The Papagayo Peninsula — on Costa Rica's Pacific coast — is the best place to stay in Costa Rica if you're looking for an upscale resort experience. Aside from being undeniably beautiful, the Papagayo Peninsula has seen massive development since the 1990s, with luxurious resorts now dotting the picturesque landscape.
If you're an adventure seeker and love exploring the great outdoors, Liberia is the choice for you. If you prefer a more cosmopolitan atmosphere with nightlife and urban experiences, San Jose will be your preferred choice.
Costa Rica is considered to be safer than Mexico, with lower crime rates and political stability. Mexico, unfortunately, still gets a lot of violence due to drug cartels. However with that being said, it is still a safe place, you just have to be a little bit more cautious.
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.
You can have a great time on either side of Costa Rica but here are some reasons why you should visit one over the other. Two of the main reasons why you should visit the Pacific side of Costa Rica over the Caribbean are that there are more choices and a closer proximity to the international airport and attractions.
While you're in Costa Rica: ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times. carry your passport, including the Costa Rican entry stamp received at the immigration entry point.
Costa Rica is generally considered a safe country for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, like any destination, it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Costa Rica - Level 2: Exercise Increased CautionExercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime. Country Summary: While petty crime is the predominant threat for tourists in Costa Rica, violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, occurs in Costa Rica.