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

4.4 /5

Based on 77 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.4 /5

Based on 18 experiences from local women

Costa Rica is currently ranked #49 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.4 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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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

4.7 /5

based on 77 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Silvia

France

Costa Rica, Solo travel

Costa Rica was a breeze as a solo traveler. Catching taxis or ubers has been very easy and the taxi drivers were always nice and ready to provide advice on safety or just chat. I never took public transport, just shuttles. But they make it super easy to do (although it is of course more expensive). The only place that felt a bit sketchy was San Jose as you are easily spotted as a tourist and outside of the main streets it felt a bit unsafe mostly for the lack of people.

Posted: February 9, 2025Experienced: January, 2025

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Sam

United Kingdom

Costa Rica, Solo travel

Costa Rica was my first truly solo travel experience (I’ve done a few in Europe as a single parent as the only adult, but this one was only me). It’s a wonderful place and I felt very safe there. Bar one night… did you know howler monkeys song like horrific monsters?! If you can keep in mind that that frightening 5am wake up call is simply monkeys saying Good Morning and not some sort of prehistoric creature waiting to eat you when you step outside your be fine! I rented a car in Costa Rica - driving was absolutely fine with the exception of San Jose near the airport which was an experience (think motorcycles over and undertaking you simultaneously as you try to make a turning!) My first stop was Ocotal. I didn’t particularly like it here, and if I could redo my trip - I’d skip this. I felt uneasy, but then again - it was my first solo adventure. Nothing untoward happened. Next I drove to La Fortuna. The drive is fantastic and the waterfalls and Arenal volcano is amazing! There are plenty of adventure sports to do in this area. Lastly I took a (long) drive to Manuel Antonio. This was by far the highlight of my trip. The natural park is wonderful with monkeys everywhere and the beach is beautiful. I felt very safe here and even walked briefly in the dark. Police are everywhere to guard tourists

Posted: January 28, 2025

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Gaia

United States

Costa Rica, Solo travel

I felt safe in the day in well known places or scenic places. Other than that, if it’s dark out, I would not recommend being alone as a woman. Especially in the cities. Theft is common in touristy areas so be smart and carful. I hid away two surf boards that I rented and someone stole them in 20 minutes. It was worth it though. Because it is a beautiful country.

Posted: January 23, 2025Experienced: December, 2023

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Is Costa Rica safe for women?

Safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 18 local experiences

Crime index

2.4 /5

Based on 18 local experiences

Julia

La Fortuna

La Fortuna is a very touristic area and therefore pretty safe. I wouldn‘t recommend a female to walk around alone at night tho. I walked 5min back from the club by myself and 3 guys approached me and tried starting a conversation. Usually nothing happens but it didn‘t make me feel too comfortable

Posted: February 10, 2025

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San Jose Province

I feel very comfortable in San Jose overall. Like in every city in the world there are places/zones that are more dangerous and you should always talk with the locals to learn about those and avoid them. I’ve never had any problems in a touristy location. I did get mugged walking alone at night but it was just that one time, so maybe don’t.

Posted: February 3, 2025

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