Is Costa Rica Safe? My Honest Take After 12 Visits
- Ebonie Finley
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
One of the most common questions I get, even after travelling to Costa Rica about a dozen times, is:
“Is Costa Rica safe?”
It still surprises me, because if you had asked me after my first few visits, I would have said Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America. That is, until I made the mistake of spending five weeks on the East Coast and ended up in a full-on drug lord neighbourhood. Getting to that story in a bit...
So, is Costa Rica safe?
Like most things, the answer isn’t black and white. And as always, I’m giving you the real story, based on real experiences.
How Safe Is Costa Rica Compared to Other Countries?
If we compare Costa Rica to countries like Brazil, then yes, Costa Rica is absolutely safer.
But if we’re comparing it to places like Thailand or Vietnam, I’d say Southeast Asia wins when it comes to safety.
That said, I’ve always felt safe in Costa Rica. As a woman of color, as a solo traveller, as a digital nomad. But just because I felt safe most of the time doesn’t mean I haven’t had some seriously scary moments.
A Party Gone Wrong
My first trip was on a group surf adventure with Barefoot Travel. We explored Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, and fell head over heels for the Pura Vida lifestyle.
On our last night in Tamarindo, we went out partying. I was young, living my best life, dancing with a cute surfer, totally vibing. And that’s when it happened.
Someone slipped a bag of cocaine into my purse while I wasn’t looking. I was tipsy, so I didn’t even notice. Luckily, the surfer I was with saw it, grabbed it discreetly, and handed it over to the police.
Turns out, it was a known tourist scam. Locals would plant drugs on people, then tip off the police and get a cut for "reporting" it.
I still don’t know if we just got lucky with an honest police officer or what, but it was definitely a scary experience. Even so, I chose not to let one bad moment ruin what had otherwise been one of the most amazing trips of my life.
10 Visits Later, a Nightmare in Puerto Viejo
After that, I went back to Costa Rica more than ten times. Solo, with friends, with my partner. No major problems. Until last year, when I decided to explore the East Coast.
I had always stayed on the West Coast, but I was curious about Puerto Viejo. I had heard it was becoming a small digital nomad hub, and I convinced my partner Jamie to rent an Airbnb there for five weeks.
Biggest mistake ever!!!!
We ended up next to a group of drug dealers who sat outside every day, dealing just a few steps from our front door. The Airbnb was down a narrow alley, so we had no choice but to pass by them every time we went out. It felt sketchy from day one.
And before you ask how this didn’t show up in reviews, my negative review was deleted. I assume others were too. Airbnb never helped us. Total nightmare.!!
We were already uncomfortable, but what finally made us leave was when my partner witnessed a shooting at a nightclub. That was the final straw. Within 48 hours, we had packed up and were on a boat headed to Panama.
So is Puerto Viejo safe? Not in my experience. I genuinely felt unsafe, and I would never go back.
Safety on the West Coast of Costa Rica
Now for the good news. If you ask me whether I’ll go back to Costa Rica, the answer is a huge yes — but only to the West Coast.
Places like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa have always felt safe and welcoming. I’ve left my phone and camera on the beach while swimming. I’ve partied, met amazing locals, and embraced slow living without issues.
The West Coast is generally safe, especially if you’re not looking for trouble.
Top Safety Questions I Get (Especially from Solo Female Travelers)
Here are the most common questions I get asked, especially by women:
Is it safe to travel to Costa Rica alone?
Yes, especially on the West Coast. Just use common sense like you would at home.
What kind of things should I avoid?
Don’t walk alone late at night.
Don’t drink and drive.
Don’t get into a random cab if you’re too drunk to remember your name.
Don’t do drugs.
Don’t follow strangers to sketchy places.
Trust your instincts.
Can I walk around alone?
Absolutely, during the day. At sunset, it’s usually fine too. Just avoid walking alone super late at night. Stick with a group or take a taxi.
Can I drive alone?
Yes. I do it all the time. Roads can be rough, but I’ve never had safety issues driving.
What if I get sick or injured?
Always get travel medical insurance, but don’t stress. Costa Rica has decent hospitals, especially in touristy areas. Most doctors speak English, and you’ll get proper care.
What else should I watch out for?
If you’re surfing, ask locals about reef, rocks, or rip currents.Wear shoes in the jungle — red ants will eat your feet alive.And if bugs or reptiles freak you out, brace yourself. You’ll probably see a huge moth, spider, or gecko at least once.
So, Is Costa Rica Safe?
Yes — depending on where you go and how you travel.
I still recommend Costa Rica, and I’ll go back again and again, but only to places I know and trust. The West Coast is a dream, full of kind people, good energy, and incredible nature.
The East Coast, particularly Puerto Viejo, was a disaster for me. I would never recommend it to first-time travellers or solo women.
Safety is never guaranteed anywhere, but with a little awareness and preparation, you can have an amazing, safe experience in Costa Rica.
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments or send me a message. I’m happy to help.
Pura Vida always.
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