Is it safe to vacation in Costa Rica right now?

We've reviewed our advice for Costa Rica. We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution. We now advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Costa Rica due to high levels of violent crime.



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When it comes to security, Costa Rica is generally a safe place for travelers. Still, visitors should be aware of potential dangers before starting their journey. It is important to take the necessary precautions, as in any urban city, to stay safe while traveling in this beautiful country.

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You're probably wondering how safe IS travel to Costa Rica right now? At this point in time, traveling in general is not recommended by the CDC, because, you know, #pandemic. Because of that, we can't explicitly recommend that you go ahead and travel during a pandemic.

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Although some places in Mexico are getting more expensive (Cancun and Tulum), generally speaking, it is much easier to travel Mexico on a budget. Is Mexico or Costa Rica safer? Costa Rica is considered to be safer than Mexico, with lower crime rates and political stability.

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Costa Rica is already on many people's radar as it truly is a fantastic place to visit, with incredible diversity, beaches, rainforest, wildlife, and something for everybody - well, almost everybody!

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If you're wondering ?Is Costa Rica expensive??, the answer is yes and no. Compared to other Central American countries like Nicaragua or El Salvador, Costa Rica is generally more on the expensive side. It's pretty well-developed and has a thriving tourism industry, so things do cost more.

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FAQ on Mexico vs Costa Rica Although some places in Mexico are getting more expensive (Cancun and Tulum), generally speaking, it is much easier to travel Mexico on a budget. Is Mexico or Costa Rica safer? Costa Rica is considered to be safer than Mexico, with lower crime rates and political stability.

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The safest places to stay in Costa Rica are:
  • Drake Bay – a good family destination.
  • Tamarindo – great for an all-encompassing beach experience.
  • Puerto Viejo – a romantic destination.
  • Liberia – near the wonderful Nicoya peninsula.
  • Jaco* – rich in expat communities (see notes)


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Safest places to visit in Costa Rica:
  • Manuel Antonio.
  • Monteverde.
  • Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
  • Dota, Savegre Valley, Costa Rica.
  • Puerto Jim?nez, Drake Bay, Corcovado, Costa Rica.
  • Tortuguero.
  • Arenal Volcano & surrounding areas.


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CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Costa Rica take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.

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The mosquitoes that spread Zika usually do not live at altitudes above 6,500 feet because of environmental conditions. Although there is a risk of Zika in Costa Rica, travelers whose itineraries are limited to areas above this altitude are at minimal risk of getting Zika from a mosquito.

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The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter.

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Costa Rica has clinched the top spot as the safest country in Latin America, according to the latest update of the Global Peace Index. With its low violent crime rate and stable political environment, it stands out as a haven of security in a region grappling with security challenges.

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We recommend spending 10 days to two weeks in Costa Rica, as this timeframe will give you enough time to cover all the major highlights while also including time for traveling from one destination to another.

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Tap water in Costa Rica is generally clean and safe to drink. In some areas of the country, though, mainly on the Caribbean side and in non-touristy pockets around the country, it's best to stick to bottled water.

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