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.

Safety reviews from Costa Rica

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 28 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.9/5

Safety

4.8/5

Food

4.9/5

Budget-friendly

4.4/5

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
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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
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Solo travel experience

The country was just breathtaking. Places I loved the most: Puerto Viejo, Monteverde, la fortuna, Santa Fe, Tamarindo. Most people can speak English, but some basic Spanish is never wrong. I stayed in hostels and found them through Hostelworld.

Posted: April 30, 2023
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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:

Research your destination

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.

Stay in well-lit areas

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

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

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

Be aware of your surroundings

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

Trust your instincts

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

Dress appropriately

Dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention.

Stay in touch with family and friends

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

Carry a whistle

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

Don’t accept rides from strangers

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

Stay in contact with the local police

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

Useful phrases for your trip to Costa Rica

If you are planning a solo trip to Costa Rica, learning some basic phrases can be very helpful. Here are some useful phrases to know:

  1. ¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás? (Hello! How are you?)
  2. ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where is the bathroom?)
  3. ¿Cuál es el precio? (What is the price?)
  4. ¿Cuál es la mejor época para visitar Costa Rica? (What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?)
  5. ¿Dónde puedo encontrar un buen lugar para comer? (Where can I find a good place to eat?)
  6. ¿Cuáles son algunas actividades populares en Costa Rica? (What are some popular activities in Costa Rica?)
  7. ¿Cuál es la moneda de Costa Rica? (What is the currency of Costa Rica?)
  8. ¿Dónde puedo encontrar una buena vista? (Where can I find a good view?)
  9. ¿Cuáles son algunos lugares interesantes para visitar? (What are some interesting places to visit?)
  10. ¿Cuáles son algunos consejos para viajar a Costa Rica? (What are some tips for traveling to Costa Rica?)

Safety discussions

solo female traveller

Is Costa Rica safe for women travellers?

I’ll be travelling to Costa Rica on my own and can’t help but feel really stressed and scared after reading so many stories about women being harassed and/or muggings that have taken place. What was your experience?

mode_comment 7 answers
solo female traveller

Is Costa Rica safe at night for females?

I'm planning a trip to Costa Rica this weekend and I'm very excited. I am wondering if it will be dangerous for me to be walking around at night time?

mode_comment 7 answers
solo female traveller

How safe is it to travel to Costa Rica alone as a girl?

This will be my first time solo. Is Costa Rica safe for young female traveling solo? Recommendations and advice appreciated :)

mode_comment 9 answers
solo female traveller

How safe is Costa Rica?

I'm an experienced traveler however only in large groups. I'll be in Costa Rica by myself and would appreciate suggestions/travel tips.

mode_comment 12 answers

Frequently asked questions

Is Costa Rica safe to visit?

Yes, Costa Rica is generally considered to be a safe destination for travelers. The country has a low crime rate and is generally considered to be a safe place to visit. However, as with any destination, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Is Costa Rica safe for LGBTQ?

Yes, Costa Rica is generally considered safe for LGBTQ people. The country has a long history of tolerance and acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2020. However, there are still some areas of the country where LGBTQ people may experience discrimination or harassment. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling in Costa Rica.

Is Costa Rica safe at night?

Yes, Costa Rica is generally considered safe at night. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

Is Costa Rica safe for women?

Yes, Costa Rica is generally considered to be a safe destination for women. The country has a low crime rate and a strong commitment to gender equality. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Is Costa Rica safe to travel alone?

Yes, Costa Rica is generally considered to be a safe destination for solo travelers. The country has a low crime rate and is generally considered to be a safe place to visit. However, as with any destination, it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Safe travel in Costa Rica