Is there anything unusual I should know about taking a toddler to Costa Rica?

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*Amber*

In response to the answer above, you really don't have to worry about mosquitoes unless you go to guanacaste where it's hotter and more humid. If you go to the central valley(Heredia, San Jose, Alajuela) mosquitoes are less abundant and smaller, since it's alot cooler and less humid.

As for the toddlers ......Costa Ricans are extremely friendly, so expect Oohs and Aww's and alot of attention to your baby.
As for transportation, It's safe, make sure you get a real Taxi(they're red with a yellow triangle) as these are the the legal ones. There are ones that look like "normal" cars, "pirate taxis" these are illegal, they are not liscenced, so they don't have the yellow triangle. They're cheaper but I recommend you stick with the official ones.

Good luck!

ticosland2008

I would say that there is nothing unusual. The weather will be warm and sunny during the day, cool at night. Bring something warm for your baby. The buses are cramped. They are not very comfortable, even the ones for long trips. The water is potable, very clean in fact. However, if you go to a place that has well water, you might be better off boiling or bringing bottled water. If you've had experience in the rest of Central America, Costa Rica is actually a bit better than most of the other countries.
You can find Costa Rica travel agency and hotel information on the TicosLand.com website.

Kristina L

A couple of things to add to the above comments. My friend brought baby sunscreen with her when we went. The mosquitoes loved it - even with bug repellent over the top. I used Avon bug spray/sunscreen combo and didn't get a single bite. She was eaten daily. Not sure if it was the sunscreen, but its the only thing she did different than the rest of us.

If you are going hiking, don't let her run around the jungle even a little bit. We took a guided hike on our first day and learned about some of the poisonous fauna that grows in CR - makes our poison ivy look like a day in the park. You'll want to make sure she doesn't touch plants that you don't know about. Also, vipers can hide behind flowers in order to eat the humming birds, so be careful there too.

I've taken public buses and they were very crowded and uncomfortable - but very cheap. When I have the money, it isn't my first choice. It takes much longer (unless you get an express) and its possible that you'll have to stand for a good portion of it. But if you are going on a tight budget, it makes it possible to see so much of CR for such a great price.

www.costaricanativa.com

Like others said there is nothing unusual although you should I usually recommend my clients, even more if they bring small children to bring any kind of medication they require. ***Prescription medications: make sure you have enough to last during your trip, as well as a copy of the prescription(s), that will save you a lot of trouble trying to get them here.
About transportation donÂ´t worry, you wonÂ´t have any problems as long as you donÂ´t do anything careless like taking a bus to San Jose downtown in the middle of the night.

x Spitz dogs are number 1 x

The Transport in Costa Rica is great! Heaps of Buses (can gt crowded) and Taxi Drivers everywhere that are cheap-Beware of some Taxi Drivers as they are rip offs! Taking your toddler with you will be fine, the locals there are VERY friendly and will probably shower her with attention more than anything.Don't take too much as almost anything and everything can be purchased in San Jose for next to nothing..Care and common sense is needed at all times in San Jose.Everywhere else is pretty safe.

AttorneyKearney

Costa Rica is a lot safer and nicer than most other latin countries, so you donÂ´t need to worry much except use common sense as if you were at home.
Buses and taxis are cheap but never trust a taxi driver anywhere in the world, even USA or Costa Rica, some are nice people but many are looking to charge more money.

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