Q COSTARICA — The United States and Canadian embassies updated their travel advisories and raised concerns about safety in Costa Rica. Both countries agree that risks for tourists remain, especially in downtown San José.
One of the most highlighted areas is the zone between San Juan de Dios Hospital, the Central Market (Mercado Central), and the “Coca Cola” market, where visitors are exposed to crimes such as robberies, muggings, cell phone thefts, and scams.
This area of the capital not only sees a high volume of pedestrian traffic, but also serves as a key bus stop for routes to the Pacific coast and the northern part of the country. This forces many tourists to travel through the area, even at night.
According to warnings, this situation increases the vulnerability of visitors, who must travel during times considered to be of higher risk.
Canada maintains – Exercise a high degree of caution
The Canadian Embassy identified specific areas, such as the “Coca Cola” and “Paso de la Vaca” markets as hotspots where criminals often operate in groups to distract and rob people.
The embassy website warns that thieves often work in teams, in which one thief diverts the victims’ attention while the other snatches their possessions.
Thefts commonly occur:
- In popular tourist areas, including viewpoints
- On buses, on trains, in bus and train stations, as well as in airport terminals
and in hotel lobbies - At restaurants, including on patios located near streets.
US Maintains Costa Rica at Level 2
The United States has decided to maintain Costa Rica at Level 2 – exercise increased caution travel advisory, meaning its citizens should exercise increased caution during their stay.
This level reflects that, despite the country’s tourist reputation, security problems persist and have not shown significant improvement in recent months.
Warnings About Tourist Destinations
The warnings are not limited to downtown San José. In Costa Rica’s Pacific region, international authorities have urged extreme caution in areas such as:
- Dominical
- Jacó
- The area near the Tárcoles River (Crocodile bridge)
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Quepos
- Cóbano Beaches, including the small seaside towns of Mal País, Montezuma and Santa Teresa, as well as the port of Puntarenas
- On the Caribbean coast, the following areas are of particular concern for theft: Cahuita, Puerto Limón, and Puerto Viejo.
These areas, although popular with tourists, present risks associated with theft and crime.