a Booksense 76 Top Ten selection for September/October.




"What Happen"


Book Description




Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast


Book Description

Peppered throughout the text are quotes from literature, music and popular sayings, from everyone from Gilbert and Sullivan to Martin Luther King and The Beach Boys. All fit the text, and you'll be excused from breaking away from the travel information and thumbing through to see who the Conords will quote next. The book recommends locking your passport in your hotel safe and, when you go out, carrying a photocopy that you've made before you leave home. That advice generates much debate in travel circles, a question of balancing authorities' insistence on seeing the original document with the risk of losing it. In any case, a copy made before departure without that all-important entry stamp into the country would never suffice. But these matters are small and forgivable in a guide packed with such solid information." --




Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast


Book Description

Annotation. Braulio Carrillo National Park, Rara Avis Reserve, La Selva these are a few of the places to see along the Caribbean Coast. This guide tells you everything you need to know. Here are some review of the full guide from which this one is taken: Despite the title, the book is not all rafting, rappelling and rainforests. A full 117 pages of the 386-page volume are introductory and background material covering history, culture, nature and, of course, all the nuts-and-bolts travel essentials. Useful, descriptive listings of hotels, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and, true to the title, adventure-travel options fill the remaining two-thirds of the guide. But if your adventure tastes lean toward shopping in the artisan town of Sarchí rather than scaling Chirripo you'll find recommendations too. Peppered throughout the text are quotes from literature, music and popular sayings, from everyone from Gilbert and Sullivan to Martin Luther King and The Beach Boys. All fit the text, and you'll be excused from breaking away from the travel information and thumbing through to see who the Conords will quote next. The book recommends locking your passport in your hotel safe and, when you go out, carrying a photocopy that you've made before you leave home. That advice generates much debate in travel circles, a question of balancing authorities' insistence on seeing the original document with the risk of losing it. In any case, a copy made before departure without that all-important entry stamp into the country would never suffice. But these matters are small and forgivable in a guide packed with such solid information. -- Tico Times. I am here in Costa Rica in an internet cafe and had to take the time to tell everyone what a good book this is. It really gave us everything we needed to plan our trip and now that we are here, we use it to find just about everything. If you have not visited Costa Rica yet, get a copy of this book and come on down -- it is fabulous. PURA VIDA! -- Ramon Vallarino. My husband and I just spent our honeymoon in Costa Rica and believe it or not, found this Adventure Guide to be the best resource for exciting things to do and see. It was also accurate for finding hotels that had that little bit of extra ambiance we wanted for romance. We had used Lonely Planet guidebooks on other trips but found this guidebook to be much better. It's easy to use, has lovely photographs, and for rainy nights it made good armchair reading. I heartily recommend the Adventure Guide for a wonderful vacation in Costa Rica. -- Amazon customer. My fiancee and I went to Costa Rica and wanted to get away from everything. This book led us to Uvita de Osa (not even mentioned in other books). This book gave us great local information and helped us plan our vacation from start to finish.




Moon Cartagena & Colombia's Caribbean Coast


Book Description

Moon Travel Guides: Make Your Escape Colonial architecture and ancient ruins, romantic plazas and golden beaches: Colombia's Caribbean coastline offers relaxation and adventure in equal measure. Dive right in with Moon Cartagena & Colombia's Caribbean Coast. Easy-to-use itineraries, with week-long trip suggestions tailored for adventurers, nature-lovers, beach bums, history buffs, and more Honest advice from local expat Andrew Dier on his adopted home country Activities and unique ideas for every traveler: Take a tour of Cartagena's historic central district and admire the vivid bougainvillea cascading from the balconies of colonial mansions. Dance to the sounds of salsa and champeta, or walk along the Old City's fortifications at sunset. Hike lush, forested mountains and watch for flashes of colorful feathers. Climb over a thousand stone steps through the cloud forest to an ancient lost city. Visit organic coffee and cocoa farms or relax in a beachside cabaña at an ecofriendly hotel. Recommendations on outdoor recreation, including the best beaches for diving, snorkeling, and kitesurfing Suggestions for social impact tourism, from staying in a community guesthouse to visiting wildlife preserves Strategic tips for making the multiday trek to Ciudad Perdida, the ruins of the ancient Tayrona civilization Full-color photos and detailed maps and directions for exploring on your own Background information on the landscape, history, government, and culture, including a handy Spanish phrasebook Essential insight for travelers on health and safety, recreation, transportation, and accommodations, packaged in a book light enough to fit in your beach bag With Moon Cartagena & Colombia's Caribbean Coast's practical tips, myriad activities, and local insight, you can plan your trip your way. Gotta see more of this beautiful country? Check out Moon Colombia. Expanding your trip? Try Moon Peru.




Costa Rica: The Complete Guide


Book Description

From pristine beaches and jungle waterfalls to high-altitude coffee plantations, Costa Rica: The Complete Guide puts the very best of Costa Rica at your fingertips. Blending detailed travel tips with beautiful photography, this guidebook offers so much more than just restaurant and hotel reviews. Fascinating chapters explore Costa Rica’s unique history, culture, food, ecology and wildlife. “Top 10 Ways to Avoid a Cultural Misunderstanding” helps visitors avoid common—and potentially embarrassing—mistakes. Discover what makes Costa Rica one of the world’s most amazing destinations. Soar above the cloud forest on a zipline at Monteverde. Spend the night at a deluxe ecolodge next to Arenal Volcano. Soak in the tropical beauty of Costa Rica’s world-class beaches at Manuel Antonio National Park. Plan the perfect Costa Rican vacation! Filled with travel tips to save you time and money Over 300 beautiful color photos Over 30 detailed maps Fascinating chapters on History, Culture and Food Informative guide to Wildlife and Ecology 1% of profits are donated to environmental organizations working to preserve Costa Rica's biodiversity for future generations Printed on sustainable FSC paper




Costa Rican Ecosystems


Book Description

In 1502, Christopher Columbus named Costa Rica, and while gold and silver never materialized to justify the moniker of rich coast in purely economic terms, scientists and ecotravelers alike have long appreciated its incredible wealth. Wealth in Costa Rica is best measured by its biodiversityhome to a dizzying number of plants and animals, many endemic, it s a country that has long encouraged and welcomed researchers from the world over, and is exemplary in the creation and commitment to indigenous conservation and management programs. Costa Rica is considered to have the best preserved natural resources in Latin America. Approximately nine percent (about 1,000,000 acres) of Costa Rica has been protected in 15 national parks, and a comparable amount of land is protected as wildlife refuges, forest reserves or Indian reservations. This long-awaited synthesis of Costa Rican ecosystems is an authoritative presentation of the paleoecology, biogeography, structure, conservation, and sustainable use of Costa Rica s ecosystems. It systematically covers the entire range of Costa Rica s natural and managed, terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, including its island systems (Cocos Islands), the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and shores (coasts, coral reefs, mangrove forests), its lowlands (dry, season and wet forests), its highlands (the northern volcanoes and southern Talamanca s), and its estuaries, rivers, lakes, swamps and bogs. The volume s integrated, comprehensive format will be welcomed by tropical and temperate biologists alike, by biogeographers, plant and animal ecologists, marine biologists, conservation biologists, foresters, policy-makers and all scientists, natural history specialists and all with an interest in Costa Rica s ecosystems."