How safe is it to travel in Costa Rica?

Question

We are planning to go to Costa Rica for our honeymoon and have been looking into Cosat Rica. I was just wondering how safe the country is in terms of violence and other areas of concern.

Answer 1

Costa Rica is very safe. There is really no violence. The country is safer than the cities, especially the northwest area. There are many resorts and other more economical places to stay in the northwest. Playa Conchal has a beautiful resort, Flamingo Beach also. From there you can get a 4 hour atv ride to a zip line tour and back. A great way to tour the jungle. Manuel Antonio is probably going to be rainy-it usually is. The south east, Jaco, etc, is too commecial-bars, strip joints, etc. Of, course there is thievery in this area and in the cities. The east coast is more rugged and has many Jamacans. The volcanoes are almost always lost in the mist but, the hot springs are great. Make sure you keep a copy of your passport and airline tickets in a really safe place. I would also suggest keeping a couple of $100 bills with that stuff. You will need $27 each cash to pay your export tax to leave the country. There are no ATM's at the airport and they don't accept checks or credit cards there. Most people, in the country, are friendly and non-confrontational.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country. A great place for a honeymoon. Have a great time, wish I was going with you!

Answer 2

Costa Rica is a glorious place. When in San Jose, the capital city, you should simply pay attention like you would in any city. You can run into dodgy situations in San Jose just like New Orleans, or D.C., or Denver, et.al.

The only other warning I would give is--personally--I would stick to the Pacific side of Costa Rica and avoid the Caribbean side. You can't go wrong with Quepos, Manuel Antonio, especially the stretch between Quepos-town and Manuel Antonio National Park. Some great restaurants await you, as well as beautiful beaches.

Answer 3

Fairly safe..although there is one exeption, rental cars. When my parents came to visit me in costa rica they were car jacked and shot at, in what happend to be a running occurance with the rental car companies in costa rica. Be very careful when you rent a car, make sure you pay with credit card or cashier checks. DO NOT flash any money. As a rule of thumb, dont act like a tourist, theives target tourists(ever seen the movie touristas). Just be careful and smart and you should be safe. Dont go to costa rica with a false sense of security because you will get screwed over. Safe Travels.

Answer 4

Costa Rica is very safe, compared to other Latin American countries at least. Im Costa Rican so I travel to CR all the time...the San Jose area is where most of the population is. I would be catious if you decide to travel to Limon, the crime rate tends to be a little higher also i wouldn't travel by the border of CR and Nicaragua it's a bit unstable and there's nothing to do there anyways...Ticos (Costa Ricans) for the most part are acceptings towards Gringos (Americans) although some might take advantage of you if you are not careful try not to look too 'touristy´ don't wear shorts or flip flops it's not very common there except if you go to the beach. If you are traveling to tourist areas such as Jaco or Monteverde you should be fine because there are many tour guides and people that speak english to help you out, so you shouldn't have much trouble. Don't wear too much expensive jewerly and make sure that you keep your passports in a safe place! Other than that CR is a very nice place to visit and i'm sure that you and your spouse will find it very enjoyable!

Answer 5

relax... just stay away from san jose as much as possible. the capital is like any other city big city in the world. is not that heavy but is better to prevent it. you can go around by cak and that won't be no problem. lots of areas there is really safe. besides or outside san jose is fun and better. come and enjoy it...

Answer 6

The folks at this site will provide you with a lot of information. Have them call you and ask them to mail it to you.

They also have wonderful beach front land at unbelievable prices. You don't need to buy anything, just let them provide you with details.

http://www.freedetailsonline.com

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

don't trust anybody, always watch you stuff, carry just the money you need, do not exchange in the street (airport, hotel or bank only). do not walk in San Jose at night, is too dangerous. always ask the price before buying, don't go Limon (carribean side) too dangerous and there is no police protection at all, people here wants to take your money.

I hope you are going to Guanacaste beaches (pacific side) or Arenal volcano (far from san jose)

good luck!

Answer 8

Costa Rica is the safest country of Latin America.

For honeymoon I advice you to not even consider San Jose. If you want to see how the city it's like anyway in just one morning or afternoon you'll get the idea. The American tourists usually hang out around National Theater-Plaza de la Cultura-Grand Hotel Costa Rica area. You can check this area out in the next link: http://www.teatronacional.go.cr/tour.htm...

This particular area it's not dangerous, I see crowds of tourists walking with expensive photo cameras and I've never seen one getting assaulted or anything. (I walk through this area every day on my way back from work). Don't get too far from  this area, cause you may end up on streets that I would never walk on my self. Using common sense yo'll do fine.

Stay away from the Caribbean Cost, this area has (by far) the more serious problems of violent crime.

The Pacific Coast it's my reccomendation for you. You can't go wrong with Guanacaste. This is a beautiful area and as safe as you can get. This part of the country offers a wide range of options.

In Puntarenas (also Pacific Coast) you can go to the Marriot Los Sueños in Playa Herradura (link: http://www.lsrm.com/).

I hope this was of any help.

Answer 9

You are probably much safer in Costa Rica then what you are in the United States!

Yes - they do have some crime - like every place else like purse snatching - which can be avoided by being alert and carrying your purse on a strap around your shoulder for safe measure.

Other than that do not let this idea keep you away from Costa Rica!

It will provide you with a Travel experience you will remember for the rest of your life!

If you can - make sure you visit the Tiquicia Restaurant in the evening that sets up about 4,000 feet in the mountains just outside San Jose for the view of a lifetime with seeing billions of twinking lights from about seven Costa Rican cities in the far off distance!!

Have a Great Trip!

VIVA LA PURA VIDA!

Answer 10

I live in Costa Rica...

But, it is not a very violent country. It is very safe and the people are very warm and friendly. They are always trying to help you.

I believe you will have a wonderful time in Costa Rica.

Answer 11

As a costarrican myself I know that out of all central american countrys Costa Rica is the most safe of all. I went back there a month ago, after 5 years of absence is was kinda scared, because i did not know what to expect, plus my local family had given me so many intructions that freak me out.

If you go to San Jose, just try to keep expensive cams, or other electronics in your backpack, dont let bad guys ( there's no place in the world where you wont find any) think you have money or valuebles with you.

If you are going to drive, in the city (san jose) prepare yourself for some wild driving, kinda like Miami. If you are renting a car get full coverage insurance, and dont forget to take the face off your stereo when you are going to be away from your rental for a long time.

All these is just in San Jose, and most likely you are probably not going there, other than that, dont even worry about anything, just enjoy yourselves, live to the max, there is great things to see!!!, perfect weather, friendly and peacefull people, great clubs!, all night long parties.  Just great!!!!!

                                                       Enjoy Paula.

And the best on your marriage...

Answer 12

Costa Rica  is "Pura Vida".  San Jose is dangerous just like  all big chitys in the world.  Other than that you will be  safe here. Costa Rica disbanned it's army in 1948, and is a very non-violent country with non-violent people.  In fact other then the sheer beauty of the land , it's greatest assest is the people.   Depending  what you are looking for there are many beautiful beaches, or mountain resorts.

Congrats on your upcoming marriage.  Let us know how the honeymoon goes and where you went.