Costa Rica Travel Safety — Elevated Risk – Plan Carefully | TouristAlert.com
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Costa Rica

Updated about 1 month ago
a sunset view of a mountain with clouds and trees
Photo by Outward Bound Costa Rica on Unsplash
Elevated Risk

Plan Carefully

Costa Rica is politically stable and generally peaceful, but crime has risen sharply in recent years, with theft and occasional violent incidents affecting tourists in certain areas. Most visits are trouble-free if you plan carefully, avoid nightlife risk traps, secure valuables, and take road, ocean, and wildlife hazards seriously.

Key Risks
  • Petty theft and vehicle break-ins at beaches, trailheads, and city parking areas (including smash-and-grab and unattended bags on sand)
  • Robberies and occasional violent crime in parts of San Jose and some nightlife zones, including drugging/scopolamine-style incidents and opportunistic assaults
  • Road safety risks: narrow mountain roads, heavy rain, landslides, aggressive driving, night driving hazards, and high rental-car break-in rates
  • Ocean and adventure hazards: rip currents on Pacific beaches, flash floods near rivers/waterfalls, and injuries on zip-lines/ATV tours with weak operators
  • Seasonal health and nature risks: dengue/chikungunya, heat and dehydration, sun exposure, and earthquakes/volcanic activity plus storms and flooding in rainy season
Daily Costs (USD)
Hostel$28
Hotel$140
Apartment$110
Transport$28
Coffee$3.5
Beer$4.5
Sandwich$8
Dinner (2)$55

Estimates only. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood, and personal spending habits. Always check current prices before travelling.

Safety Scorecard
⚔️Conflict

Armed conflict, military tensions & territorial disputes.

10/10 · Excellent
🚨Terrorism

Risk based on recent threat levels & incidents.

9/10 · Excellent
🔪Violent Crime

Murder, assault, robbery & armed attacks.

5/10 · Fair
🎭Petty Crime & Scams

Pickpocketing, bag-snatching & tourist scams.

3/10 · Poor
🏛️Political Stability

Strength & stability of the government.

9/10 · Excellent
🏥Health

Disease risk, healthcare quality & availability.

7/10 · Good
🌪️Natural Disaster

Earthquake, flood, cyclone & volcanic activity risk.

4/10 · Poor
🚌Infrastructure

Transport safety, roads & emergency services.

6/10 · Fair
🤝Social & Cultural

Welcomeness for solo female & LGBTQ+ travellers.

8/10 · Good
🍽️Food & Water

Food poisoning risk & tap water safety.

8/10 · Good

Scores 1–10 · 10 = best · 1 = worst

Travel News
Weather

Costa Rica Under Orange Alert Due to Intense Rain and Flooding

Costa Rica has declared an orange alert due to intense rainfall, causing 286 flooding incidents across 11 routes. Travelers are advised to avoid mountainous areas and unnecessary travel.

La Catalina· May 3, 2026
Transport

Spirit Airlines Ceases Operations, Affecting Central America Travelers

The shutdown of Spirit Airlines has left travelers in Costa Rica scrambling for alternative flights, potentially causing significant disruptions for those with upcoming travel plans.

TicosLand· May 2, 2026
Weather

Severe Weather Causing Travel Disruptions Across Costa Rica

Ongoing severe weather, including heavy rains, is expected to continue, increasing risks of landslides and traffic disruptions in various regions. Travelers should remain vigilant.

UK Government· May 3, 2026

Updated about 1 month ago

Why Visit?

Costa Rica packs rainforest, volcanoes, cloud forest and two wild coastlines into a compact, easy-to-navigate country with a serious conservation ethos. Come for hummingbird-filled trails, surf towns that glow at sunset, and steamy hot springs beneath perfectly conical peaks.

5 Things To Do
  1. 1
    Arenal Volcano & hot springs

    Hike lava-field viewpoints and rainforest trails, then soak in mineral pools with the volcano’s silhouette on the horizon. Go early for clearer skies and cooler walks.

  2. 2
    Monteverde cloud forest

    Walk suspended bridges through misty canopy where orchids, quetzals and howler monkeys steal the show. Night walks reveal an entirely different cast of frogs, insects and kinkajous.

  3. 3
    Manuel Antonio National Park

    Short trails lead to postcard beaches backed by jungle alive with sloths and capuchins. Arrive at opening time to beat crowds and heat, and keep food sealed from wildlife.

  4. 4
    Tortuguero canals

    Glide by boat through green, bird-rich waterways where caimans, monkeys and basilisk lizards appear at the banks. Turtle nesting season is a highlight when timed responsibly with licensed guides.

  5. 5
    Pacific surf and sunset towns (Tamarindo/Santa Teresa/Dominical)

    Take a lesson on beginner-friendly breaks or chase more powerful waves depending on conditions. Rip-current awareness and respecting ocean flags are non-negotiable.

5-Day Itinerary
1
San Jose & onward logistics

Use San Jose mainly to land, pick up essentials, and sort transport; keep valuables minimal and choose a hotel in a well-reviewed area. If time allows, visit the Gold Museum or Mercado Central, then travel onward before dark.

2
Arenal adventure

Base in La Fortuna for a morning hike at Arenal 1968 or similar trails, then add a waterfall or hanging bridges. End the day in hot springs, reserving ahead for better value and quieter time slots.

3
Monteverde mist and canopy

Travel to Monteverde with daylight to spare; the roads are slow and weather can change fast. Spend the afternoon on a cloud-forest walk and finish with a guided night tour for wildlife spotting.

4
Manuel Antonio beaches and wildlife

Head to the central Pacific and enter the park early for cooler hiking and better animal activity. After the park, unwind on nearby beaches and stick to busy areas; don’t leave bags unattended even for a swim.

5
Choose your coast (surf or rainforest)

Pick a beach town for surf and sunset, or detour to a quieter rainforest reserve depending on season and interests. Keep travel plans flexible for rain, landslides, or road delays, and avoid long drives after dusk.

Things To Know
  • Don’t leave anything in a parked car—use guarded parking, keep the cabin empty, and treat beach/parking-lot theft as the most likely problem.
  • Avoid night driving outside major towns; rain, potholes, unlit roads, and landslides make short distances take much longer than maps suggest.
  • Use ATMs in daylight inside banks/malls, carry small cash, and be cautious with bar tabs and unattended drinks in nightlife areas.
  • Check ocean conditions daily: many Pacific beaches have strong rip currents; swim near lifeguards when available and follow flag systems.
  • Pack mosquito repellent and long sleeves for dawn/dusk, and consider travel insurance that covers adventure activities and medical evacuation.
Kids & Accessibility

Costa Rica is very family-friendly with wildlife parks, calm hot springs, and plenty of small-group tours that work well for kids, though long driving times can be a challenge. Accessibility is mixed: some national parks and modern hotels have ramps and adapted rooms, but sidewalks, steep terrain, and older lodges can be difficult for mobility-impaired travelers; plan with accessible operators and confirm details in writing.