Reports of robberies, gang violence and high homicide rates have put the Caribbean and Central America under an uncomfortable spotlight, raising hard questions for travelers planning a “Pura Vida” escape. From Jamaica to the Dominican Republic to Costa Rica, security concerns are now a central part of vacation planning, and industry leaders warn that the region’s tourism boom cannot be taken for granted. For travelers eyeing Costa Rica in particular, the picture is more complex than a simple yes or no on safety, combining genuine crime challenges with targeted security crackdowns and practical steps that can dramatically reduce risk.
A Region on Edge as High-Profile Crimes Rattle Travelers
Across the wider Caribbean and Central American region, a series of high-profile criminal incidents has fueled the narrative of a “crime wave” threatening idyllic beach vacations. U.S. travel advisories in recent years have urged increased caution in destinations such as Jamaica and the Dominican Republic because of robberies, sexual assaults and homicides affecting both residents and visitors. Local headlines about gang turf wars, drug trafficking and attacks near tourist zones have circulated widely on social media, shaping perceptions well beyond the actual crime statistics.
The dynamic is similar in Costa Rica. Long branded as a peaceful, army-free democracy and an eco-tourism model, the country is now contending with record homicide numbers and a steady drumbeat of stories about robberies and assaults in coastal communities that depend heavily on foreign visitors. Security analysts point to regional drug routes and the growing presence of organized crime as key drivers, with beach towns increasingly used for trafficking, money laundering and local gang disputes.
At the same time, travel and safety experts stress that perception often moves faster than reality. While crime indicators have worsened, the overwhelming majority of international visitors still complete their trips without incident. The real challenge, they say, is bridging the gap between reassuring marketing slogans and a clear-eyed assessment of on-the-ground risk, so travelers can make informed decisions and adopt appropriate precautions rather than cancelling trips based on fear alone.
Costa Rica’s Crime Numbers Tell a Sobering Story
The latest data from Costa Rican authorities confirm that public security is under real strain. The country recorded more than 900 homicides in 2023, the highest figure in its history. That number eased slightly to around 880 killings in 2024, but security officials say the national rate remains far above what Costa Ricans have traditionally known and significantly higher than a decade ago. Analysts now expect total homicides for 2025 to remain close to that elevated band, reinforcing concern that the spike is not a short-term anomaly.
Crucially for travelers, police statistics highlight not only violence among criminal groups but also thousands of offenses directly affecting visitors. Judicial Investigation Agency figures cited by local media indicate that more than 6,300 crimes against tourists were recorded over the last several years, predominantly thefts, robberies and vehicle-related incidents in popular beach communities. In 2024 alone, more than 6,300 tourist-related crimes were reported nationwide, with Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Jacó and parts of Puntarenas among the most frequently mentioned areas.
U.S. citizens feature prominently among the victims who report incidents to authorities. One analysis of 2024 data noted that more than 100 Americans were among the roughly 500 foreign travelers who reported thefts, alongside significant numbers of German, Canadian, French, Spanish and Swiss visitors. Security experts caution that these tallies likely understate the problem, since many tourists prefer to cut their losses and move on rather than file formal complaints that can consume their holiday time.
Tourist Hotspots Under Pressure: Where the Risks Are Rising
Not all of Costa Rica is equally affected by the crime surge, and that nuance matters. A legislative report presented in 2025 and widely cited by local outlets mapped a series of “critical areas” where insecurity is considered most acute for visitors. These include San José’s central districts, known for pickpocketing and street theft; La Fortuna in the northern lowlands; Tamarindo and Playas del Coco in Guanacaste; Puerto Viejo and Cahuita on the Caribbean coast; and Puntarenas Centro, Cóbano, Jacó and Quepos on the Pacific side.
In these communities, the bulk of tourist complaints involve property crimes rather than extreme violence: bag snatches on the beach, break-ins at rental homes, vehicle robberies, and opportunistic thefts when visitors leave belongings unattended while surfing or swimming. However, law enforcement officials have also documented an uptick in more aggressive robberies and assaults, often linked to local gangs or individuals under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Drug trafficking networks using coastal towns as hubs are blamed for increased homicides that, while typically targeting rivals, can spill over into public spaces.
Recent years have seen several shocking cases, including violent attacks and occasional homicides involving foreign residents or visitors in beach enclaves once marketed as sleepy paradises. These incidents, amplified through foreign media and expatriate social networks, have contributed to a sense that the “Pura Vida” image hides a much grittier reality, especially after dark or in poorly lit areas away from the main tourism corridors.
Travel Advisories and Security Alerts: How Governments Are Responding
Foreign governments have taken notice of Costa Rica’s worsening statistics and the pattern of crimes linked to tourist zones. The United States currently maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Costa Rica, urging travelers to “exercise increased caution” due to crime. That advisory, updated in December 2024, underscores that while petty crime is widespread, violent incidents including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault do affect tourists. Guidance includes avoiding poorly lit beaches and streets, not resisting robbery attempts, and limiting visible signs of wealth.
On top of the standing advisory, the U.S. Embassy in San José issued a heightened security alert in November 2025, warning of a significant rise in gang-related crime, break-ins and armed robberies, including incidents at rental properties. The alert recommended that visitors research accommodations carefully, reduce the amount of cash and valuables they carry, and consider additional security measures at vacation rentals. Canadian authorities have issued similar warnings, emphasizing theft and assaults in coastal communities.
These notices do not amount to a “do not travel” recommendation, but they clearly signal that Costa Rica no longer occupies the low-risk category many travelers once assumed. Instead, it is grouped with a growing number of Caribbean and Latin American destinations where visitors are advised to remain vigilant, follow local news, and register with their embassies before arrival, especially if venturing outside main resort complexes.
