Last updatedOct 17, 2026 · 5:48 PM (UTC)
Is Costa Rica Safe?
No destination is simply safe or unsafe. Risks vary by city, neighborhood, and circumstance - and conditions can change quickly. The key is understanding those risks and knowing how to navigate them.
Overview
The primary risk to travelers in Costa Rica is petty crime, which is common in tourist areas; violent crime remains lower than in many neighboring countries and rarely affects foreign nationals.
Crime rates are highest in San Jose province and Puerto Limón due to drug-trafficking related violence. Costa Rica is vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanic activity, and seasonal hurricanes.
Protests and civil unrest are generally peaceful but can cause disruptions, particularly in urban areas like San José.
Road conditions may be poor in rural areas, particularly during the rainy season which runs from May to November.
Costa Rica
Safety by City
Safety conditions vary across Costa Rica. Explore city-level scores and neighborhood intelligence for popular destinations.
Neighborhood Safety in Costa Rica
Safety varies considerably within cities. Below are example neighborhoods from destinations covered by Outroad. Scores reflect assessed areas, not every neighborhood.
Higher Safety Scores
Neighborhoods with relatively higher Safety Scores.
Lower Safety Scores
Neighborhoods with relatively lower Safety Scores or specific concerns.
Risk Profile
Explore the key risks and considerations for traveling in Costa Rica.
- Petty crimes like pickpocketing and car theft are common in tourist-heavy areas like downtown San José, national parks, and near beaches.
- Drug-trafficking related violence is increasingly affecting San Jose province, travelers should exercise caution, particularly after dark. In San Jose, higher-risk neighborhoods such as Desamparados, Pavas, and Hospital should be visited during daylight hours only.
- Muggings and theft are a significant issue, particularly in San José, Puerto Limón, and the popular tourist areas like Jaco, Quepos, and Manuel Antonio. Avoid leaving valuables in cars and reduce displays of wealth.
- Criminals committing robbery or burglary often carry firearms or other weapons; if confronted, remain calm and avoid resisting to reduce the risk of injury.
- Express kidnapping, though rare, involves criminals briefly abducting victims in urban areas to force them to withdraw money from ATMs. Travelers should use secure ATMs (i.e., those located inside banks or hotels) and avoid unofficial or unlicensed taxis.
- Drink spiking can occur near bars and clubs, with some cases leading to robbery or assault.
- Violent crime linked to drug trafficking has increased in areas near ports such as Limón. Shootings and gang violence are more prevalent in these regions.
- Road conditions can be hazardous, especially during the rainy season when landslides and potholes are common. For rural or mountainous areas, a 4x4 is essential due to unpaved roads and challenging terrain. Avoid driving at night, as road conditions and visibility are poor on rural roads.
- Official taxis are red with yellow triangles, and airport taxis are orange. Avoid using unlicensed taxis, as there is a risk of robbery. Rideshare options like Uber and Didi are popular, safe, and reliable.
- Public transportation is generally safe but unreliable; theft from luggage racks is common. Keep valuables close and in sight.
- The best means of intercity travel in Costa Rica is typically by private shuttle services or domestic flights.
- Costa Rica is located in a seismically active region, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquakes occur frequently, though most are minor. Significant tremors, however, can cause damage and disruption, especially in areas like San José and the Central Valley. In San Jose, book reputable accommodations which are more likely to be built following seismic codes.
- Although Costa Rica is located outside the hurricane belt, it can still be affected by tropical storms and heavy rains during the rainy season (May to November). This can result in flooding, landslides, and road blockages, particularly in the Pacific coast and mountainous regions. Travelers should stay abreast of weather updates throughout the rainy season.
- Several active volcanoes, such as Poas, Arenal, and Rincon de la Vieja, pose risks of eruptions and ash fall. Avoid visiting volcanoes during heavy rainfall.
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