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Keeping Yourself Healthy and Safe in Costa RicaWater SafetyOur 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:
Don't be a Victim of CrimeThis 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:
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. HealthAccidents and Travel MedicalAccidents 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 DiseasesThe 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.
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Additional comments from our visitors about Puerto Viejo Health and Safety
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?
Hi Icilda,
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.
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.
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.
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. ;)
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.
Hey Jim,
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!
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.
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?
Would it be possible to share the name of the property in which the attack occurred?
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
Hi Doug, thanks for your zippy reply.
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.
OK, good to know. Thanks for the info. Doug.
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? 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!
Good afternoon Folks,
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?
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! does anyone know of a practicing midwife in or fairly close to the area? Or, someone to contact that might know? thanks!
Hi,
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?
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. Go to comments page: 1 2
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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.
anti- maleria drugs  icilda from kingston, jamaica March 10, 2012
Your visit to Pueto Viejo  
I understand how you feel  
Reply to Jim's reply  
Bot flies?  Beverly S McCarter from Thomasville, NC May 19, 2011




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.