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Costa Rica Travel Guide and Tips – Most Dangerous Places
Most Dangerous Areas in Costa Rica
Although Costa Rica is the safest country in Central America, and possible of any Latin American country, does not mean that all areas within Costa Rica are not dangerous. Here I will asses the most dangerous places in the country to help you figure out the stops to skip on your next trip to Costa Rica.
Central Valley
When discussing the most dangerous places in the country you definitely have to begin with San Jose. This is the place where it is most important that you are careful. Downtown San Jose is fine during the day, but pick pockets are pretty common, so try to walk with your band in front of you and not on your back. The worst neiborhoods in San Jose are Leon XIII, which is known as the crack capital of Costa Rica, Los Hatillos, which is a poor neighborhood that has not received much help from the government, as well as the Del Ray area. Del Rey is where most of the legal prostitution takes place.
Jaco
Known as the party beach of Costa Rica, this is where many young travelers come to party with their friends. This is the only beach in Costa Rica where prostitution has a significant presence. The streets are fine during the day, but at night are not suitable for children.
Tamarindo
Although Tamarindo is nowhere as bad as Jaco, prostitution and drugs still can be felt by this beach community. Tamarindo and Jaco are the only beaches in Costa Rica that you will see any sketchiness. If you go out late partying, just be safe and make sure to always be walking with some friends to ensure no problems arise.
Limon
Limon is not a tourist destination in Costa Rica. It is however, the poorest community and because of that, one of Costa Rica’s most criminal cities. Cocaine traffickers often use Limon as a place of export, and is often the cause of many murders in the area. Costa Rica often seems to have a don’t ask don’t tell policy, but if something is not done soon, these types of problems will begin to expand and affect other tourist destinations.
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i happened to visit all these places when I was in Costa Rica in 2007 – and I didn’t feel ANY danger in any of these cities! Ok, I was only 2 weeks in the country, but my point is that this article is NOT a reason not to go there! Everyone should of course use common sense (such as not walking alone outside in the dark) and appropriate caution as always when leaving your own home. Otherwise: Go to Costa Rica and explore this wonderful country!
Thanks, I enjoyed your post immensely. It’s nice to see someone writing something worth reading.
Costa Rica was my most memorable vacation. But one thing I do not remember was feeling unsafe, nor did the people make me feel un comfortable. In fact they were really helpful and friendly. Great article though and I will definitely keep this information in mind when I re-visit Costa Rica.
On my group trip to Costa Rica, someone in my group did get pickpocketed in San Jose. Always keep your wallet in your front pants pocket, not in a backpack.
We also went to Jaco and were warned about being out after hours, but we didn’t see ANYONE on the streets. Very deserted. There are plenty of taxis to shuttle you around after dark.
Go to Costa Rica and be conscious of your surroundings, just like you would any place else. But do go! You’ll have a great time.
I have been to these locations and with some common sense and a few friends, we had no bad experiences, Costa Rica is no different from any other country, except, that it is truly a paradise of a place.
It’s true that Leon XIII is a dangerous place! But it is far away from sights etc., it’s almost impossible for a tourist to end up there.
The streets of Limon are not more dangerous than the streets of San Jose during the day!
My freind and I grabbed a couple lady freinds at the Beatle bar, a good time to be had. Visit Hotel Club Del Mar on the ouskirts of the town. Yeah, some Ganj was available but no worries for the travel savy.