Is Costa Rica Safe? Everything You Need to Know

How Dangerous Is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Central America. So you don’t need to stress too much about safety before or during your trip.

That said, Costa Rica isn’t as safe as Germany or other countries in Europe. Like many countries in Central and South America, the gap between rich and poor is still very wide here, which means crime rates are also higher.

For tourists, Costa Rica is generally safe. We never felt uncomfortable or unsafe during our own Costa Rica trip. During the day, you can walk around completely relaxed.

There are, however, a few things you should keep in mind. We’ll walk you through all of them right now.

Crime in Costa Rica

Crime in Costa Rica has increased in recent years, particularly organized crime and drug trafficking. Tourists haven’t been affected by this so far, and you’ll most likely not notice any of it.

Tourists do occasionally fall victim to minor offenses — most commonly theft or scams. Be especially careful in non-touristy, poorer areas and at bus stations.

But even in places with large crowds — for example, in front of and inside the national parks in Costa Rica — you should keep a close eye on your belongings. Pickpockets tend to show up in these spots from time to time.

Especially in the capital city of San José, in the province of Puntarenas, and along the southern Caribbean coast — particularly in Cahuita National Park and the popular tourist town of Puerto Viejo — you should stay a bit more alert.

There have been armed robberies and sexual assaults targeting tourists in these areas in the past. We don’t want to frighten you — these were isolated incidents, and we always felt very safe here.

How Safe Is Costa Rica for Women Traveling Alone?

The mention of sexual assaults might make you hesitate about traveling through Costa Rica alone as a woman. On our trip, we were two women and sometimes traveled on our own — and we can only repeat ourselves: we always felt safe.

Honestly, Costa Rica is a great destination for solo female travelers. Unlike in, say, Colombia, we found the people here to be fairly reserved. You’ll rarely hear an unwanted comment.

If you look very European, you’ll still stand out as a tourist. Because of that, we were approached once or twice — very politely. If you’re not in the mood for a conversation, just say so and you’ll usually be left alone.

Here are a few tips that made us feel even more comfortable traveling alone as women in Costa Rica:

• Only travel during daylight hours on public transportation such as long-distance buses and ferries.
• Send friends back home or fellow travelers at your hostel a live location when you’re out on your own.
• Join a larger group, especially if you want to go out in the evening. You’ll meet plenty of other solo travelers at hostels.
• Never let your drink out of your sight, and always watch when drinks are being poured at the bar so that no one can slip anything into your glass.

Is a Road Trip by Car or Bus on Your Own in Costa Rica Dangerous?

We’ve found that a road trip through Costa Rica is super safe, whether you’re driving a rental car or taking the bus.

Just keep in mind that you’re no longer in Europe, and in Central America a few things work a little differently. The infrastructure, for example, isn’t what you’d expect back home.

Here’s what you need to be prepared for when traveling by car or bus.

Risks When Driving a Rental Car

If you’re traveling by rental car, most of the danger comes from road conditions. Expect no guardrails, gravel roads, bumpy surfaces, and sharp curves — not the smooth highways you might be used to. Always drive cautiously — it’s better to go too slow than too fast.

When you park your car, always take all valuables with you. Break-ins are not uncommon, even in monitored parking lots.

Risks When Traveling by Bus

On the bus, you absolutely must always keep a close eye on your bags and valuables. When we know we have a long travel day ahead of us, we always pack our valuables into a money belt that we wear under our clothes.

Be especially vigilant at bus stations — they’re often crowded and hectic, and that’s where most thieves will be operating. Also, always keep an eye on your bag at rest stops, especially if you have to stow it in the luggage compartment or on the roof.

You can also try to take your bag with you onto the bus. Sometimes there are empty seats where you can set it down. If you’re traveling with only carry-on luggage, the bag often fits between your legs too. It’s a little uncomfortable, but much more relaxing.

And even when you’re getting out of the bus and into a taxi, stay alert — don’t let yourself get distracted!

Dangerous Animals in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is home to around 500,000 different animal species. It’s no surprise that not all of them are cute and harmless — there are indeed a number of dangerous and venomous animals. Most of them live in Costa Rica’s rainforests and cloud forests.

The likelihood of encountering dangerous animals during your vacation is relatively low, but definitely not out of the question. We came quite close to a crocodile in Corcovado National Park, for example. And mosquitoes are unfortunately everywhere.

Here’s a quick rundown of some dangerous and venomous animals in Costa Rica:

• Mosquitoes: There are quite a lot of mosquitoes in Costa Rica, both during the day and at night. Since they transmit many diseases, protect yourself well against bites. Our go-to advice: mosquito repellent and long clothing.
• Crocodiles: Costa Rica is one of the few countries where you can get genuinely close to crocodiles. They live mainly in rivers and lakes. Most of the time you’ll be with a guide in Corcovado or Tortuguero National Park. In Puerto Viejo, however, you might also spot them without one. Either way, always keep a safe distance.
• Snakes: There are 22 venomous snake species in Costa Rica. The likelihood of seeing one and getting bitten is very low, though — snakes are nocturnal and usually stay hidden.
• Spiders: You’ll come across some spiders during your time in Costa Rica. There are two dangerous species — the most dangerous one lives on banana plantations.
• Frogs: Eight venomous frog species live in Costa Rica, the most well-known being the poison dart frog. You’re more likely to see frogs after dark. Even though most are harmless, never touch a frog.
• Big cats: Costa Rica is also home to several big cat species such as jaguars, pumas, and others. They live deep in the rainforests and cloud forests. Certainly not harmless, but you most likely won’t see them.
• Sharks: There are sharks off the coasts of Costa Rica, both in the Pacific and in the Caribbean. Shark attacks, however, are truly extremely rare.

