Is Costa Rica Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Costa Rica is generally safe, particularly in tourist areas. However, like any destination, it can have potential risks. Petty theft or pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded places, and it's always important to stay alert. Costa Ricans are warm and friendly, and will often go out of their way to help out a stranger in need. However, avoid isolated areas and stay in groups whenever possible, especially at night. Public transportation is reliable, but be careful with your belongings. Overall, Costa Rica has a strong reputation for safety compared to other countries in the region.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on 74 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.3 /5

Based on 13 experiences from local women

Costa Rica is currently ranked #47 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.

How safe is Costa Rica?

Safety at night:Moderate

Costa Rica overall is relatively safe compared to many other countries, but just like anywhere else, it has its rough areas. It's usually safe to walk around higher tourist areas, but the situation tends to change at night. It's always recommended to use taxis or Ubers when traveling in the evening, especially if you're alone. Avoid displaying expensive belongings and always be cautious of your surroundings.

Public transportation:Moderate

Costa Rica's public transportation systems, including buses and taxis, are generally reliable and commonly used by locals and tourists. However, incidents such as pickpocketing and occasional minor scams can occur. It's advised to keep an eye on your belongings and to travel mostly by day. Stick to official taxis marked with yellow triangles and make sure the meter is running to avoid scams. As for buses, they're mostly used for inter-city travel and are generally secure, but can be crowded, so vigilance with personal belongings is needed.

Street harassment:Low

Costa Rica is generally known for being fairly safe and respectful towards women. However, like any country, it isn't immune to instances of street harassment. It's not widespread or aggressive but it can occasionally occur in more populated areas. It's mainly limited to catcalling or unwelcome comments. Always be vigilant, but don't let it deter you from enjoying all the beauty this country has to offer.

Petty crimes:Moderate

In Costa Rica, as a solo female traveler, you may encounter issues like pickpocketing and bag-snatching, primarily in populated areas and public transportation. It is best to remain vigilant and keep your possessions secure, especially in busy areas like markets and bus terminals. While not extremely common, these crimes do occur, so caution should be taken. However, overall, the country is relatively safe if you stick to recommended tourist areas and follow standard safety practices.

Is Costa Rica worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 74 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.8/5

Costa Rica, Group travel

Costa Rica was a pleasant surprise for me. Full with increadible landscapes, specially the sunsets. It is a place for nature connection and introspective thoughts. People we're super nice but it is not a cheap place. Although, in my opinion, it is worth the money.

Posted: November 20, 2024Experienced: March, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Costa Rica, Solo travel

Felt very safe and everyone was so friendly, helped ti speak spanish but not essential. Great places all over the country, felt safe travelling and going to different places. People were always helpful and kind

Posted: October 21, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Anna

Costa Rica

Costa Rica, Solo travel

I really Like Costa Rica, the nature ist beautiful and mostly everyone is so Open minded and friendly. But I would absolutely recommend to not walk around alone when it is dark… just take care of youre private things and better take youre jewellry off.

Posted: October 20, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Costa Rica, Solo travel

I loved Costa Rica!! The nature is a 10/10 (literally paradise), you’ll see soo many cool animals, jungle, the most beautiful beaches,… food is 6/10 they pretty much only eat rice and beans and as a vegetarian myself there’s not many options, BUT the fruits are amazing!!! It’s not quite as cheap as I hoped (European / US prices) but doable (:

Posted: July 16, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Nikki

United States

Costa Rica, Group travel

I absolutely loved my experience in Costa Rica! The country is beautiful with the mountains, rainforest, and beaches. I traveled to Playa Jaco, La Fortuna, and San Jose. Personally, La Fortuna felt like a vacation away from the vacation. Also, I would say to be prepared to conduct extensiver research regarding renting a vehicle. Never, I repeat, never pay upfront for a car rental. I traveled to Costa Rica with three other ladies. I organized, planned, and executed everything pertaining to the trip. The itinerary was jam packed with one free day to frolick. I will definitely be back to explore other parts of the country and revisit some unforgettable locations.

Posted: July 6, 2024Experienced: July, 2024

favorite_border 8

mode_comment 3

Jaco Garabito, Solo travel

It could get sketchy in the evenings but I ended up meeting people and going out with the hostel staff. There’s really one two clubs to go out to. It’s a small city with one main strip about 6 blocks.

Posted: July 2, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Dhana

Argentina

Costa Rica, Solo travel

I felt safe and walked around at night alone. I would definitely be vigilante, especially if you are out drinking but i would say that about anywhere Definitely do the chocolate and coffee tours. See all the waterfalls and take a dip in a hot springs. La Fortuna and Guanacaste are my favorite

Posted: June 29, 2024

favorite_border 1

mode_comment 0

Juju

France

Costa Rica, Solo travel

Actually, I went there as a volunteer in a rescued animals sanctuary, so if course it was safe, and also very exotic. But the local I met there were adorable, and the food really good, based on meet, vegetables, and lot of exotic fruits.

Posted: June 17, 2024Experienced: August, 2021

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Costa Rica, Family travel

i have spent the majority of my time in costa rica near heredia and san jose de la montaña! although i love the beach and all the beaches are gorgeous here, i cannot recommend the mountains of costa rica enough! the climate is perfect, its insanely beautiful, and the people are some of the kindest i’ve ever met!

Posted: June 15, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Costa Rica, Solo travel

- people nice - lots of European expats - helpful to know Spanish and not assume people speak English - VERY HOT- you will sweat through everything - pack lots of sun screen , bug spray, and lotion you will need it all - safest I’ve felt to this date as a solo female walking around - wouldn’t dream of walking on the street elsewhere without serious fear

Posted: June 15, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Is Costa Rica safe for women?

Safety index

3.3 /5

Based on 13 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 13 local experiences

Melanie

Alajuela

You're fine if you're driving or taking Ubers, there are areas where crime might be heavier but overall it's a nice place. Not to roam around at night... Also my advice is to make group plans, that is the safest way.

Posted: January 2, 2025

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Santa Teresa

At first glance it seems like a very unsafe town, but after a while you realize it’s only through appearance and people (tourists and locals) feel comfortable to leave their stuff unattended when swimming in the ocean, they walk mindlessly at night and so far I haven’t heard of any robbery’s or assaults. But it does generate a bit of fear if you’re a woman at night alone

Posted: December 27, 2024

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Check all reviews

Meet locals in Costa Rica

Karen

About Me

40 years single lady, no kids, love to travel and flexible working hours

Speaking

mode_comment 0

andi

About Me

i love to meet new people and i’m always on the lookout for new experiences :)

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Costa Rica

Gabby

Heredia

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I really like to travel and exchange cultures. I live near the airport and I would be happy to help female travelers, picking them up at the airport. Also children no longer live at home, there Is space in my home. I have had exchange girls from Germany and Denmark for one year. A wonderful experience.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Melanie

Alajuela

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I live in Alajuela, Costa Rica — big nature and art lover. Eager to help others get around my beautiful country and making connections. ☺️✨

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Check all hosts

Upcoming visitors to Costa Rica

Claire

About Me

Hello ! My name is Claire and I am currently staying at my mom house close to Annecy because I am planning to travel soon. So sadly I can’t host people there :/ But I can definitely show you the peaceful city of Annecy with her beautiful lake and montagne. I am passionate about everything second hand and art in general so I can give you some place to visit/shop/party etc in the city. I can speak English, at least I am doing my best. I want to learn and train more so if you want to meet up for a coffee or else I will love to ! I am kind, generous, ambitious and a very open minded person so you can be safe with me! ^^