The article states that there are false tour guides that speak English that the tourist hire, then they are robbed. These false tour guides hang out in the park and at bus stops.
Also, some locations that tourist frequent are being robbed. When the tourist return they find their camera´s missing.
Some safety measures when you travel to Arenal or anywhere in Costa Rica can be followed. These simple measures will give you the peace of mind you deserve while on vacation.
When you plan your trip, it´s advisable to have all your arrangements prior to leaving. Use a reputable tour operator. We also recommend Costanicatours. Make sure your hotels are booked, and that your tours are planned. Your tour operator should send you your travel vouchers with hotel and tour operator phone numbers listed.
When you have a tour planned, you voucher should specify which company is being used. You can then check them out on the Internet. Make sure that the tour operator picks you up from your hotel lobby, and you should have a pick up time. The guide should be with you at all times. The robberies mentioned in the paper are where tourist ventured out on their own. If you go on any tour with a reputable company, you will not have a problem.
If you are driving, do not leave your car unattended with valuables inside. For first time visitors we recommend private or semi private transfers.
If you do need to leave your hotel in the evening, request a cab from the hotel lobby. You can request the same cab driver to pick you up in Arenal. Just give him a time frame when to pick you up and they will.
Don´t carry your passport. Carry a copy of your passport with you and leave the original in the safe deposit box of your hotel room.
Also, don´t use flashy jewelery. You can leave that at home.
Following these simple safety measure will allow you to have a relaxing vacation.
March 5, 2008 at 11:55 pm
Hi Yvette,
Very informative post on the crime in Arenal and precautions to take while in Costa Rica. I have been checking up on it at various blogs as I am hoping to visit in the near future. There was a post about it over at http://www.CostaRicaHQ.org where the wife of the owner of the blog had a ring stolen! Other blogs have also reported incidents of theft. Good to know about the false tour guides. Thanks for the recommendation on a reputable tour operator. Arenal is certainly on my list of places to visit, because it seems really beautiful from what I have read and pictures I have seen.
March 6, 2008 at 12:12 am
Great advise here, thanks for sharing.
I read this post about transportation in Costa Rica over at Costa Rica HQ that you may find interesting. Goes along with using a private driver.
Rick