Costa Rica has a lot to offer, ranging from national Park to interesting wildlife.
When you are planning your vacation, it pays to know the safest cities.
This way, you can enjoy yourself to the fullest without having to worry about crimes being committed around you.
Crime in Costa Rica is higher than in many other countries, with a crime rate of 11.26 per 100k population.
That does not mean that the country does not have its perks.
There are 10 cities to consider adding to your vacation itinerary, along with a few safety tips that will help you along the way.
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10 Safest Cities in Costa Rica
Knowing about the top 10 safest cities in Costa Rica will make it easier for you to have the time of your life while also focusing on safety.
Puntarenas
Puntarenas is one of the most popular areas of Costa Rica, featuring many all-inclusive resorts.
It is a rural region where there is a very low rate of violence.
Within Puntarenas, you can explore such towns as Montes de Oro and Cotos Brus.
There are all sorts of ways for you to enjoy what Puntarenas has to offer, including clamping sites around the beach.
There are also plenty of water-based activities including snorkeling and diving.
If you want to stay land-based, check out zip lining in Montezuma.
The crime is relatively low during the day as well as at night.
Some of the biggest worries in the area include drug use, vandalism, and theft.
Turrubares
Turrubares is one of the towns around San Jose.
If you want to be in the capital area, you will want to make sure that you are in one of the safe areas – and Turrubares has a lot to offer.
Some of the different things you can look forward to in the area include horseback riding, ATV tours, and countless rainforest adventures.
There are also over 10 hidden waterfalls that you can explore.
This entire town is relatively safe, though if you venture into the heart of San Jose, you will want to exercise extreme caution, particularly at night.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste is an entire region of Costa Rica, and it is considered relatively safe.
You may want to check out the town of Tamarindo, which tends to be one of the more popular tourist destinations in the area.
The region is located in the northwestern part of the country and is home to the Santa Rosa National Park.
You will find over 200 species of birds and calm waters that are ideal for diving and water sports.
Tamarindo only has a population of around 6300, though it is popular with families, surfers, and partygoers alike.
Nandayure
Nandayure is home to quite a few beach resorts, allowing you to relax without a care in the world.
The city is found within the region of Guanacaste, and it is one of the safer areas where you can visit.
There are less than 12k people, which ensures that you do not have to worry about a lot of crowds.
The prices are affordable in this area, too, so you can enjoy a family vacation without spending a lot.
In addition to visiting the beaches, you can spend a lot of your time hiking and exploring the stunning forests.
Dota
Dota is found within the San Jose province and is full of options for hikers, photographers, and those who love to fish.
The population is only 7900, though it is always packed with tourists.
The area is considered very safe – in all of 2020, there was only one violent crime committed.
You can enjoy Dota as a way to achieve some serenity, complete with a mountain backdrop.
Hojancha
Hojancha is considered one of the newer towns in Costa Rica because it was founded in 1971.
While it is not too fancy, it is one of the safer places that you can visit – and the population sits at around 4600.
A visit to this town will provide you with access to both histories as well as nature.
You can spend your time on the rivers as well as diving deep into the fields where the locals cultivate various types of fruit and beans.
San Marcos
San Marcos is one of the more rural areas that you can escape to – and there is a lot of hustle and bustle provided by the tourists.
In 2020, there were no murders and only three violent crimes committed, which shows that it is a safe place for you to enjoy.
There are restaurants and hotels abundantly scattered throughout San Marcos.
The main attraction in this town is coffee – and you will find tours to the coffee fields as well as plenty of coffee shops offering up the goods.
Puerto Jimenez
Puerto Jimenez is tucked within the province of Puntarenas.
The population is one of the larger ones on the list at just over 12,000.
While there are more people, it does not equate to more crime.
Only four violent crimes took place in 2020.
This city has a long history of gold mining and logging.
You can spend your days hiking through the rainforests or watching dolphins in the gulf.
You can also enjoy your nights without worrying about crime rates escalating.
San Mateo
San Mateo is in the province of Alajuela.
