Costa Rica is a paradise of beautiful seashores, lush rainforests, and a uniquely pura vida way of life. Costa Rica’s excessive season sees over one million guests from the US, Canada, and Europe in search of leisure and journey. However, how protected is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is mostly protected for vacationers and an total incredible eco-tourism vacation spot. Costa Rica has no military and ranks #39 on the planet on the World Peace Index. This makes it the most peaceable nation in Central America with low violent crime and nearly no political instability.
With the bottom murder charge in Latin America, the commonest crime vacationers face is petty theft. That stated, risks in Costa Rica should not non-existent so you must all the time be aware of your environment.
After spending a number of years residing in Costa Rica and touring throughout the nation, listed below are our prime ideas and recommendation for protected journey in Costa Rica.
Is it Secure to Journey to Costa Rica?
Brief reply: sure. Costa Rica is a tremendous nation with pleasant folks and low crime charges. In the event you’re involved about travelling to Costa Rica, look over some frequent questions and solutions beneath for our perception.
Widespread Misconceptions About Security in Costa Rica
Some folks could contemplate Costa Rica to be unsafe as a consequence of its Central America location. Whereas Costa Rica shouldn’t be with out crimed, it’s typically very protected place to go to and to dwell. The general crime charge is comparatively low, and most guests expertise no issues throughout their keep.
Whereas there are some areas which can be extra harmful than others, notably elements of San Jose, most areas of Costa Rica are protected for vacationers.
You’ll be happy to know that Costa Rica is NOT overrun with drug cartels: Whereas drug trafficking is an issue in some areas of Costa Rica, it’s not a widespread challenge all through the nation. Most guests won’t encounter any issues associated to drug cartels or drug trafficking.
Is Costa Rica Secure to Journey Alone?
Sure! So long as you apply your good journey sense and keep away from problematic conditions, Costa Rica is protected to journey alone. Nonetheless, we all the time advocate taking additional care when travelling alone. Solo vacationers will discover it notably helpful to know a number of Spanish phrases earlier than the journey.
Is Costa Rica Secure for Solo Journey?
As talked about above, solo vacationers flock to Costa Rica because it’s a protected and sociable solo journey vacation spot. In the event you plan on touring solo, take sure precautions to make sure your security.
Some ideas embrace researching your vacation spot and staying in protected properly charges lodges and hostels, holding your valuables in hidden sight, utilizing frequent sense, and studying some fundamental Spanish.
An effective way to really feel safer whereas touring solo in Costa Rica is to hitch a tour.
Playa Grande, Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica Secure for Solo Feminine Vacationers?
Sure, Costa Rica is mostly protected for solo feminine vacationers, nevertheless it’s essential to all the time train a level of additional warning.
Avoiding remoted areas and opting to remain at hostels with different vacationers is an effective way to maintain private security in thoughts. Sadly, sexual assault is a actuality in Costa Rica, similar to in different international locations, so girls ought to all the time be aware of their environment and take additional care when touring alone.
Is Costa Rica Secure for People?
Completely! Costa Rica is a haven for expats so American vacationers will really feel protected throughout the nation. Although we advocate making an effort to study, you don’t want to talk Spanish fluently to take pleasure in Costa Rica.
Is Costa Rica Secure for Households?
Sure, Costa Rica is a wonderful protected journey vacation spot for households. Costa Ricans are very family-oriented and there are many family-friendly actions in Costa Rica appropriate for teenagers of all ages.
Is Costa Rica Secure for LGBTQ+ Vacationers?
Typically talking, LGBTQ+ vacationers are protected and welcomed in Costa Rica. In reality, Quepos and Manuel Antonio are literally in style homosexual journey locations. Homosexuality is authorized and same-sex marriage has been acknowledged in Costa Rica since 2015.
There are a variety of LGBT-friendly companies, lodges, and actions in Costa Rica that cater particularly to LGBT vacationers. These generally is a nice useful resource for connecting with the native LGBT neighborhood and discovering like-minded vacationers.
In comparison with different Latin American international locations, Costa Rica is progressive however not fairly on the similar stage as North America or Europe. There are nonetheless some areas of Costa Rica the place discrimination and harassment of LGBT people can happen, notably in additional rural or conservative areas.That stated, for probably the most half, LGBTQ+ vacationers shouldn’t have any points whereas touring in Costa Rica.
Covid in Costa Rica
For the reason that starting of the pandemic, Costa Rica has been dedicated to defending residents and vacationers alike. At the moment, Costa Rica is open for journey and worldwide vacationers are welcome. Because the tourism trade had bounced again, journey restrictions, enterprise closures, and driving restrictions in Costa Rica have been utterly lifted.
You may learn the most recent Costa Rica Covid-19 data HERE.
Costa Rica Journey Security by Metropolis
Is Quepos, Costa Rica Secure?
