Study abroad. Costa Rica and snakes?

Question

I'm planning on studying abroad sometime in the next year or two and I'm looking at either mexico or spain, but I've considered Costa Rica as well, Only problem is is I've heard that there are snakes everywhere in Costa Rica and I'm scared to death of snakes. Is this true, or are there parts that would be safe for me?

Answer 1

You should consider as an option too Guatemala. It has a large variety of spanish schools and its a favorite destination spot for this purpose, because we speak spanish slowly (in comparison to other latin american countries and spain). Rarely any snakes in the urban areas. Most of them are found in the jungle in the northern part of the country and in forests.

Answer 2

I live in Costa Rica and though you are hardly likely to see one in San Jose, yes there are lots of snakes here. - They exist in every part of the country. (The Costa Rican who says he's never seen one obviously doesn't get out much!). Mind you, even in the areas where there are plentiful, you really don't see much of them because of their camouflage. Besides, the vast majority is completely harmless. If you are afraid of the natural world perhaps Costa Rica is not the place for you. Remember there are, crocodiles, scorpions, spiders, frogs (some poisonous), numerous reptiles of all shapes and sizes and some of the biggest bugs you’re ever likely to see. On the other hand, CR is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, the people (for the most part) are wonderful and the monkeys are cute! In 15 years, I've been stung by a scorpion once and twice by jellyfish so I'd say your odds are pretty good. The most bothersome thing you're likely to experience are mosquitoes.

Answer 3

I studied abroad in Costa Rica for four months, and traveled all over the country. I never saw a snake once.

Answer 4

Remember it's in a tropical area.

Whether or not you'll enjoy living in Costa Rica is entirely up to you. I can't stand snakes, but love Costa Rica and Panama.

Answer 5

It's true, but it's not like you're going to walk out and have to brake for snakes. You're going to see snakes, but not just going crazy. The bugs will also be larger.

Basically, if you're going to study anywhere south of Mexico, you're going to run into snakes and large bugs. You would get an AMAZING experience, but you also are walking into a very jungle-eske environment. You can't exactly pretend that there aren't things that could seriously hurt you.

If you want to play it safe, go to Spain.
If you want to play with your adventerous side, so to Costa Rica.

Answer 6

Don't worry about snakes. If you are going to live in a city you will have no problem. I have lived in the country for 9 years and I have only seen 4 snakes and I live very far from a city.

Answer 7

ive lived in Costa Rica for 4 years and ive never seen a snake!

http://costa-rica.typepad.com/costa_rica/home/index.html

Answer 8

Hey, don't worry! I'm Costa Rican and I have never seen a snake in my life! Snakes are in very hot provinces, like Limón, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and in some parts of Alajuela. If you live in San José and surroundings or in Heredia and surroundings, even in Alajuela, it is unlikely that you will see a snake :-)

Answer 9

My sister has lived there for 11 years, and she's had no problems, and she lives out in the jungle. I was only there for a two week visit, and I saw no snakes.

Answer 10

Don´t worry you are safe. I wish I could see more snakes than I do. The other we were walking and saw a small one, the one that eats rats and we let it go. When you visit the neotropics please, enjoy whatever it offers, including snakes. The poisonous are almost extinct. Come on aboard!