Costa Rica - Safety?

Question

Hi

We are planning a trip to Costa Rica. We have done a bit of travel before but are wondering about safety. Is this a place to rent a car and go independently to major sites on East and West Coasts and inland, or should we go on a small group tour?

Travel countries say this is a very safe place and the safest in Central America but we have seen a worrying article on Wikipedia:

In recent years, San José has suffered a growing problem with crime, due partly to population growth in the greater metropolitan area and limited economic opportunities. Tourists are frequently targeted and it is advisable to use taxis even for extremely short distances. Visitors to the heart of San Jose should pay particular attention due to lax policing and the presence of gangs, some of which have operated with impunity for years. Tourists are advised to carry only as much cash as is required and to leave credit cards in a safe at their hotel.

Can you shed some light?

Answer 1

Yes, San Jose is dangerous, but its also not a place you want to hang out for very long. When people talk about how great Costa Rica is, they aren't talking about San Jose - if you wanted a city holiday, you would go to Europe.

Costa Rica is about the natural surroundings, and pretty much everywhere outside of San Jose is relatively safe. There is opportunistic theft in almost every tourist spot, so be careful with your stuff, but generally I wouldnt think twice about seeing the country by car yourselves. Taking road trips around the country was one of the things that made me fall in love with it.

In fact having said that you probably face more danger from the driving rather than being assaulted. Make sure you rent a sturdy 4x4, drive defensively and expect the unexpected.

Have fun!

If you want to read more about the country and what you can do there see my articles at:

http://www.ricarent.com/about-costa-rica...

http://www.ricarent.com/book-a-tour.htm

Answer 2

Hola,

Costa Rica, due to it's very lenient immigration laws unfortunately has developed a "crime stigma."  Because of this lax law we have a number of "low lifes" who come here to prey on tourists - majority from other countries - not Costa Ricans.

Most of the problems lie in San Jose and to a lesser extent in the Caribean and beach areas.  The government has beefed up the number of "policia" that patrol these areas.  They have even created a special police force strictly dealing with tourist areas.  Just be mindful of your personal belongings.  Never carry your passport (only a copy is needed) and do not leave valuables in plain sight.  Common sense that you would hopefully use in any country.  Enough said.

I highly encourage you to rent a car and see how beautiful this country truly is.  I suggest you stay in San Jose for one day to recoup and then head out.  Close to San Jose is the Poas Volcano and the Cataratas la Paz (waterfalls), they are worth the trip. On your way back go to Sarchi, here they make furniture out of hardwoods.

Next, head off to Jaco Beach and Manuel Antonio Park.  Jaco is about two hours away over the mountains on the Costanera (Highway).  While in Jaco go to the Villa Calletas Hotel (Tarcoles) and have lunch - it is a view that you will never forget.  There are several places to stay to fit your budget.  Then head South to Manuel Antonio thru Quepos.  The park is unbelievable.

From there I would head to Monteverde, this is where the first Quaker settlement came to Costa Rica.  The ice cream is about 100% butterfat!!  Try the cheeses and walk around the rain forests.  From there to La Fortuna, the Arenal Volcano and the hot springs.  Spend at least one or two nights for the hot springs and great "lomito" - that's steak, this is cattle country.

Then on to Guanacaste province.  Tamarindo, Playa del Coco, nothing but beaches.  Then back to San Jose.  If your time allows - you might fly on "Nature Air" to the Caribean side - Limon.  But, be careful here.  Stay in the tourist areas and enjoy.  Unfortunately, a lot of drugs and thefts.  Beautiful people and great food.

My wife and I have been here for 12 years and we have lived in 13 other countries.  This is our favorite.

Answer 3

Try to get out of San Jose quickly and enjoy the beautiful countryside

Answer 4

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw...

Answer 5

hey man...

  i live here in costa rica and i understand you

  but you said the right word... San Jose

  outside san jose is different, places to be and to enjoy

  just relax and try not to leave your belognings out of sight

  rent a car and wonder around and outside san jose

  san jose is like any other big city, if you stay in san jose for a couple of days

  during the day is nice and calm but at night, try to stay of the streets and if you want to go to clubs or something like that

  use a cab and not the car

  

any other info, just ask

Answer 6

I always say when you are in a foreign city, you should treat it like you are anywhere you are unfamiliar with . . . even in the states.  I will say this . . . I felt safer traveling in Costa Rica than I would in and major city in the States . . . Chicago, Washington DC, LA, Miami.  Exercise common sense no matter WHERE you travel . . . and always act like you know where you are going.

Answer 7

Costa Rica is a very safe country

Just as every country does, It has problems with crime

Answer 8

listen. Costa Rica, like any other place has a city with crime problems, San José is the main one, if ur gonna go there i recomend u go in the daylight, but still b very carefull while u walk and mantain ur alert antena on, couse u never know when danger may aproach u, try to not go on taking out money or camera or any other expensive thing out, couse anyone may come by running and take ur xpensive thing like a zip.

Though u may go to any other part outside of San José and that's much safer, less danger. And ur able to njoy more without worring bout getting robed. Though that doesn't mean to not take in acount the basic safetey tips. But other than San José, just sit and enjoy, and relax. ;)

Hope u njoy ur trip. May u hav a safe trip till down here.

Answer 9

I went to costa rica in may this year. The people are very friendly and we felt safe all the time. I think the most unsafe place is san jose, but we didn't go there so cant tell you. We went to the Gulf of papagayo and surrounding areas and i strongly suggest you book a tour guide. There are no addresses, street names, or road signs off the pan american highway and it would be so easy to get lost, plus the roads are dreadful! We booked with Vargas tours (they have a website) and they were brilliant in every respect. Be sure to visit the cloud forest at monteverde and do the zip wires at Borinquen if you get the chance. It is a beautiful country.

Answer 10

I just went there in June. It is a great place.

If you are flying into San Jose and you get there late, you should take a taxi (the taxi counter is just past Customs inside the airport) to the Best Western Irazu or the Hampton Inn. You can reserve a rental car from either the next morning. (Just make a car reservation)

Outside of San Jose the country is pretty safe... especially the West Coast (except maybe Jaco).

Jaco has become very touresty and there has been an increase of crime there as well.

But generally speaking, renting a car is fine, and it lets you do your own thing, without being tied to a group and schedule. You can stop at a resturant in the middle of nowhere for great food, stop to see something interesting, or whatever.

The most dangerous thing about driving is just the driving itself. There are steep mountain passes, 3000+ drop offs with no guard rails, trucks that people try to pass on curves, etc. Dont ride your breaks or you will lose your breaks... use 1st and 2nd gear.

So fly in, get your butt out of San Jose, and you will be fine. Costa Rican's are wonderful people, and you will have a great time. Dont flash your money, and dont be stupid... but outside of San Jose you dont have a whole lot to worry about.