| Costa Rica is mostly a friendly, hospitable and | | | | your baggage! The US State Department |
| tropical paradise when one considers it. There are | | | | (TravelState website) has offered warnings that |
| just a few peculiarities about this jewel of the | | | | such crimes are on the increase. These seem |
| Caribbean before one visits it. One great thing to | | | | relatively minor offenses compared to those of |
| mention about it is that it is a great place to get | | | | other countries in the region (notably Mexico). The |
| sick! That may seem ironic, but Costa Rica is | | | | wise traveler will always take precautions against |
| world famous for its excellent health care system. | | | | theft. Other than the few wily pilferers and |
| This has brought a certain amount of "medical | | | | unsafe drivers, the rest of the Costa Ricans are |
| tourism" to the country. The downside of its | | | | very friendly, helpful and kind. |
| health issues surrounds dengue fever outbreaks | | | | Nature's Hazards |
| and malaria infested mosquitoes. Take precautions | | | | Mother Nature and her creations are present in |
| against these potential health threats. | | | | abundance in Costa Rica. It is wise to be aware |
| Getting Around Safely | | | | of these things when one steps on the ground in |
| Before traveling to the wild and jungle zones of | | | | Central America. Volcanoes are present in the |
| Costa Rica, one may be required to travel around | | | | country and should have their own natural |
| its more civilized zones. This may require a great | | | | warnings. However, there are always fatalities |
| deal of caution as Costa Rica is known for having | | | | when people and volcanoes get together. If one |
| one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the | | | | visits Arenal volcano, it is important not to get to |
| world. One great example - that is not always | | | | close to the edge or lip and fall in! The same goes |
| obvious - is to avoid a pole or a branch poking out | | | | if one decides to camp in a quarry or natural |
| of the road. This is a warning sign that it is a | | | | ravine. The camper could roll into a deep gully or |
| pothole or an open manhole or sinkhole. When you | | | | river. Some do not survive. |
| see these symbols steer clear! | | | | The beaches do not have life guards. If one |
| Speaking of which, traditional road signs are | | | | doesn't know how to swim against a rip tide, it is |
| almost always absent. Even the locals may not | | | | best to stay out of the waters. Bull sharks and |
| know the name of the street or the road they | | | | crocodiles are known to inhabit these territories. |
| are on. And driving under the influence is never | | | | Be on guard for these stealthy ambush predators! |
| recommended - it could land the DUI driver in | | | | Jaguars and stray dogs can also be found in the |
| prison for up to 3 years. Pedestrians also need to | | | | jungles. Jaguars do not usually attack humans. |
| be extra cautious as they have no right of way! | | | | Stray dogs can be found just about anywhere. |
| Alternatives and Some "Risks" | | | | Do not approach them. Oh, and do not pick up or |
| Taking a cab or a bus can be safer. Just be sure | | | | handle the colorful poison dart frogs. Just admire |
| the cab is red with a yellow triangle. If you fall | | | | their beauty from a distance. |
| asleep on the bus, you could wake up without | | | | |