Puerto Viejo Satellite - Safety: Water Safety, Avoiding Crime

Puerto Viejo Satellite Map, Info and Forum

Keeping Yourself Healthy and Safe in Costa Rica

Water Safety

Our beaches can be tricky. Some are very calm and safe -- some have riptides and big waves. And sometimes these vary seasonally so a beach which might be easy swimming one day may not be the next so don't assume!

Some water safety tips:

Ask locals or at your hotel about the conditions before getting in the water.
Remember that other than the beach at Playa Cocles our beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards.
Go with a buddy!
If you get caught in a riptide or current that is taking you out, swim parallel to the beach until you've past the current and then make your way in to the beach. Whatever you do, don’t panic and exhaust yourself — if you can’t get in, stay calm and try and attract the attention of someone on shore. This page has lots of great detailed information on rip tides and how to escape one if you get caught.

Don't be a Victim of Crime

This is mostly common sense but remember you're visiting an area where what to you are simple indulgences (an iPod, a nice watch) may look like food on the table (or drugs unfortunately) for a local who could never afford such a thing.

Here are some tips:

Don't bring any valuables to the beach -- please, bring nothing, even if it's something you're prepared to lose, if thieves find a beach has "easy pickings" they'll be back.
Don't walk alone at night on unlit roads or beaches, have a local business call you a taxi instead
Keep your belongings with you at all time. Someone we knew put down his carry-on for 10 seconds after he got off the bus while he went to fetch his luggage that was stored on the bus, when he turned around his bag (and his passport, money, camera, etc) were all gone.
Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times -- it is Costa Rican law that you have identification with you at all times but unless you are driving or crossing borders a copy is generally adequate. Leave the original behind in the safe at your hotel.

This page has lots more good tips on safety in Costa Rica.

If you are a victim of crime, call 911 and then follow the steps on this page to report your crime.

Health

Accidents and Travel Medical

Accidents can happen anywhere, especially when you are unused to local road conditions and driving manners (crazy at times!). So although medical care in Costa Rica is generally decent, remember that here in Puerto Viejo we're a long way from a large hospital.

There is a public clinic in Hone Creek, about 5km from Puerto Viejo, which is your best bet for emergencies and a small private clinic/doctor's office in downtown Puerto Viejo which can take care of more minor problems (costs are higher than at the public clinic though). Costa Rican pharmacists can also dispense directly many items without a doctor's prescriptions, so check with the pharmacy.

You should check whether you have travel medical coverage with your current insurance provider and with your credit cards (sometimes the credit you book your travel on will have some limited coverage).

It is worth noting that medical care in Costa Rica is much cheaper than in the USA and cheaper than in Canada and European countries. So the expense of a minor accident or even a broken bone probably won't break the bank. But in the case of a major accident or illness the expenses could certainly run into the thousands of dollars or more, if you need to be evacuated back home, for example.

In Costa Rica, there are two parallel medical systems - public and private. Both are accessible to foreigners in an emergency. The quality of care is quite reasonable in the public system but there may be a wait to access services so many people choose to use the private system even though it is at a substantially higher cost. Costa Ricans themselves are required to enroll in the public system through a salary deduction and in turn get free care.

If you need medical evacuation back to your own country, you could also be looking at a substantial expense.

If you're going to be participating in any sports activities while you're in Costa Rica (surfing, whitewater rafting, etc) make sure your policy doesn't include a waiver for those activities or, if it does, you may need to buy additional coverage.

Tropical Diseases

The main worry here is Dengue Fever, which is a mosquito borne illness which does occasionally have outbreaks in the area. Unfortunately there is no vaccination for this. Your best protection is to minimize the number of mosquito bites you get by applying bug repellent and/or sleeping under a mosquito net.

Costa Rica is listed as a risk for Malaria on some travel advice websites. However, this is primarily a risk if you are planning hikes deep into the forests. Taking malaria pills is not generally needed for here but check with your doctor.

