Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit? What the Tourism Statistics Actually Say

Written By Lindsay Sinclair

Every week, we hear some version of the same question from guests before they book: "Is Costa Rica actually safe?" It's a fair question and one that deserves a real answer, not just a reassuring shrug. With so much noise in the global media right now, it's easy to lump all of Latin America together and assume the worst. But the data tells a very different story about Costa Rica. This is a country that has spent decades building one of the most traveler-friendly environments in the Western Hemisphere, and the numbers back that up. Whether you're a solo female traveler, a couple seeking a wellness reset, or a family looking to reconnect, Costa Rica's tourism statistics and safety record make it one of the most compelling destinations on earth. Our home base on the Central Pacific Coast is proof of that every single day.

Check Availability

Key Takeaways

  • Costa Rica Ranks #1 in Central America for Safety: The Global Peace Index (2025/2026) places Costa Rica 38th globally, significantly ahead of the United States, making it the safest country in the entire region.
  • Tourism Is Booming for Good Reason: Record-breaking international visitor numbers reflect a destination with mature infrastructure, reliable logistics, and a culture that genuinely welcomes the world.
  • Solo Female Travel Is Well-Supported: The Solo Female Traveler Network ranks Costa Rica among the 25 Safest Solo Female Travel Destinations for 2026, citing the country's famous "Pura Vida" mindset as a key factor.
  • Petty Theft, Not Violent Crime, Is the Main Concern: Violent crime against tourists is rare. Common-sense precautions like using official Red Taxis and not leaving bags unattended on the beach handle the rest.
  • The Right Resort Makes All the Difference: Staying at a dedicated, all-inclusive retreat with expert local guides, private transfers, and on-the-ground knowledge removes almost every logistical risk from the equation.

What the Global Peace Index Actually Says About Costa Rica

Let's start with the hard data. According to the Global Peace Index (2025/2026), Costa Rica holds the #1 safety ranking in all of Central America and sits 38th globally out of 163 nations. For context, the United States ranks significantly lower. This isn't a fluke or a one-year anomaly. Costa Rica has consistently appeared near the top of this index for over a decade, a reflection of its long-standing political stability, its historic decision to abolish its military in 1948, and its deep national investment in education and healthcare rather than defense spending.

When you compare that to much of the fearmongering that circulates on social media, the contrast is striking. Costa Rica isn't just "fine" for tourism. It is, statistically, one of the safest places in the Americas to visit.

Costa Rica Tourism Statistics: A Destination in Full Momentum

The tourism data makes the case even more clearly. Costa Rica has been on an extraordinary growth trajectory, and travelers aren't choosing this destination blindly. They're returning, referring friends, and extending their stays.

Here's what the Costa Rica tourism statistics tell us:

  • Costa Rica receives approximately 3 million international visitors per year, generating over $4 billion in tourism revenue annually, making tourism one of the country's top economic drivers, as tracked by the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT).
  • The United States remains the #1 source of visitors, with North American travelers accounting for the majority of international arrivals, followed by Europe (particularly Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Sweden) and Latin America.
  • Repeat visitor rates are exceptionally high. Costa Rica's tourism board consistently reports that a significant portion of visitors have been to the country before, a powerful indicator of genuine satisfaction, not just curiosity.
  • Eco-tourism and wellness travel have surged. The Global Wellness Institute projects wellness tourism to be one of the fastest-growing travel categories worldwide, and Costa Rica has positioned itself as the leading destination in this space, attracting a discerning, research-driven traveler who consistently returns home raving about the experience.

For a resort like Surf Synergy, these numbers are more than statistics. They're the backdrop of our daily reality. Our guests arrive from across the United States (Texas, California, Florida, New York, the Pacific Northwest), Canada, Europe, and beyond. They've done their homework. And overwhelmingly, they leave with the same conclusion: the worry wasn't worth it.

Why Costa Rica Feels Safe on the Ground

Statistics are one thing. The lived experience is another. Here's what makes Costa Rica genuinely feel as safe as the data suggests.

