How safe is Costa Rica for visitors? Get our top travel safety tips, from places to avoid to violent crime, common travel scams and personal safety in Costa Rica.
Photo © Getty Images/Matteo Colombo
Costa Rica is top travel destination, celebrated for its eco-tourism, friendly people, and rich biodiversity. Yet, like any destination, it comes with its own set of safety considerations. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe while enjoying all that this beautiful country has to offer.
- Is Costa Rica safe for travelers?
- Recent crime statistics and trends
- Tips for avoiding crime
- Safety for families
- Safety for LGBTQ+ travelers
- Safety for women travelers
- Areas to be cautious of
- General travel safety tips
- Hiking and adventure safety
- Common travel scams
- Legal and police considerations
- Drug laws and crime in Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica safe for travelers?
Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is unique in Central America for not having a standing army and for maintaining political stability.
But it can also be a deceptively risky place to visit, particularly for travelers who have no experience of traveling in Latin America.
Recent crime statistics and trends
In the 2024 Global Peace Index, Costa Rica ranks 58th out of 163 countries, reflecting a slight decrease from the previous year but still much higher up the list than neighboring countries. However, in 2023, Costa Rica saw a sharp increase in the homicide rate (to 17.3 per 100,000 people), highlighting a rise in violent crime. Petty crime, such as theft and pickpocketing, remains a concern, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Tips for avoiding crime
- Travel in groups. If exploring early in the morning or late at night, it's safer to go with companions.
- Secure your belongings. Keep valuables in a hotel safe and avoid displaying expensive items.
- Be cautious with public transport. Theft from overhead bins is common on buses.
- Be mindful on beaches and remote areas. Solo travelers, particularly women, are vulnerable on beaches at times when there are no others around.
- Use reputable services. Do your research and choose well-reviewed tour operators.
- Avoid camping on beaches. It’s best to find secure accommodation at a lodge or hostel.
- Theft from unattended vehicles is on the rise. Park in well-lit or guarded areas, always keep the doors locked and windows rolled up, and never leave anything of value in plain sight.
Safety for families
Costa Rica is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities suitable for children and teens. Families generally face fewer safety issues than solo travelers due to the natural protection of traveling in groups and less involvement in risky behavior.
Safety for LGBTQ+ travelers
Costa Rica is known for its relatively progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2020, and the country is generally accepting. However, public displays of affection might still draw unwanted attention in more conservative areas. LGBTQ+ travelers are advised to be mindful of local customs, particularly in rural settings.
Safety for women travelers
Solo female travelers should exercise increased caution. While many women travel to Costa Rica without incident, it's wise to stay in social accommodations, avoid isolated areas, consider joining group activities, and stay vigilant. The increase in sexual assault cases in recent years means that extra precautions are advisable.
Areas to be cautious of
Certain regions in Costa Rica are known for higher crime rates. While traveling, avoid or exercise extreme caution in:
- Quepos: The gateway town to Manuel Antonio National Park, with reports of robberies.
- Tamarindo and Jaco: Popular beach towns showing a rise in crimes targeting tourists.
- San Jose: Particularly the downtown area and parks after dark. Avoid neighborhoods such as Los Guido, Desamparados, Leon III, and La Carpio.
- Limón and Matina: Higher violent crime rates compared to the national average.
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General travel safety tips
- Visit during dry season: December through April offers the sunniest weather for travel. The rainy season (May-November) is cooler and less crowded, but you should expect afternoon showers and occasional flooding.
- Hydrate safely: Tap water is generally safe except in Limón and Puntarenas. Consider bottled or filtered water for extra precaution.
- Avoid methanol contamination: Be wary of cheap alcohol, which may contain harmful methanol. Stick to trusted establishments and order bottled beer rather than mixed drinks.
- Stay food safe: Costa Rica has national standards in place for food safety, but it’s still good to be cautious. Avoid buffets where food is sitting out and food stalls with poor hygiene.
Hiking and adventure safety
Costa Rica offers abundant wilderness and adventure opportunities, but the rainforest can pose serious dangers, including venomous snakes. Always explore with a local guide or in groups, inform someone of your plans, and avoid hiking, trekking, or camping solo. Ensure your adventure provider has a strong safety record, especially for activities like zip-lining and rafting.
Common travel scams
- Tire slashing: Be cautious of “good Samaritans” who offer help after a flat tire. It’s safer to drive to a well-lit area to change your tire.
- Car rental insurance: Be aware of mandatory insurance costs not included in advertised rental prices. Ask for a full breakdown of charges.
- Money scams: Exchange money only at reputable banks and beware of street scammers.
- Passport theft: Keep your passport secure in a hotel safe and carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp.
Legal and police considerations
- Know your rights: If detained, you have the right to know the reason, contact your embassy, and consult with a lawyer.
- Respect photography rules: Avoid taking photos of official buildings and be considerate about photographing individuals, especially women and children.
Drug laws and crime in Costa Rica
Trafficking or selling any type of illegal drug is a serious offense in Costa Rica. If you are caught, you will be arrested and could face either a hefty fine or a lengthy prison sentence. You may meet locals who will offer to sell you drugs, usually marijuana. If you buy it, do so at your own risk; marijuana is illegal in Costa Rica, but personal possession has been decriminalized.
For more up-to-date information and travel tips, keep an eye on local news and travel advisories.
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2 Comments
I went to Jaco in December 2019, Fell in love with the country. I visited Manuel Antonio and Jaco. Yes drugs are everywhere, yes petty theft is an issue, but if you are smart you won't have an issue. In manuel Antonio many poor people will 'watch' your car for a few colones just pay them. Not only do they watch your car, but they are the ones who break into your car IF you don't pay them. Extortion? Yes but for 4 bucks who cares. I also went home with one lady from Jaco and while my experience was wonderful (I'm going back to stay with her longer) There are horror stories of people getting drugged or robbed when they visit a local girl's place. Just be smart if you treat it like you would any bad city in the USA you will likely be even safer than the worst places in the USA LOL. P.S. Jaco for the ladies ;) most beautiful women in the world.
I have come to Costa Rica for dental work that is very pricey in the U.S. I started coming in 2010 and have made many trips around 10 i would say and have seen the good and bad in Costa Rica. Generally speaking the people here are very friendly but not a lot of English is spoken. There is somewhat of a language barrier unless you speak fluent Spanish. The dental work is a big attraction to Americans because it is generally quality work at approximately 1/2 the cost in the U.S. My dentist and oral surgeons have been amazing. Other living costs here are comparable to the U.S. food, lodging etc. As stated above renting a car is more expensive because you have to purchase Costa Rican auto insurance with the rental. I end up walking almost everywhere or using Uber to get around. I was last here in 2019 before Covid and have needed additional dental work but could not make it until now in 2024. I caught an uber to the Central Market in downtown San Jose and could immediately notice the serious decline of the downtown area as I approached and walked the Central Market area. Post Covid has really taken its toll here. I did notice a much more prevalent police force everywhere i went, that tells me there must be a reason for it. Finally on a sad note and in heavy traffic I was attacked as i was getting into an uber for a necklace i had on that I thought had been covered by keeping it under my shirt. I reacted knocking the man down but after he had grabbed the chain by then, being young he recovered quickly and bolted with my property. My poor young uber driver was in shock as i got back in and we left the downtown area. I usually always remove my jewelry before walking anywhere in Costa Rica and carry only as much cash as I might need for the trip but I faltered that day. Lessons learned is that i will not visit the central market again and hope my area of Escazu remains safe. I am a U.S. retired soldier and spent many years in hostile areas throughout the world so take my comments as from an experienced traveler who became too comfortable.