This guide aims to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information for travelers planning a trip to Costa Rica in 2002. It offers practical advice, detailed descriptions of attractions, and cultural insights to enhance the travel experience. The book is structured to assist visitors in navigating the country, from planning their itinerary to experiencing local life.

As a Fodor's guide from 2002, this book would have been a standard resource for travelers seeking information on Costa Rica. Guides from this era typically offered a blend of practical advice and descriptive content, focusing on popular destinations and activities. The authority perspective would be that of a well-established travel publisher providing curated recommendations for a specific travel period.