The Pura Vida Culture Is Real

"Pura Vida" means pure life, and it isn't a marketing slogan. It's a genuine national philosophy that shapes how Costa Ricans (Ticos) interact with the world. It's a culture that reduces social friction, prioritizes friendliness, and makes visitors feel welcome rather than targeted. Prominent travel writers like Adventurous Kate and Nomadic Matt have described Costa Rica as the "perfect introduction" and "soft landing" for solo travel in Latin America, precisely because of this cultural warmth.

Tourism Infrastructure Is Mature and Reliable

Costa Rica has had decades to build a tourism ecosystem that actually works. Reliable shuttle services like Interbus and Gray Line offer door-to-door transfers, eliminating the risks of navigating unfamiliar bus stations alone. Official Red Taxis and Uber are widely available in tourist areas. English proficiency is high in tourist hubs, from Jacó and Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna and Santa Teresa. And the country's well-marked national park trails, clearly designated public beaches, and organized tour operators mean you're rarely navigating blind.

Violent Crime Against Tourists Is Rare

The honest safety picture in Costa Rica is this: petty theft is the primary concern, and it's manageable with basic precautions. Don't leave bags unattended on the beach. Don't flash expensive electronics in unfamiliar areas. Use official transportation. These are the same common-sense rules that apply in most major tourist destinations worldwide. Violent crime targeting tourists is genuinely rare, and when incidents do occur, they are heavily covered precisely because they are exceptions, not the rule. The U.S. Department of State currently issues a Level 1 travel advisory for Costa Rica, "Exercise Normal Precautions," its lowest possible advisory level.

The Best Hubs for Safe Travel in Costa Rica

If you're planning your first trip or looking for the safest, most well-supported areas, here's where travel experts consistently point:

  • Manuel Antonio (Central Pacific Coast): The easiest mix of high-end safety, well-marked national park trails, and world-class beaches. This is our neighborhood at Surf Synergy, and it's no coincidence that it's one of the most visited and most loved areas in the country.
  • La Fortuna / Arenal: A high density of group tours including canyoneering, hot springs, and zip-lining that make it easy to meet fellow travelers and explore with built-in safety in numbers. Learn more at Visit Costa Rica.
  • Santa Teresa: A world-renowned hub for solo travelers interested in surf, yoga, and the digital nomad lifestyle, with a tight-knit, community-centric feel.
  • Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast): Recommended by Marie Claire for solo women who want a more laid-back, community-oriented experience with fewer crowds.

Safety Tips for Your Costa Rica Trip

Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another week of waves and wellness, these tips will keep you confident and comfortable:

  1. Use official transportation. Book private transfers with reputable companies, or use Red Taxis and Uber. Avoid accepting rides from strangers.
  2. Keep valuables secured. Use hotel safes for passports and electronics. Don't leave bags on the beach unattended.
  3. Avoid walking alone on beaches after dark. Even the safest destinations have elevated risk in isolated, unlit areas at night.
  4. Stay in established tourist areas for your first visit. Areas with strong tourism infrastructure offer more support, more English speakers, and more reliable services.
  5. Book with a reputable, all-inclusive resort. This single decision eliminates most logistical risks. Transportation, meals, excursions, and activities are all handled by people who know the terrain. See what's included at Surf Synergy.
  6. Get travel insurance. Providers like World Nomads and Allianz Travel offer comprehensive plans for Costa Rica. It's not a sign that something will go wrong; it's the final piece of a well-planned trip.

Why Staying at Surf Synergy Makes Costa Rica Even Safer

Here's the thing about safety that doesn't get discussed enough: the right resort changes the entire calculus. When you book an all-inclusive week at Surf Synergy, you're not navigating a foreign country on your own. You're arriving into a community that has been welcoming guests from ages 6 to 82, from every corner of the world, for four years, with a 100% surf instruction success rate and zero compromises on care.

