The Gulf of Papagayo area is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, with a lower crime rate compared to other parts of Central America. However, it is still recommended to `exercise increased caution` due to crime, as advised by the U.S. State Department.

It is generally recommended to avoid walking alone on poorly lit or deserted streets and beaches, especially at night.

The currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for colones upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

No, about 90 percent of Costa Ricans speak Spanish as their first language. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest that you purchase a good English-Spanish dictionary and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays of less than 90 days. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica (either to return to the U.S. or to go to another country).

No, there are currently no vaccination requirements to visit Costa Rica. There is no risk of yellow fever in Costa Rica. The government of Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US.

Zika is a risk in Costa Rica. Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause serious birth defects, women who are pregnant should not travel to Costa Rica. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika virus during and after the trip. For the latest updates visit the CDC page https://www.cdc.gov/ on the internet.

A typical breakfast is hearty and consists of Gallo Pinto (rice and beans – sometimes served with scrambled eggs). Lunch is solid too, the typical dishes are Casado (rice and beans, served with meat or fish, fried plantains, cheese and corn tortilla), Ceviche (fish marinated and cooked in lime juice, coriander, and pepper). There is not a dinner culture in Costa Rica. An afternoon snack consists of bread and coffee.

No, the water is not drinkable in Costa Rica. We suggest that you carry bottled water with you. Most tourist areas will have bottled water available for purchase.

For any immediate emergency—whether it’s a medical issue, fire, or police matter—the national emergency number is 911. According to the official government 911 website, bilingual (Spanish-English) operators are available to assist tourists. You can also dial.

128 for the Red Cross ambulance service. For air ambulance or Medi-Vac services, you can call 8835-6096. 
Coco Medical Center: Located in Playas del Coco, a short distance from the Gulf of Papagayo, this center offers a range of medical services, including urgent care and an ambulance service. They are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m..