Is Costa Rica Safe for Group Travel? What to Know Before You Go, According to a Local
If you’re planning a group trip to Costa Rica, you’re probably wondering: Is it safe?
The simple answer is yes! Costa Rica is often rated one of the safest, happiest, and most visitor-friendly countries in Central America and the world. It’s ranked 54th on the 2025 Global Peace Index as a highly peaceful country, one of the top two ratings.
Our reputation stems from a few different variables:
- Stable democracy and no military: Costa Rica eliminated our army in 1948, instead choosing to invest in education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
- Low violent-crime rate: Petty theft can happen in cities as it can in any country, but incidents involving tourists are incredibly uncommon, and nearly non-existent when traveling with established tourism authorities.
- High tourism standards: Tour operators and guides are licensed, English-speaking, and trained to meet international safety protocols.
- Reliable infrastructure: Travel is safe and efficient thanks to highway projects, hospitals operating at international standards and two international airports, San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) providing easy access to all destinations throughout the country.
- Culture of kindness: The national ethos of pura vida is all about extending warmth, respect, and genuine hospitality. It’s not just about how we treat each other, it’s how we treat visitors, too!
After years of living here and growing up in Costa Rica, we can confidently say that our country strikes a rare balance between adventure and assurance. It’s a special place where you can roam freely without worry.
At Villa Punto de Vista, we see that peace of mind is reflected every day when guests arrive curious and leave connected, delighted by how safe and at home they felt while exploring our peaceful corner of the world.
Where to Travel Safely: Costa Rica’s Most Visitor-Friendly Regions
While all of Costa Rica is safe for travelers, here’s a breakdown of safety in Costa Rica by region:
| Region | Why It’s Safe & Popular | Insight from Locals |
| Manuel Antonio (Central Pacific Coast) | Well-developed tourism infrastructure, friendly local community, and strong police presence. Roads and transfers are well-maintained, and most villas and resorts (like Villa Punto de Vista) have gated security, and English is widely spoken. | This area offers the quintessential Costa Rica vibes you’re imagining, with both ocean and jungle, mountains and beaches, adventure and relaxation — it’s the best of everything Costa Rica has to offer. Plus, easy access from San José or Liberia airports. |
| Guanacaste & Papagayo Peninsula (North Pacific) | Luxury resort region with strong private security and direct international access via Liberia Airport (LIR). Well-lit roads, private transport, and English-speaking staff make travel seamless. | Ideal for those seeking an effortless arrival experience — most U.S. flights land here. |
| Central Valley (San José, Escazú, Alajuela) | Urban safety with modern amenities, reliable healthcare, and major hotels. Great for first-time visitors who want easy airport access and guided day trips. | Stay near San José for proximity to volcanoes, coffee tours, and international flight hubs. The issue with this region is that you won’t get beaches or jungle; it’s mountainous, cloud-forest, and city terrain, which offers a different version of the pura vida experience than most visitors imagine. |
| Arenal & La Fortuna (Northern Region) | Tourist-friendly adventure hub with licensed guides, clear safety signage, and well-organized tours. | This is an area for adventure followed by a dip in the hot springs to soothe sore muscles. There are lots of guided excursions to hot springs, waterfalls, and volcano hikes. |
| Osa Peninsula (Southern Pacific) | Known for ecotourism and conservation; locals are deeply protective of nature and visitors. Remote but safe for guided small groups. | Perfect for unplugged, guided adventures. It’s known for its remoteness yet has luxury stay options as well. |
Many of our guests at Villa Punto de Vista want to explore one or more regions of Costa Rica before or after their stay at the villa.
Your pre-arrival concierge can work with you like a private trip planner, connecting you with the most trusted vendors and accommodations in each area if this is something you and your group would like to explore!
Safety by Design: Inside Villa Punto de Vista
Now, let’s talk specifically about safety when staying at one of our two luxury Costa Rica villas, Villa Punto de Vista and Villa La Isla.
A Private Reserve
Our property sits on a plot of two and a half unspoiled acres of jungle coastline that we’ve expertly preserved as a sort of private nature reserve. Because of this, the land serves as a natural protective barrier, while constructed walls around the villa add ultimate privacy around the full perimeter of the estate.
24/7 Security & Staff
Unlike other villas for rent in Costa Rica, we offer fully staffed private villas for groups.
This means that in addition to your butlers and drivers, we have 24/7 security staff stationed discreetly outside the villa walls.
Now, is this necessary? Probably not in an area as safe as Manuel Antonio, but we’re of the mindset that there’s no such thing as “too safe” for our valued guests!
This also allows us to provide you with the same service you’d receive at a five-star resort, with 24/7 on-site staff for support.
