After living in Costa Rica for seven years and being CEO and co-founder of a tour operator responsible for keeping travelers safe there, I’ll tell you exactly what you need to hear to ensure a fantastic trip!
If you are reading this, you’ve probably heard of many solo travelers who’ve had a great time in Costa Rica. Seventy percent of our travelers are female solo travelers, and we’ve never had an issue with safety or security since bringing thousands of travelers to Costa Rica over the last decade.
In this guide to safety in Costa Rica, you’ll learn…
- Is Costa Rica Safe Right Now?
- Is San Jose, Costa Rica safe?
- What areas of Costa Rica should I avoid?
- What activities are safe in Costa Rica? What should I do in Costa Rica?
- What is the safest way to get around Costa Rica?
- Are there natural disasters in Costa Rica?
- What hospitals and clinics should I go to in Costa Rica?
- Is there ever civil unrest in Costa Rica?
- Do I have to worry about gangs, cartels, narcos in Costa Rica?
- Is nightlife safe in Costa Rica?
- Should you travel to Costa Rica?
- Should I buy travel insurance when traveling to Costa Rica?
- Are group trips to Costa Rica safe?
Exploring Safety in Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica a safe country? Yes! Relatively so, of course. I never had an issue in my years living in Costa Rica. But with that said, I don’t let my guard down when I’m there. I follow basic safety precautions like not flaunting my valuables, not leaving my things unattended on the beach, and not going out on the beach at night.
As you probably know, there has been a crime wave across the Americas since the pandemic. This hasn’t left Costa Rica unaffected, but the good news is that most violent crime is isolated to narcotraffickers. But this type of crime hasn’t really affected tourists.
Petty theft is the main thing you want to watch out for in Costa Rica! Opportunists exist everywhere in the world, and in Costa Rica, you’ll want to keep a low profile if you are out at night. Most of the crimes you’ll hear about happen to tourists walking at night in their fancy clothes after dinner or out late at bars drinking more than they should.
Is San Jose, Costa Rica Safe Right Now?
Look, I’m not the biggest San Jose fan. I mainly went to “Chepe,” as locals call it, for administrative trips like doctor appointments or government offices. However, in the past several years, the Costa Rican government has made an effort to make downtown San Jose more of a tourist attraction. Still, I’m not much of a city person, and I find 99% of the beauty of this country outside San Jose!
That being said, if you stay in the proper neighborhoods for a night or two, the city of San Jose can be safe and enjoyable!
When I stay in San Jose, I like to rest my head at Aparthotels & Suites Villas del Rio in the safe, upscale neighborhood of Escazu. There are many good restaurants in the area, but not much to do.
If you want to see downtown San Jose, I encourage you to do so along Avenida Central to see the Central Market, National Theater, Museums, and restaurants. This is a very densely populated area and is a prime spot for thieves. Use heightened caution during the day, and don’t go at night.
San Jose’s Juan Santamaría Airport is located in Alajuela, about 20-30 minutes from downtown San Jose, depending on traffic. Alajuela is a typical Costa Rican town and the area around the main square is plenty safe. Check out the Juan Santamaría Museum and learn some Costa Rican history.
I prefer to stay in locally owned hotels, but there aren’t any good ones next to the airport in Alajuela. So when flying in and out of SJO I like the new Courtyard by Marriott. I’ve stayed many times at the Hampton Inn, but you can get caught in traffic going to and from.
Pro Tip: Hotels are generally safer than Airbnbs. Larger hotels have 24/7 reception, and every hotel or hostel in Costa Rica will at least have a night watchman.
Be sure to read my Solo Travel Guide to Costa Rica!
What areas of Costa Rica should I avoid?
As previously stated, I would avoid downtown San Jose at night. Our Manager, who is from San Jose, also suggested avoiding the Desamparados neighborhood. It’s always a good idea to ask the receptionist at the front desk of your hotel if the surrounding area is safe to walk around. The locals always know.
Most towns are generally safe outside of San Jose, but there are probably parts of these little towns to avoid. Luckily, your hotel probably won’t be located near those areas.