Additional comments from our visitors about Puerto Viejo Health and Safety

anti- maleria drugs icilda from kingston, jamaica March 10, 2012

i will be in puerto limon,puerto viejo this coming april, for 3 months, i don't really want to take any anti- maleria drugs, but incase i catch maleria can i be treated in limon puerto, viejo and how much you think it woul cost?

Malaria Doug from Puerto Viejo March 10, 2012

There's really no danger of Malaria here unless you plan to travel to and stay in the deep jungle (way off the beaten path). As far as treatment for this or any other medical issue, there is no hospital in Puerto Viejo just a clinic in nearby BriBri. If you were so sick that hospitalization was required then you'd need to be transported to hospital in Limon or beyond. Medical care in Costa Rica tends to be very reasonable, nothing like the USA, but of course costs can always add up so travel insurance is always recommended.

Your visit to Pueto Viejo Lisa Valencia from Puerto Viejo April 22, 2012

Hi Icilda,
I've lived in Puerto Viejo for almost 5 years and I absolutely agree with Doug. I am in great health and I have never had any kind of inoculations. (And there is a general practitioner MD in Puerto Viejo if you need one.)
I'd love to meet someone from Jamaica. Look me up when you come visit.You can find me through my website:
http://www.travelexperiencecostarica.com/
Lisa

Crime is a reality here Elocin from NYC February 01, 2012

I just rented a house in the jungle on Playa Cocles for 2 months. I was loving it until today the previous tenant came by to pick up some things she left here. She told me that the reason she and her husband left the place was because one night 3 men in masks with guns and knives came to rob them here. They tied the man up and tried to rape the woman. She ended up stabbing onwe of the guys. Apparently her screams drove them away, but they were never caught. I am so disappointed that the property manager did not inform me of this before I paid for this place. It is really secluded, no neighbors really around at this time. I am here alone now but have a male friend joining me shortly. Still, I don't feel it is safe for either of us here. It seems like this town sweeps stories like this under the rug, and that is bad news for newcomers. The more I research, the more I hear about horrific crimes happening pretty often in Puerto Viejo.

I understand how you feel Charles Wanger from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - CR February 02, 2012

This is a topic that really hits home for me. As a realtor doing business here since 1997, I have had my share of crimes committed against tenants both on and off the properties. Those of you that know me here also know that I have had some horrific experiences with friends and clients alike.
My personal opinion and professional policy has always been that it is my obligation to disclose any and all information to a potential renter or buyer as to the history surrounding their property – both good and bad. This can range from information regarding their immediate neighbors and their activities, incidents that have happened to the occupants of the property both on the property and off, as well as financial information, etc.
As you can imagine however – in some case the OWNERS of the property request that we do NOT disclose this type of information and so at that point people in my line of work are faced with a choice: Continue representing the property as the owner requests, or NOT represent the property because it goes against personal or professional policy. For me, I have always chosen the later – case in point – the original post above. I neither like surprises.
I write this now though because I happen to know the representative for this property – and I feel that he is a very conscientious person who does care about his clients - but that he may not have experienced this type of situation yet and / or was instructed not to disclose information –I really don’t know. But I will say this – YES – there are people here that would like to “sweep” things under the rug – but I can assure you – there are just as many responsible people here – and more, that do NOT!
In closing, as Lisa mentioned in her post, this incident was a very public affair – was on the forum, Facebook, and YouTube – one may have thought that there was no way that you didn’t know about this – but it is hard to say.
Many of us have lived here long enough to understand, and even accept ( to a point ) the way things can be here, having lived in Boston, New York, Chicago, and East LA – My money is still on Puerto Viejo.
www.puertoviejo.net

Reply to Crime is a Reality Lisa Valencia from USA February 02, 2012

I believe I know about the incident you are talking about. The couple had a meeting with friends and other locals afterward to tell their story and help warn others. I learned a few things at that meeting. If I recall correctly, the husband let his dogs out every evening at about the same time. That is when the robbers were waiting. I don't remember how the robbers were able to avoid the dogs but that is when they got the husband.

What I learned is that it is better not to have a set routine. I also heard of a woman who was robbed twice in the same week because the robbers knew when she went to work. Some routines are almost impossible to avoid, I know. But I try.