Trusted Transportation & Secure Transfers
All guest transfers are arranged through verified, English-speaking drivers who know the region intimately.
Your transportation is fully coordinated by our concierge, whether you’re arriving from the airport in San José or taking day trips to nearby beaches and waterfalls. This means no unvetted taxis, no guesswork, and no worry.
Advanced Security Systems
Each villa is equipped with modern surveillance and access control systems to ensure privacy and safety at all hours. Entry points are monitored, lighting is automated, and all staff members go through extensive training to learn detailed guest privacy and safety protocols.
Local Partnerships & Training for Peace of Mind
Our team maintains close relationships with local authorities, emergency services, and healthcare providers, ensuring quick access to assistance should it ever be needed. We also provide our staff with extensive training every year in CPR and lifesaving techniques.
Our local medical centers, Quepos Medical Center and Manuel Antonio Urgent Care, both operate as small hospitals with stellar patient care records and 4.8+-star reviews on Google, which is pretty unheard of for medical facilities.
While these are both within a 5- to 10-minute drive of the villa, we’re also happy to coordinate medical staff directly to the villa for ultimate ease and comfort.
While Manuel Antonio is known for being one of Costa Rica’s safest areas, we believe peace of mind is part of true luxury and aim to provide this as much as humanly possible for our guests in every area of their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica safe for women traveling in groups?
Yes. Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America for women travelers, especially in popular areas like Manuel Antonio, Nosara, and Papagayo. We host many all-women’s retreats at the villas!
Is Manuel Antonio safe for tourists?
Absolutely. Manuel Antonio’s thriving tourism economy means safety is a top priority. You’ll find visible tourism police, well-maintained roads, and reputable tour operators with certified guides. Our community welcomes international travelers every single day, and English is widely spoken.
Are private villas safer than hotels in Costa Rica?
While both are incredibly safe, there are certain perks to booking a private villa.
Fully staffed private villas like Villa Punto de Vista and Villa La Isla offer complete privacy, controlled access, and round-the-clock staff who know every guest by name. That level of exclusivity simply isn’t possible in larger resorts. Your group enjoys the freedom of a private estate with the reassurance of professional hospitality and security, giving you the best of both worlds. Plus, since it’s not a shared space, you can kick off your shoes or leave your belongings anywhere on the property, anytime, without worry.
What areas should tourists avoid?
Avoid walking alone late at night in downtown San José or leaving valuables unattended on public beaches because, as you know, petty theft can happen anywhere in the world. The difference here is that usually it’s the monkeys borrowing your things to trade for food!
Our team will also remain with your things on the beach, so you don’t need to worry about leaving anything unattended and can relax and enjoy.
We always recommend sticking with guided tours and vetted transportation just for peace of mind, all of which your pre-arrival concierge can arrange.
What health or weather considerations should I know?
Costa Rica requires no special vaccinations for entry. The country’s healthcare system is excellent and modern. Travelers should bring reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and any personal prescriptions.
One weather plus is that there are no hurricanes in Costa Rica. There’s no best time of year to visit Costa Rica, as the weather is great year-round; it just differs from season to season.
Paradise That Offers Complete Peace of Mind
At Villa Punto de Vista, safety isn’t something you concern yourself with; it’s something you feel in the ease, peace, and calm you experience each and every day.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel that Costa Rica’s sense of safety is woven into daily life. You’ll see it in the kindness of those walking next to you off the plane, the warmth of the cashier at the local panaderia you stop at on your way to the villa, and the national pride in protecting both people and the environment.
It’s not something that needs to be promised. It’s simply how things are.
You come for the views, the ocean, the rainforest, and find comfort in knowing you can truly relax, surrounded by a country and a team that welcomes you like family.
Here, you can trust that peace of mind is simply part of the experience. Reserve your luxury group villa stay today in one of the safest countries in the world!
Christien Johnson is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Villa Punto de Vista Estate, an award-winning private resort in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. With nearly 20 years in luxury hospitality, he has helped make the estate a benchmark for private villa experiences, earning 700+ five-star reviews, 13 consecutive WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards (an achievement only secured by the top 3% of venues worldwide) and a vote as the #1 wedding venue in Costa Rica, as well as recognition from Architectural Digest, Condé Nast Johansens, and the Global Choice Awards as the Best Villa in Central America.
Christien also founded and manages Vista Destinations Luxury Travel Agency, Costa Rica Weddings, and Costa Rica Chefs, and advises brands worldwide on automation and AI in luxury hospitality, shaping the next era of high-touch, personalized travel as a trusted voice in private-estate and transformational travel.
