The Safest Places in Costa Rica in 2024

Is a trip to Costa Rica with your kids on your bucket list, but you are a little concerned about safety and traveling with your family? We were as well, but after visiting several times with our family of five it has now become one of our favorite destinations!

The fact is that Costa Rica is generally a safe place, but you need to know where is safe and where is well…less safe…when you’re planning a vacation with your family. We’ve been going to Costa Rica for many years now and are happy to share our list of the safest places in Costa Rica, as well as some of the places to avoid (or at least be a bit more cautious).

Is Costa Rica Safe?

Again, Costa Rica is a reasonably safe place overall and thousands of families visit every year. According to the Global Peace Index, Costa Rica was named one of the four safest tourist destinations in Latin American countries in 2022. Nevertheless, there is some crime in Costa Rica and in 2023, the State Department placed Costa Rica on the “Level 2” travel warning list. This doesn’t mean don’t go, it just means “excise increased caution”, mostly regarding where you go in the country.

For reference, other countries on the Level 2 list include France, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Germany. Places you probably wouldn’t think twice about going. You just need to use common sense, follow basic safety protocols like you would anywhere, and stick to the safer locations.

That is why we generated the list below, which is based on our travel experiences, cross referencing that with some desktop research on statistics, and talking to our expat friends who live in Costa Rica full time.

The 6 Safest Places to Visit in Costa Rica…

1. Drake Bay

Located in the southwestern region of Costa Rica,Drake Bay is also known as Bahía Drake (it’s pronounced “Drah-kay”). There is a ton of great activities for families and our kids loved it as toddlers, and now as teenagers they love exploring on their own.

Drake Bay is comparatively remote and quiet, but it still has some great amenities for families. Its size, location, and focus on eco-tourism make it the safest place on our list. Playa Colorada is Drake Bay’s primary beach which is tranquil and beautiful. The small village has some great restaurants, markets and an ice cream shop.

Our Top Recommendations in Drake Bay, Costa Rica…

🌴 Aguila de Osa Rainforest & Marine Adventure Lodge: is our favorite place to stay in Drake Bay and we highly recommend it! It is an incredible resort for families and an ideal place to enjoy your time in Costa Rica. The lodge is surrounded by incredible wildlife, they serve delicious food and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

The rooms are cozy with beautiful terraces looking out over the forrest, and hammocks to relax in and listen to the wildlife. You also have access to many hiking trails and kayaks which is a fun and easy activity with kiddos of all ages.

🌴 Cano Island Biological Reserve: If you visit Drake Bay this day trip is an absolute must! This excursion takes you on a short boat ride out to Cano Island which is a stunning small island off the coast and a nature reserve.

After you arrive you get to snorkel freely where you’ll be transported to a breathtaking underwater world with crystal-clear water and see incredible biodiversity including dolphins, manta rays and sea turtles. Our kids still talk about this experience after going several years back.

🌴 Corcovado National Park: This national park is like no other on the planet. Our kids absolutely love spending hours here because the wildlife is incredible. It is named the most biologically intense place on earth and the forrest is dense and full of waterfalls, and hundreds of types of mammals including sloths and squirrel monkeys.

You will also see beautiful birds including woodpeckers and toucans! The guides on this tour are very knowledgeable and make the experience so much better by educating you and your family about this incredible part of the planet.

🌴 Lastly, when in town be sure to check out Kalaluna Bistro for great seafood and pasta.

Drake Bay is a place like no other and even after traveling the world still tops our list as one of our favorite places on the planet. It is safe and remarkable and we know you and your family will have an incredible time while also staying safe!

2. Tamarindo

One of the most beautiful (and increasingly popular) spots in Costa Rica is Tamarindo, situated on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. This location is very different from Drake Bay mentioned above but with its own unique appeal. Tamarindo not only has world class surf, it’s also very safe with an active and fun vibe… and a lot to do!

But because it is a popular tourist destination, you should keep an eye open for pickpockets and don’t leave valuables on the beach while you’re surfing or in the water. But other than the occasionally pick pocket Tamarindo is an exceptionally safe spot in Costa Rica where there is a lot of fun to be had.

Our Top Recommendations in Tamarindo, Costa Rica…

Tamarindo has a huge variety of activities available including water sports, kayaking, snorkeling, sports fishing and more! Here is a full list of things to do in Tamarindo.

🌊 Our favorite activity is easily a tour of the waterfalls where you get a tour of the lush rainforest and you get to swim in the most beautiful pools and waterfalls.