From the moment you land at San José's Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), your round-trip private transfer handles everything. Our team picks you up and delivers you directly to our Central Pacific Coast property. During your stay, every surf session is guided by a 1:1 certified coach with a minimum of five years of experience, ocean safety and rescue training, and an intimate knowledge of six different breaks. You're always in conditions matched to your skill level, never thrown into water that's beyond you.

Our bilingual staff, certified in Costa Rican hospitality, food safety, and emergency response protocols, are with you throughout. Our 14-room intimate scale means nothing falls through the cracks. And our one Costa Rican off-site adventure of your choice is planned and guided by people who know this country deeply and have your safety and enjoyment as their entire focus. We also run the ADESURFA adaptive surfing program, offering specialized instruction for guests with disabilities, a reflection of our commitment to safe, inclusive access to the ocean for everyone.

Travel + Leisure named us the #1 Destination Spa in the World in 2025. Outside Magazine named us one of the Best Wellness Retreats in the World for Active Travelers, specifically citing our surf instruction. Women's Health awarded us Best Retreat for Total Rejuvenation. Tripadvisor named us a "Best of the Best" winner, placing us in the top 1% of hotels worldwide. These aren't just marketing credentials. They're validation, from the most respected voices in travel, that what we've built here is real, exceptional, and worth the trip. See all our awards and media recognition.

The Bottom Line: Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit?

Yes, with context, with common sense, and with the right partners on the ground. The Global Peace Index, the Solo Female Traveler Network, the U.S. Department of State's Level 1 advisory, and millions of satisfied visitors every year all reach the same conclusion: Costa Rica is one of the most accessible, welcoming, and genuinely safe travel destinations in the Americas. The media noise doesn't match the data. And the data doesn't lie.

Pura Vida isn't just something you'll read on a sign when you land. It's something you'll feel, in the warmth of the people, the beauty of the land, the rhythm of the ocean, and the ease of a week spent exactly the way life is supposed to be lived.

We'd love to show you what that feels like in person.

Related Articles

Check Availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Costa Rica safe for solo female travelers? Absolutely. The Solo Female Traveler Network ranks Costa Rica among the 25 Safest Solo Female Travel Destinations for 2026. The country's Pura Vida culture, reliable shuttle transportation, high English proficiency in tourist areas, and abundance of wellness-focused communities make it one of the most natural fits for women exploring internationally for the first time. Common-sense precautions like official transportation, secured valuables, and avoiding isolated beaches after dark are all that's needed.

How does Costa Rica's crime rate compare to the United States? Costa Rica ranks 38th on the Global Peace Index (2025/2026), significantly higher than the United States. The primary concern for tourists is petty theft, not violent crime. Violent incidents targeting tourists are rare and receive heavy media coverage precisely because they are exceptions to an otherwise peaceful norm.

What is the best area in Costa Rica for first-time travelers? Manuel Antonio and the Central Pacific Coast, where Surf Synergy is located, are consistently recommended for first-time visitors. The area offers excellent infrastructure, English-speaking staff, well-marked national park trails, beautiful beaches, and a mature tourism ecosystem that makes navigation easy and enjoyable.

Is it safe to travel to Costa Rica right now? Yes. Costa Rica maintains a stable, democratic government and consistently ranks as the safest country in Central America. The U.S. Department of State currently issues a Level 1 travel advisory for Costa Rica, "Exercise Normal Precautions," its lowest possible advisory level.

Does booking all-inclusive make Costa Rica safer? Significantly, yes. All-inclusive resorts like Surf Synergy handle private airport transfers, all meals, guided surf sessions, off-site adventures, and transportation logistics. This removes the most common exposure points for travel-related issues and puts you in the hands of experienced, locally connected professionals from the moment you land. Learn more about what's included.

What should I pack to stay safe in Costa Rica? Travel insurance from providers like World Nomads or Allianz Travel, a copy of your passport stored separately from the original, reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, any personal medications, and a small day bag you can keep close. Leave expensive jewelry at home, download the Uber app before you arrive, and bring a basic phrase guide if you'd like to connect more deeply with locals, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Lindsay Sinclair
Next

Top All-Inclusive Intermediate Surf Resorts in Costa Rica