Is Costa Rica safe for solo female travellers?

Costa Rica is generally safe for solo female travellers. The country is known for its friendly locals and low crime rate, and the government has taken steps to ensure the safety of tourists. Women should still take the usual precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight, but overall Costa Rica is a safe and welcoming destination for solo female travellers.

Travel reviews from Costa Rica

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 38 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.9/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.9/5

Budget-friendly

4.4/5

Solo travel experience

I went to Costa Rica to study Spanish. Always felt safe, and it’s a very warm and welcoming country. Traveled all over the country and there was always a different landscape and experience to be taken in. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Posted: September 25, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I took my first international solo trip to Costa Rica for 3 weeks. I rented a car and visited 4 different locations: Playa Hermosa, Playa Flamingo, Samara, and La Fortuna. I met other solo female travelers in each place. It was so much easier to do this trip than I imagined. I felt safe and had no problem driving all over. The locals were so nice and helpful. Almost everyone spoke some English.

Posted: August 8, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I spent ten days alone in Costa Rica and it was amazing. The scenery was incredible, with beaches, mountains, and delicious food. The people were very friendly. I would definitely recommend it. I stayed in La Fortuna and Tamarindo and felt safe. I rented a car and driving around was an exciting experience.

Posted: July 30, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Safety tips for solo female travellers in Costa Rica

Costa Rica can be a safe destination for solo female travelers, but it's important to take some precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some safety tips for solo female travelers in Costa Rica:

  1. Before travelling to Costa Rica, it is important to research the area you are visiting. This includes learning about the culture, customs, and any potential safety risks.

  2. When travelling alone, it is important to stay in well-lit areas, especially at night. Avoid dark alleys and deserted streets.

  3. Carrying large amounts of cash can make you a target for theft. Consider using a credit or debit card instead.

  4. Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of people who may be following you.

  5. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and leave the area.

  6. Dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention.

  7. Let your family and friends know where you are and when you plan to return.

  8. Carrying a whistle can be a useful tool if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

  9. Never accept rides from strangers, even if they seem friendly.

  10. If you are travelling alone, it is important to stay in contact with the local police. They can provide assistance if needed.

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Upcoming visitors to Costa Rica

Andrea

Andrea

Speaking

About Me

I am a 22 years old girl that is travelling to Costa Rica on January for 3 months :)

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Natalia

Natalia

Speaking

About Me

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!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇹 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

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Matilda

Matilda

Speaking

About Me

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

Countries I’ve Visited

🇨🇿 Czech Republic, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

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Meet locals in Costa Rica

María

María

Speaking

About Me

Quiet girl but friendly :)

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇲🇽 Mexico

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NicolaG

NicolaG

Speaking

About Me

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.

Countries I’ve Visited

🇦🇺 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

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Tamara

Tamara

Speaking

About Me

"🌍 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.💓

Countries I’ve Visited

🇳🇮 Nicaragua, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇵🇦 Panama

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Stay with locals in Costa Rica

Tamara

Tamara

Can host for 3 days

"🌍 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.💓
María

María

Can host for 2 days

Quiet girl but friendly :)
Danae

Danae

Can host for 2 days

My name is Dánae, I love experiencing new things!

Local discussions

TravelDo I need to look out for anything when renting a car in Latin America?

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, 2022
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TravelWhere is the best place to stay on the west coast of Costa Rica without renting a car?

Looking 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, 2022
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TravelIs it safe to take the coach bus from San Jose to Manuel Antonio?

Going 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, 2022
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Solo travelLadies, I'm currently at a resort in Costa Rica.

Ladies, 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
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