While Costa Rica is generally a safe "Pura Vida" destination, travelers in 2026 are advised to avoid specific high-crime neighborhoods and "transit-only" zones. In San José, it is best to avoid staying in León XIII, Los Guido, and the area around the Coca-Cola bus terminal at night due to high rates of petty theft and drug-related crime. On the Caribbean coast, while Puerto Viejo is a tourist favorite, the city of Limón (the port city) has a "seedy" reputation and higher crime rates, often making it better as a day-trip transit point than an overnight stay. In Puntarenas, the "El Infiernillo" neighborhood in Alajuela is a known high-risk area. For a high-value 2026 trip, stick to well-established tourist corridors like La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, or the Guanacaste coast, and always use official "red taxis" or pre-booked shuttles to avoid being "caught in the crossfire" of localized disputes.