Health and safety in La Fortuna

9-1-1 is the emergency number nationwide. The call is free and works from any phone, even without a line; in that case describe your location carefully, because it may not show up in their systems.

The Red Cross responds to emergencies in La Fortuna. In October 2026 it said that, because of its financial crisis, it is considering scenarios such as longer response times or suspending water rescues. Prevention matters more than ever.

La Fortuna Health Area (CCSS, the public health service): the new facility opened in February 2025, with two primary-care teams (EBAIS), an emergency service, a pharmacy, a laboratory and other specialties. CCSS does not publish its hours. It is on the services map.

San Carlos Hospital: the area's regional hospital, in Ciudad Quesada, about 47 km away. CCSS lists the phone numbers 2401-1200 and 2401-1325.

According to the Tourist Police, crimes against tourists in San Carlos rose from 14 to 47 between January–May 2024 and the same period of 2025. Police reported signal jammers being used at Poza El Salto, El Choyín and unattended parking lots to open cars that looked locked.

After locking your car with the remote, check that it really is locked. Do not leave valuables inside (cards, cash, passport), use guarded parking and, if you get a flat tyre, do not stop in isolated places or accept help you did not ask for: call the rental company or 9-1-1.

Tourist Police: it has a unit in La Fortuna, shown on the services map. We found no current official address or hours.

OIJ (criminal complaints): the nearest office is the San Carlos Regional Office in Ciudad Quesada, next to Banco de Costa Rica, in the courthouse building, first floor. Phone 2401-0327 or 2460-0922. No hours are published.