Manatee Press

Costa Rica Reading List: A Travel Survival Kit

 

This is a reading list for Costa Rica by me, Harry S. Pariser, the author of Explore Costa Rica. So, naturally enough, I'll begin with my guidebook. I want you to buy it. And if you buy it through this link (or send me a check or paypal transaction for US$20, you'll get an autographed copy. And, I'll get a greater share of the profit.

My guidebook is for people who love nature and expect to get a bit sweaty and have an adventure or two. I include complete information on history, culture, and travel -- restaurants, lodges, volunteer activities--you name it!

A list of some of my favorite books on Costa Rica follow. I hope you enjoy them. Many of them will be of use to you. I've looked around, and I haven't seen a bookstore like this.

(Click on the images to go through to each link).

If my book did not exist, or if I had to choose only one other book to take with me, I would take this book with me. This book was once the book to take. It has a lot of competition these days, but it is still useful.
Adventures in Nature If you have some $$, want some comfort, and love nature, Rhee does a good job. Sometimes, I find her a bit too positive, but she really does visit an amazing number of lodges, and there's a lot of useful detail here. I expect this edition to be even better than the previous ones. It's not for backpackers or campers, but it is good if you want to eat and live well but see what Costa Rica has to offer. It makes a nice supplement to the above two guidebooks.
The Birds of Costa Rica This is the ultimate guide to Costa Rica's birdlife, and it is extremely popular. If you are a serious birder, this is the book to take!
Birding Sites Guide This is a good birding sites guide. It is a useful supplement to the book above and is independently published. Very professional!
ITMB Costa Rica Map Disclaimer: This map is put out by my friend Jack Joyce's company. A good choice, and I wish I sold as many copies of my guidebook as he does of this map!
Costa Rica Natural History This is everyone's favorite Costa Rican natural history book. A great reference book. Old but never outdated! Dan was of great assistance to me in preparing the latest edition of mu guidebook, and I can't recommend his book too highly!
Butterflies of Costa Rica This is an amazingly comprehensive book!
The Ticos If you're interested in Costa Rican society and culture (and you should), then this is the book to read. An updated classic!
Neotropic Rainforest Mammals. I've always had a special fondness for this field guide. It is both extremely comprehensive and useful.
Costa Rica Wildlife Guide This is a useful book to bring with you.
Natural Sounds of Costa Rica I haven't actually heard this. But it sounds great. I'm sure it will throw your cat into a frenzy. Great sound samples online!
Journey to the Ants Absolutely fascinating!
Costa Rica Retirement Guide Good preparation if this is your reason for traveling to Costa Rica.This book is quite popular.

Well, that's about all from me. I hope you enjoy your trip and please write and let me know your suggestions.

Harry S. Pariser

 

Useful for residents and visitors alike, Barbados Travel Companion, our new travel app to Barbados, supplies comprehensive information along with pictures, maps and links to hundreds of videos and relevant websites.

There is an Android version and an iTunes version.

St. John Visitors:

Please check out Explore St. John, our new travel app to St. John, which supplies comprehensive information (useful for residents and visitors alike) along with pictures, maps and links to hundreds of videos and relevant websites.

iPhone/iPad/iPodTouch version

Android version


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