You will find that this area has some of the most affordable restaurants and hotels, helping to make the most of your trip.
The population is only 3,000, but you will find that the locals are very friendly.
They offer up a wide array of tours so that you can see the coffee fields, the waterfalls, and more of what the area has to offer.
San Vito
San Vito is a heavily populated city of 38,450.
There is always something happening, and you won’t want to forget to check the event calendar.
Crime has dropped drastically in this area – no murders took place in 2020 and there were only 10 violent crimes – low when you consider the large population.
During your time in San Vito, you can tour the waterfalls, visit the botanical gardens, or do some birdwatching.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica
Although crime is high in Costa Rica, there is no reason why you cannot still enjoy a great vacation.
There are some safety tips that you should keep in mind so that you can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to a crime.
Obtain Theft Insurance
When you decide to travel to Costa Rica, obtain locally valid theft insurance, particularly when you rent a vehicle.
This will help to protect against any thefts that happen to the vehicle as well as any valuables that may be left inside of the vehicle.
Only Use Licensed Taxis
If you are going to use taxis to get around a particular city, be sure that you only use licensed taxis.
These are usually red vehicles with medallions – yellow triangles with numbers – painted on the side of the vehicle.
Licensed taxis that are hailed from the airport have an orange color scheme.
All licensed taxis should be equipped with working door handles, locks, meters, and seatbelts.
Know Some of the Top Scams
There are quite a few scams that are common throughout Costa Rica and knowing about them will make it easier for you to avoid such situations.
Many thieves will work in groups as a way to set up their victims.
For example, one crime includes puncturing tires.
A “good Samaritan” will come over to help you – and their associates will work to rob you and empty any and all valuables from the car.
Be Proactive
Follow some basic common sense guidelines as you travel throughout Costa Rica.
Do not walk or hike alone, especially in crowded areas.
Do not carry large amounts of cash on you, and avoid carrying any valuables, including jewelry or expensive photography equipment.
Avoid Visiting Popular Areas at Night
Some of the most popular cities in Costa Rica are only safe during daylight hours.
For example, the downtown area of San Jose can be extremely dangerous after dark.
As such, consider doing all of your sightseeing during the day.
In the evening, stay within the trusted sanctuary of your hotel or resort.
Sources
- Costa Rica: Kidnapping Rate
- Costa Rica Crime Rate & Statistics
- Costa Rica Travel Information
- Safest Counties of Costa Rica are in…
Costa Rica Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Costa Rica Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dangerous city in Costa Rica?
The most dangerous city is identified as Santa Rita de Alajuela, otherwise known as “El Infiernillo.”
Various neighborhoods within this city are infamous for violent crimes being committed inside them.
Is kidnapping common in Costa Rica?
The kidnapping rate in Costa Rica is .2 per 100,000 people.
This means that kidnapping is not very common, so you will not have much to worry about in that regard.
Are there cartels to worry about in Costa Rica?
There are various drug cartels that reside in Costa Rica.
In most instances, they are found in the northern part of the country.
As long as you keep to the most populated and tourist-focused areas, you should not have any encounters with them.
Is Atenas and the surrounding areas safe to live?
I have seen numerous recommendations for both Atenas and Grecia as good places for retirement. Expats already make up about 10% of the population. Check out UTube, searching for Costa Rica subjects and there are also many Facebook groups to check out. I’m 90% sure I’m moving in the next few years!
Costa Rica is known for its stunning landscapes, friendly people, and safe cities. It’s a great destination for anyone seeking both adventure and peace of mind.
These cities are a testament to the efforts of local communities and law enforcement working together to ensure the well-being of residents and visitors.
It’s wonderful to see a list of the safest cities in Costa Rica. Safety is a top concern for travelers around the world and as a traveler, I always research first.
I always think of Costa Rica as one of my favorite places to travel since the people there are so nice and the travel spots are always clean!
We are going to travel here with my hubby for our anniversary this coming December and I think this is going to be one of the best places we will visit.