How Dangerous Is It in Costa Rica's National Parks?

We asked ourselves this question before our first visit to Manuel Antonio National Park. Our biggest concern was: won’t the free-roaming animals attack us? We asked our guide directly.

His answer was clear: “Do what I say and don’t touch the animals, and nothing will happen.” We followed that advice throughout our entire trip — and in none of the six national parks we visited did we end up in a dangerous situation or feel unsafe.

To make sure the same goes for you, here are a few rules to follow in the national parks:

• Stay on the marked trails.
• Don’t touch the animals.
• Keep your distance from animals when observing and photographing them.
• Don’t feed the animals.
• Don’t touch any plants (unless your guide says it’s okay). Costa Rica also has quite a few poisonous plants.
• Always listen to your guide.

Heads up: The monkeys in the national parks can get pretty cheeky and love to steal things. Always keep a close eye on your belongings.

Is Swimming at the Beaches in Costa Rica Dangerous?

Costa Rica has countless beaches, and at many of them you can swim and surf really well. That said, always be careful — both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts have seriously underestimated ocean currents. These are dangerous even for strong swimmers.

In general, trust your common sense and avoid going in the water when the waves are too high. Some beaches have lifeguards, especially in very touristy areas — when they’re present, listen to their advice.

Generally speaking, the beaches in Samara and Tamarindo are considered calmer swimming beaches — especially popular with families with children.
Our tip: Always ask locals if you’re unsure, and take their warnings seriously. This is especially important if you’re a beginner surfer who wants to paddle further out into the ocean rather than just swimming near the shore.

Safety Rules and Tips

To make sure you have a truly great time in Costa Rica and nothing goes wrong, here are the Costa Rica safety tips we swear by.

Don't Be Out Alone in the Dark

Avoid being alone on the street after dark — whether you’re in a big city, on the coast, or in a touristy spot. The likelihood of being robbed increases significantly after nightfall.

Also plan your travel so that you depart in daylight and arrive in daylight, whether you’re going by car or bus.

Don't Walk Alone on Isolated Paths

Always avoid isolated paths — not just after dark, but during the day as well. In places where there are hardly any people around, robberies can occur even in broad daylight.

Take a Taxi or an Uber

After dark, always take a taxi or Uber, even for short distances. During the day, go with your gut. If something feels off, don’t skimp on a cab.

That said, stay alert when you get into a taxi too. Bus stations can be chaotic — don’t let yourself get distracted, keep your belongings in sight, and agree on the fare before you get in so you don’t get overcharged.

Always Keep an Eye on Your Bag

One really important rule: never let your bag out of your sight. Not even when you feel pretty safe. On the bus or in a restaurant, we pretty much always keep our bag on our lap.

Keep Your Valuables Close to Your Body or at Your Accommodation

When we bring a daypack for a water bottle, rain jacket, and other items, we always carry a small extra money belt for our valuables.

When you’re in transit, wear it in front and close to your body — ideally under your clothes, so no one can see it.

If you’re staying in one place for a few days, we recommend leaving valuables like your passport at your accommodation.

It’s also a smart idea to always have two credit cards with you on your trip. Take one with you and leave one at the hotel. When you’re on the move, pack them in different bags.

And keep a copy of all your important documents with you, and save the files online too — for example in your email account. If something gets lost, you’ll still have something to show.

Never Let Your Drinks Out of Your Sight

Especially when you want to have a drink at a bar, never let your drink out of your sight. There have been cases in the past where date rape drugs were slipped into tourists’ drinks.

Always order your drink yourself at the bar and never set your glass down somewhere and come back to it later. It’s also best not to take it onto the dance floor — you’re usually very distracted there.

Natural Disasters in Costa Rica

Because Costa Rica has a tropical to subtropical climate, the country has a hurricane season running from May through the end of November. During these months, tropical storms and heavy rainfall are possible.

The consequences can include landslides and flooding. During this time, expect that some roads may be impassable and some national park trails may be closed.

We were in Costa Rica right in the middle of hurricane season and had no restrictions whatsoever — but it’s still good to be prepared.

Costa Rica also lies in a seismically active zone, meaning earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can occur — six volcanoes are still active. Both minor earthquakes and eruptions have happened in recent years, though the consequences so far have not been severe.

In a dedicated article, we’ve written more about the weather in Costa Rica and also tell you when the best time to visit is.

Health and Illness

The likelihood of getting seriously ill during your Costa Rica vacation is very low. Still, it’s a possibility worth preparing for.

The most common issue tourists experience is stomach illness — stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

If you have these symptoms, there’s no need to panic right away. In most cases, it’s the result of unfamiliar food and tap water.

A few simple tips to reduce the risk of stomach illness:

• Never drink tap water. Only buy water in sealed, bottled form.
• Only brush your teeth with drinking water.
• Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
• Don’t eat at restaurants or street stalls that look unhygienic. We like to check Google reviews and see whether lots of people — especially locals — eat there.
• Make sure your travel first-aid kit includes medication for diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain.
• Always wash fruit and vegetables before eating them.
• Order your drinks without ice.

You should also take extra precautions against mosquitoes, both during the day and at night — they can transmit serious diseases like dengue fever.

Our tips for protecting yourself from mosquitoes:

• Always use mosquito repellent. We’ve had great experiences with the spray Anti Brumm Ultra Tropical.
• Even when it’s warm, try to wear longer, light-colored clothing.
• Sleep under a mosquito net.
• Before your trip, be sure to visit a travel medicine doctor for advice. They can tell you whether you need a vaccination against dengue fever and other diseases.

If you’re feeling very unwell, don’t hesitate — see a doctor.