My main advice would be not to go to the beach at night. Criminals hang out waiting for unsuspecting tourists, trying to enjoy a night under the stars, and they end up getting robbed.
Popular beach towns on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, like Tamarindo, Jaco, and Quepos, have issues late into the night. I’ve been out past mightnight plenty in all three of these towns, and unfortunately, you’ll find offers for drugs, prostitution, etc., outside the discos. This is where the incidents happen, so I advise going out after dinner and not staying out past midnight. Again, local tour guides and the people who work in tourism can tell you where the safest nightlife in the area is.
Read more in my Solo Travel Guide to Quepos and Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica!
Is Nightlife Safe in Costa Rica?
Like I’ve already said, the later you stay out into the night, the higher your chances of bad things happening. I spent my late twenties as a single man in Costa Rica, so I know what these places are like at night. Yes, I’ve been to the bachelor party scene in Jaco, and yes, I’ve been approached by prostitutes. My main advice for the gentlemen out there is if a woman seems too interested in you too quickly, yes, it’s too good to be true! Hotels generally don’t allow outside guests, as people can wake up drugged and robbed. Don’t bring her back to your Airbnb unless you want a visit from a pimp who will gladly take all your possessions!
Now that that's out of the way, happy hours in Costa Rica are fantastic. Plenty of bars cater to tourists, so ask at your hotel or hostel. These places generally close around midnight.
While I have no qualms about stopping into any local bar in Costa Rica during the day or early evening, late-night discos can be dangerous, so I can’t recommend them.
What activities are safe in Costa Rica? What should I do in Costa Rica?
I could write a whole book on what to do in Costa Rica, but outdoor activities are safe there overall!
Before booking any activities, I suggest reading the Tripadvisor reviews on the activities you want to do to ensure they are reputable. Here are a few things to consider:
Is Ziplining safe in Costa Rica?
Yes, ziplines are safe in Costa Rica, but we choose to work with the most reputable in the country from the company SkyTrek. They have zipline canopy tours in La Fortuna and Monteverde. I’ve read their 80+ page emergency response plan in its entirety.
Is surfing safe in Costa Rica?
Surfing is a fantastic sport, but you should get some instruction if you don’t know what you are doing. Knowing the rules of the road (or the lineup, as it’s called in surfing) will help you not get run over and take a fin across the face. Start with a foam top board instead of fiberglass because if you don’t know what you are doing, you can easily take a board to the head.
The level of surf instruction varies dramatically because anybody in Costa Rica can just set up their tent and start teaching lessons at the beach. I know a guy who was a surf instructor for a summer and didn’t even know how to surf!
If you are ready to paddle out to the lineup, understand the current and the winds or risk getting swept away.
Are beaches safe in Costa Rica?
The beaches in Costa Rica are safe during the day, but as I previously mentioned, they should be avoided at night.
Rip currents can be strong in Costa Rica, and I had a dear friend tragically get swept out to sea in Costa Rica, never to be seen again. Learn to recognize rip currents and know how to swim out of them.
Is Whitewater Rafting Safe in Costa Rica?
Whitewater rafting is a real thrill and very safe when done correctly! We use Rios Adventure Travel. Rafting is serious business in type IV and V rapids, so listen carefully to safety talks. Be sure to check their reviews before booking.
Check out our white water rafting itinerary to Costa Rica!
Is Horseback Riding Safe in Costa Rica?
Horseback riding is quite safe if you go with a reputable company. I can recommend the horses at Rancho Margot. Pay attention to the condition of the horses. (Read our animal welfare policy.) If the horses are well nourished and free of signs of abuse, they should behave better and be less likely to throw you off. Always wear your helmet!
You’ll find people selling horseback rides on the beach, but I’ve never seen them supply helmets. I was once almost thrown off one of these horses when riding in flip-flops. Not a bright idea!
Are Waterfall Hikes Safe in Costa Rica?
