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Moon Panama (Moon Handbooks) | 
 enlarge | Author: William Friar
Publisher: Avalon Travel Publishing
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy New: $12.29
You Save: $7.66 (38%)
New (27) Used (5) from $12.29
Rating:  4 reviews
Sales Rank: 24121
Media: Paperback
Edition: 2nd
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 500
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.1
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 1
ISBN: 159880085X
Dewey Decimal Number: 917
EAN: 9781598800852
ASIN: 159880085X
Publication Date: November 1, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New, Perfect Condition, Please allow 4-14 business days for delivery. 100% Money Back Guarantee, Over 1,000,000 customers served.
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Product Description
Writer and Panama native William Friar offers his unique perspective on this up-and-coming destination, from lounging in the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro to hiking the highlands of Boquete and exploring Panama City. Friar uses his local knowledge to craft unique trip strategies, such as The 14-day Outdoor Adventure and Six Days for History Buffs. Complete with details for navigating jungle trails, finding cheap taxis and underground bars, or planning a river expedition, Moon Panama gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Not everything I was hoping for December 22, 2008
First, let me say that I travel with a backpack by bus or train and that Rough Guides are my standard guidebook-of-choice. However, there is no Rough Guide to Panama, so my choices were a 4-year-old Rough Guide to all of Central America, a current Lonely Planet that everyone says was just re-released without updates, and the Moon Panama guide. This is the first time I've used a Moon guide and while it wasn't everything I was hoping for, I'm sure it's the best of the three options. I will, however, still opt for Rough Guides when they're available.
I agree with previous reviews - the author does love Panama. My big complaint with the book is that it's not super helpful for a traveler on a budget who's depending on the bus system to get around the country. The author did cover all forms of transportation (buses, taxis, driving and flying), but I only used buses, so I can't attest to how useful the information was. Regardless, I always found myself wanting to know a little more on how to get around by bus.
I really wanted a list of all the bus terminals, approximately how long it took to get from one to another, and how frequently buses ran between them, etc. - all in one place. For example, I went to Pedasi from Panama City, but in the Pedasi section, there was nothing to tell me how to get there from Panama City, only from the next-closest major town, so I had to piece it together working from section to section. The information was in the book, I just had to work for it.
Another specific complaint with the book: it says that the Eco Venao hostel in Playa Venao gives surfing lessons and rents boards. So I traveled way out of my way to go there and try surfing. But actually, Eco Venao does no such thing and the best way to take surfing lessons is to set it up in the town I'd come from (Pedasi). Now I should have verified the information before going there, but I'd still like to be able to trust my guidebook, especially since this edition was released only a month before my trip.
Overall, prices were pretty accurate and the one restaurant recommendation I went by (Siete Mares in Panama City) was fabulous. Maps were plentiful and good (although there should be one of Pedasi in there). I didn't always agree with the author's impressions of places, but I do like that he's not afraid to be critical and will tell you to skip areas of non-interest. Despite my particular criticisms, if you're staying entirely in/near Panama City, renting a car or flying within the country, you probably won't have any major complaints about this book.
William Friar's latest PANAMA-MOON publication November 29, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Couldn't agree more with reviews by Rick Marrero and Bruce Hadley. Mr. Friar's obvious knowledge of Panama and his tremendous research makes this book, by far, the best out there for anyone traveling to Panama - whether it be their first visit or their tenth. This is not a dry reference book, by any means. Mr. Friar incorporates fact with humor, which makes reading a pleasure - even the lone traveler will manage a few smiles as he goes along. This is a "must have" in anyone's library.
Simply....The best guidebook on Panama. November 24, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
This guidebook provides a very balanced & well put together information on the country. The author, being a "zonian" himself (one who grew up in the former Panama Canal Zone) & continues to spend time in the country, has a vast knowledge of the area. From the usual tourist areas to the people, history and culture; from the not so well known areas to do's & dont's, he covers it very well. What I like the most is that - unlike some other guides - he covers whatever is negative in a constructive manner without being overly critical. This latest edition includes a few more color pages at the beginning. A perfect companion to relocation guides like "Living in Panama" & "Choose Panama..." Bottom line...If there's room for only one Panama guidebook...look no further.
Simply the best October 31, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
This is, hands down, the best guide book on Panama. Terrific detail, excellent maps, accurate and insightful information. Best of all, the author's obvious love for Panama -- quirks included -- comes through on every page.
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