Is Costa Rica Safe for Travelers in 2025? A Candid Safety Guide from a Frequent Visitor - Xplrverse

Introduction: My Costa Rican Safety Journey

The first time I visited Costa Rica back in 2017, I had my phone snatched right out of my hand on a bus in San José. I was devastated, not just for the lost device but for the photos I hadn’t backed up. Fast forward to my seventh visit last month, and I’m comfortably navigating even the most “questionable” neighborhoods with confidence. Why? Because I’ve learned that Costa Rica’s reputation as Central America’s safest country is well-deserved—when you understand the nuances.

I’ve spent a cumulative 14 months exploring Costa Rica over the years, from the misty cloud forests of Monteverde to the sun-drenched beaches of Manuel Antonio, and I’ve experienced firsthand how safety concerns can shape a traveler’s experience. This guide distills everything I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—about staying safe while embracing the pura vida lifestyle.

Costa Rica Safety Overview for 2025

Let’s start with the bottom line: Costa Rica remains one of the safest countries in Central America for travelers in 2025. The country continues to maintain its status as a stable democracy with no standing army, a commitment that dates back to 1949. While petty theft exists (as I learned during that first trip), violent crime against tourists is relatively rare.

Latest Safety Statistics

According to the latest data from the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT), incidents involving tourists decreased by 11% between 2023 and 2024, and the trend continues to improve in early 2025. The country received over 3 million visitors in 2024 with less than 1% reporting any safety incidents.

Here’s how Costa Rica compares to neighboring countries in the region:

Country	Homicide Rate (per 100k)	Robbery Rate	Tourist Safety Rating
Costa Rica	11.4	Medium	High
Panama	11.2	Medium	High
Nicaragua	8.3	Medium	Medium
Honduras	38.6	High	Low
El Salvador	36.9	High	Low

Source: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2024

Travel Advisories in 2025

As of April 2025, the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Costa Rica, which means “exercise increased caution.” This is the same level assigned to many popular European destinations like France and Italy. The U.K. Foreign Office similarly advises basic precautions but notes that “most visits are trouble-free.”

Pro tip: Always check the latest travel advisories before your trip, as conditions can change. I’ve found that registering with my embassy through their STEP program provides peace of mind and updates while I’m traveling.

San José: Navigating the Capital Safely

When I first arrived in San José in 2017, I found it intimidating—a sprawling city with neighborhoods that vary dramatically in safety. Now, it’s where I base myself for the first few days of any Costa Rican trip, using it as a gateway to the rest of the country.

Safe Areas vs. Areas to Avoid

San José, like any capital city, has its share of high-crime areas. Here’s my neighborhood safety breakdown:

Safer Neighborhoods

Escazú – Upscale area with excellent security, shopping centers, and restaurants
Santa Ana – Similar to Escazú but more residential and relaxed
Barrio Escalante – The city’s gastronomic hub with trendy restaurants and good street lighting
San Pedro – University district with youthful energy and generally safe during daytime

Exercise Caution

La Sabana – Safe during the day, especially around the park, but be vigilant at night
Downtown/El Centro – Fine during business hours but becomes sketchy after dark
Barrio Amón – Historic architecture but borders some rougher areas

Areas to Avoid, Especially at Night

La Carpio
Los Guido
León XIII
Desamparados

Transportation Safety in San José

I’ve tried every form of transportation in the capital, and each comes with its own safety considerations:

Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Always use official red taxis with yellow triangles, which are regulated. I’ve had excellent experiences with Uber and DiDi in 2025, which often feel safer than hailing taxis on the street since there’s a digital record of your trip.

A 15-minute taxi ride within San José typically costs between 3,000-4,500 colones (about $5-8 USD). Uber is usually 10-15% cheaper.

Public Buses

Bus routes cover the entire city and are incredibly affordable (about 400 colones or less than $1 USD per ride). However, buses are notorious for pickpocketing. In fact, that’s exactly where I lost my phone in 2017—I was checking Google Maps when someone snatched it at a crowded stop.

Personal mistake: I once fell asleep on a night bus from San José to Tamarindo with my backpack at my feet instead of on my lap. When I woke up, my pack was open and my camera was gone. Now I always wear a money belt for valuables and keep my daypack on my lap with a strap wrapped around my arm or leg.

