Is Costa Rica Safe for Female Travelers?

Costa Rica is generally safe for female travelers. The country is known for its friendly people and low crime rate. Women should take the same precautions as they would in any other country, such as avoiding walking alone at night and being aware of their surroundings. Additionally, it is recommended to dress modestly and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. With these precautions in mind is a great destination for female travelers.

Experiences from Costa Rica

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 36 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 was blown away by Costa Rica. The wildlife, the friendly people, and generally a beautiful county. Things I did: horse riding, ziplining, hot springs, chocolate tour, Sloth sanctuary, Bogarin trail, La Fortuna waterfall, zip coaster, coffee experience. Watched a lot of sunsets and drank a lot of daiquiris.

Posted: August 13, 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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Solo travel experience

Costa Rica was my first solo travel trip. It’s incredibly easy to navigate and English is widely spoken. There are tons of great hostels and I met lots of great people. I met a friend there and she and I have traveled together a few times since then.

Posted: July 26, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I just spent 2 months traveling around Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo was my favorite. Beautiful beaches, relaxed vibes & dance parties on the beach all night. Jaco was my least favorite. Ugly beaches and it’s overpriced.

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

Went to a spiritual retreat in Punta Banco The nature is wonderful and generous, what a nice area to recharge! There’s definitely something magical about this place Would definitely return in the future :)

Posted: July 6, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I spent five weeks in Costa Rica. I stayed in Cahuita and Punta Uva. Refugio Nacional Manzanillo/Gandoca is very special, I went with a guide. In Cahuita I went snorkeling with a guided tour and afterward, they dropped me off in Parque Nacional Cahuita so I could walk back. I had such a great time. I recommend bringing sturdy closed shoes, insect repellent, and water bottles.

Posted: June 21, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

Costa Rica is a very safe country. I traveled there solo for 8 days in April. I went all over San Juan, and then drove around and spent time in other places. Definitely recommend going to El Yunque on your own. All the trails are super well-marked and it's so annoying to hike in a group.

Posted: June 8, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Group travel experience

I spent two weeks in Costa Rica, a stunning country that is easy and safe to explore by public transportation and shared minibuses (to save time). The people we encountered were very friendly. I didn't travel alone, but I don't think that would be a problem.

Posted: May 15, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

La Fortuna was one of my favorite spots in Costa Rica. I stayed at a hostel and always felt safe. The bus system was very cheap and fairly easy to use. Had so much fun.

Posted: April 30, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Costa Rica

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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María

María

Speaking

About Me

Quiet girl but friendly :)

Countries I’ve Visited

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

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Stay with locals in Costa Rica

Tamara

Tamara

Speaking

You can stay for:

3 days

I can host:

2 guests

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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María

María

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

I can host:

1 guest

About me

Quiet girl but friendly :)

Countries I’ve Visited

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

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Danae

Danae

Speaking

You can stay for:

2 days

I can host:

1 guest

About me

My name is Dánae, I love experiencing new things!

Countries I’ve Visited

🇩🇿 Algeria, 🇦🇩 Andorra, 🇧🇸 Bahamas, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States

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Upcoming visitors to Costa Rica

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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Jennica

Jennica

Speaking

About Me

Hello, My name is Jennica and I'm interested in food & cuisine, events & social, health, hiking, photography and running

Countries I’ve Visited

🇧🇸 Bahamas, 🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇯🇲 Jamaica, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States

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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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Travel Safety in Costa Rica

Destination rankings

Articles

Frequently asked questions

Is Costa Rica Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Costa Rica is generally safe for solo female travelers. The country is known for its friendly people and low crime rate, and the government has taken steps to ensure the safety of tourists. Women should take the same precautions as they would in any other country, such as avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of their surroundings, and not carrying large amounts of cash. Additionally, it is recommended to stay in well-lit and populated areas, and to research the area before visiting.

Is Costa Rica Safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

Costa Rica is generally safe for LGBTQ+ travellers, including female travellers. The country has a long history of being tolerant and accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, and there are many resources available to help LGBTQ+ travellers feel safe and comfortable. The country has a number of gay-friendly bars, clubs, and other establishments, and there are also a number of LGBTQ+-friendly hotels and resorts. Additionally, the country has a number of laws in place to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, and the government has taken steps to ensure that LGBTQ+ travellers are treated with respect and dignity.