The other thing is about the dogs. I have two German Shepherds who are very protective of the property. I let them run free most of the time. I keep them outdoors ALL THE TIME. And if I hear them barking at night and I do not know for sure why - I DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR - I look out the window, where I am still safe.

I know how you must feel being there alone, but there are things you can do. Make sure the place is absolutely secure and stay in and keep it locked tight at night. If you can get dogs, that would help too. They will warn you of any noise you may not notice - but that can be unnerving. Mine bark at every animal in the trees at night and it keeps me awake!

RE: responses Elocin from NYC February 02, 2012

Thanks for your responses. The owners in this case also did not disclose anything to me before I moved in, so the fault could lie with them, and not necessarily the property manager. I never would have rented this place had I known the situation, as it is possible my friends won't come and I will be here for 2 months alone. Unfortunately I need stable wifi 24/7 for work, and there aren't many alternatives here. It is rather terrifying- once I am locked up at night the place is pretty secure, but it's going and coming back after dark on my bike that worries me. I can imagine someone waiting in my yard for when I get home, and there would be not much I could do then. The dog suggestion is a good one and if you know of any dogs who need fostering for 2 months, send them my way (I will keep an eye out for strays). I will say that I have been researching crime in Puerto Viejo for a couple of days now and it seems like armed robberies and muggings happen here disturbingly often, even in the daytime. This is not something I was aware of, and I have been to Puerto Viejo 3 times before. Hopefully all will be well anyway. I have a lot of good karma coming to me. ;) And for now I am enjoying this beautiful place with my new sloth friend who has been hanging out on my porch with me. ;)

Reply to Charles Wanger Jim from Boston Massachusetts February 02, 2012

I don't think conscientious and caring describes the rep if he infact rented without disclosing the violent crime that took place on the property , especially to a female who is alone. Secondly as a life long resident of Boston Im not sure your putting your money on the right place . I posted below last February after I was beaten and robbed by men with hoods, knives and sticks during the day on your beach. The hotel that I was staying at which I will leave nameless did not disclose to me that there had been problems in the exact location I was headed.

Reply to Jim's reply Charles Wanger from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - CR February 02, 2012

Hey Jim,
First I just wanted to say how sorry i am about what happened to you while you were visiting - I wish this type of thing never happen to anybody. As far as the comment regarding the rep that "we think" was responsible for putting Elocin in the house - I don't know him that well, and have not known him that long, but my comment was that he seemed to be a good guy - I honestly cannot say if he knew or didn't know, or what the circumstances were surrounding his placement of the tenant - It seems that the owners may have sent her to him - so I am unclear - was only making an observation as to what kind of person I "think" he is.
As far as the people at your hotel not informing you of the "do's and don’ts" and the "where nots" - as I wrote earlier - I have been here a long time - and I ran a Hotel right in front of the island in the picture on my post for over 13 years - sorry to say that if you had been staying with me you would have known about what "can" and what "has" happened - not sure if that would have changed what happened to you but you would have been informed.
Long term resident of Boston – well then maybe we were neighbors at one time – spent most of my life in Newton, Brighton, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Cambridge, and Winthrop. But as far as your comment about putting my “money there” – What I meant by that was the following: I was shot in the back in New York NY, stuck with a screwdriver in my arm in Brighton MA, jumped by 12 gang members in Torrance CA, Beaten and left for dead in Tijuana MX, Jumped and beaten by 6 kids in Haifa Israel ( I was 7 ) and I have had exactly 1 fight with a local in Puerto Viejo, and my home was robbed in Bri Bri once as well in 7 years. So, as a father of 3, 2 in public school, and we often hang out in Puerto Viejo, go to the beach, etc – I FEEL safer here than anywhere else in the world.
As well, I have known people that have either lived here or have been visiting here for 15 years with absolutely no incidents – and I have known people that here for 2 days and died. I still say – I am home.
1.3 million violent crimes that were reported in the US last year - and to be honest, I don’t know how that works out on the per capita thing – but it just seems like a lot – and the other factor is always – everywhere in the world – the same – The tourist target factor – its awful, it sucks, I hate it – but it is everywhere in the world.
Any way – I know you probably will not return to our area – but if you liked anything about your trip, maybe you should give it a shot. My first vacation here in 1994 – all of Costa Rica – was the worst vacation I ever had in my life – I swore I would never come back to CR – But something about Puerto – just had to give it another try – 2 years later, I drove from Boston to Puerto Viejo – and never went back.
.

