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Explore Costa Rica, 5th Edition

Harry S. Pariser
Manatee Press (2006)
ISBN 9781893643550
Reviewed by Randy A. Lakin for RebeccasReads (1/09)

Harry S. Pariser’s new book “Explore Costa Rica” is great.  I love to read travel books because I am unable to travel, as I have spinal neuropathy.  As I read Pariser’s book I was impressed with the amount of information that the author supplied.   The book covers everything from climate, history, economy, to food and religion in Costa Rica.  The only down point of the book is that there is not enough photos of the scenic country landscapes, but that’s just me.  Other than that I found the book to be great.  The author does a great job of tying all the information together. 

The history section of the book is very interesting and covers the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century.  Then in 1502 Christopher Columbus arrived in Costa Rica during his fourth and final voyage.  The history section wraps up with 2006 and the appointment of Oscar Arias as president.

One thing that I learned from the book is that Costa Rica’s population is a widely mixed culture.  There are Mestizos, Jamaicans, Chinese, the Indigenous People, immigrants from neighboring countries, and the Costa Ricans.  The area “Meseta Central” is Costa Rica’s most densely populated region, a mere 20 by 50 mile area, and is sometimes referred to as the “Switzerland of Central America.”  Located just north of San Jose, the Meseta Central contains “Parque Nacional Volcan Poas,” or in English “Poas Volcano National Park.”  The park has active volcanoes and there are numerous tours available.  Also located within the Meseta Central region is the town of Atenas.  According to a United Nations study, Atenas has “the best climate in the world.”

The author portrays Costa Rica in this book as a very inviting country.  So many travel books tend to concentrate on Europe or the Far East, most Americans forget that there is a wonderful world to explore very close to home.  In summation, I have to say the author did a great job with his book, “Explore Costa Rica.”  There is an abundance of information contained in this book.  Whether it’s rain forests, volcanoes, scuba diving or surfing, you’ll find it in Costa Rica with the aid of Pariser’s book.  “Explore Costa Rica” is a must have for anyone who is going to this beautiful country for the first or the hundredth time.

  

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