Quepos is the gateway to Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park and a preferred vacation spot for vacationers. Due to this, the Pacific Coast city sees its fair proportion of robberies. It’s nonetheless a protected place to go to, simply train additional warning at night time.
Is Uvita, Costa Rica Secure?
Uvita is a small city with paid seaside entry that’s repeatedly patrolled. The world round Punta Uvita has had some points with robberies up to now. Simply maintain your private belongings in sight and keep away from bringing something pointless or beneficial to the seaside or waterfalls.
Is Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Secure?
Santa Teresa is tremendous laid again and really protected. It’s a preferred vacation spot for solo vacationers and never an enormous hotspot for violent crime.
Is Guanacaste, Costa Rica Secure?
Sure, the area of Guanacaste is, typically, a protected a part of Costa Rica. Cities like Tamarindo and different bustling vacationer locations is the place petty theft and robberies are commonest. Smaller lesser-known locations see even much less crime.
Is Dominical, Costa Rica Secure?
Much like Uvita, Dominical has a laid-back seaside city vibe that’s thought of to be pretty protected. Like wherever, don’t carry pointless valuables to the seaside and remember at nighttime.
It’s value noting that one of many largest risks in Dominical is definitely the rip tides -strong currents of water that may be harmful for swimmers and surfers. Be aware of the ticed earlier than enting the ocean, keep away from swimming alone, and stay calm if caught in a rip tide, swimming parallel to the shore till you’re out of the present.
Is Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica Secure?
Sure, Manuel Antonio is mostly thought of protected for guests. The most important hazard in Manuel Antonio, as with many vacationer locations, is petty theft and pickpocketing. This could happen in crowded areas equivalent to park entrance, bus stops, and public transportation. Concentrate on your environment, maintain your valuables safe, and keep away from leaving them unattended in public locations or seen in your automotive if you are out exploring the Nationwide Park or having fun with the seaside.
When visiting Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, plan forward – purchase your tickets on-line at SINAC web site and use solely official Manuel Anotnio parking zone. Small-time ticket and parking scams are frequent. Overpriced or uncertified guides within the park cab additionally result in a disappointment.
Is Puntarenas, Costa Rica Secure?
Like different rural areas, Puntarenas sees little or no crime in Costa Rica. Use your frequent sense when visiting the port city however notice that violent crime is kind of uncommon.
Within the final three years, the charges of petty crime have gone up. Whereas many individuals in Puntarenas are apprehensive about being robbed, precise cases of it are nonetheless comparatively uncommon. Simply use common sense precautions similar to you’d wherever else.
Is Jaco, Costa Rica Secure?
Jaco is called a occasion city and crime in Jaco, Costa Rica is normally linked to that. There are cases of drug trafficking, robberies, and prostitution, however this stuff are simply avoidable. We don’t love Jaco and customarily don’t advocate it as a vacation spot to go to in Costa Rica, but it surely’s nonetheless a preferred vacationer vacation spot, particularly for youthful vacationers.
Jaco, Costa Rica
Is San Jose, Costa Rica Secure?
Out of all of the cities and locations in Costa Rica, the capital metropolis of San José has the very best Costa Rican crime charge. Significantly within the downtown space, the place you must keep away from strolling alone at night time.
In March of 2023, the US Embassy launched a safety alert, as violent crime has been on the rise, and notably in San Jose. The Embassy has urged folks to remain vigilant, particularly when getting into or leaving buildings, to keep away from strolling round at night time, and to restrict the quantity of valuables folks carry with them.
Is Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast Secure?
Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast and the province of Limón do have larger crime charges than the remainder of the nation. That’s to not say you shouldn’t go to, for probably the most half, the area can be completely protected for vacationers. Do train warning in Puerto Viejo and keep away from being alone at night time. Particularly for females, attempt to persist with a bunch and take a taxi the place doable.
Is Drake Bay, Costa Rica Secure?
Of the various vacationer locations in Costa Rica, Drake Bay is taken into account to be one of many most secure. It’s off the overwhelmed path and takes some planning to get to, so it comes off as a much less handy rating for anybody with ailing intent. It additionally helps that Corcovado Nationwide Park, one in all Drake Bay’s largest attracts, have to be accessed on a guided tour.
The standard warnings about not leaving your belongings unattended and utilizing your frequent sense nonetheless apply, however you possibly can let your guard all the way down to an affordable extent right here.
Let’s get to some specifics…
Costa Rica Security Ideas
- All the time keep alert and be vigilant
- Lock your doorways it doesn’t matter what lodge/Airbnb/resort you’re staying at
- Lock the doorways in your automotive and roll up your home windows everytime you depart
- Don’t put on flashy jewellery or carry costly gadgets (telephones and cameras are high-quality)
- Don’t depart your valuables unattended, particularly on the seaside
- Don’t depart valuables in sight in your parked rental automotive. In the event you park your automotive at an official or unofficial parking zone and somebody is watching your automotive for you, anticipate to tip them.