Jim from Boston Massachusetts February 04, 2012

Morning Charles, not trying to get the last word in but, yes 1.3m violent crimes in the US sounds like alot. I do need to point out the population is roughly 313m so in perspective it's not so bad at all. The population of Costa Rica at 5m is smaller than Massachusetts . Anyway I think we are on the same page and agree disclosure and keeping the visitors informed is best. Had the hotel I stayed at informed me 2 guests were robbed the day before in the location I was headed I simply would have gone in another direction and everyone would have benefited from that. I would not have checked out early at the hotel , would not have canceled the tours I had booked, and the shopkeepers and restaraunts would have had my business . Not to mention I would be returning year after year. In closing I'd like nothing more than to sit with you on one of your Beautifull beaches and debate but I don't see that being in the cards ,unfortunately . I am glad you have found your paradise, peace!

Robin Kollar February 04, 2012

Might we ask who was the property agent for the house, they must have been aware of the situation, that's pretty callous to rent to a single woman after what happened.

Steve February 14, 2012

Charles, what was it like traveling down from Boston? I've heard stories of shakedowns as you cross the borders of each country. Did you bring lots of personal items with you?

sparkelgem from Los Angeles February 15, 2012

Would it be possible to share the name of the property in which the attack occurred?

Is it safer to stay at hotels vs private home rentals?

Echo Books in Cocles -Puerto Viejo Group K from USA April 22, 2012

I'm amazed to see that no-one will disclose the name of the agent or the property. Well, guess what, it is 2 months later and I am staying at this property with a friend -two women. Again, this information was not disclosed to us until specifically asking about it about two hours after paying the (exorbitant $900) rent, and having read this post. Since the proper manager obviously has no intention of changing the way he does business, the name of the property is Echo Books, it is in Cocles, and the property management company is called Puerto Viejo Group. We've had a lot of issues with them and I would not recommend them. We rented two houses from them before arriving in Costa Rica. Being students and taking our classes on-line, we rented two houses both advertised as 'high speed internet'. When we arrived at the first house the internet worked almost not at all, taking 10 minutes just to open your e-mail. We obviously had to move out right away, we had mid-terms due in a couple of days. Instead of apologizing and refunding all of our money, the company apologized, and kept our security deposit, and told us that we should have had to pay the entire month.
Now we are in the Echo Books house, in addition to the fact that every single night since we've been here at-least one of two different neighbors has been shooting their guns at night -one of them about 50 feet away from our house, we have rats, fleas in the house from the rats, putrid water that only runs 50% of the time... And the response from the owner of the company is that there's nothing he can do about the rats, and he's doing the best with the water. We've had a lot of other issues, but I will leave it at that.
I also thought he was a 'nice' guy. But it turns out he's young and unprofessional. They charge too much, and provide poor service.

Safest Beaches for solo women who wish to snorkel / read? Susan from Saint Augustine, Florida January 20, 2012

Hi. I'm travelling light + solo, age 55, seeking tips on safest beaches / bike rides from Cahuita to PV to southernmost spots. Is a scooter safer (are roads ok for them)? Are NOISE Alarms good if approached? Other excellent safety ideas? What's the safest town along that coast in which to base camp (for a quiet, older, solo chica?) Thanks very much!

Doug January 20, 2012

Hi Susan. Bike or scooter are both fine although scooter rentals aren't particularly cheap in town whereas bike rentals are plentiful. Strategy for solo traveler is simply to stay in the more populated areas. Cocles beach (younger crowd, bigger waves) and Punta Uva (quieter, reef protected swimming and snorkeling) are always popular so say high to your neighbors on the beach and park yourself down next to them! Banana Azul in Playa Negra also has a staffed beach club so you can feel secure and get drink and food service! And bring as little to the beach as you can. I even find throwing things in a shopping bag instead of a backpack is way less tempting to thieves even if both only might have a towel and some sunscreen. Finally avoid traveling alone at night. Ask a hotel to call you a taxi.

