Costa Rica is a sanctuary for solo female travelers.
With its strong tourism infrastructure and welcoming population, Costa Rica provides an ideal sanctuary for solo female travelers who flock here to experience all that this Central American country has to offer.
Solo travel retreats often focus on individuals looking for an informed approach to their daily lives, and the emphasis may be on relaxation, wellness, adventure, stress management or maybe romance. Solo travelers report that traveling alone can improve feelings of self-awareness and inner tranquility.
Search for solo travel has increased by 145%, according to Pinterest, while several studies report that more than 70% of women have either experienced solo travel or would be interested in doing so.
The Austrian Susanne Höller regularly comes to Costa Rica.
Susanne Höller, from Austria, who often writes for Solo traveler, regularly visits Costa Rica. She says: “Costa Rica is a very safe place to travel as a solo female traveler. I have been coming here for over six years now and have never experienced a questionable situation. However, I respect certain rules and use my common sense. I don't drive at night, I leave the beach shortly after sunset, before it gets dark. I don't wear flashy things when I walk on the beach. I learned to speak Spanish to communicate with the locals.
According to Höller, visitors don't need to speak Spanish if they frequent the obvious tourist spots. “However, if you're venturing a little off the beaten path, it's very helpful to know some basic Spanish,” she advises. “Actually, I learned about it here by talking to the locals. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and just enjoy being able to communicate with these lovely people.
Meg Jerrard takes a mud bath at the Rio Negro hot springs.
Meg Jerrard Solo Traveler Tours, explains: “It certainly helps to know some Spanish before traveling here, but most people know at least some English, so you can easily get by without the language barrier being a problem. a problem. Don't expect to be fluent in English everywhere, and we always think it's respectful to try to learn a little of the local language. However, you won't have any problems if you don't speak Spanish.
Jerrard adds: “Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for solo female travelers. Tourism is a huge part of Costa Rica's economy, ecotourism in particular, so it's all easy for international travelers. There is a very strong tourism infrastructure and everyone is extremely welcoming and friendly. For example, US dollars are accepted everywhere, so you don't have to worry about things like currency exchange, and the experiences here are all outdoor and nature based, meaning it's a very relaxed and laid back lifestyle, and no one cares. what you look like, so you don't need a lot of clothes.
Mar Pages, co-founder of Solo Female Traveler Tours.
Travel safely alone in Costa Rica
Of course, safety is always a concern for solo female travelers. According to Solo female travelers safety index, which ranks countries on how safe they are for women based on real-time data and direct reviews, Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in the world for things that matter specifically to women . The index takes into account US and UK travel advisories, the Global Peace Index, the risk of theft and harassment for women, attitudes towards women and the risk of fraud . It also contains reviews from women who have recently traveled to the country, with their thoughts and experiences about traveling there alone.
Meet locals while traveling alone in Costa Rica
Want to meet the locals? Jerrard says: “Don’t be afraid to start a conversation, even if they speak very little English. Local Costa Ricans and international travelers are very friendly and welcoming, and always genuinely interested in having a conversation and saying hello. Even if local people aren't very fluent in English, they tend to still know a little and will genuinely engage with you if you try. Walk up with a smile and say hello.
Tara Cappel, founder of FTLO Travel, recommends considering a group trip for solo travelers.
Tara Cappel, founder of FTLO Travel, a group travel company catering to solo female travelers in their 20s and 30s, says Costa Rica is a fantastic choice for female travelers looking to embark on solo travel. “As a destination, Costa Rica offers a wide range of experiences, so travelers will have many options to occupy their time,” she explains. “Additionally, the country is considered one of the safest in Central America and has a well-established tourism industry, so there are many activities and tours organized by reputable providers that solo travelers can take part in.”
If you're new to solo travel, she recommends considering a group trip for solo travelers or sticking to one of the more established coastal towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, or Santa Theresa. She adds: “If you're going alone, book a few activities or day trips in advance to structure your time. It can also help you meet other travelers who might become new friends for you to hang out or travel with. I recommend always reading recent reviews of tour and activity providers before booking.
