AKgirl

DH, myself and our 5 yr old will be travelling to CR late Feb/early March for 2 weeks. We will be in Arenal, MA and BDC for 4 nights each and staying at Lost Iguana, Si Como No and BDC.

Of course we want to avoid any food-related illnesses while travelling so we can really enjoy the trip. We've travelled a lot internationally (and have always subscribed to the cooked or peeled rule and bottled water in countries like those in S America, Africa and Asia). It seems that the situation is different in CR and more like travelling in the Caribbean or elsewhere where this rule does not have to be strictly adhered to. Any advice or thoughts.

I would really loved some feedback.

Thanks.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

For the most part, I think people do stay pretty healthy when they travel to Costa Rica. Travelers do experience GI upset on occasion, but I think that's a result of foods and spices being different, and not from contamination or usafe handling per se.

volcanogirl

We've traveled to all those areas and eaten and drunk whatever we want without any problems. Definitely not like Mexico where you have to be cautious. At BdC, they told us not to drink the water in the cabins, but they provide a place at the bar to fill up your water bottles, so that's what we did. Worked fine.

qwovadis

www.mdtravelhealth.com CR

correct CDC food/water info.

situation is not different

food/water precautions still essential.

tully

Not to be blase about it but I can't say I've ever given it much thought and have survived several trips. Websites with health info may give "correct" info but they also over-generalize and tend to take worst case scenarios as every day occurances.

Have enjoyed all the fruit and food there without issues, drank from the tap, etc. There is even a spring near one of the hydro plants on the Pacific Trail at BdC that I have filled up at several times (I dobnt this is recommended )

kencolian

We drank tap water and ate everything we wanted. Some people run into problems due to overeating/drinking. My husband had some loose bowels because he ate so much fruit. (He does not normally eat much fruit, particularly in the winter- but it is so good in CR)

raquel_z

QV
First of all - why don't you tell the folks over at mdtravelhealth.com that they need to update all the Costa Rican contact phone numbers on their site. It is almost 2 years since CR went to 8 digit telephone numbers and this is not refelected on the site - so people trying to use them and who are not aware will not get anywhere.

I personally drink tap water and eat salads, fruits, vegetables etc. with no issues when in CR. However, I do know of people in the Manuel Antonio area who have taken to boiling their water or drinking bottled water because they feel it will prevent minor stomach issues that some people are prone to.

raquel

Gross_Point_Blank

I live here in Costa Rica. I have had no issues with water or food many years of being here.

AKgirl

Thanks - I'm glad to hear that there are virtually no problems with the food and water. We may still drink bottled water but I feel more comfortable that we could drink tap and that the drinks and salads are ok. I've generally followed the food/water rules most underdeveleoped place and I've only been sick three times with all my overseas travel - once I knew I'd doomed myself in Egypt by drinking a fruit drink from a street vendor (long story why I did but needless to say I very much regreted it); once in Bolivia and it was from a bad steak in Santa Cruz area which I did not expect (ugh); and then in Cancun once where I had been really careful yet whammy. Glad to hear we can enjoy the fruits and cuisine of CR with little worry. Thanks.