Coastal and Rural Safety: Beyond the Capital

Costa Rica’s magic really happens outside San José. I’ve found that tourist destinations generally have strong security presence, but certain precautions remain important.

Pacific Coast Safety

The Pacific coast hosts Costa Rica’s most popular beaches and tourist towns. Here’s my safety assessment of key destinations:

High Safety Rating

Manuel Antonio – Solid infrastructure, well-patrolled beaches, but watch for opportunistic theft when swimming
Tamarindo – Tourist-friendly with good lighting and security, though I avoid the beach after dark
Nosara – Expat community with strong neighborhood watch programs

Moderate Safety (Extra Caution Needed)

Jacó – Popular but has a higher petty crime rate and some drug activity after dark
Puerto Viejo (South Caribbean) – Generally friendly but property crime exists
Santa Teresa – Growing rapidly with some reported home invasions in isolated rentals

Water Safety and Beach Risks

One of Costa Rica’s most underestimated dangers isn’t crime—it’s nature itself. The Pacific coast has powerful rip currents that claim lives every year.

During my 2021 trip, I witnessed a near-drowning at Playa Conchal when a tourist ignored the red flags marking dangerous conditions. Local lifeguards performed an impressive rescue, but it was a sobering reminder that the ocean demands respect.

Beach Safety Tips

Always heed colored flag warnings (red = dangerous conditions)
Ask locals about hidden underwater hazards
Never swim alone or while intoxicated
Be especially cautious at beaches without lifeguards (like Dominical and parts of Santa Teresa)

Rainforest and Volcano Adventures

Costa Rica’s interior, with its volcanoes, cloud forests, and national parks, is generally very safe from a crime perspective. The bigger risks are environmental:

Getting lost on trails (I recommend using the AllTrails app with downloaded maps)
Wildlife encounters (keep a respectful distance from all animals)
Flash flooding during rainy season (May-November)
Heat exhaustion and dehydration

When hiking in Corcovado National Park in 2023, our guide pointed out fresh puma tracks. While these encounters are rare, hiking with certified guides significantly reduces risks and enhances your experience through their knowledge.

Common Safety Concerns and Practical Tips

Petty Theft Prevention

After visiting seven times, I’ve developed a routine that has kept me incident-free since my first unfortunate phone snatching:

I use a slash-proof crossbody bag for daily excursions (Pacsafe makes great options)
I never take original documents out; instead, I carry photocopies and keep originals in my hotel safe
I use a cheap “decoy wallet” with a small amount of cash for daily spending
I avoid displaying expensive cameras or phones conspicuously
I use Apple AirTags hidden in my luggage (this saved me when my bag was misplaced during a domestic flight in 2024)

Insider money-saving tip #1: Rather than paying for expensive hotel safes or safety deposit boxes (some charge up to $10/day), I purchased a portable travel safe pouch with a combination lock for $25. It has a steel cable that secures to fixed furniture, perfect for accommodations without safes.

Transportation Safety Beyond San José

Rental Cars

Driving in Costa Rica gives you tremendous freedom but comes with challenges. Roads can be rough, signage poor, and GPS unreliable in remote areas. Since my first rental car adventure in 2019, I’ve learned:

Always opt for full insurance coverage despite the cost (typically $20-30/day extra)
Never leave anything visible in your parked car
Use guarded parking lots (parqueos) whenever possible (usually 1,000-2,000 colones or $2-4 USD per hour)
A 4×4 vehicle is essential for many destinations, especially in the rainy season
Download offline Google Maps before your trip

Insider money-saving tip #2: Rental cars can be outrageous after fees (often doubling the advertised price). For trips longer than two weeks, I use Facebook expat groups to find locals renting their personal vehicles for 30-40% less than commercial agencies. I’ve done this twice with excellent results, though it requires thorough documentation and clear communication.

Shuttles and Tourist Buses

Shared and private shuttles between major destinations are generally very safe. Companies like Interbus and Caribe Shuttle provide door-to-door service at reasonable prices (typically $45-65 USD per person for most routes).

Domestic Flights

After a particularly grueling 8-hour bus ride from San José to Puerto Jiménez in 2018, I’ve often opted for domestic flights with Sansa or Skyway. These flights use small planes (12-19 passengers) and significantly cut travel time. While tickets cost $70-180 USD one-way, the time saved and spectacular views make them worthwhile for distant destinations.

