Health update Costa Rica
Media reports about health risks in Costa Rica can cause unnecessary concern. We provide you with the most reliable and up-to-date information, so that you can travel with confidence:
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 still no vaccination against dengue.
The health authorities have launched a major campaign to eradicate the tiger mosquito. This includes fumigation and the removal of possible reproduction sites, especially stagnant water. These campaigns lead to a sharp decline in cases every year.
People can protect themselves from mosquitoes by wearing light-coloured clothing (long sleeves and trouser legs) and using mosquito repellent.
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
Ferry service via Gulf of Nicoya exclusively between Puntarenas and Naranjo
Due to a collision between a ferry boat and the Paquera ferry pier, operated by the Naviera Tambor ferry company, in which no person was injured, this pier is temporarily out of service. The repair will probably take 2 months.
Tickets that have already been purchased from Naviera Tambor are no longer valid. We recommend that travelers who have already purchased a ticket directly request a refund (“Reembolso”) directly from Naviera Tambor, stating the ticket number.
The ferry route between Puntarenas and Naranjo through the company Coontramar will now be operated with an increased schedule. Naranjo is located north of Paquera, about a 30-minute drive away.
The new Naranjo ferry schedule can be viewed online here. An additional departure may be planned after the last departure time, if this is necessary due to high volume.
Tickets can be pre-purchased online. Tickets are also available on the same day at the ticket counters in Puntarenas and Naranjo.
Especially on weekends and public holidays, it is recommended to buy tickets well in advance online, or if you buy them on site, arrive at the port well before departure and join the queue.
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
Update: Closure of the bridge over the Tempisque River since April 1, 2024
Due to maintenance work aimed at strengthening the structure of the La Amistad Bridge, the bridge over the Tempisque River will be closed from April 1st until at least July 25th of this year.
For this reason, we ask all our customers traveling to or from locations on the Nicoya Peninsula to choose alternative routes and allow extra time for the journey.
We recommend the following alternative routes:
a) Through Liberia:
From San José, you can initially follow the normal route along National Route No. 1 (Pan American Highway) or Route No. 27 to Liberia and then take National Route No. 21 until you reach your respective destination. In the opposite direction you can take the same route. There are several daily ferry crossings in both directions.
b) Via Puntarenas by ferry:
From San José, take route 27, which passes through Orotina and Caldera, towards Puntarenas, where you can take the ferry to Naranjo and from there take the national route number 21 until you connect with the corresponding routes to your destination.There are several daily ferry crossings in both directions.
Trips with transfer services
Regional Shuttle transfers:
Due to high traffic on the way between beach destinations on the Northern Pacific Coast and San José, because of constructions work and the closed La Amistad bridge, some schedules of shuttle transfers will suffer a change of operation time. With an earlier pick up time, it is possible to operate the route via Nicoya and crossing the Gulf of Nicoya by ferry, so all clients arrive at their destination safely during the day. The cost of the ferry is included in your service fee.
In case your transfer schedule was changed from the original schedule noted in our Voucher list to a new one, our Service Team will get in touch with you, or leave a message at the hotel reception. Affected routes include connections between San José, Fortuna, Monteverde and the following destinations, in both directions:
- Area Liberia, Tamarindo, Flamingo, Potrero, Conchal
- Area Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa (Guanacaste), Matapalo
- Area Samara, Nosara
- Area Santa Teresa, Malpais, Montezuma, Tambor
Also private transfers can suffer changes in the operation time, especially if your transfer connects directly with the international airport San José. In this case, our Service Team will also guarantee that you are informed in time.
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
Closure of the bridge over the Tempisque River from April 1, 2024
Due to maintenance work aimed at strengthening the structure of the La Amistad Bridge, the bridge over the Tempisque River will be closed from April 1st until at least July 25th of this year.
For this reason, we ask all our customers traveling to or from locations on the Nicoya Peninsula to choose alternative routes and allow extra time for the journey.
We recommend the following alternative routes:
a) Through Liberia:
From San José, you can initially follow the normal route along National Route No. 1 (Pan American Highway) or Route No. 27 to Liberia and then take National Route No. 21 until you reach your respective destination. In the opposite direction you can take the same route.
b) Via Puntarenas by ferry:
From San José, take route 27, which passes through Orotina and Caldera, towards Puntarenas, where you can take the ferry to Naranjo and from there take the national route number 21 until you connect with the corresponding routes to your destination. There are several daily ferry crossings in both directions.
In both direction you can choose between several ferry departures per day.
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
New Safety Measures For Visits To Poás National Park
In recent days, the activity of the Poás volcano has increased, so new safety measures will be implemented for visits starting from Friday, January 26, 2024:
- All visitors will receive a helmet, which is mandatory to wear.
- The crater can only be visited for 20 minutes from the viewing platform.
- An information and prevention video will be shown before the visit.
It is normal for the level of activity of active volcanoes to change from time to time. The new measures in place are designed to ensure the safety of our guests during their visit.
We will keep you informed of any new developments.
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
Safety Travel Tips
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
Health Tip: Dengue Fever
Costa Rican health authorities have reported an increase in dengue cases in the last days, which is normal during the rainy season.
Currently there are all 4 Dengue serotypes circulating in the country. In 2023 up to the date, there are 8261 reported cases per 5 million inhabitants and mainly in the Caribbean areas (Sarapiqui, Limon and Talamanca), in which only Sarapiqui represents a secondary tourist area.
What is the Costa Rican government doing about this situation?
The Ministry of Health, as has been customary in previous years during this season, has activated a fumigation protocol and a communication campaign with the objective of making the population aware of the importance of eliminating breeding sites to combat the disease, in addition to recognizing symptoms at an early stage.
What can our common guests do?
We recommend our guests to protect themselves during their stay in Costa Rica, especially if visiting some of the areas with higher incidence, 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.
Health Tip: Malaria
Some Foreign Offices have reported cases of malaria in the cantons of Limón and Pococí, specifically in Limón town, Moín and in small villages about 25km north of Guápiles. None of these places are tourist zones.
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.
