25 Safest Cities and Cantons in Costa Rica (2022 Update)

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Usually known as the “Land of Ticos”, Costa Rica has close ties with the United States. Situated in Central The us, it is property to majestic volcanoes, lush breaches, and very diverse fauna. The nation borders Nicaragua and Panama and is a single of the most common vacationer destinations on the planet. As a tropical getaway, Costa Rica gives exotic wildlife and ancient ruins, which can make it best for ecotourism.

In 2019, just before the pandemic, it was visited by 3.1 million foreigners. What about protection, though? Can you truly feel safe although traveling to the “Rich Coast”? Well, it is the safest location to go to in Central The us and the Caribbean. With that said, in 2021, the countrywide average murder price was 11.5/100K, a slight boost in excess of eleven.2 in 2020.

Sure, there are plenty of dangerous places there. But, largely, it’s a safe nation. To support you continue to be out of harm’s way, we compiled the adhering to listing. We rated the safest cities and cantons in Costa Rica based mostly on the murder fee, quantity of violent crimes for each year, and other elements. Consider a appear!

The 25 Safest Cities and Cantons in Costa Rica: A Quick Look

1. Nandayure

If you’re hunting for a tranquil, picturesque canton in Costa Rica, Nandayure will be a perfect choose. The crystal-obvious seashores, gorgeous forests, and unique fauna are the primary attractions. More importantly, Nandayure is the safest area to be in the place right now. With no murders and only one violent criminal offense in 12 months, it is, certainly, really risk-free. Home to below 12K men and women, the canton is welcoming, protected, and the prices are far more than cost-effective, which tends to make it a fantastic destination for a loved ones trip.

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2. Dota

Just like Nandayure, Dota is a warm and colourful canton, a go-to place for hikers, fishers, and fans of to-die-for images. Located in the San Jose province, it’s not that much from the country’s cash but provides vacationers a secure, protected atmosphere. Only 1 violent crime was registered by the regional law enforcement in the canton in 2020 (just like in 2019). This remote, tiny-acknowledged spot in the mountains could make for a fantastic getaway trip if you are hunting for serenity and tranquility.

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3. Hojancha

Started in 1971, Hojancha is one of the “youngest” cantons in Costa Rica. With a total inhabitants of four.6K people, it’s not especially fancy, but there’s enough to see there. The regional broad-leaf tree, remnants of the Chorotega Indigenous tribe, and wonderful rivers will, most absolutely, seize your interest. Hojancha is extremely clean, as well, and was recognized by the prestigious Eco-Blue Flag award. And if you travel a little bit further into the canton, you’ll find lush fields of rice, beans, and fruit.

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4. San Marcos

US vacationers that want to break away from the noisy and soiled central cities will enjoy the rural environment of San Marcos. No murders had been described in 2020, and only three circumstances of violent crime (a large enhancement more than 6 circumstances in 2019). The dining establishments and accommodations are fairly alright, but the bustling city’s major attraction is, of system, coffee. The regional family farmers produce millions of lbs . of this common drink a year. You’ll see the espresso fields near the steep, grandiose mountains.

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5. Montes De Oro

Puntarenas is one particular of the safest districts in Costa Rica, and if you are looking to spice items up a little bit, the Montes De Oro canton could be an perfect spot. This is a guarded zone, with cleanse streets, a lot of farms, micro-mills, and the extremely beautiful Miramar Church. The air is new, and the ocean is inside of reach. Protection need to be of no issue to you, by the way, due to the fact only two violent crimes ended up noted in twelve months.

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6. Puerto Jimenez

The city of Puerto Jimenez used to be a gold mining/logging group back again in the day. These times, it is house to a tiny little bit over 12K individuals and gives plenty of points of interest to foreigners, such as mountaineering trails in the rainforest, dolphins on the gulf, and the famous Corcovado Nationwide Park. Are you a large enthusiast of sunsets? Then you will absolutely appreciate the sights in Jimenez. Biologically prosperous, the town has varied wildlife: monkeys, tapirs, and even bats.

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7. San Mateo

This proper here is the smallest canton on the list. Yes, San Mateo is one of individuals spots in which absolutely everyone knows every other. So, you may get surprised appears from the locals, but they’re extremely helpful. Positioned in the Alajuela province, it has 1 of the most affordable dining establishments, cafes, and accommodations in Costa Rica. Hiking in the dense forest, fascinating espresso excursions, and waterfalls—you’ll get to get pleasure from all that in San Mateo, alongside with spectacular sights.

