Costa Rica is generally safe, but in 2026, places like Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna (Arenal), and Monteverde are frequently cited as the safest destinations for tourists. Manuel Antonio is compact, well-policed, and highly accustomed to international visitors, making it ideal for families. La Fortuna has excellent infrastructure and a community almost entirely focused on tourism, resulting in very low crime rates. Monteverde offers a quiet, eco-focused atmosphere that is generally perceived as very secure. For beach lovers, Santa Teresa and Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula are known for their relaxed, international surf communities. While the capital, San José, is safe during the day in tourist areas, it is often recommended to use it only as a transit point, as petty theft is more common there at night than in the rural and coastal "ecotourism" hubs.