6 Safety Tips for Tourists Visiting La Fortuna Costa Rica

La Fortuna is a stunning destination that is home to beautiful natural scenery, exciting outdoor activities, and a rich cultural heritage. Like any other travel destination, though, it's important to be vigilant when it comes to safety. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to La Fortuna, it's always better to be prepared and informed about how to stay safe while enjoying your time in this beautiful location. In this blog post, we'll share some essential travel safety tips that will help you enjoy your trip to La Fortuna Costa Rica without any worries.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: 🙈👀🦹‍♂️

Situational awareness is one of the most important aspects of staying safe while on vacation in La Fortuna, (or anywhere). This means being aware of your surroundings so you are able to anticipate potential risks or dangers. It's important to pay attention to your surroundings at all times, whether you're exploring a local farmer’s market, hiking Arenal Volcano, or enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity or behavior and stay alert for any potential hazards such as uneven sidewalks, slippery surfaces or unsavory characters. By staying alert and being proactive, you can greatly reduce your risk of encountering any safety issues during your trip to La Fortuna.

Safety in Numbers: 🤲🏽👫🥂

Traveling with a group while exploring La Fortuna can offer several safety benefits. First and foremost, there is safety in numbers. When you're traveling in a group, you're less of a target for potential criminals than if you were traveling alone, and you can benefit from the situational awareness of more than one person. Traveling with a group can help you to navigate unfamiliar surroundings more easily and reduce your risk of getting lost or stranded. A group may also be able to offer assistance or support in the event of an emergency or unexpected situation. Groups can help you to experience the local culture and activities in a safe and enjoyable way. By enjoying the local culture and attractions with friends or family, you can make lasting memories while prioritizing your safety and well-being. If you’re a solo traveler, try making friends with other vacationers while you’re out on a tour or relaxing at your hotel.

Don’t Hike Alone at Night: ⛔🐍🌛🌲

As beautiful as the rainforests are to hike in the day, they can be equally as dangerous at night for travelers attempting to explore without the assistance of a professional naturalist guide. The rainforest is home to a variety of creatures including snakes, spiders, and other dangerous animals that are more active at night. Without a guide, travelers may not be aware of potential dangers. The rainforests have dense vegetation and undulating terrain that can be difficult to navigate in the dark. Those who hike alone at night may find themselves lost, stranded or injured without a guide to lead them back to safety.

Heed Local Volcano Alerts & Advisories: 🌋⚠️

When traveling in La Fortuna, it is important to pay attention to volcano alerts and other official advisories as they can have an impact on your safety. Costa Rica is home to several active volcanoes including Arenal, which is located near La Fortuna. Eruptions can cause potentially dangerous situations such as ashfall or landslides. Local authorities regularly monitor volcanic activity and issue alerts and advisories to keep visitors safe. If an advisory or warning is issued, it's essential to follow instructions and take the necessary precautions. By paying attention to advisories, you can stay safe and enjoy your trip.

Hide your Bling: 💍👑💰

As with anywhere you may go, when traveling in La Fortuna it is important to blend in and avoid drawing unnecessary attention through overt displays of wealth. It’s a good idea to avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry, flaunting your cash, or carrying expensive electronics openly. While violent crimes are very rare in La Fortuna, property theft can occur if you provide an easy opportunity. Your accommodations will most likely provide you access to a personal safe that you can use to stash your bling while you’re out exploring the town or enjoying a full day combo tour. By blending in and keeping your money and possessions low-profile, you can greatly decrease your risks. When you must carry cash or valuables, we advise that you keep them close at hand and stay vigilant. With ATMs throughout the country, you will likely find it unnecessary to bring a lot of cash with you on your vacation.

Use Technology! 👩‍💻📱👮👌

There are several safety programs available for travelers visiting Costa Rica. One of the most popular is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) offered by the US Department of State. This program allows US citizens traveling to Costa Rica to receive important travel alerts, updates on security situations, and other useful information that can help them stay safe during their journey. Another helpful resource is the OIJ app developed by the Costa Rican Judicial Investigation Organization. This app allows travelers to report crimes, request assistance, and receive real-time updates on security risks in the area. Additionally, many hotels, tour operators, and transportation companies can offer safety tips or assistance to their guests to help them stay safe during their travels. By utilizing these resources and planning ahead, travelers can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Costa Rica. Stay safe and have fun in La Fortuna!