Is La Fortuna Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Overall, La Fortuna is considered safe for solo female travelers. The locals are kind, welcoming and eager to give aid whenever necessary. However, as with any location, it's always important to stay cautious and aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing does occur, especially in tourist-heavy areas, and taking precautions such as not flashing expensive belongings can help avoid such incidents. Additionally, solo travelers should not explore isolated areas alone late at night. Utilize trusted transportation services and ask your accommodation for validated recommendations. Travel insurance is always a good idea too.

Safety rating

4.6 /5

Based on 3 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

La Fortuna is currently ranked #65 safest place for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.6 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is La Fortuna?

Safety at night:Safe

La Fortuna is generally a safe place to travel, even at night. However, like anywhere else, it's vital to exercise some caution. The area is regularly patrolled by local police, but it's always recommended to stick to well-lit areas, avoid walking alone late at night when possible, and always be aware of your surroundings.

Public transportation:Safe

La Fortuna's public transportation system consists mainly of buses, which run regularly and are generally reliable. Solo female travelers have reported feeling safe while using these services thanks to the courteous and helpful nature of the locals and the drivers. However, it's always advisable to stay alert, watch your belongings, and avoid travelling late at night. A safer option might be booking organized tours for long-distance travels that pick you up directly from your accommodation.

Street harassment:Low

La Fortuna, generally offers a friendly environment for solo female travelers. Instances of street harassment are quite low, with the locals being very respectful and welcoming to tourists. Nonetheless, basic precautions such as not walking alone at night and keeping an eye on your belongings always apply.

Petty crimes:Low

La Fortuna is generally considered to be one of the safer tourist locations in Costa Rica. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation, but these instances are relatively infrequent. As always, it's important to stay alert and secure your belongings, but the likelihood of becoming a victim to such minor crimes is reasonably low.

Is La Fortuna worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 3 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

4.2/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Group travel

It was relatively safe but you will be catcalled. Just ignore them because they don't really do anything else. My 2 friends and I (all female) would walk in the dark, unlit streets and nothing happened so I would say it's pretty safe. Still, be aware of your surroundings and I wouldn't recommend walking alone in the dark everywhere in general Food was good and cheap. I would live with only eating their rice. Hiking was fun as well around the Arenal area. Recommend visiting this chill and relaxing place

Posted: December 29, 2023

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Nicole

United States

Solo travel

I finally got to travel to my dream destination- Costa Rica! I stayed right outside the town of La Fortuna, at Hotel Faro Arenal. I was able to take Uber anywhere I needed to go, although some places were off the beaten path. I highly recommend this hotel! I fulfilled my dream of photographing toucans in the wild! The nature here is amazing! I’ve never felt safer in my life than I did on this trip, even downtown. At this point in my life, I’m more about experiences and photos than souvenirs and Knick knacks. I was on a pretty strict budget, but I made it, with around $600 to spend in six days. When in this area, be sure to check out the hot springs the area is known for! The natural springs are heated by the Arenal Volcano! There is a lot to do in the area, but time didn’t allow for all of it. This was a simple trip to get to know the area, and I will go back in the future. It was a much needed solo getaway!

Posted: November 19, 2023

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Solo travel

I was just in La Fortuna in May. I didn't feel unsafe there even once. The people were wonderful and the land was very admirable. I enjoyed my trip.

Posted: April 23, 2023

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Is La Fortuna safe for women?

Julia

La Fortuna is a very touristic area and therefore pretty safe. I wouldn‘t recommend a female to walk around alone at night tho. I walked 5min back from the club by myself and 3 guys approached me and tried starting a conversation. Usually nothing happens but it didn‘t make me feel too comfortable

Posted: February 10, 2025

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