Costa Rica (3rd ed)

Completely revised and updated for 2007, "Let's Go Costa Rica" is the only choice for the budget traveller.

Researched and compiled entirely by students who know first-hand how to see the world on the cheap, this guide has insider tips and information for the socially conscious traveller and is more useful and opinionated than ever.

Though it covers only 0.03 per cent of the world's territory, Costa Rica is home to six percent of its plant and animal species.

From perfectly camouflaged vine snakes to Jesu Christo lizards that "walk on water" in fantastic 50-yard dashes, many Costa Rican creatures come off as natural performers, and there is something decidedly exhibitionist about their homeland as well.

The terrain challenges visitors to find something that it doesn't have: volcanoes, jungles, beaches, hot springs, coral reefs, hidden caves, and lush deserted islands all lie within a day's (or even an hour's) travel of one another.

Costa Rica might entice you with the convenience and flashy superlatives of its tourist industry, but its more informal moments a sudden jungle rainstorm or an unexpected roadside chat are those that will probably end up capturing your heart.This title includes: detailed maps listings at all price levels for accommodation, food, attractions and more; information on working, studying and volunteering in the region; and, time and money saving tips. 'Guides that penetrate the veneer of holiday brochures and mine the grit of real life' - "Economist". '[The] ideal companion for the independent traveller' - "Sydney Sunday Telegraph".