Staying Healthy During Your Trip in Costa Rica

Water

Yes, you can drink the water! Pure and suitable for drinking throughout most of the country. Bottles water is readily available. If your planning a camping trip or a day in Costa Rica's National Parks and rainforest, load up.
 
Do not eat food purchased from street vendors or food that is not well cooked to reduce risk of infection (i.e., hepatitis A and typhoid fever).

Wash your hands often with soap and water or, if hands are not visibly soiled, use a waterless, alcohol-based hand rub to remove potentially infectious materials from your skin and help prevent disease transmission.


Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites. Use an insect repellent with DEED.

Injuries

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers in Costa Rica. Protect yourself from motor vehicle injuries: avoid drinking and driving; wear your safety belt and place children in age-appropriate restraints in the back seat; follow the local Costa Rica customs and laws regarding pedestrian safety and vehicle speed; obey the rules of the road; and use helmets on bikes, motorcycles, and motor bikes. Avoid boarding an overloaded bus or mini-bus. Where possible, hire a local driver.