Insider money-saving tip #3: Domestic airlines often run last-minute sales to fill empty seats. If your schedule is flexible, check their websites 2-3 days before your intended travel date for discounts up to 40%. I scored a $55 flight from Drake Bay to San José in 2022 this way (normal price: $120).

Digital Security and Scams

Costa Rica has seen an increase in sophisticated scams targeting tourists, especially in the digital realm:

Fake rental listings on Airbnb and VRBO (always check reviews carefully)
Credit card skimming at gas stations and some restaurants
“Helpful” strangers offering to help at ATMs
QR code scams at restaurants (that lead to fake payment sites)

In Tamarindo in 2024, I nearly fell for a QR code payment scam at a beachfront restaurant. The server brought a receipt with a QR code to “pay directly from your phone.” Fortunately, I noticed the URL looked suspicious and paid in cash instead. Later, I learned that several tourists had their credit card information stolen through similar fake payment portals.

Digital Security Tips

Use credit cards (not debit cards) for purchases, as they offer better fraud protection
Set up mobile alerts for all transactions
Use a VPN when connecting to public WiFi
Pay in cash when possible, especially at small establishments

Special Considerations for Different Travelers

Solo Female Travelers

My wife has traveled solo in Costa Rica twice, and while she felt generally safe, she adopted specific strategies:

She avoided walking alone after dark, even in tourist areas
She dressed modestly in cities to avoid unwanted attention (catcalling does happen)
She joined group tours for remote hikes rather than going alone
She used women-only dorm rooms in hostels when budget traveling
She found the phrase “Estoy esperando a mi esposo” (I’m waiting for my husband) useful when receiving unwanted attention

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Costa Rica legalized same-sex marriage in 2020 and generally has progressive attitudes compared to some neighboring countries. My gay friends who visited in 2023 reported feeling comfortable and welcome in tourist areas, though they exercised discretion in more rural or conservative communities.

San José has a visible LGBTQ+ scene centered around Barrio Escalante and La California neighborhoods. Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast is known as the country’s most LGBTQ+ friendly beach destination.

Families with Children

I’ve traveled with my nieces and nephews (ages 5-12) twice, and Costa Rica is wonderfully family-friendly. Key safety considerations include:

Sun protection is critical—the equatorial sun is intense year-round
Insect-borne illnesses like dengue fever exist (use repellent consistently)
Some wildlife looks harmless but isn’t (teach children not to touch animals or plants)
Many adventure activities have minimum age requirements

Health Safety and Emergency Resources

Medical Facilities and Healthcare

Costa Rica has excellent healthcare by regional standards, though quality varies significantly between urban and rural areas.

Major Hospitals with English-Speaking Staff

Hospital Clínica Bíblica (San José) – Private hospital with international accreditation
Hospital La Católica (San José) – Private facility with modern equipment
Hospital México (San José) – The main public hospital
CIMA Hospital (Liberia) – Private hospital serving Guanacaste province

In smaller towns, you’ll find basic EBAIS clinics (public primary care facilities) and private clinics. I visited a private clinic in Puerto Viejo for a minor infection in 2022 and was impressed with the care, which cost just 30,000 colones (about $55 USD) including medication.

Travel Insurance Requirements

As of 2025, Costa Rica no longer requires COVID-related insurance for entry, but comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. A medical evacuation from a remote area to San José can cost thousands of dollars.

Sustainability tip that saves money: Instead of buying disposable bottles of insect repellent and sunscreen (which often contain chemicals harmful to Costa Rica’s delicate ecosystems), invest in reef-safe mineral sunscreen and natural repellents before your trip. They last longer, work better, and won’t damage the environment. I use Badger sunscreen and Raw Elements products.

Emergency Numbers and Resources

Keep these essential numbers saved in your phone and written down:

911 – General emergency (operators often speak English)
2221-5855 – Tourist Police
2777-0126 – Red Cross
2257-7633 – National Insurance Institute (INS) for roadside assistance
2506-8000 – U.S. Embassy in San José

The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) also operates tourist information offices in major destinations with English-speaking staff who can assist with safety concerns.

Natural Disaster Risk and Seasonal Considerations

Costa Rica sits in an active seismic zone and experiences a distinct rainy season that can create hazards for travelers.