- Don’t carry lots of money on you and don’t depart it hiding in your backpack in your lodge room both. We advocate utilizing bank cards the place doable.
- Don’t stroll alone on the streets, on the seaside, or in darkish alleyways—particularly at night time
- Keep away from downtown San Jose at night time
- Take Uber as an alternative of taxis the place doable as you’re much less more likely to be scammed
- In the event you do take a taxi, be sure you solely journey in licensed taxis. They’re normally pink with a yellow triangle on the door.
- E book excursions on official web sites and never from peddlers on the seaside
- Alternate cash on the financial institution to get the very best charge. In case your choices are between a financial institution or an ATM, go for the financial institution.
- Don’t drink low cost liquor. Methanol poisoning in Costa Rica has been an more and more frequent prevalence in recent times. Likelihood is that when costs are unbelievably low cost, there’s a purpose. Methanol poisoning could cause complications, nausea, vomiting, blindness, and even demise. Discover a listing of frequent sugarcane alcohols to keep away from right here.
- Get an area SIM card with Kolbi or Claro to have service for calls, maps, and translation. Alternatively, in case your telephone is appropriate, contemplate shopping for an eSIM (embedded SIM). eSIMs present a extra handy and versatile possibility for cell system customers. With eSIMs, customers can change between carriers and plans with out having to bodily change their SIM card. They’re additionally extra eco-friendly, as they eradicate the necessity for plastic SIM playing cards, and supply improved safety as they’re more durable to tamper with or take away
Different Data and FAQs: Costa Rica Journey Recommendation
Costa Rican Police
The principle police pressure in Costa Rica is named El Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), or Judicial Investigation Police in English. They’re typically pleasant and useful to vacationers however don’t get a lot achieved exterior of that.
In case you have one thing stolen or broken, you must report it to the OIJ however don’t anticipate that the merchandise will probably be discovered. Your finest guess is to then use the paperwork to assert it in your insurance coverage.
Is it Secure to Eat Road Meals in Costa Rica?
That is an space the place your frequent sense is useful. In the event you see a stand that seems to be soiled or has meals sitting out uncovered all day, you must most likely skip it. However, native markets typically have nice produce and snacks which can be visibly recent and scrumptious.
Feeling like a coconut from the aspect of the freeway? Go forward! These are completely protected as they’re usually opened proper in entrance of you.
However suppose twice earlier than leaping on an affordable serving of ceviche from the trunk of a automotive, notably in case you are driving by later within the afternoon. Whereas that ceviche was most likely recent and scrumptious this morning, it’s seemingly going a bit off by late afternoon.
Pollo and Carne Asada on the grill in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Is Faucet Water Secure to Drink in Costa Rica?
Consuming faucet water in Central America can typically be a bet. Typically, faucet water in Costa Rica is protected to drink. The water therapy techniques in Costa Rica are typically efficient in eradicating dangerous micro organism and different contaminants from the water.
Most faucet water is Costa Rica, particularly in smaller cities and communities, comes from deep wells. It’s typically clear however could also be excessive in minerals, equivalent to calcium. That is notably prevalent on the Nicoya Peninsula and in elements of Guanacaste. For a median customer, excessive calcium content material is definitely not a priority in any respect, however for aged folks, or these with kidney points, this may be problematic.
Generally, our recommendation on consuming faucet water in Costa Rica is that this.
If you’re a wholesome grownup with no apparent abdomen sensitivities, faucet water is protected to drink all through the nation. For youths, aged vacationers, or these with digestive imbalances, we advocate utilizing filtered water.
To keep away from single-use plastic bottles, we advocate bringing a reusable water bottle like a Hydroflask for consuming water. Having a SteriPen or self cleansing LARQ Bottle is a protected guess for clear, sterilized consuming water.
Is it Secure to Drive in Costa Rica?
Completely—1000’s of vacationers from the US journey to Costa Rica and simply drive throughout the nation. Most roads in Costa Rica are paved so in case you’re an skilled driver, you shouldn’t have any points. Simply needless to say speeds are posted in km/h and never miles.
It’s value doing a little analysis on automotive rental corporations forward of time and choosing respected corporations. And in case you occur to get right into a automotive accident, be sure you contact your rental firm instantly. Automobile insurance coverage is obligatory when renting a automotive in Costa Rica.
Be sure you’ve at the very least regarded over the driving route earlier than you allow, maintain the home windows and doorways locked, and don’t depart any valuables within the automotive, even in case you suppose they’re protected. Use safe parking amenities at any time when you possibly can, and in case you get a flat tire, don’t pull over in the midst of nowhere until you must. That is all much more essential in case you’re in an enormous metropolis, like San Jose.