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8. San Vito

In distinction to San Mateo, San Vito isn’t particularly tiny (for Costa Rica, at the very least). With a total population of 38K individuals, it is not at all uninteresting. There is always some thing heading on in this city. In 2020, police officers registered 10 situations of violent crime (-33% in comparison to 2019), properly underneath the national common. San Mateo is home to some of the most amazing waterfalls (mainly undiscovered). Additionally, you can pay a visit to the local botanical backyard garden or head into the forest to look at some unique birds.

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9. Acosta

No murders, just 5 VC instances, and only a couple of pickpockets on your way make Acosta a place well worth checking out. There is no jail in Acosta, and the locals really do not bear in mind the very last time they listened to of a murder. This canton has a imply elevation of 3,three hundred feet, which helps make it an ideal location for welcoming the sunlight. In the course of the summertime, it arrives up above the mountains each and every one day, and the sky is usually very clear.

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10. Atenas

Lush, eco-friendly hills, vegetation of sugarcane and coffee, the Zoo Ave, and Central Park flip Atenas into a must-go to city. As described, Costa Rica is acknowledged around the world as the producer of some of the finest coffee beans, and Atenas is in which you’ll be capable to see it all with your very own eyes. The climate is another big reason to check out: the temperature in this metropolis is often hanging in the 70-diploma assortment and there are almost no flies or mosquitoes there.

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11. Bagaces

An all-time minimal variety of violent crimes (6 cases in 2020 vs. eleven in 2019), a non-existed murder charge, and lots of vacationer attractions—that’s what you can anticipate from the city of Bagaces. The temperate local climate, lovely waterfalls, and realistic prices on every little thing make it an even more inviting end on your following excursion to Costa Rica. This is one particular of the oldest settlements, by the way, and dates back again to the sixteenth century.

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12. Puriscal

The fourth canton in the San Jose province, Puriscal is a common location. Furthermore, it is quite risk-free (11 VC circumstances per 38K folks). The initial thing that’ll catch your consideration is the wonderful church built by the Spanish hundreds of years back. Just like most cantons in Costa Rica, Puriscal “sits” on leading of mountains and offers one-in-a-million views. Individuals that travel to faraway destinations to get ideal selfies ought to place Puriscal on their lists.

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13. Buenos Aires

No, we’re not chatting about the money of Argentina. Buenos Aires in Costa Rica is a comparatively modest canton (28K citizens) and is mostly acknowledged for the cultivation of pineapple. Positioned in the countryside of the Puntarenas district, Buenos Aires offers a “true’ Costa Rica knowledge and a protected journey. There, you’ll locate some of the premier tribal reservations in the place. Additionally, even though this canton is a distant place, there are lots of parks and reserves close by.

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14. San Isidro

What can you assume from San Isidro, a city with a inhabitants of 48K people? Effectively, it is not specifically popular amid US visitors. This can be a pro, though, specially if you are into eye-catching landscapes, a relaxed weather, and below-average costs at stores/companies. The farmer’s industry is also worth a check out. San Isidro is a very secure metropolis, regardless of the fifty% spike in VC rate in 2020 (seventeen vs. eleven in 2019).

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15. Los Chiles

Just like in San Isidro, the number of reported crimes in Los Chiles spiked in 2020 (by 55%). However, it nonetheless has a reduced crime fee for Costa Rica and Central The usa. So, what can you do over there? Positioned 9 miles from the country’s border with Nicaragua, it is a rich and nicely-created canton. Uncommon birds, monkeys, iguanas, turtles, and lots of fish—Los Chiles has quite a various fauna. Boat excursions are also available.

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16. Parrita

According to a neighborhood legend, Parrita received its identify hundreds of years ago from a lady named Rita. The Spanish phrase “Es par Rita”—this is for Rita—was employed so often that these days the canton is recognized as Parrita. It sits proper in the center of 6 different rivers and has a very heat, comfortable weather. Settled 15 meters earlier mentioned sea stage, it’s received postcard-worthy sights, a lovely mangrove forest, and lots of tiny islands that you can pay a visit to on a boat.

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17. San Pablo

In 2020, only 32 VC instances have been noted in San Pablo—a reduced charge for a city with a population of 31K residents. In addition to, in contrast to 2019, the violent crimes fee saw a 44% decline. No murders have been registered, which indicates San Pablo is safe to pay a visit to. What can the common foreigner find there? The cuisine is tasty, and there are lots of music festivals. The spa centers are great, but they are also costly.

Relevant Read: 25 Most secure Cities in Mexico (With Pictures)

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18. Grecia

It will get you an hour to get to Grecia from San Jose, and there is sufficient to see there. Very first, make positive to go to the Church of Our Woman Mercy (it’s painted red, you won’t overlook it). At its core, Grecia is a farming local community, and it is 1 of the cleanest cantons in Costa Rica. The large, picturesque parks that host musical bands, never ever-ending celebrations, and welcoming folks will preserve you occupied for a lot of days.