Costa Rican Health Insurance? Silk from Canada December 23, 2011

Hi. As a visitor, can I buy Costa Rican health insurance when I'm there - or do you recommend buying international health insurance before I leave Canada?

Thanks,
Silk

Travel Insurance Doug from Puerto Viejo December 23, 2011

Travel insurance must always be purchased before you leave or is generally not valid (sometimes it can be purchased or extended while you are away). I don't know of anyone who sells it in Costa Rica directly either.

Free Travel Insurance Quotes from Travel Guard.

Costa Rican Health Insurance Silk from Chauncey December 23, 2011

Hi Doug, thanks for your zippy reply.

I was actually wondering about purchasing local Costa Rican health insurance when there. Is that possible for visitors?

Thanks again,
Silk

Doug December 23, 2011

It's a long complex bureaucratic process to get enrolled in the Costa Rican health system; not something you would want to undertake as a tourist nor have I ever heard of anyone offering any sort of private insurance package to tourists.

Costa Rican Health Insurance Silk from Canada December 24, 2011

OK, good to know. Thanks for the info. Doug.

Silk

Robbery..the violent fashion in PV n37 November 05, 2011

Dangerpoints...the last 2 weeks 2 tourist violent robbed in day light just after the last brigde to PV..police know who they are..people know..but nothing is done...why dont the police patrol this area in day time?

ksenia November 03, 2011

Hi,we'll stay at Corrigan Lodge. Can we drive to Cocles beach, leave a car there and go to swim? Where can we leave a car? I guese near any holel\lodge? Will they allow to leave a car? can we leave bag with camera, money inside the caR? Thanks!

Yellow Fever Vaccination Reza from Germany May 19, 2011

Good afternoon Folks,

i am heading in a few days to Puerto Viejo and have some weeks on the Caribean Cost before heading further to Southamerica. I would like to avoid going back to San Jose for a Yellow Fever Vaccination. Can anybody of the expats tell me, if there is sich Vaccination possible in Puerto Viejo in the Clinic?

If not, what city would you recommend?
Thank you very much in advance.
Best regards

Reza

Bot flies? Beverly S McCarter from Thomasville, NC May 19, 2011

I was watching a program on TV. It was about a person that went to Costa Rica that got bitten by a bot fly. It was NASTY. Has anyone heard of that? If so, is it common?

Puerto Viejo health and safety margo April 22, 2011

Did the guides that were with you see these guys faces at all? I hope they can recognize them again, because this type of robbery has got to stop!

I hope they get what they deserve from karma!

Carla April 03, 2011

does anyone know of a practicing midwife in or fairly close to the area? Or, someone to contact that might know? thanks!

Know of any MIdwifes in Limon area Julie from Nashville tn January 07, 2012

Hi,
I was wondering if you ever heard of a good midwife in the Puerta Viejo area. My daughter is due in Feb and the midwife she is using is wacko ( a woman named Christine). I'd appreciate any help with this that anyone can offer.
Thank you so so much! Julie

malaria Kate Scowen from Canada March 29, 2011

I am coming to Puerto Viejo for ten days in April, with my two kids and husband. Travel doctor has prescribed Malarone (anti-malarial) but I am concerned about the side effects for my kids. There seem to be conflicting reports as to whether malaria is a problem in PV and surrounding area. Can anyone advise?

Doug Dosdall March 30, 2011

I've never heard of a tourist contracting Malaria in Costa Rica. I believe that the reason people get this conflicting advise from their doctors in US and Canada is that there does exist the possibility of Malaria in the country but it is in remote jungle settings where indigenous folk live. Unless you're going on a serious multiday backcountry trek into road free areas this shouldn't be an issue.

What is unfortunately an issue on occasion is Dengue fever however there is no preventative drug for this. The best prevention here is to try to avoid mosquito bites. Very few cases of Dengue are of the serious version though so that's the good news.

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