Comments on: Failed assault on Puerto Viejo hotel leaves guard with gunshot to the face

By: john anthony

john anthony — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 15:20:00 +0000

Same thing happened to a bar I used to drink at near Alajuela. Gunmen came in and did the same thing. I was not there that night, but I can tell you, that most of the people who frequented there were not tourists or backpackers. But, you are right about the tourist being easy to spot and transient.

By: El Torito

El Torito — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 09:21:00 +0000

Because tourists are easy to spot and are transient, they become targets, here, or anywhere in the world…. even in North America.

By: mhogan

mhogan — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 23:06:00 +0000

I was on an incoming flight back to Costa Rica (live here) and had a chance to talk with some tourists from New Hampshire, an elderly couple with eyes wide closed. My words to them were to be very conscious of what is around you, take care of your belongings, be prepared to give up your cell phone or camera if need be–they can be replaced but your life is more important. They looked at me in disbelief because they thought being with a tour made them unassailable. I just shook my head at their naivete but suspect that happens a lot when people buy into propaganda aimed at tourists. Hope they heed my advice.