Mosquitos, Zika, and Dengue in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has many resident mosquitoes however fortunately there isn’t a Zika. Nonetheless, there may be dengue and Chikungunya, although they’re uncommon and unlikely to be caught. Cowl up with unfastened layers and put on Reef Secure Sunscreen everytime you’re outside.
Mosquito repellent is a should for any journey to Costa Rica. We advocate the non-DEET selection to make sure that your repellant shouldn’t be dangerous to the surroundings.
Swimming & Riptides in Costa Rica
Being surrounded by ocean makes Costa Rica a tremendous swimming and browsing vacation spot. Just a few issues to recollect is that almost all Costa Rican seashores don’t have lifeguards so that you’re all the time swimming at your individual threat. Particularly, in case you see surfers hitting waves in entrance of you, it’s most likely not an awesome swimming spot.
Riptides are prevalent and really critical. They trigger 80% of drowning deaths throughout the nation. Verify to see in case you really feel a present in knee-deep water earlier than venturing out. In the event you do get caught in a riptide, keep calm and attempt to float your method parallel to the shore to flee its grasp.
Mountain climbing and Wildlife Security in Costa Rica
With dozens of Nationwide Parks all around the nation, there isn’t a scarcity of climbing spots in Costa Rica. Many trails in Nationwide Parks all through Costa Rica is accessible with no information and loved for a small charge. Nonetheless, in case you are planning on visiting extra distant areas or climbing exterior of teh designated Nationwide Park trails, then going with a bunch or with a information is an effective way to benefit from the wilderness and keep protected.
Be aware of animals, notably snakes, as they are often toxic and fairly harmful. All the time observe posted pointers when visiting rainforests and nationwide parks.
Public Transportation Security
When using public transport, by no means depart your belongings unattended and all the time listen. Significantly on buses in San José and even on the bus station itself. There are various long-range buses between cities which can be handy however can typically be uncomfortable. They’re normally sizzling and full of no AC however nonetheless function a good low-cost journey various.
Particularly, Alfaro is the very best and Tralapa is a good possibility too. We regularly take these to and from Guanacaste from San Jose.
Bus stations and buses are typically protected through the day, and in case you are travelling in a bunch, they’re principally high-quality at night time as properly. Solo vacationers ought to follow daytime journey and females needs to be notably cautious if touring on their very own.
What to do in an Emergency in Costa Rica
If you end up in an emergency state of affairs in Costa Rica, there are a number of steps you possibly can take:
- Name for assist: Dial 911 to succeed in emergency providers such because the police, hearth division, and ambulance service.
- Search medical consideration: In the event you’re injured or in want of medical consideration, search assist from the closest medical facility or hospital. In the event you’re staying at a lodge or resort, they can help you to find medical assist.
- Contact your embassy: It’s all the time a good suggestion to contact your embassy or consulate in Costa Rica for additional help in an emergency.
Significance of Journey Insurance coverage
Shopping for insurance coverage earlier than your departure is an important step in planning your Costa Rican vacation. We will’t stress sufficient the significance of journey insurance coverage, particularly in a rustic like Costa Rica. Whether or not you simply plan to hang around on the seaside, go to the Nationwide Parks, do some little bit of climbing, or go excessive (suppose browsing, scuba diving, or waterfall rappeling) being protected in your travels is an irreplaceable peace of thoughts.
We discovered in regards to the significance of journey insurance coverage the exhausting method, when a chill browsing session on Playa Avellanas left Oksana with a damaged leg. Learn the total story HERE!
For sure, now we by no means journey with out protection.
Petty Theft
Petty theft is the commonest Costa Rica crime that impacts guests. It’s one of many most secure international locations however robberies can nonetheless occur wherever, in cities, small cities, and even in your Airbnb. If you’re getting robbed, give them your cash and telephone—it’s not value getting harm over $1000. Instantly report the incident to the police station and declare it in your insurance coverage.
Worldwide Embassies in Costa Rica
In the event you want journey paperwork or authorized recommendation, contact your nation’s embassy.
US Embassy Costa Rica
Calle 98 Vía 104, Pavas
San José, Costa Rica
Telephone: (506) 2519-2000
Web site
Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica
Behind the “Contraloría” within the Oficentro Ejecutivo La Sabana
Constructing 5, Third ground
San José, Costa Rica
Telephone: (506) 2242-4400
Web site
UK Embassy in Costa Rica
Edificio Centro Colón,
Paseo Colón and Streets 38 and 40
Apartado 815 – 1007
San José, Costa Rica
Telephone: (506) 2258-2025
Web site
All in all, Costa Rica is a tremendous place and a protected nation for any traveler. Making use of your good journey sense and avoiding harmful conditions is your ticket to a protected and satisfying go to.
Do you might have any journey recommendation for Costa Rica that we missed? Tell us your finest ideas for journey security in Costa Rica within the feedback beneath!