Local Legends of Costa Rica: Exploring Costa Rica Through Folklore

This is an absolutely wonderful book about the beautiful country of Costa Rica. The country has a rich history, its own legends, unique places, volcanoes and ghosts. It's always fascinating to read local folklore from an author who loves his country and shares it with the world.I recommend this small book for travelers who are going to this amazing country. There will definitely be more of them after reading this book.

For anyone visiting Costa Rica or interested in the magic, beauty, and symbolism of it. I really enjoyed this book! Quick read, yet dynamic and one many types of people from different places will enjoy. If you are looking for a book about Costa Rica, have an interest in other cultures, or an interest in people and places - I say, get this one.

I really enjoyed all the interesting legends. About to visit Costa Rica myself, it was fun to read about some of the places I might see.

The beautiful land, the rich history of the place, the stories that come with it and the Pura Vida way of life for Costa Ricans. What is the fable and theory of the deep blue color of the river in the Tenorio Volcano National Park? The Rio Telire? What is the origin story of Turrialba volcano and Romeo and Juliet? Irazu volcano and the sacrifice? The majestic volcano Arenal and La Fortuna, the sleeping giant Barva and the ghost story of Laguna de Barva? The Poas Volcano and the story of the Rualdo bird? The legends of the stone bridge Puente de Piedra, the statue and rock in a historic basilica, the ruins of a parish. The folklore of the quetzal, the tapir. Shivering ghost stories of the Sanatorio Duran, the mysterious wonder of the stone balls, the violent crime and the ghost of the “old woman”, the fabled hot springs. Experience the magic through these captivating stories!

This book captures the beauty of Costa Rica like no other. I loved how the author respected the folklore and the superstitions of the people. All the legends described in the book so beautifully give this place a magical touch and makes the reader believe that it indeed is a piece of “ Heaven on Earth”!Wonderful storytelling and such vivid description of the places have compelled me to visit Costa Rica at-least once in my life! Kudos to the author! Job well done!

This is a great book full of information and stories. I learned a lot about Costa Rica from it! Enjoyable read!

I knew very little about the Costa Rican folklore, so when I saw the title of this concise, unique travel guide, I was immediately curious. The preface does a fine job of setting the stage for the rest of the book. The author focuses on preserving the rich history of Costa Rica which is steeped with stories, legends and mythology passed by mouth from generation to generation. He speaks of how the powerful effect visiting these locations and hearing the lore can profoundly affect individuals.Agrawal writes lovely descriptive passages about the sights in the country, including the forests, volcanoes, and rivers. He’s spoken to the locals in these diverse locations and recorded the myths associated with the places.I enjoyed the book, but I wish the author had included photographs. I so wanted to see the incredible blue of the Rio Celeste, the bright feathers of the resplendent quetzal, and the revered tapir.Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and believe anyone interested in Costa Rica would enjoy it.

What a treat to read this book! I’m learning Spanish and can appreciate the beauty and mystery of Costa Rica described by the author. I particularly enjoy reading the stories of “El Puenta de Pierda” and “Barva.”Well written.

Loved the writing style of the author. His description made me feel I'm in the place which I'm reading. Highly recommended. Enjoyed it.

This book gives a true insights into little but really local things which helped me understand costa rica better. Prateek has really connected with the culture on deeper level and share his experiences in a simple engaging way.

In this book, the author beautifully combines mythology and travel writing. This book ignited my interest in Costa Rica and my motivation to get my suitcase out of the cupboard.The country is described in its beauty and community giving you a reason to want to visit but the book is really about the legends behind the volcanoes, rivers, man-made structures and natural wonders. Legends even spread to why one of the country's football teams keeps losing.As much as I am a scientist, there are many ancient cultures that still tell of myths behind natural wonders and disasters, I've heard them from American Indians and Australian Aboriginals. The local Costa Ricans also have their own myths which, although fantasies, are fascinating to hear and learn and are part of the country's culture.I even consulted Google in the chapter about the Sanatorio Duran, as Agrawal made me that curious. A fascinating book that will make you want to travel again but also you will learn things, from an author who has experienced it."There are two answers, one that appeals to the scientific and logical sides of our brains and the other which appeals to the part of us that still loves the wild imagination and visualization of childhood"

I wish there were more books like thisSimpleEasy to readFull of nuggets that I’ll never get to see or experienceAnd that’s what I want from this kindle book