If you are hiking in Costa Rica, it may include one of the country's gorgeous waterfalls! I wouldn’t recommend hiking alone for several reasons, but many of the main waterfalls, like Nayuaca, La Fortuna, La Paz, etc., have well-trafficked trails, so there is usually someone around to help you if you need it.
Most accidents at waterfalls happen when people get too close to the edge or decide to climb the waterfall or jump off. If waterfall jumping sounds like your thing, I’d suggest going with my expert friends at Paddle 9. Otherwise, please understand that wet rocks are slippery and that you are a long way from a hospital.
My last safety tip on hikes in Costa Rica is to watch where you are walking and try not to grab onto trees as you hike. There are plenty of poisonous snakes in Costa Rica! If you do get bit, go immediately to the public hospital (instead of the private hospital), where they have the anti-venom.
Is Parasailing Safe in Costa Rica?
Not really! Yes, I’ve been dragged behind a boat hundreds of feet in the air and had a great time, but the dangerous part is always taking off. I’ve seen too many people get dragged across the sand right into things like jetskis and come away seriously hurt. There was a Canadian attorney who had a reputable parasailing operation in Manuel Antonio a few years ago, so if you must cross parasailing off your bucket list, I’d ask around for her.
Read my solo travel guide to La Fortuna & Lake Arenal, Costa Rica.
What is the safest way to get around Costa Rica?
The safest way to get around Costa Rica is by licensed red taxis. I’d suggest having any hotel, restaurant, or bar call one for you. Uber works in San Jose, but it used to be illegal to protect the taxi industry, and there have been several incidents with people getting into unmarked cars.
I recommend arranging a shuttle in Costa Rica if it’s in your budget. They are big, safe vehicles like Mercedes Sprinter vans. Go with a reputable company like my friends Wilson and Elsy at Coati Tours in Alajuela or Ricardo at Pacifico Transportation in Quepos.
If you are on a budget, no worries; riding the bus in Costa Rica is also very safe! Just keep an eye on your valuables, especially if you are going to sleep. I’ve taken the Tica Bus from Costa Rica to Honduras, Tracopa buses all over the country, and the public buses in San Jose, and I've never had an issue. Your main risk is standing out at a random bus stop on the side of the road with your luggage, which is perfect for an opportunist to take advantage of.
Renting a car and driving in Costa Rica can be a beast! I’m used to driving in Latin America, but when my friends from the States would come and visit, they’d always comment on how I seemed to disregard the written rules of the road just to try and fit in. Roads are windy and not well-lit or well-marked, so only drive in Costa Rica if you are ready for challenging conditions, and please only drive during the day.
Are there natural disasters in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a handful of potential natural disasters that can occur in the country, and while they are rare, it’s good to be aware of them.
Volcanic Eruptions in Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano was active until 2010 and was once one of the main tourist sites, where you could see volcanic lava spouting out off the top of the perfect cone! Costa Rica is home to 120 volcanoes, and occasionally, you hear about them erupting, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. Poas Volcano is another popular attraction that offers a hike to the top, but occasionally, it’s closed when the volcano is erupting.
If you do find yourself near a volcano, do your best not to make contact with the ash and evacuate the area. Bringing a KN-95 mask in your first aid kit is a good idea.
Read more in my article on How to Build the Best International Travel First Aid Kit.
Earthquakes in Costa Rica
I’ve been in several small earthquakes in Costa Rica, but there hasn’t been anything major since 2012. If you experience a strong earthquake and the structure you are in doesn’t seem safe, be sure to evacuate and don’t go back in until it’s deemed structurally sound.
Tsunamis in Costa Rica
If you are near the coast of Costa Rica and an earthquake occurs, it’s a good idea to head inland and to higher ground. Costa Rica is a very rural country, and to my knowledge, it’s not equipped with fancy tsunami sirens.
Tropical Storms and Hurricanes in Costa Rica
Here is the good news for Costa Rica! Tropical storms and hurricanes don’t normally hit Costa Rica. They usually head further north for Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico. That said, it is possible, so be sure to monitor the weather forecast during hurricane season between June and November.
Here’s why you should visit Costa Rica during rainy season.
