Normally considered quite literally a safe bet for an epic vacation of amazing beaches, luxe resorts, and endless jungle excursions, according to both the U.S. State Department and, as of this week, the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica, it seems like the Pura Vida life may not be so ‘pure' after all…
While crime is always a fickle subject since bad apples can come out of anywhere, the U.S. State Department issued a concerning travel advisory in December 2024, followed by the U.S. Embassy issuing a security alert on February 5th.
Even as Costa Rica continues its hot streak of record-breaking tourism numbers, with yet another advisory being implemented, it's only fair to ask what in the world is going on in Costa Rica?
Should You Fly Into San Jose, Costa Rica's Most Popular Airport?
U.S. embassies don't release travel alerts over nothing; there is real-time data to back up their concerns for American tourists.
In this case, piling on to the U.S. State Department's recent advisory, there have been multiple incidents near Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San Jose.
Good news is most tourists often simply use San Jose as a gateway to venture deeper into the country, whether it be lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, or stunning coastlines.
The bad news is San Jose's airport is the most well-connected for American travelers, or any traveler for that matter.
While the U.S. has taken over global headlines for numerous flight mishaps, you should know security concerns are not flight related, but rather once you leave the airport.
The Embassy specifically mentions Route 111 and roads leading to Santa Ana, where harmful crimes have taken place.
In one instance, criminals threw rocks at cars in a botched robbery attempt,t leaving vehicles noticeably damaged.
In another instance, criminals were successful in getting a driver to stop by throwing stones, ultimately robbing them of their belongings, including the vehicle.
The Embassy recommends seeking alternate routes at this time, and to continue driving if you find yourself in this situation — and 911 works just like back home.
Is Liberia (LIR) A Better Gateway Into Costa Rica Right Now?
When choosing to fly into Costa Rica, San Jose is typically the most convenient (and often most affordable) option.
On the other hand, Liberia typically serves travelers in search of a relaxing beach vacation as this sprawling region of pristine coastal real estate is lined with high-end resorts and still lives up to the notorious Pura Vida lifestyle.
It all boils down to where you're heading. If you're dead set on a relaxing beach vacation in Guanacaste, then Liberia suits you best.
If you plan to stick around central Costa Rica, such as Monteverde's cloud forests, then you might chance San Jose.
There's really no right or wrong answer, as millions of tourists make it back home unscathed, but there's been enough criminal activity to at least raise awareness of San Jose's current risks.
For what it's worth, SJO is a larger hub, but Liberia's Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIB) currently serves these 16 U.S. cities:
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Seattle
- Houston
- Dallas
- Denver
- Minneapolis
- Chicago
- Miami
- Atlanta
- Charlotte
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Newark
- New York City
- Philadelphia
Are Crime Concerns Overblown? Tourism Numbers Imply They Are
It's the State Department's and Embassy's job to do their best to protect their citizens, so when there are spikes in crime potentially affecting Americans, expect alerts and advisories to be issued.
Costa Rica currently stands at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution on par with dozens and dozens of travel hotspots, so crime levels could certainly be worse.
A staggering 61% of Costa Rica's 3 million visitors in 2024 are Americans, and how rare is it to hear of any foul play?
At worst, maybe a car accident, an unfortunate wildlife encounter or my least favorite encounter (surfers who don't seem to know deodorant exists!).
The bottom line is common sense says if you keep your wits about you, Costa Rica is still a dreamy getaway in 2025.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Mayrela
Wednesday 12th of February 2025
Well... pretty easy. This is another business transaction to get people to fly the most touristy area of Costa Rica (Guanacaste) where most businesses are owned by American companies. Don't take me wrong you will fine crime everyday everywhere in most places in the world. So always use common sense ☺️
Sarah
Wednesday 12th of February 2025
We visited Guanacaste in January and were robbed. It isn't overstated and countries don't toss out advisories for nothing.
People are going to get angry at this, but a LOT of what's going on in Costa Rica is a direct result of the lax border policies of the U.S. in recent years. In the past, cartels smuggling cocaine (and people) used to pass by the Atlantic side and pay fishermen to fuel up and off they went again, always moving. When the US border became easier to cross, they chose to set up shop right in Costa Rica, addicting the kids to cocaine, and paying them more to do tasks than any local job could.
Couple that with tourism at an all-time high, out pricing the hard-working ticos, making it unbearably difficult to afford to live in their own country. It's a hard life for them and here we come in driving new rental cars and flashing cash and wonder why we get rolled. The Atlantic Coast is falling to the cartels and Guanacaste is full of wasteful, wealthy tourists, who have no issues driving the locals into the ground.
Vanessa
Tuesday 11th of February 2025
I can't walk safely in San Francisco where I live. Petty crime in Costa Rica is still not as bad compared to where I live in the States. 😂
Mayrela
Wednesday 12th of February 2025
@Vanessa,
About right!
Marvin rojas
Tuesday 11th of February 2025
Yes if you to go to any country to look for trouble..you will find it..but if you follow precaution you will have the best time in your life as a tourist..do not be flashy or play different roll in the city....remember those countries people are friendly and they are trying to make a living in tourism. Be friendly n kind to others..
Amber
Tuesday 11th of February 2025
In Costa Rica C. 2009 I had a car rental window smashed out for a pair of sun glasses. Crime definitely happens. Always get car rental insurance. The flight that only lands arriving at night for decades has always been a sore issue for me as I've had too many difficult issues at midnight with an hour's drive in the dark before a store flying into Liberia. If airliners could switch midnight arrival only at would be more safe.