6 Places to Avoid in Costa Rica

• Santa Rita de Alajuela or “El Infiernillo” ...
• León XIII, Tibás, San José ...
• Limón City. ...
• La Cieneguita in Limón City. ...
• Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos. ...
• Puntarenas City, Puntarenas.

What are the dangers in Costa Rica?

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. The Costa Rican government provides additional security resources in areas frequented by tourists.

Which part of Costa Rica is the best to stay?

Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica

• Jaco Beach—Sportfishing Hotspot.
• Nosara Beach—Surf & Yoga.
• Tortuguero—A Wildlife Wonder.
• Coco Beach—Beaches & Nightlife.
• Puerto Viejo—Laid-Back Vibe.
• Drake Bay—Most Biodiverse.
• Rincon de la Vieja—Country Living.
• San Jose—Shopping & Dining.

Where is the safest place to stay in Costa Rica?

Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo and Drake Bay are the safest areas in Costa Rica. You'll hardly find any crime here apart from the typical pickpocketing.

When should I avoid Costa Rica?

Avoid the peak rainy season, September and October, unless you're visiting the Caribbean coast. Avoid the weeks around Christmas, New Years, and Easter, especially if you're on a budget or don't like crowds.

The REAL Reasons Expats Leave Costa Rica Within 2 Years MUST SEE!

What is the best beach in Costa Rica?

15 BEST Beaches in Costa Rica

• Manuel Antonio Beach, Manuel Antonio National Park.
• Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste.
• Conchal Beach, Guanacaste.
• Dominical Beach, South Pacific.
• Costa Ballena (Whale Coast), South Pacific.
• Nacascolo Beach, Papagayo Peninsula.
• Montezuma Beach, Nicoya Peninsula.

What is the rainiest month in Costa Rica?

The Weather in Costa Rica

September and October are Costa Rica's rainiest months, with rainfall lasting nearly all day. If you happen to book a trip during these months, not to worry: These are the most beautiful months along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast.

Where should I stay my first time in Costa Rica?

The best areas to stay in Costa Rica for both first time and returning visitors are the neighborhoods of San Jose, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Puerto Viejo, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo Beach.

What side of Costa Rica is better?

Most travelers visiting Costa Rica think the Pacific side of the country is the better coast to visit. The remote Osa Peninsula, the monkey-filled area of Manuel Antonio, the surfing near Santa Theres, and the touristy Nicoya coast make it the superior choice.

Is Costa Rica safer than Mexico?

The US State Department considers Costa Rica among the safest countries for US nationals. As per its safety ranking, Costa Rica is Level One whereas Mexico is Level Two.

Where do the celebrities stay in Costa Rica?

The preferred spots for celebrities are: Papagayo Gulf in Guanacaste, Santa Teresa and Mal País in the South Pacific, Mel Gibson's estate is located in Playa Barrigona, Guanacaste, some have been spotted in the area of La Fortuna de San Carlos, the remote and secluded Osa Península is a perfect area, and others in ...

Is San Jose or Liberia Costa Rica better?

Liberia is closer to some of the best surfing beaches in the country but flights can be more expensive. San Jose is closer to nature activities and the hustle and bustle of the capital city with generally cheaper flights, but has more expensive local transportation.

Where is the clearest water in Costa Rica?

Unless a big hurricane swell moves in, Manzanillo to almost Punta Mona on the south Caribbean coast will offer the clearest waters in Costa Rica for the next few months. For the rest of the year, the clear is to be found offshore in the Pacific.

Do tourists get kidnapped in Costa Rica?

The average value for Costa Rica during that period was 0.2 kidnappings per 100,000 people with a minimum of 0.1 kidnappings per 100,000 people in 2003 and a maximum of 0.3 kidnappings per 100,000 people in 2005. The latest value from 2017 is 0.2 kidnappings per 100,000 people.

What should I be careful in Costa Rica?

The mosquito borne disease travelers should concern themselves with in Costa Rica is dengue fever, not malaria. Costa Rica has many more cases of dengue than Malaria and Zika. Remember, mosquitoes are in Costa Rica year round and are worse in rainy season.

Is Costa Rica safe for tourists 2021?

Generally speaking, Costa Rica is safe for tourists and an overall fantastic eco-tourism destination. Costa Rica has no army and ranks #39 in the world on the 2021 Global Peace Index. This makes it the most peaceful country in Central America with low violent crime and virtually no political instability.

What is considered rude in Costa Rica?

Taboos/Unacceptable Behavior

Topics such as pre-marital sex, abortion, and gay marriage are generally avoided. Costa Ricans are very polite, so be sure not to put your feet on furniture; always say please and thank you, and try not raise your voice in anger, at least in public.

Is it worth going to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica?

If you go by what the locals say, the Caribbean coast wins. Well-traveled Costa Ricans love to visit the area south of Limon with its most famous beach towns of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo. It is less crowded, not as expensive, and known for a great food scene.

Which side of Costa Rica is warmer?

Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast, near the border with Nicaragua, is popular for those seeking a beach lifestyle and warm climate. This region receives the least rainfall and has more sunny days than anywhere else in the country.

Where should I start in Costa Rica?

The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

1. Puerto Viejo. Located on the Caribbean coast near Panama, Puerto Viejo is popular with young people and backpackers because of its great beaches, surfing, and party atmosphere. ...
2. Cahuita. ...
3. Tortuguero. ...
4. Corcovado. ...
5. Arenal. ...
6. Manuel Antonio. ...
7. Monteverde. ...
8. Poas Volcano.

Where should I stay in Costa Rica beach and jungle?

Tamarindo: This is the Costa Rica you've come to explore. It's set right next to some amazing beaches and is super close to an amazing jungle-lined national park. It's not only the perfect spot for nature lovers but there's plenty of great nightlife too.

Is Costa Rica expensive?

Costa Rica can be expensive. At least, it can feel expensive to Westerners who expect to be able to have the same buying power as in places like India or Thailand. Costa Rica is ranked as the most expensive country in Central America and the sixth most expensive in North America and the Caribbean (2015).

What are the coldest months in Costa Rica?

The cool season lasts for 2.6 months, from May 16 to August 4, with an average daily high temperature below 77°F. The coldest month of the year in Costa Rica is July, with an average low of 53°F and high of 75°F.

Is there a hurricane season in Costa Rica?

Hurricanes, although rare, are most common during October into mid-November. Some of the most devastating hurricanes to hit Costa Rica recently have been Eta (October 31-November 14, 2020), Nate (October 4-11, 2017), and Otto (November 17-26, 2016).

What are the hottest months in Costa Rica?

Generally speaking, March and April are Costa Rica's hottest months. This is the peak of the dry season, before the rains begin in May. Daytime temperatures vary depending on elevation, but may reach 92°F on the beach.