Some Foreign Offices have updated its risk assessment of malaria and reported a medium risk in the central border region with Nicaragua, outside touristic areas.

How is the Costa Rican government responding to the situation?

Information campaigns are being carried out that are directed at the local population and above all urge prevention through correct waste disposal and the avoidance of standing water accumulation, as well as helping to recognize symptoms at an early stage.

What is the situation in the tourist zones?

The tourist zones are much less affected because the entrepreneurs pay attention to regular fumigation. However, one can never exclude the possibility of cases of malaria or other mosquito-borne diseases.

What can our common guests do?

We recommend that our guests protect themselves during their stay in Costa Rica with a reliable mosquito repellent, and by wearing light-colored clothing, long shirts or trousers, especially in the late afternoon and during outdoor activities. Mosquito repellent products can be brought from home, and can also be purchased locally at supermarkets and pharmacies. If a client plans to stay longer in the affected non-tourist areas, they should check with the Tropical Institute for recommendations on prophylaxis before travelling.

In this high season, we would like to share with you some safety tips to make your trip more pleasant and safe:

In General

• Refrain from wearing expensive jewellery
• Exchange money only at a bank or a currency exchange office and store it before leaving
• Take a cab at night in the city. Only take a minimum amount of cash with you
• Do not struggle or resist in case of a robbery or attack. Documents and valuables are replaceable

In your Car

• Follow the instructions of your car rental service
• Fasten your seat belt
• Only park your car in safe areas and supervised lots. Be very careful if you park your vehicle on the side of the road in areas such as La Catarata La Paz, Puente del Río Tárcoles and Jacó Viewpoint
• Do not make phone calls or send messages while driving
• Follow the traffic regulations
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs and/or prescription drugs
• Avoid remote, impassable streets and river crossings, as this counts as negligent driving and no car insurance will cover claims
• Do not leave valuables and baggage in the car
• Always lock the car
• Plan to arrive at your next destination before sunset

In the Hotel

• Inform yourself about evacuation routes and safety zones on the property
• Use the hotel safe for your valuables and documents
• Close windows and doors of your room while you’re gone

In the Nature

• Follow the instructions of the park rangers
• Study the maps of hiking trails (if available)
• Do not go alone in remote and impassable areas
• Do not leave the designated nature trails
• Bring enough drinking water
• Do not touch unknown plants
• Do no touch wild animals, especially snakes and amphibians
• Wear closed ankle-high shoes during your walks
• Do not overestimate your physical condition and skills, and observe the climatic conditions
• Inform staff before starting a walk on remote nature trails and always plan to return before sunset
• Please inform yourself about potential risks before swimming in the sea or in rivers
• Please pay attention towarnings on the beach regarding dangerous currents

Natural Disasters

• Keep calm
• Follow the instructions of the authorities and the hotel staff
• Look for the signposted security zones and evacuation routes
• Inform us at ARA Tours about your condition as soon as possible, even if you are unharmed
• Inform your relatives at home
• Inform your embassy

If you do not contact us, we will try to determine your condition as follows:

• In the hotel
• Via your guide
• Via the Red Cross
• Via your Embassy

If you require assistance, our team is at your disposal as follows:

Whatsapp Assistence

Number: +506-8893-3863
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00.
Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone assistance

Number: +506-2232-0400
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00

Emergency cell phone:

Number: +506-8946-8222
Monday - Friday: 18:00 - 06:00
Weekends: 16:00 - 08:00

We publish updated information on our Website www.aratours.com and through our Telegram group.

We wish you a safe trip and a unique experience in Costa Rica!

Best regards,

Your ARA Tours Team

Information about health risks in Costa Rica is currently appearing in some media and we would like to inform you objectively about the background to this so that you can reassure any worried customers:

New World screwworm flies

This is a species of blowfly that lays its eggs in the open wounds of warm-blooded animals such as cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats and dogs and, in rare cases, humans. These then hatch into maggots (screwworms), which feed on the host's tissue, which in turn leads to infection. If left untreated, an infestation can lead to death.

New World screwworm flies had been considered extinct in Costa Rica since 2000. However, the fly reappeared in July 2023 and 200 cases in animals and 3 cases in humans (0.00006% of the population in 9 months) have been detected to date. All human patients have recovered thanks to medical treatment.

Despite the low number of cases, the health authorities declared a public health emergency at the beginning of February to ensure that they have immediate access to financial resources to eradicate the fly at an early stage. This includes the weekly release of 15 million sterile male flies, strict monitoring of livestock and the immediate treatment of infected animals.

The risk to tourists is extremely low. In the unlikely event of an infection, medical assistance must be sought immediately and the maggots surgically removed. In healthy people, a full recovery is highly likely. In diabetics, it could lead to complications.

There are no restrictions for tourists.

Dengue fever

Dengue fever occurs everywhere in Latin America. An above-average number of cases have been reported in the first 4 months of 2024, including in Costa Rica. Dengue fever is transmitted by the tiger mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and there are 4 types of virus. A first infection leads to flu-like symptoms and severe aching limbs. Re-infection with a different type of dengue virus can lead to severe complications and in some cases even death.

There is a vaccination for people who have already contracted dengue. Unfortunately, there is currently no preventative vaccination. More information on the subject, here, at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The health authorities have launched a major campaign to eradicate the tiger mosquito. This includes fumigating and removing possible reproduction sites, especially stagnant water. These campaigns lead to a sharp decline in cases every year.

However, with the right precautions (light-colored clothing, long sleeves and trouser legs) and a good mosquito spray, you can enjoy your vacation in Costa Rica without any worries. 

Again, there is currently no reason to cancel a trip to Costa Rica.

If you require assistance, our team is at your disposal as follows:

Whatsapp Assistence

Number: +506-8893-3863
Monday - Friday: 06:00 - 18:00.
Weekends: 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone assistance

Number: +506-2232-0400
Monday - Friday: 07:00 - 18:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 - 16:00

Emergency cell phone:

Number: +506-8946-8222
Monday - Friday: 18:00 - 06:00
Weekends: 16:00 - 08:00

We publish updated information on our Website www.aratours.com and through our Telegram group.

We wish you a safe trip and a unique experience in Costa Rica!

Best regards,

Your ARA Tours Team