While visiting Costa Rica, you may choose to avoid spending time in La Carpio ghetto because it’s one of the poorest, most dangerous areas in the entire region. There is a good reason why so few people visit this poor section of San Jose. And unless you are truly brave or really stupid, you should definitely make it a point to avoid this area at all costs.
It’s actually located in a district that is to the west of Hospital Mexico. So if you reach this area while you are downtown, you’ll know it because it’s truly one of the poorest places and it’s also one of the most dangerous places in the entire country as well. And since we want you to have a great time here and not get hurt or worse, you need to steer clear of this district to avoid the danger and prevent putting yourself in a life-threatening situation.
What Else Is Recognizable in La Carpio Ghetto?
You’ll know you’ve visited La Carpio ghetto immediately if you notice that on both sides of you, you can see two rivers that are completely polluted. This section of the city is also right next door to a gigantic landfill, so it’s filled with lots of garbage and it certainly doesn’t smell very good. Between the polluted rivers and the landfill, it’s kind of hard to miss the fact that you are smack dab in the heart of La Carpio ghetto.
Here is what it actually looks like in this famous San Jose Ghetto.
Believe it or not, even though this section of the city is so run down, dirty, and in such disrepair, it is still home to roughly 35,000 people jam packed tightly into this small area. These people live in what can only be described as appalling levels of poverty, and it’s truly a sad sight to see.
The other major issues with this ghetto is that the unemployment rates are incredibly high, so many of the people do not have jobs, and the people that are working are making such low wages that they really can’t afford to move to a better neighborhood. The crime rate in the area is also appalling and most people live in homes made of corrugated tin and packing crates, which in civilized society we would call this garbage yet these people are forced to call this their home.
Is There Any Progress Happening to Rebuild La Carpio Ghetto?
As tough as it is to live in La Carpio ghetto, believe it or not people in the district are reporting that progress has been made to help build up the area in the last 20 years. They now have paved roads which wasn’t true in the past. The homes – even though they are run down – have sewage and water connections. And many of the homes now have cement floors, whereas in the past their floors were made of dirt. They have even established a medical clinic in the area, which is certainly progress indeed.
Final Thoughts
As a tourist, it’s best to avoid La Carpio ghetto. On the other hand, if you’re looking to lend a helping hand, then the people in this district could use your help more than any other area in Costa Rica.
