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Costa Rica

Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise where the lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and towering volcanoes offer a myriad of exciting adventures for travel enthusiasts. Known for its impressive biodiversity, Costa Rica harbors a remarkable 5% of the world's species. Its astounding environmental preservation efforts have been lauded worldwide, protecting several endangered species in numerous national parks throughout the country. Visitors to Costa Rica are lured by its attractive tourist destinations such as Arenal Volcano, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the stunning Pacific and Carribean coastlines. Moreover, the country is widely recognized for its peaceful history, having abolished its army in 1949. Costa Rica’s rich culture, hospitable locals, and enticing cuisine, characterized by the ubiquitous gallo pinto, create a fascinating experience that makes this tropical Eden an unforgettable travel destination.

Costa Rica is currently ranked #5 best country for solo female travellers. Check full ranking.

4.7 /5

Based on 48 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on our research

4.6 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Safe

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.

Transport:Moderate

Navigating Costa Rica as a solo female traveler can be of moderate difficulty. While in major cities and tourist spots, you'll find many English speakers and clear signage. However, in more remote regions, English is limited and infrastructure can be challenging, with rough roads and few road signs. It's essential to have a good offline map and some basic Spanish commands. Public transportations are available but may not always be reliable. Crime is relatively low, but beware of pickpockets and bag snatching in crowded areas.

Things to do:Interesting

Costa Rica is brimming with a variety of activities suitable for any adventurer. From hiking through the lush rainforests and witnessing a plethora of wildlife, to engaging in adrenaline-pumping activities such as ziplining or whitewater rafting, the opportunities are boundless. With stunning beaches, one can enjoy surfing or just simply relaxing by the sea. Moreover, the country's commitment to eco-tourism means travelers can learn about biodiversity and conservation efforts. The vibrant local culture, friendly locals, and a multitude of traditional and fusion cuisines make the experience all the more enriching.

Food:Above average

The food in Costa Rica is as diverse as the country's landscape. Expect nature's bounty with an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. Traditional cuisine leans heavily on rice and beans, served with different meats and vegetables. The culinary scene is less about spices but more about the fresh, organic ingredients. Costa Rica's coastal regions offer delightful seafood. However, the food might not have wide global variety and those seeking spicy or exotic flavours may find it a bit bland.

Budget:Moderate

Costa Rica can be a moderately budget-friendly destination if you plan carefully. Hostels, local foods, and public transportation are fairly inexpensive. However, activities such as tours and adventure sports, can be relatively costly. So depending on your travel style, day-to-day costs can vary significantly.

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 48 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.8/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5

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.

Posted: April 1, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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melissa (24)

France

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.

Posted: March 21, 2024Experienced: October, 2023

Things to do: 4/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 1/5Safety: 4/5

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Mariam (22)

United States

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.

Posted: February 18, 2024Experienced: September, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5

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Anna

Germany

Solo travel experience

Costa Rica was overall a beautiful country with stunning nature and wildlife. I felt it was quiet expensive with dorm beds ranging from 35 to 80 dollars a night. However I personally always felt save and would definitely recommend going back. I started on the carribean side and would definitely recommend going to Puerto viejo. Definitely go visit the national park cahuita as it’s stunning and you get to see so much wildlife. As it is so close to Panama I hoped over the border and explored the beautiful bocas del toro for a bit. It’s a great experience and you get to walk across the border which is also quiet fun. I then continued to la Fortuna which I personally found too touristy as it almost seemed like a little Disney land. It’s in the mountains and you can visit the rain forest and hike a Vulcano and visit hot springs. Everything seemed quite overpriced and too touristy to me. Santa Teresa is a fantastic hippiesque beach with lots of restaurants and shops. You can go for a surf or even go to a little tage in the jungle. It’s really fun. I also visited Manuel Antonio however I didn’t manage to go to the national park as it was closed on Tuesday so make sure to check on the times before you plan your trip.

Posted: February 17, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 4/5

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Amelia

United Kingdom

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

Posted: January 20, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5

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Agatka

Netherlands

Solo travel experience

It was an amazing experience! My first solo travel and it couldn’t have been better. There are so so many things to do ALL the time, the nature is unreal like I have never seen before, the people are great. The only thing I would say is that it’s not really a budget travel destination. Everything is in Western European prices but it’s worth visiting anyways!

Posted: January 2, 2024

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

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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.

Posted: December 30, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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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.

Posted: December 25, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5

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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.

Posted: December 23, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Helen

United Kingdom

Solo travel experience

Great buses in this country. Most people are happy here. The country is set up for tourists rather than travellers. There’s a big difference between the two. No thanks, I’m not interested in your very expensive tours and yes, I’ll be here more than 2 or 3 days. Exceptional pineapples and papayas. Exceptional wildlife too.

Posted: December 20, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5

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Meet local women in Costa Rica who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Tamara

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.💓

Speaking

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NicolaG

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.

Speaking

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Stay with local women in Costa Rica who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Tamara

Costa Rica

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Speaking

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Claudia

San Rafael Escazú

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello I am a solo female traveler ,polyglot , I love learning and reading . I am fun ,kind ,compassionate , humanist , social ,entrepeneur and just survived a cancer stage 4 last year ! I am reactivating my luxury UK tour operator against all odds ! I would love to meet ladies and have more female friends ! Many blessings 🙏🙏🙏🙏