Earthquake Safety

Minor earthquakes are common, though major damaging quakes are rare. During a 5.3 magnitude tremor in Monteverde in 2022, I learned the importance of identifying exit routes in buildings. If you feel an earthquake:

Drop to the ground
Take cover under sturdy furniture
Hold on until the shaking stops
Stay away from windows and exterior walls
If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and trees

Rainy Season Precautions (May-November)

The green season brings lush landscapes but also flash floods, landslides, and road closures. In 2020, I was stranded for two extra days in Drake Bay when heavy rains washed out the only access road.

If traveling during rainy season:

Book accommodations with good elevation (not in flood-prone areas)
Check weather forecasts daily
Build flexibility into your itinerary
Consider travel insurance with “trip interruption” coverage
Pack quick-dry clothing and waterproof bags for electronics

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Costa Rica Safety Action Plan

After seven visits and countless adventures, I can confidently say that Costa Rica is safe for travelers who take basic precautions. The overwhelming majority of visitors experience nothing but the warmth of Costa Rican hospitality and the magic of its incredible biodiversity.

Follow this 5-step plan to maximize safety during your 2025 Costa Rica adventure:

Prepare strategically: Research your specific destinations, register with your embassy’s travel program, purchase comprehensive travel insurance, and download offline maps.
Pack defensively: Bring a money belt, slash-proof bag, luggage locks, first-aid supplies, and copies of important documents.
Stay situationally aware: Maintain the same level of vigilance you would in any unfamiliar place. Trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
Connect locally: Learn basic Spanish phrases, respect local customs, seek advice from accommodation staff, and consider hiring local guides for remote adventures.
Enjoy responsibly: Costa Rica’s laid-back atmosphere might tempt you to let your guard down completely. By all means enjoy the pura vida lifestyle, but maintain moderation with alcohol and be cautious with new acquaintances.

Costa Rica showed me that paradise doesn’t have to be dangerous. By balancing reasonable caution with openness to adventure, you’ll discover why so many travelers—myself included—return to this remarkable country again and again.

¡Pura Vida! (Pure Life!) isn’t just a saying in Costa Rica—it’s an attitude that encompasses enjoying life’s simple pleasures while taking care of yourself and others. With the right preparation, you’ll be well-positioned to embrace this philosophy during your 2025 Costa Rican journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Costa Rica

Is it safe to drink tap water in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has generally good water quality in most developed areas. I personally drink tap water in most parts of San José, the Central Valley, and major tourist destinations without issues. However, water quality can vary in more remote regions and during heavy rains. When in doubt, opt for bottled or filtered water.

Are there dangerous animals I should worry about?

While Costa Rica has venomous snakes, scorpions, and spiders, encounters resulting in serious injury are rare. In seven visits, I’ve seen numerous snakes but always from a safe distance. Wear closed shoes when hiking, use a flashlight at night, check shoes before putting them on, and always hike with a guide in dense jungle areas.

Is it safe to use credit cards in Costa Rica?

Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but card skimming does occur. I use cash for smaller purchases and credit cards only at established businesses. Always keep the card in sight during transactions. Notify your bank of travel plans and set up transaction alerts to quickly catch any unauthorized charges.

Are tourist police helpful if I have problems?

The Policía Turística (Tourist Police) are specially trained officers who often speak English and patrol major tourist areas. In my experience, they’re professional and helpful, particularly for translation assistance when filing reports. Their presence has increased in popular destinations for 2025.

Is it safe to use ATMs in Costa Rica?

Use ATMs inside banks during business hours when possible, as these have additional security. Always check for skimming devices before inserting your card. I prefer to make fewer, larger withdrawals to minimize fees and exposure. The safest ATMs are typically found in shopping malls and bank lobbies.

How safe is public transportation between cities?

Intercity buses are generally safe but remain vigilant with your belongings. I’ve taken overnight buses several times without incident by keeping valuables on my person (never in overhead storage) and using a small cable lock to secure my backpack to the seat frame when sleeping.

What should I do if I’m robbed or experience a crime?

Report the incident immediately to the local police (Fuerza Pública) and obtain a copy of the report for insurance purposes. Contact your embassy or consulate if you need assistance with replacement documents. Tourist police can help with translation during the reporting process.

References and Additional Resources

For the most current information on traveling safely in Costa Rica, consult these resources: