Is Costa Rica Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Solo travel experience

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

Solo travel experience

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.

Solo travel experience

- 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

Solo travel experience

I went to Costa Rica alone and had the absolute best time of my life. So safe, so friendly, no catcalling and met tons of friends.

Couple travel experience

I think it's a pretty safe country for a single woman or two. We've had nothing but good experiences on our trip in 5 months, the only less dirty places are mainly in San Jose, the capital. The country is safe and fairly modern, and it's easy to get around even on public transport! All in all, a great experience.

Group travel experience

I have been travelling around since I was 2 years old, but can only recall trips starting at the age of 4 and after. I say this because of all the trips I have taken in my life, Costa Rica is on my top ten. It was super safe, people live a slow life, things are quiet and calm. The food tastes like heaven everywhere. The entire country is very eco based, so that means sometimes there are power surges but it’s just part of the experience. The people are nice and amazing. Honestly if you just want to exist it’s a place to go, and if you want to go all out with experience and adventure it’s also a place to go. It is expensive nonetheless if you want to do things aimed at tourists, but if you connect with locals they would be able to recommend you alternatives that are much more affordable.

Solo travel experience

I spent a month volunteering in Matapalo, very safe, you can walk at night and feel safe. I spent another month backpacking, and went to several different places. San Jose I stayed in only to cut journeys in half, not safe there at all I didn’t walk at night because of how unsafe I felt during the day. Santa Theresa was my favorite, lovely and friendly people, very safe and good food and shopping to be done there. Cahuita was good, relatively safe, but not a lot to do there. Puerto Veijo, was also safe, a busy town very good sushi restaurant and you can walk around ok. Nightlife is interesting

Solo travel experience

My first international solo trip was to Costa Rica. Spent there 3 weeks and it was an amazing journey. I rented a car and visited 4 different places: Playa Hermosa, Playa Flamingo, Samara, and La Fortuna. In each of these places, I met other solo female travelers. This trip was much easier than I imagined. I loved it, I felt safe and had no problems getting around. The local people were very nice and helpful. Almost everyone spoke a little bit of English.

Family travel experience

Recently, I went to Costa Rica with my young children and found that people there are very friendly, many of them speak English. I felt safe there, provided that appropriate precautions were taken, as should be done everywhere.

Solo travel experience

I was alone in Costa Rica in March and had an amazing time. I felt really safe there and there were plenty of things to do. I also met a lot of people along the way, so I didn't feel lonely at all. I speak Spanish, but I was surprised that most of the locals I met spoke English.

It is safe as long as you do not visit uncrowded places or walk at night, but tourist places usually have many police officers always watching. The part that I least recommend is the capital San Jose, there is not much to see and it is more unsafe.

Solo travel experience

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 (:

Group travel experience

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.