Costa Rica is generally considered to be a safe destination for travelers, both during the day and at night. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. It is best to avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas, and to stay in well-lit and populated areas. It is also recommended to keep your valuables secure and to be aware of your surroundings.
based on 38 experiences
I haven't done a tour or gone solo to CR, but visited with a friend twice. Tamarindo is pretty touristy due to being such a surfing destination. I met a girl who stayed in a hostel on the main strip, signed up for surf lessons, and was able to meet loads of friends (she's still there years later teaching). I did an adventure tour one day and went tubing, zip lining, thermal pools, etc. If you decide to go solo without a tour, you can easily keep yourself busy 😃 I felt safe, men can be quite forward, but I didn't feel unsafe (common sense, trust your gut, watch your drink, don't go to the beach at night).
Posted: October 24, 2022For hostels, I recommend Selina in La Fortuna or Tamarindo (this beach town is one of the coolest places if you like partying or are looking for a night-life place). I recommend to visit Manuel Antonio National Park with a guide, since they show you all the hidden animals and explain every detail to you! You can get a guide for less than $10 USD. I really enjoyed going rafting in La Fortuna, totally worth it! About safety...the local transport is not so good talking about punctuality, but people are very nice and guide you when you're there so you know how to use it. If not, you can take taxis, but they're not very nice and you'll probably not feel that safe alone. If you're with people, always get in with someone. My recommendation is if you find a taxi who you feel comfortable with, ask him for his number so he moves you from one place to another. Or, walk as much as possible, it is beautiful!
Posted: August 5, 2022Research the area you are visiting: Before you travel to Costa Rica, it is important to research the area you are visiting. Make sure you know the local laws, customs, and safety protocols.
Stay in well-lit areas: When you are out and about in Costa Rica, make sure to stay in well-lit areas. Avoid dark alleys and deserted streets.
Don’t carry large amounts of cash: It is best to avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you. Use a credit or debit card instead.
Be aware of your surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to people and vehicles around you.
Don’t leave your belongings unattended: Never leave your belongings unattended. This includes your passport, wallet, and other valuables.
Don’t accept rides from strangers: Do not accept rides from strangers. It is best to use public transportation or a taxi.
Don’t wear expensive jewelry: Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or clothing that may draw attention to you.
Don’t flash large amounts of money: Do not flash large amounts of money in public. This can make you a target for theft.
Don’t drink too much: Avoid drinking too much alcohol. This can make you vulnerable to crime.
Stay in touch with family and friends: Make sure to stay in touch with family and friends while you are in Costa Rica. Let them know where you are and when you plan to return.
Andrea
I am a 22 years old girl that is travelling to Costa Rica on January for 3 months :)
Natalia
Hi, I’m Natalia - half polish half Italian and have been living in Munich for the past 10 years. I decided to quit my job and travel for a year and looking forward to meet fellow travelers!
🇦🇹 Austria, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇭🇷 Croatia, 🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇷🇴 Romania, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇻🇦 Vatican City, 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe, 🇧🇾 Belarus, 🇹🇿 Tanzania, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇲🇺 Mauritius
Matilda
Hey!, My name is Matilda and I'm interested in animals, backpacking, art, live music, food & cuisine, events & social, dancing, boozing, cinema, nightlife and sightseeing
🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
NicolaG
Hi there, perpetual expat, traveller and Entrepreneur who loves meeting people from all cultures. On a spiritual awakening path. Embracing nature with the best of technology. Interested in politics from the perspective that it does not clip freedoms and makes policy that allows good people to thrive. I am Apolitical. History major so love history and observing history unfoldfold. All in on crypto. Feel very responsible to be the change I want to see in the world. Been on personal development path for 40 years. Feel 20 years younger than my number.
🇦🇺 Australia, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇳 China, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇫🇯 Fiji, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇸 Iceland, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇱🇹 Lithuania, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇭 Switzerland, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis, 🇳🇮 Nicaragua
Tamara
"🌍 Hello, sisters from all around the world! I'm Tama, an 18-year-old adventurer from Costa Rica. 🌴🌺 I'm excited to embark on my journey of traveling and connecting with amazing people across the globe. ✈️ If you're traveling to Costa Rica and need a place to stay for a few nights, I offer you my home. I can show you beautiful spots in the city and provide you with recommendations.💓
🇳🇮 Nicaragua, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇵🇦 Panama
María
Quiet girl but friendly :)
🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇲🇽 Mexico
Does anyone have experience with rental cars in Latin America? I’m going to Costa Rica for 4 days and looking at costs/ time efficiency I feel that a rental car is my best option. Never rented out of the country though, anything I need to look out for? Going from San José to Monteverde and Jaco.
Posted: November 17, 2022Looking for the best place to stay on the west coast of Costa Rica, where we can walk most places. We don't love renting a car. We prefer to stay where we can walk to the beach, shopping and dinner and do excursions to see the area.
Posted: October 30, 2022Going to Costa Rica next month, is it safe to take the coach bus from San Jose to Manuel Antonio and is the journey really long?
Posted: October 19, 2022Ladies, I'm currently at a resort in Costa Rica. Having an amazing time. Doing activities with couples and enjoying myself. However, I cannot bring myself to go to dinner alone. Anyone else find it hard to eat alone when all the couples are staring at you?😂
Posted: July 25, 2022