Tourism, Economy and Image: When Safety Becomes a Business Issue
The security crisis is not just a public safety issue, it is increasingly an economic one. Tourism represents roughly 8 percent of Costa Rica’s gross domestic product and a similar share of national employment, with entire regions in Guanacaste, Limón and the central and southern Pacific heavily dependent on visitors. For years, the combination of nature-based tourism, political stability and a cultivated “green” brand fueled steady growth in international arrivals.
That trend has shifted. Industry data show that from late 2024 into 2025, Costa Rica began registering consecutive monthly declines in air arrivals compared with previous years, even during its traditional high season. One report by the national tourism institute cited a 13.8 percent drop in tourist arrivals between September 2024 and March 2025, including a 7 percent year-on-year fall in February 2025. North American and European markets, long the country’s lifeblood, have been among the hardest hit.
Business leaders and tourism chambers attribute this downturn to a mix of factors: a sharply stronger local currency that has made Costa Rica more expensive than regional competitors, inflation in accommodation and dining costs, reduced air connectivity and, critically, growing perceptions of insecurity. They warn that if crime in tourist zones is not contained, the country risks a long-term erosion of its hard-earned reputation and a painful wave of business closures in coastal towns where alternative employment is limited.
What Authorities Are Doing to Reassure Visitors
Costa Rican authorities insist they are not standing still in the face of these trends. In recent years, the government has expanded the ranks of the specialized Tourist Police, enhanced cooperation between local law enforcement and national investigative agencies, and invested in surveillance systems in selected high-traffic areas. In 2025, officials highlighted the creation of a centralized operations center designed to coordinate responses to emergencies reported by visitors, integrating patrol units and call centers under a single umbrella.
Legislators and security experts have also pushed for tighter rules on short-term rentals, arguing that better regulation and registration of vacation properties can reduce the incidence of robberies, party-related violence and the use of rentals as bases for illicit activity. More systematic background checks on operators, mandatory safety equipment and clearer obligations regarding lighting, locks and cameras are among the measures now under discussion or early implementation.
Despite these efforts, police unions and local mayors complain that resources remain insufficient for the scale of the challenge, particularly in sprawling coastal areas where small forces must monitor miles of beaches and rural roads. The absence of a military places additional pressure on civilian agencies, and some critics argue that crackdowns are uneven, with heavily visited national parks and resort strips receiving more attention than surrounding communities where many workers and long-stay travelers live.
So, Is Your Costa Rica Vacation Safe?
For travelers weighing whether to book that trip, the answer depends heavily on expectations and behavior. Statistically, most visitors to Costa Rica complete their journeys without serious problems. Major resort areas, reputable ecolodges and well-reviewed hotels in established destinations generally maintain strong security protocols and have direct lines to local authorities. Daytime activities such as guided hikes, canopy tours, rafting and wildlife watching continue largely unaffected by the crime surge that mostly concentrates in specific neighborhoods, nightlife scenes and higher-risk situations.
The real risk lies in the combination of complacency and certain environments. Unattended belongings on the beach remain easy targets for thieves. Isolated nighttime walks on little-lit roads between bars and accommodations can expose travelers to muggings. Vacation rentals without adequate locks, grilles or security staff can be more vulnerable to break-ins than traditional hotels. Flaunting expensive jewelry, carrying large amounts of cash, or mixing heavily with drugs and alcohol in unfamiliar surroundings increases the likelihood of becoming a victim.
Seasoned travelers to Costa Rica emphasize that a shift in mindset is necessary. Treat the country less like an exceptionally safe outlier and more like any mid- to high-crime destination where situational awareness is essential. That means researching neighborhoods as carefully as you research beaches, choosing accommodations with robust security measures and strong reviews, using official taxis or apps recommended locally, and asking hotel staff or guides about recent conditions in specific areas rather than relying solely on outdated blogs.
Practical Steps to Reduce Risk Without Skipping the Trip
Travel security professionals point out that relatively simple steps can substantially lower personal risk while still allowing travelers to enjoy what Costa Rica offers. These include booking lodging in well-established properties that have clear security policies, 24-hour staffed reception or guards, and good lighting in common areas and access paths. For vacation rentals, travelers should inquire about door and window locks, safes, cameras on entryways and whether the property is part of a managed complex or a stand-alone house in a remote location.
On the ground, common-sense street smarts matter. Visitors are advised to keep valuable documents and most cash in hotel safes, carry only what they need for the day, and use money belts or cross-body bags in crowded urban zones. Phones should not be left on café tables or in open beach bags while swimming. Beaches and trails are best enjoyed in groups or with reputable guides, particularly near dusk or in secluded areas. When driving, police recommend avoiding overnight parking on the street, especially in beach towns with known vehicle theft problems.
Finally, travelers should pay attention to evolving local information. Registering trips with consular services, monitoring embassy alerts and speaking directly with hotel staff or tour operators about any recent incidents in the area can provide more precise guidance than broad-brush reputational impressions. Travel insurance that covers theft and medical emergencies remains an important backstop and can make the difference between an unpleasant disruption and a financially devastating episode.
The picture that emerges is not one of a country to be written off, but of a destination in transition, grappling with the same security pressures seen across the Caribbean and Central America. For now, a Costa Rica vacation can still be safe, provided travelers recognize that “Pura Vida” is a lifestyle slogan, not a guarantee, and plan their trip with the same vigilance they would bring to any other beautiful but complex corner of the world.