My wife and I are going to Liberia, Costa Rica and staying at the Melia Playa Conchal. <BR>I would appreciate any info on the area and the trips/sights in the area. <BR>I would also like to know if there are any shots necessary and if there are any problems drinking the water,like in Mexico.

First your lucky to fly into Liberia rather than into San Jodse to get to Melia Conchal..No shots are necessary..we were there several years ago..it depends on when your going..the big thing was the tour to see the turtles laying eggs.. If you write to me I'll be glad to show you pictures on the net of the resort..we really loved it.. huge, huge pool..nice people and as we like to say..they took 900 acres of tropical forest and put in a resort...No problems with the water..the resort has their own water purifying plant, hospital, school for employees and is pretty well self contained.. Oh yes, the funniest sight is the sign to"watch out for the crockadiles"it seems they are near a preserve,,,,next to the golf course and the walking path..the rooms are lovely, little mini-suites with refrigerator, water, coffee pot, seating area, etc.

No shot are not required, however HIGHLY recommended! Our company is going to Costa Rica in July, and we are also staying at the Melia Playa Conchal. The health department strongly suggested the following shots:Malaria, Thypoid, and Hep A. I also checked with my family doctor,Costa Rica embassy, Costa Rica vistors center, and the C.D.C everyone agreed with the Health department. Better safe than sorry. Check with your insurance company, most do not cover travel vaccinations. And they can be very expensive. Our physican suggested asking the company for reinbursement for the cost. The water at the resort is safe for sure. However, off the resort I recommend bottle water. The Melia Playa Conchal has several tour companies that can help you. Most of the great sights are far away from the resort. We are doing the Canopy Tour,Monteverde National Park, Barra Honda Caves,and Aernal Volcano. Have fun!

I suggest you read ALL the pros & cons & medical info on taking Larium for malaria so at least you can make an informed decision. It does not come without risks.

After a lot of research, we opted not to get any shots or take malaria pills for our 2-week trip last year, and everything was fine. We drank the water everywhere except Tabacon (where the staff told us it was not safe to drink) and never got sick. The only shot I would really think hard about possibly getting is Hepatitis A -- I know people who have contracted that even here in the U.S., and it can be contracted anywhere.