Costa Rica is one of the top countries for solo travelers with 29.9% of visitors traveling alone according to the latest statistics from the Costa Rican Tourism Office (ICT). It is also considered a very safe country. The 2020 Global Peace Index ranked Costa Rica as the most peaceful country in Latin America. Additionally, Costa Ricans take pride in welcoming and caring for their visitors.
Costa Rica Tourism Office recognizes the unique danger of traveling alone as a woman and has implemented certain measures to create a welcoming and responsive environment. ICT, in partnership with the National Women's Institute and the National Tourism Safety Commission, launched the RED SOFIA program to promote gender equality in the tourism industry, eradicate and prevent gender violence. respect for women and create safer environments for solo travelers in Costa Rica.
The wellness trend has evolved for solo female travelers.
Pedro Belmar, general director of Hotel Belmar in Monteverde says: “Costa Rica has always been known as a wellness destination, and as the wellness trend has evolved toward more than spa treatments, we have seen a steady increase in the number of solo female travelers. The Belmar Hotel is located in a safe area and with the many nature-based wellness experiences offered on site, on our farm and in our nature reserve, we allow women to relax and focus on their personal care. Since the beginning, Hotel Bemar has always provided a safe environment for female travelers. We strongly believe that women should feel safe when traveling alone, and our hotel is joining RED SOFIA.
Becca Forward, chief of staff Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences, adds: “Costa Ricans are some of the most generous and welcoming people I have met, making it a fantastic travel destination for solo female travelers. Everyone is helpful, accommodating and friendly, which makes the travel experience very comfortable when you are alone.
Corcovado National Park is home to stunning ecosystems.
Must-see destinations
No visit to Costa Rica is complete without seeing its attractions. Corcovado National Park located in the southeastern tip of Costa Rica, is one of the most unique ecosystems in Central America, with shallow lagoons, marshes and mangroves, as well as rivers, rainforests and cloud forests low altitude. There are 46 kilometers of sandy beaches to explore. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, including scarlet macaws, tapirs, jaguars and crocodiles. Hiking in Corcovado National Park is a perfect activity for solo travelers who like to stay active, although it is necessary to enter with a licensed guide.
Carara National Park offers fully inclusive tourism with a universal path allowing easy access for people with physical disabilities. This park is a birdwatcher's paradise, with parrots, toucans and fire-billed aracaris as well as the prized scarlet macaw. The park is also home to various types of monkeys, including capuchins, spiders and howlers. The Caño Island Biological Reserve, a spectacular marine biological reserve, is the ideal place for beach and sea lovers. It is a must-see for solo travelers looking for sea kayaking, surfing , snorkeling and scuba diving. This reserve contains the most extensive coral reef formations on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is also an occasional habitat for humpback whales.
Manzanillo is a Caribbean paradise immersed in the jungle.
The picturesque village of Manzanillo is a Caribbean paradise immersed in the jungle of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Reserve. Manzanillo is the perfect place to get away from the crowds and have an authentic experience. This protected area includes ecosystems such as tropical rainforests, swamps and lagoons, as well as coral reefs and underwater plant beds. It is home to species such as sloths, monkeys, pumas and endangered animals including sea turtles and manatees.
Santa Ana is the ideal city for travelers who want to explore the urban side of Costa Rica. Located in the province of San José in the Central Valley, this small town is home to fantastic traditional Costa Rican cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Santa Ana is an increasingly popular tourist destination and is known for its production of ceramics decorated with mineral-based designs and images – a great place to buy quality souvenirs. Santa Ana is also home to the Santa Ana Agricultural Technology History Museum.
Pamela Holt, host of “Me, Me and the World: The Art of Solo Travel” on GoTraveler and Amazon Prime Video, says: “Costa Rica is a great destination for solo female travelers because of its vibrant mix of adventure and relaxation. There are plenty of opportunities to surf the perfect waves, zipline through the treetops, and relax on yoga retreats. There's a diverse community of travelers, ecotourism sites to explore, and all the rejuvenating, yet affordable, downtime you could want. Costa Rica is the type of destination where every traveler, especially single women, can find something exciting and new while feeling safe and welcome.
