Is Costa Rica Safe to Travel? Honest Experiences and Essential Safety Tips
A few years ago, I would have confidently said yes to traveling safely in Costa Rica. However, after my most recent trip at the end of 2018, I'm more cautious about recommending it wholeheartedly—especially for solo female travelers—compared to my first visit in 2011 during a Central America backpacking trip and a two-month housesit in a seaside villa in 2012.
My Personal Experiences Traveling in Costa Rica
My initial entry into Costa Rica was overland from Nicaragua, after traversing Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. I encountered tense moments there, like gunshots outside my hotel in Tegucigalpa, an attempted bag slashing in Guatemala, and warnings to hide my guidebook in San Salvador to avoid looking like a tourist.
Arriving in Costa Rica felt like entering North America. Tap water was drinkable again, hot showers were available, ATMs were plentiful, and U.S. chains like Hard Rock Café and Taco Bell dotted the landscape. The constant vigilance required in northern neighbors eased, making Costa Rica seem far safer.
During my recent three-week road trip, that sense of security waned. Forewarned by TripAdvisor forums and news of rental car break-ins, armed robberies, rapes, and even two female tourists raped and murdered months prior, I stayed vigilant. In January 2018, a tourist bus was robbed at gunpoint on the Caribbean coast—unusual for Costa Rica. The UK even issued a travel advisory.
As my trip ended, news emerged of a missing female tourist, later confirmed as the third murdered in 2018. It was her final night after vacationing with her sister-in-law; she stayed alone in an Airbnb, planning to fly home to Florida the next day—much like my own birthday trip.
Is Costa Rica Becoming Too Dangerous for Female Travelers? queried The Costa Rica Star, noting victims were experienced travelers preyed upon by murderers.
Many travelers, particularly women, may reconsider plans. Here, I share my experiences, safety feelings, and tips based on firsthand knowledge.
It's hard to say "Go anyway!" or "Avoid it." I've had great trips in places with bad reports, like Ecuador's murder site beach, Koh Tao, or Colombia post-robbery story.
While Costa Rica's murders seem isolated, acknowledge them in planning—solo or not. Check recent TripAdvisor or Lonely Planet forums.
Beyond crime, consider non-crime hazards:
Natural Hazards in Costa Rica
Volcano Eruptions: With five active volcanoes, eruptions occur regularly, rarely fatal but disruptive.
Earthquakes: On the Ring of Fire, quakes are common; I've felt several, potentially damaging infrastructure.
Monsoon Rains: Intense rains caused 2018 fatalities, like a honeymoon flash flood and bachelor party rafting drownings. July-October rainiest; 2018 extended into November, making roads hazardous.
Crocodiles
Costa Rica ranks #3 for tourist crocodile attacks, per a local guide. Sightings rose, including in Cahuita National Park and surf beaches—respect their speed.
Practical Safety Tips for Costa Rica
Natural hazards outpace violent crime, but petty theft is common. Here's proven advice:
Avoid Carrying Lots of Cash
Pickpocketing risks on buses or in San José: Use money belts or pickpocket-proof clothing; split cash.
Debit/Credit Cards
Card acceptance improved—use them. Cancel lost cards easily vs. irrecoverable cash.
Valuables
Don't flash gadgets. Never leave items unattended at beaches; keep bags on you on buses. Beware distractions.
Taxis
Use official taxis only, including airport—robberies reported.
Rental Car Theft
Break-ins frequent: No valuables visible; use manned parks for stops.
Travel Insurance
Essential post-myftheft. Note serial numbers. Ensure coverage for adventures like ziplining (World Nomads Standard) or diving (Explorer).
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers
Trust Instincts
Leave uneasy spots immediately, especially remote stays.
Share Whereabouts
Inform contacts; use location services.
Smartphone Location
Enable for tracking; useful in emergencies (see NYT guide).
Basic Self-Defense
Learn essentials (YouTube: "5 Self-Defense Moves Every Woman Should Know," "Simple Self Defense Moves").
Airbnb vs. Hotel/Hostel
Recent murder in gated Airbnb: Vet thoroughly; prefer staffed lodging for peace of mind.
Research
Google news/forums; chat with travelers.
Off the Beaten Path
Team up for remote areas like Tortuguero; inform others.
Avoid Night Beaches Alone
Attacks reported; drugs sketchy in Puerto Viejo.
Final Verdict: Is Costa Rica Safe?
Yes, safest in Central America. Isolated murders don't define it—stay aware. I feared nature more but enjoyed solo beach runs cautiously. Amazing trip; I'd return.
Nearly 3 million tourists yearly; incidents rare. Tourism-focused police increased post-incidents.
Had an incredible vacation? Yes. Return? Absolutely!
Further Reading on Costa Rica Safety
- Stay Safe in Costa Rica | WikiTravel
- Travel Advisory | U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica 2018 Crime & Safety Report
- Tourist’s killing shakes Costa Rica’s reputation | CNN
