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

3.2 /5

Based on 7 experiences from local women

Costa Rica is currently ranked #48 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 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

4.8 /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

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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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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

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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

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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

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Is Costa Rica safe for women?

Safety index

3.2 /5

Based on 7 local experiences

Crime index

2.2 /5

Based on 7 local experiences

Isabel

Tamarindo

Tamarindo is generally safe just make sure to be careful if you go party at night. Like any place try not to be alone late and don’t leave your drink alone. Also watch out for the surfer dudes 😅 they always look to flirt with tourists

Posted: November 8, 2024

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Katie

Piedades

It's overall safe, but I would not reccomend coming to this part of town to walk around and enjoy. It's much better to go to a different area like Ciudad Colón, or Santa Ana cento. It is a smaller neighborhood of the area and is not particularly tourism ready. It has s beautiful park there though and I do enjoy it.

Posted: November 7, 2024

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Check all reviews

Meet locals in Costa Rica

Valeria

About Me

I am a Costa Rican lady who loves to make new friends, I’m very open minded and I love to have deep conversations with people about everything you want to teach me.

Speaking

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Majo

About Me

Hey, it’s Majo! I’m 27 years old, I studied business, have travelled all around Europe, North and South America. Can speak english, spanish and a little bit of italian and german