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19. Corredores

Like any other metropolis or canton in the Puntarenas province, Corredores offers dense, tropical forests, unique wildlife, and lovely seashores. If that is precisely what you are looking for, do check out this wonderful place. The local accommodations are inexpensive, by the way, and so is the meals. You won’t experience severe winds or sudden temperature drops because Corredores has a suggest elevation of 190 ft.

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20. Nicoya

Do you imagine mountainous landscapes, heavenly seashores, and a laid-again, peaceful freestyle when contemplating about Costa Rica? Then you’ll like what Nicoya is all about. This canton is in Guanacaste and enjoys a long dry period. And if you’re worried about the crime fee, really do not be. It’s a lot lower than the countrywide and continental common. Plus, the VC price dropped in 2020 by 16%, making Nicoya a a lot safer area.

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21. Garabito

The Jaco Seaside, wonderful waterfalls, gardens, and the Tico artwork house are just some of the landmarks of Garabito. Regardless of the modest dimensions and populace, it is 1 of the best cantons in Costa Rica. The VC price is a little bit greater than you’d most likely assume, but Garabito is, with out a question, a secure area to visit. The parks, nationwide wildlife refuges, and cozy cafes on the shorelines are all well worth your while.

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22. Santa Cruz

Up coming up, we have got Santa Cruz, a common location in the Guanacaste province. The neighborhood eco and cultural tours are quite excellent, and if you want to explore the canton on your possess, we recommend the parks, natural/wildlife regions, and, of training course, the beaches. For a metropolis with almost 70K inhabitants, the amount of violent crimes (fifty eight) is instead reduced. And there was only one particular murder reported in 2020.

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23. Matina

Matina is the only town on our checklist from the Limon province. Located 43 feet earlier mentioned sea amount, it’s cheerful, vigorous, and known not only in the province but the total region. It’s identified for its very hot springs and volcanic mud baths. In 2020, there ended up 81 situations of violent crime and 1 murder documented in Matina—reassuring charges for a massive and common town.

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24. San Rafael

Is San Rafael a fast-paced, lively town or one more 1 of those gradual, tranquil resort towns for travelers? Nicely, you could say that it’s the golden middle. Famous for the huge, grandiose church, San Rafael has a lot of landmarks, sights, and a quite “Latin” vibe. The steep, lovely hills, entire-fledged farming communities, and wonderful architecture will immediately get your attention.

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25. San Carlos

San Carlos is the biggest canton on our record. The violent crime and murder charges are lower than the Costa Rica averages, of system, particularly for a canton with 200K citizens. Even so, you ought to continue to be away from dark, dead-zone neighborhoods. In 2020, the law enforcement registered 119 situations of violent criminal offense and three murders (-twenty% and -15% vs. the prior 12 months). As for attractions, San Carlos has it all: scenic landscapes, farms, wildlife, historic architecture, and charming cafes/eating places.

How to Stay Safe in Costa Rica

As we discovered nowadays, murder and violent criminal offense aren’t a massive problem in Costa Rica. It’s also a minimal-danger spot concerning terrorism, political, religious, and ethnic violence. On the 2021 International Peace Index, Costa Rica ranks #39. So, that leaves purse-snatchers and pickpockets as the finest threat.

As extended as you often keep your bag strapped close to your shoulder or neck and really do not place anything in the again pocket, petty theft shouldn’t be a large dilemma. The very best thing about the twenty five cities/cantons on our list is they are not the most common places for visitors. Furthermore, they are relatively little.

That indicates most of the pickpockets will be in the greater metropolitan areas. Really don't wander into hazardous neighborhoods at night, change close to if you see strangers on the streets, and do not screen symptoms of prosperity in community. Also, often keep a telephone close to to call the law enforcement (the quantity is the very same as in the US—911). And bear in mind: Puntarenas and Guanacaste are the most secure districts in Costa Rica.

Conclusion

Costa Rica is 1 of the most wonderful places to visit 365 days a calendar year. The forests, beach locations, and the mesmerizing legacy of the Corobicís and Nahuatl tribes flip it into a magnet not only for the American but for European visitors as effectively. You can journey there alone, with your partner or family—Costa Rica is a protected and welcoming nation.

Keep absent from shady individuals, preserve your belongings at the resort, and make certain you appreciate every single second of your excursion. Risk-free travels!

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Showcased Graphic Credit history: kmarius, Pixabay