🌊 We also recommend a surf lesson with the most incredible local coaches. Even if you are just a beginner you will have a really fun time experiencing what surfing in Tamarindo is all about and spending time out in the warm blue waters of the Pacific.

🌊 The Coast Beachfront Hotel is an economical and great place to stay right on the beach.

You will have a blast in this safe and family friendly part of Costa Rica!

3. Atenas

Atenas is an agricultural village about 30 minutes outside of San Jose, Costa Rica where life moves at a leisurely pace and you get a chance to interact with locals in a much more authentic way. We much prefer staying here compared to San Jose as it is close by the city and all the amenities, but far less congested and busy.

Atenas is very safe, great for families, and is home to quite a few expats as well. Atenas offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the more touristed locations with some of the friendliest people. Locals in Atenas like to brag that they have the best climate in the world!

The region certainly has some of the best coffee in the world, so be sure to try a cup while you are there. Atenas also has a great weekly farmers market with beautiful organic produce from local farmers. There are some beautiful country homes around Atenas and some great vacation rentals to be had.

Atenas isn’t necessarily a tourist destination (which is why we like it), but rather a place to spend longer stretches of time for very little money, or perhaps to just stop in to get a much more authentic experience of Costa Rica. Last year we rented a house for several months and used it as our oasis to explore the entire country!

Our Top Recommendations in Atenas, Costa Rica…

🌴 We rented this estate for an extremely reasonable price for two months and used it as our home base as we explored all around the country. It is in a gated neighborhood, very safe and has exceptional views. It is a peaceful and cost effective alternative to staying in the busier parts of Costa Rica.

🌴 We rented this car while we were there and used it to explore the entire country. We drove to the ocean, mountains and waterfalls on a daily basis and it was a great way to have flexibility and freedom to explore all that Costa Rica has to offer. It was also shockingly cheap (as in like $5 a day cheap!)

🌴 Our favorite time of year to go is in the fall or early spring when the crowds have thinned out and we have the place to ourselves. We always get the best airfare this time of year as well and there are huge savings to be had.

Atenas is a safe, authentic and cost effective way to visit Costa Rica especially for longer periods of time.

4. Escazu and Santa Ana

If you want to stay in San Jose where there are more amenities, activities and restaurants the neighborhoods of Escazu and Santa Ana are a great option. These areas of Costa Rica are very safe, have beautiful views and a lot to do and see.  We love these spots because there are stunning views from the mountains and a lot of mountain biking and hiking to be had.

Escazu is conveniently located near San Jose’s downtown, and has fantastic shopping, lovely homes, and a wide variety of restaurants, clubs, and nightlife options. There is traditional Costa Rican charm in Escazu, but with more modern amenities.

And Santa Ana offers a traditional farmers’ markets and charming shops that offer fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique finds sold by locals. I love making a point of shopping here when we visit to find one of a kind gifts in Costa Rica to bring back home. Both Escazu and Santa Ana are lovely, modern and extremely safe parts of Costa Rica.

Our Top Recommendations in Escazu and Santa Ana, Costa Rica…

🌺 For an upscale stay, check out Hotel Alta Las Polomas which is far enough out of the city to be safe but within striking distance to activities and shopping. This is our hotel when staying in Escazu. It is in a great location, has a wonderful staff and our kids love the pool and running around the grounds.

🌺 Ok, I am including this one because last time we were in Escazu we made a short trip (15 miles) and stayed at this incredible lodge set in the forrest. The Peace Lodge is set in the jungle surrounded by waterfalls and hiking trails. There are infinity pools, great food and the grounds are truly peaceful and serene. Even if you can´t stay the night stop in for a cocktail and take a walk around.

Escazu and Santa Ana are great options if you want a less forested, very safe and more urban experience while visiting Costa Rica.

5. Arenal

Arenal is absolutely stunning and an incredibly safe place to visit. It is also home to a sizable American-expat population. The most dangerous thing about Arenal is the nearby (and active) Arenal volcano! Arenal is a great place for families to explore and take advantage of all the adventure tours, outside activities and one of kind Costa Rican experiences. This is a magical part of Costa Rica that is safe and you will not want to leave!

Our Top Recommendations in Arenal, Costa Rica…

🌋 Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Resort, is a great place to relax after a long forest hike and you can also stay over night. We highly recommend paying them a visit.

🌋 The Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails is a wonderful place for families with walking trails, a great pool, waterfalls, horseback riding and game room. It is one of our favorite places to stay in the area.

🌋 Arenal Volcano: Waterfall Jumping & Extreme Canyoning is a wild and incredibly fun adventure where you jump off cliffs and explore beautiful swimming holes. Be sure to try it and you will make amazing memories for your whole family.

