Travel to Central America

Costa Rica Map

Format: Map
Author: Ray Krueger-Koplin
ReleaseDate: March, 2005
Publisher: Toucan Guides
Rating:

Could be better could be worse
I can tell you from looking at it that it doesn't have quite as much detail as I would have hoped. I haven't gone to Costa Rica yet to really see how this map holds up. I printed directions from the internet for some of the destinations we plan to travel to. I think with the printed directions and the map, we'll be just fine. I'd be hesitant to take just the map itself though.

map has pluses and minuses

First the pluses. I hate to be the only person to not give this map 5 stars but I do have several critiques.
Map has good scale. About 1 inch = 7 miles
Natural features as rivers and mountains are named.
Map is sturdy and mosture proof.

Now the minuses
No milage table between cities. I thought all road maps had this. Why this one does not is beyond me.
Symbol reference is on the reverse so you have to flip the map over to find out what the symbols mean. Very inconvenient.
No index to natural features as rivers, so if you are trying to find out where Rio Frio is, good luck.
Not all small towns are noted on the map.
A third of the map is devoted to tourist attractions. Well ok I guess I might be able to understand doing this. But I am more interested in finding Rio Frio.
One of the major land marks that I am aware of is not noted on the map--cerro de la muerte. It is at km 89 on Pan Am hyway and it does not show on the map.
Almost every map I have ever seen has a milage ruler at the bottom. This map show only that it is 18 km between grid marks.

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The BEST map of Costa Rica
Something that tells you "someone really gave some thought to this. Once in a while one comes across a product that really stands out. " This map is one of them. It is a comprehensive and well designed map with more information than just highways of Costa Rica. Every time you unfold it, it shows you a complete section of information. Because of the material used, it always folds back correctly unlike paper maps. The map can even be used as a momentary rain shield during one of the many unpredictable rain showers that can come at any time in Costa Rica. Having seen many Costa Rica maps, this one in my opinion is the best one. Great use of detail, color and icons. A MUST if you are going to drive in Costa Rica. The maps from the rental companies lack detail or are non existent. I have been using mine for over a year and I would not go to Costa Rica without. It's the first thing I pack.

Related products:
click image or link for details on these Central America travel books.

	Waterproof Costa Rica Map
	Lonely Planet Costa Rica
	Costa Rican Wildlife: An Introduction to Familiar Species (Pocket Naturalist - Waterford Press)
	The New Key to Costa Rica