Flash Floods in Costa Rica
Out of everything on this list of natural disasters in Costa Rica, this is the event with the highest probability. When it rains in the jungle of Costa Rica, it absolutely pours! I’ve been hiking and seen a trickle of a waterfall turn into a gnarly one in a matter of minutes. If a river ever turns brown from all the mud, you better get the heck out of there.
Mud slides in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to amazing rainforest and with that comes lots of rain in some areas! If it rains too much, you can experience mudslides that can block roads. Just something to be aware of!
Read more in my article on How to Prepare for Natural Disasters Abroad.
What hospitals and clinics should I go to in Costa Rica?
911 works in Costa Rica, so keep this in mind for emergencies.
Hospital La Cima is the top private hospital in San Jose. I’ve been and thought the facilities and level of care were quite nice. This is where you’d want to go for anything significant.
If you are in La Fortuna, your closest hospital is in Cuidad Quesada, which is a couple of hours away. As a first-line response, go to Centro Medico Sanar clinic. They have anti-venom in case a poisonous snake bites you.
In Quepos, the closest hospital is Hospital Max Terán, but my friend Dr. Kevin Gannon can take care of almost anything you need. If not, he can have you airlifted via helicopter to San Jose from the soccer field across the street from his office.
Again, remember to go to a public hospital if you need anti-venom from a poisonous snakebite.
Is there ever civil unrest in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a very stable democracy famous for not having an army. Costa Ricans love a good protest, but I’ve only heard of peaceful ones, which usually just involve taxi drivers blocking the road. When I say “the road,” there is often only one road in Costa Rica, so protests can be a bit of a nuisance. Luckily, locals will hear about them ahead of time, and your driver might tell you you need to leave early.
There are probably protests in San Jose occasionally, but honestly, I lived in the jungle, far insulated from city life. What happens in San Jose rarely affects other parts of the country that tourists visit.
Do I have to worry about gangs, cartels, narcos in Costa Rica?
If you aren’t wrapped up in the drug trade, you shouldn’t have a problem with any type of organized crime in Costa Rica. That being said, don’t stay out late at shady discos or casinos, as you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. While plenty of narcotics move through Costa Rica up through Central America, this shouldn’t affect your trip. Most of the violent crime in Costa Rica is isolated to this type of thing.
Should you travel to Costa Rica?
Heck yes! Costa Rica was life-changing for me. It’s the type of place that keeps calling you back. First, I went for two weeks, then two months, and before I knew it, I lived there full-time! I learned to surf, became fluent in Spanish, practiced yoga in some of the most amazing places you can imagine, and my life was one big adventure!
Costa Rica is for you if you like warm weather, adventure sports, a laid-back “pura vida” lifestyle, and love nature. The opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat on this side of the world is pretty unmatched. There are four types of monkeys, two types of sloths, whales, dolphins, and so many species of birds. I’ve never seen a jaguar or a puma, but they lurk deep in the jungles! Over 5% of the world’s biodiversity lives in this fantastic little country!
Want to learn more about life-changing travel experiences? Check out my book, The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life.
Should I buy travel insurance when traveling to Costa Rica?
Travel insurance is always a smart move! No matter where you travel, you can have unforeseen circumstances, so I always suggest buying travel insurance to protect you from trip interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and medical expenses.
My lawyers insist I tell you, “This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance,” and disclose that I get compensated if you purchase the travel insurance. I direct travelers to Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads.
Are group trips to Costa Rica safe?
I’m so glad you asked! Traveling in a group is the safest way to travel! Under30Experiences and our sister company, Over30Experiences, run dozens of departures to these countries each year. Seventy percent of our passengers are female solo travelers, and we take care of all the planning, so you just need to worry about showing up and having a good time.
Our local Costa Rican guide picks you up at the airport, brings you on the best activities in the country, advises you on where it’s safe to go out at night, and, best of all, you get to do it in a group of up to sixteen other young people! So you’ll always have a travel buddy no matter what you are in the mood for.
You can check out our 9-day itinerary to Costa Rica or our 5-day Costa Rica itinerary.
