Solo travel in Costa Rica: your go-to guide

Costa Rica has amazing things to do for all types of independent explorers. Spend your time indulging in mouthwatering Costa Rican food, relaxing on world-class beaches or hanging 10 on thrilling waves, spotting rare wildlife, or hiking a spectacular volcano. Whether you travel to make new friends or seek solitude, this handy guide will help you master the art of solo travel in Costa Rica.

Is Costa Rica safe?

Costa Rica is generally a safe place for travellers, making it an ideal destination for solo adventurers. The country boasts a stable political climate, low crime rates, and friendly locals who are usually eager to help. However, like anywhere you travel, exercising common sense is essential.

Taking basic safety precautions allows you to enjoy everything Costa Rica has to offer. While major tourist areas are usually safe, it’s wise to be cautious in less-frequented spots, especially at night. Stick to well-lit routes, have your phone with you in case you get lost, and let someone know where you’re going. Better yet, stick to a small-group trip so that you get built-in adventure buddies and the added support from your local CEO (Chief Experience Officer) to guide solo excursions in Costa Rica.

You’re in good hands on: Solo-ish Costa Rica

Top tips for solo travel in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is generally a safe place to visit, but like any country, taking precautions is essential for solo travellers. Here are some top tips to ensure a worry-free adventure.

Research your destination — Familiarize yourself with the area you're visiting, including safety guidelines and potential risks.
Trust your instincts — If something feels off, it probably is. Listen to your gut and avoid risky situations.
Leave valuables at home — Don’t display flashy jewellery or other valuables openly.
Stay connected — Inform friends and family of your itinerary and check in regularly.
Learn basic Spanish — While many Costa Ricans speak English, knowing basic Spanish can enhance your experience and communication.
Travel insurance — It's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, extreme activities, and trip cancellations.
Be cautious at night — Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas after dark.
Protect your belongings — Stay in secure accommodations and keep your passport and valuables safe.
Respect nature and wildlife — Follow guidelines, avoid touching wild animals, and respect your surroundings.

Is it safe to visit Costa Rica as a solo female traveller?

Renowned for its lush rainforests, [stunning beaches]((https://www.gadventures.com/blog/costa-rica-beaches/), and abundant wildlife, Costa Rica has emerged as a top destination for solo female travellers. While safety is a priority for any traveller, particularly women travelling alone, Costa Rica's reputation as a welcoming and secure country is well-deserved. When you travel with a small G Adventures group, you have a built-in safety connection, automatic community with your fellow travellers, and lots of local knowledge from your experienced group leader.

Best places for solo travellers in Costa Rica

With its lush scenery and abundance of activities, Costa Rica is a phenomenal place to travel solo. Spend your time zip lining through the verdant Monteverde jungle, whitewater rafting on the rapid-filled Pacuare River, and discovering Arenal’s natural hot springs and soaring volcano. To top it off, Costa Rica is home to a sea of friendly faces, which makes travelling solo a lot less daunting and much more rewarding.

With so many options, it’s difficult to decide where to go as a solo traveller in Costa Rica. Here are our favourite spots.

1. La Fortuna

The adventure capital of Costa Rica, La Fortuna is home to the majestic Arenal Volcano and is a paradise for adrenaline junkies. Hike through lush rainforests, soak in natural hot springs, take to the rapids for whitewater rafting, gear up for an afternoon of canyoning, and zip line through the canopy. This vibrant town offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, and solo travellers can find plenty of options to join a tour or explore on their own.

Experience it for yourself on: Costa Rica Adventure

2. Monteverde

Enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest is a nature lover’s dream and must be seen to be believed. This misty wonderland is teeming with incredible Costa Rica animals that can be spotted on a hike along the hanging bridges. For a boost of adrenaline, head to the treetops on a zip line or get a jolt another way on a coffee tour. For solo travellers seeking tranquillity and natural beauty, Monteverde ticks all the boxes.

Experience it for yourself on: Costa Rica: Monteverde and La Fortuna

3. Tamarindo

If you crave sun, sand, and surf, Tamarindo is your go-to destination. Nestled on Costa Rica's golden Guanacaste coast, this bustling beach town offers world-class waves, vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a board beginner, Tamarindo is a surfer's paradise and is renowned as one of the best places to learn to surf in Costa Rica.

If the waves don’t get your heart racing enough, you can try zip lining, snorkelling, or kayaking in the nearby mangrove forests in Las Baulas National Park. When you’re done shredding waves, the town awaits with its vibrant nightlife, good-time atmosphere, and beachfront restaurants.

Experience it for yourself on: Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10

4. Puerto Viejo

Toe-tap to the Afrobeats and Caribbean charm of Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Limón coast. Here, you’ll find jerk fusion cuisine, street vendors selling Bob Marley trinkets, and rustic, bamboo-clad beachfront bars pumping reggaetón and dancehall beats and selling infamous guaro, a local firewater made from sugarcane. Sway your cares away in a hammock, take to the waves, explore the lush rainforests, or simply chill out, soak up the sun, and enjoy the Jamaican-influenced culture of this corner of paradise. Puerto Viejo is a haven for solo travellers seeking a slower pace.

Experience it for yourself on: Costa Rica Active Adventure

5. Manuel Antonio National Park

For wildlife enthusiasts, Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-visit. As the smallest of Costa Rica’s national parks, Manuel Antonio more than makes up for its size with its abundance of wildlife, including the country’s signature sloths, monkeys, and birds, including the brightly coloured quetzal. Spend your time kayaking in the mangroves, learning to surf, watching the sunset on a catamaran tour, relaxing on the beautiful beach, or hiking through the stunning national park to spot wildlife.

Experience it for yourself on: Costa Rica Quest

6. Santa Teresa

If you're looking for a Bohemian beach break and some of the best surfing in Costa Rica, Santa Teresa is the ideal destination. On Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, this laid-back beach town offers a relaxed atmosphere, delicious food, renowned surf camps, boutique yoga studios, and barefoot beachfront bars. You can head out to explore nearby waterfalls, take a day trip to the beautiful Isla Tortuga, snorkel a volcanic rock reef, zip line in the lush rainforest, ride a horse along the beach, and go scuba diving to see marine life.

Experience it for yourself on: Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests