Destination: Costa Rica

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION

Dangers & Annoyances

For the latest official reports on travel to Costa Rica see the websites of the US State Department or the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Earthquakes & Volcanic Eruptions

Costa Rica lies on the edge of active tectonic plates, so it is decidedly earthquake prone. Recent major quakes occurred in 1990 (7.1 on the Richter scale) and 1991 (7.4). Smaller quakes and tremors happen quite often, particularly on the Península de Nicoya, cracking roads and knocking down telephone lines. If you’re caught in a quake, the best place to take shelter is under a door frame. If you are in the open, don’t stand near walls or telephone poles.

The volcanoes in Costa Rica are not really dangerous as long as you stay on designated trails and don’t try to peer into the crater of an active volcano. Always check with park rangers before setting out in the vicinity of active volcanoes.

Hiking Hazards

Hikers setting out into the wilderness should be adequately prepared for their trips. Most importantly, don’t bite off more than you can chew. If your daily exercise routine consists of walking from the fridge to the TV, don’t start your trip with a 20km trek. There are plenty of 3km and 5km trails that are ideally suited to the less active.

In addition, carry plenty of water, even on short trips. The hiking is hot and dehydration sets in quickly. In Corcovado, at least one hiker every year dies of heat exhaustion on the scorching trail between San Pedrillo and Sirena. Hikers have also been known to get lost in rain forests, so carry maps, extra food and a compass. Let someone know where you are going, so they can narrow the search area in the event of an emergency.

There is also wildlife to contend with. Central America’s most poisonous snakes, the fer-de-lance (the ‘Costa Rican landmine’) and the bushmaster, are quite assertive and crocodiles are a reality at many estuaries. Bull sharks love to lounge at the mouth of Río Sirena in Corcovado.

This is no reason to be paranoid. Most animals don’t want to mess with you anymore than you want to mess with them, but they will attack if they feel threatened. Hiring a guide can be helpful as they will better know how to spot animals and avoid angst to begin with. To minimize the risk of snake bite, wear sturdy boots.

Some readers have also reported getting mugged along certain trails. Again, it is safer to hike in groups or with a guide.

Ocean Hazards

Approximately 200 drownings a year occur in Costa Rican waters, 90% of which are caused by riptides – a strong current that pulls the swimmer out to sea. Many deaths in riptides are caused by panicked swimmers struggling to the point of exhaustion. If you are caught in a riptide, float. Do not struggle. Let the tide carry you out beyond the breakers, after which it will dissipate. Then swim parallel to the beach and allow the surf to carry you back in.

Some beaches are polluted by litter or, worse, sewage and other contamination. Beaches are now checked by the local authorities, and the cleanest are marked with a blue flag (the Bandera Azul Ecológica).

River Running

River-rafting expeditions may be particularly risky during periods of heavy rain – flash floods have been known to capsize rafts. Reputable tour operators will ensure conditions are safe before setting out.

Thefts & Muggings

The biggest danger that most travelers face is theft, primarily from pickpockets. There is a lot of petty crime in Costa Rica so keep your wits about you at all times and don’t let your guard down. Some tips:

In public areas keep your daypack on your back, don’t wear a lot of jewelry, and never put your wallet in a back pocket.

Keep your passport and money in the hotel safe. If you are on the road, keep them on your person, preferably in an inside pocket or money belt. (The latter isn’t the coolest accessory, but it works).

Don’t put your daypack containing important documents on the overhead bus rack or leave it unattended on a beach.

Don’t leave your belongings inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. Readers have reported car break-ins for something so simple as a T-shirt or a pair of sandals.

Bring traveler’s checks or credit cards. The former can be refunded if lost or stolen; the latter can be canceled and reissued.

Keep an emergency packet somewhere separate from your documents that includes photocopies of important papers such as your passport, visa, airline tickets and the serial numbers of traveler’s checks.

Of greater concern are the growing number of armed robberies in San José as well as tourist-heavy areas. In the countryside, don’t walk around isolated areas at night by yourself. It is always safest to travel in groups. Solo women travelers would do best to stay away from red-light districts and male-only cantinas.

If you are robbed or otherwise attacked, police reports (for insurance claims) should be filed with the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ; %222 1365; Av 6 btwn Calles 17 & 19, San José) in the Corte Suprema de Justicia (Supreme Court). Bigger towns have police stations that can assist you with this process. If you don’t speak Spanish, bring a translator; most policemen do not speak English. It’s highly unlikely that the police will be able to recover your property. By law, the tourist board is obliged to represent foreign tourists who are victims of tourist-related crimes in court. Check in with the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) in San José before leaving the country.