Can you drink the water in Costa Rica?
Feb 21st, 2013, 07:28 AM
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Can you drink the water in Costa Rica?
Hi ...we are heading to Arenal and Guanacaste in Mid March for the first time. Just wondering if we need any vaccinations or should plan to bring any medication (cipro?) with us. We are both very healthy and currently take no medications. My boyfriend just went for his physical and told his MD he was going to Costa Rica. He was given a few prescriptions to prevent Malaria (which we have not filled yet) and a Hepatitis A shot....just wondering if I should do the same or is this extreme???
Feb 21st, 2013, 07:47 AM
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In general, yes the water is safe there.
BUT, is it safe in any particular establishment or area? Well, then it's a different story. I would ask at your hotel where you're staying.
No need for anti-malarials or other such precautions where you're going.
BUT, is it safe in any particular establishment or area? Well, then it's a different story. I would ask at your hotel where you're staying.
No need for anti-malarials or other such precautions where you're going.
Feb 21st, 2013, 08:33 AM
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Our doctor recommend Hep shots as well, but no shots are required. We've been able to drink the water at most places we've gone too. If you can't, they'll let you know and provide filtered or bottled water. We've experienced that in more isolated areas like Tortuguero and the Osa. We've done several trips and have never gotten sick. Never done any anti-malarials. Dengue is more common, but you can't do anything to prevent it so we don't worry about it. We just wear repellent when needed.
Feb 21st, 2013, 01:35 PM
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Just recently returned from Arenal and can tell you that although we chose to drink bottled water we did eat salads, fruits etc and did not have any problems. Also ended up taking vitamin B1 tablets ( 500 mg) 10 days prior to leaving ( a suggestion from a friend who is a nurse) to prevent mosquito bites. Not sure if it worked, however, we didn't get any bites!
Apr 22nd, 2013, 12:10 PM
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You can drink the water, and eat all the food you want, unlike Mexico. I spent a month in Guanacaste and Tamarindo, and I drank the tap water and the food was amazing (casados). In fact, the food is better there than here in Cali, and I was told a lot of it is organic. I heard all of their beef is grassfeed as well.