🌋 Lastly, our youngest kiddo had a thing for sloths ( I mean who doesn’t) and this tour is with the most knowledgeable local guides (we loved David!) that walks you through the forrest and educates the kiddos on the amazing ecosystem. We also got a chance to see several sloths!

Arenal, Costa Rica is a safe, staggeringly beautiful and amazing place to visit. If you only go here while on your trip to Costa Rica it will have been time we’ll spend.

6. Heredia 

Heredia is only about 20 minutes away from San Jose, but is much more peaceful, quiet and safe. It is actually a historic part of the city and known as the city of flowers. It is essentially a suburb of Costa Rica with a nice pace, lots of amenities but also a rich history.

It is also conveniently located near the airport if you need a transition area on your way out of the country. It also has Ciudad Cariari which is home to the American International School, making it an ideal neighborhood for families living abroad. I recommend staying here as opposed to San Jose if you need to catch an early flight the next morning.

If you can be sure to go on the Cultural Tour and Coffee Roasting Tour in Heredia. Both tours are a great glimpse into authentic life in Costa Rica.

Heredia is a centrally located and safe place to stay in Costa Rica.

Areas To Avoid In Costa Rica…

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America. But like anywhere use caution when traveling and be extra careful at night in places with a reputation for having high crime, as well as parks, poorly lit streets, or neighborhoods where theft is common. Some areas of San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, can be a bit dodgy so stay extra vigilant when visiting.

Some areas to avoid are…

✔ Desamparados

✔ Los Guido, La Carpio

✔ Pavas

✔ Cartago’s El Carmen area

✔ Leon XIII

✔ Alajuela “El Infiernillo” sector

Outside of San Jose, the places below have serious crime rates that are significantly higher than the national average…

✔ Matina

✔ Liberia

✔ Talamanca

✔ Pococí

✔ The neighborhood of Desamparados in San Rafael 

✔ Santa Rosa de Pocosol 

✔ San Carlos, which is a rural area that borders Nicaragua

✔ District of Puntarenas on the Barranca

And generally, crime rates are higher along the Caribbean coast than on the Pacific side. 

10 Safety Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica

1. Passport: Keep it with you unless you have a safe in your room. When you go out, use a neck wallet or fanny pack. Also make sure you have a copy of your passport and all your id on your phone just in case.

2. Heading out: Do not go alone to nightclubs or bars. Go with a group if you can.

3. Night time: Be cautious while venturing out at night, especially if you’re on your own. The downtown areas and busy parts of San Jose can be sketchy. Also don’t carry too much cash on you at once.

4. Driving: Take your time and go slow if you are going to be driving. Some roads are very windy and local cars travel fast.

5. Parking: Most Costa Ricans will place their luggage in the trunk if they need to leave belongings in the vehicle. Make sure passer byers can’t see what you have in the car.

6. Crowds: When you’re in a busy place, hold on tight to your phone and wallet. Another option is to store it in a purse or pocket with a zipper. Although pickpocketing is not that common, it does occur in touristed areas.

7. Currency exchange: Do business only with banks and official money exchange operations

8. Split up your cash strategically: Don’t put all your cash in the same place. Split it up in your luggage and between wallets. Do the same with your credit cards. Like this if something gets taken they didn’t get it all.

9. Don’t act like you’re lost: If you look confused, you tend to stand out.

10. Transportation: When you can, use the private shuttle service offered by your hotel or tour group.

Safe Areas in Costa Rica : FAQ

How Do I Deal With Street Hawkers and Aggressive Salespeople?

People from Costa Rica are very friendly and helpful, but sometimes the street vendors can be a bit aggressive. They are this way with everyone and walking away is all it takes to avoid them trying to sell you something.

Is Costa Rica Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

As a woman traveling alone, you always need to exercise caution. Here are a few general tips to stay safe….

• Always act confidently, regardless of how you may actually feel. Appearing lost and disoriented is a guaranteed way to draw unwelcome attention. This is true anywhere!
• Don’t hesitate to ask other people for help if you need it
• Avoid dimly lit places
• Keep emergency numbers handy
• Communicate your whereabouts
• Be careful when drinking and always keep an eye on your drink. Never walk home alone.
• Explore essential Tips for Traveling Alone as a Woman for a confident and safe adventure.

Conclusion 

Remember, Costa Rica is a safe country and you and your family will love it. Just use some common sense, stick to the safe spots, and you will have a fantastic time! There are great deals on airfare from lots of U.S. cities. And say hi to the sloths for me!