Experienced and first-time travelers alike rely on Fodor’s Gold Guides for rich, reliable coverage the world over. Updated each year and containing a full-color, foldout Rand McNally map, a Fodor’s Gold Guide is an essential tool for any kind of traveler. Smart travel tips and important contact info make planning your trip a breeze and detailed coverage of sights, accommodations, and restaurants give you the info you need to make your experience enriching and hassle-free. If you only have room for one guide, this is the one for you. The best guide to Costa Rica, updated every year Sensational walking and driving tours to rugged mountains, Indian villages, and ancient ruins A guide to the rain forests, cloud forests, and dry forests Where to shop for handicrafts–from jade and silver jewelry and bright textiles to fine leather goods and pottery All the sports–from windsurfing on Costa Rica’s Lake Arenal to diving in Panama’s Bocas del Toro Archipelago Where to stay and eat, no matter what your budget Lavish hotels, sun-drenched beach resorts, and nature lodges Great meals–dine on exotic seafood on a veranda or savory Creole fare in a cabantilde Fresh, thorough, practical–from writers you can trust Costs, hours, descriptions, and tips by the thousands All reviews based on visits by writer-residents 12 pages of maps, vacation itineraries, and more Important Contacts Smart Travel Tips A to Z Fodor’s Choice What’s Where in the area Pleasures & Pastimes Festivals Fact-filled chapter on national parks and wildlife reserves How to be an eco-savvy traveler Complete index