Lonely Planet Central America (Shoestring)
by Robert Reid
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Book Summary Information
Author: Robert ReidBrand: Lonely Planet
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-11-01
ISBN: 1741045967
Number of pages: 788
Publisher: Lonely Planet
Book Reviews of Lonely Planet Central America (Shoestring)
Book Review: Missing important information. Poor recommendations
Summary: 1 Stars
Lonely Planet fails yet again with this book. Especially poor are the Guatemala and Honduras sections.
My main problem with Lonely Planet is that they focus way too much on bars and restaurants. As a consequence, they leave out more vital information. For example, I arrived at the border of Guatemala. The book had no information about where to find a bank or ATM. Not knowing, I paid a scammer with a cab about $5 to drive me one block to the bank machine.
Once I arrived in Tikal, I met a representative of San Juan Travel, recommended in the guide. The guide also recommended to reserve a seat on the late shuttles to Flores. The rep (Cesar Carrera, avoid him) proceeded to take my money for a shuttle that never arrived. The rep was driving a van labeled "San Juan Travel" in case you think I just stupidly paid some random hustler.
Later, I found out that San Juan Travel is charging 50% more for shuttle services than other companies in Flores. This is yet another one of the problems with the Lonely Planet. Once they recommend a company, that company often ceases to try, and the standards are lowered and prices are raised because they now have virtually guaranteed business. Too many travelers blindly flock to their recommended places. But, those very hotels and restaurants tend to quickly become run-down. Lonely Planet becomes a victim to their own success.
Another issue I have is that this "traveling on a shoestring" rarely mentions the possibility of camping. The authors will recommend against certain places because "no accommodation for those on a budget." I went to some of these places anyway to find that it was often possible to camp... sometimes with the campground lending equipment.
I have found many of the Lonely Planet guides to be poorly researched (other than the history section which is well researched), and this guide is no exception. I am always amazed at the percentage of incorrect telephone numbers in the LP guides.
My recommendation... If you need a guide book for your travel, you are better off with one of the competitors.
Summary of Lonely Planet Central America (Shoestring)
Dig into history along the Ruta Maya, zip through the rain forest canopy or spend the day searching out that perfect hammock spot by the beach. Adventures are born every day in Central America. And this comprehensive guide - with expanded Yucatan and Chiapas coverage - gives you the tools to avoid spending an arm and a leg on the journey of a lifetime.Explore More - expanded do-it-yourself features help you create your own adventure beyond the 'Gringo Trail.'
Get Lost - detailed language and cultural coverage and more than 120 maps means you'll never get lost...unless you want to.
Immerse Yourself - volunteer as a game warden, study Spanish, or simply learn how to extend your stay.
Culture Club - candid local interviews reveal the true nature and spirit of the isthmus' No. 1 natural resource - its people.
ALL NEW
Highlights & Planning Sections
Cutomized Itineraries
Snapshot Coverage
Responsible Travel Tips
Cross-referenced Maps
Central America Books
Book Subjects
- Arts & Photography
- Biographies & Memoirs
- Business & Investing
- Children's Books
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Internet
- Cooking, Food & Wine
- Entertainment
- Gay & Lesbian
- Health, Mind & Body
- History
- Home & Garden
- Horror
- Law
- Literature & Fiction
- Mystery & Thrillers
- Nonfiction
- Outdoors & Nature
- Parenting & Families
- Professional & Technical
- Reference
- Religion & Spirituality
- Romance
- Science
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Sports
- Teens
- Travel
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