Costa Rica is a paradise for solo female travelers.
FTLO Travel
With its strong tourism infrastructure and welcoming people, Costa Rica has become an ideal haven for solo female travelers who flock to experience all this Central American country has to offer.
Solo travel retreats are often centered around individuals looking for an enlightened approach to daily life, and can also focus on relaxation, health, adventure, stress management, or even romance in some cases . Solo travelers report that traveling alone can increase self-awareness and peace of mind.
According to Pinterest, searches for solo travel have increased by 145%, and some studies report that over 70% of women have already traveled solo or are interested in traveling solo. I am.
Susanne Heller from Austria visits Costa Rica regularly.
Suzanne Heller, solo traveler
Susanne Heller from Austria is a frequent contributor to Solo Traveler magazine and regularly visits Costa Rica. she says: “Costa Rica is a very safe place for solo female travelers. I have been here for over 6 years and have never experienced a dangerous situation. Still, I follow certain rules and Use common sense: I don’t drive at night, I leave the beach just after sunset, and I don’t wear flashy items when walking on the beach. I studied Spanish.
Heller said speaking Spanish is not necessary at tourist attractions that are frequented by tourists. “But if you’re venturing a little off the beaten path, knowing some basic Spanish can be very helpful,” she advises. “Actually, I learned that by talking to locals here. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and enjoy being able to communicate with nice people.”
Meg Gerrard takes a mud bath at Rio Negro Hot Springs.
mar page and meg gerrard
Meg Jerrard of Solo Female Travelers Tours explains: There is no need to expect fluency in English everywhere. We always believe that trying to learn a little bit of the local language shows respect. However, it doesn’t matter if you don’t speak Spanish. ”
Gerrard further added, “Costa Rica is a great destination for solo female travelers. Tourism is a big part of the Costa Rican economy, especially ecotourism, so everything is easy for international travelers. The tourist infrastructure is very good. It’s well stocked and everyone is very welcoming and friendly. For example, US dollars are accepted everywhere so you don’t have to worry about things like exchanging money. Also, the experience here is all outdoors and nature based. It’s a very chill, 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.
mar page and meg gerrard
Safe Solo Travel in Costa Rica
Of course, safety is always a concern for solo female travelers. According to the Solo Female Travelers Safety Index, which ranks countries on safety for women based on real-time data and first-hand reviews, Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in the world, especially when it comes to things that matter to women. The index takes into account travel advisory ratings for the US and UK, the Global Peace Index, theft and harassment risks for women, attitudes towards women, and the risk of fraud. Also included are solo travel impressions and experiences written by women who have recently traveled to the country.
Meet locals on a solo trip to Costa Rica
Want to meet locals? Gerrard says: “Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation, even if they only speak minimal English. Local Costa Ricans and international travelers alike are very friendly and welcoming, always willing to make a conversation or say hello.” The locals may not be all that fluent in English, but they always tend to know a little and will seriously engage if you try. Please approach and say hello.”
Tara Cappel, founder of FTLO Travel, recommends considering group tours for solo travelers.
anna richie
Tara Kappel, founder of FTLO Travel, a group tour company for solo travelers in their 20s and 30s, says Costa Rica is a great option for female travelers looking to dip their toe into solo travel. “Costa Rica offers a wide range of experiences as a destination, so travelers will have plenty of options to kill time,” she explains. “Furthermore, the country is considered one of the safest countries in Central America and has a well-established tourism industry, so there are plenty of activities and tours organized by reputable travel companies that solo travelers can take part in. there is.”
If this is your first time traveling solo, we recommend joining a solo group tour or staying in one of the more well-known coastal towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, or Santa Teresa. “If you’re going solo, book some activities and day trips in advance to free up your schedule. This will give you the chance to meet other travelers and make it easier to spend time and travel together. You might even make some new friends. We recommend always reading the latest reviews of tour and activity providers before booking.
According to the latest statistics from the Costa Rica Tourism Institute (ICT), Costa Rica is one of the countries with the highest number of solo travelers, with 29.9% of travelers traveling alone. It is also considered a very safe country. The Global Peace Index 2020 ranks Costa Rica as the most peaceful country in Latin America. Additionally, Costa Ricans take pride in welcoming and caring for visitors.
The Costa Rica Tourism Board recognizes the inherent risks of solo female travel and has taken certain steps to create a welcoming and responsive environment. ICT collaborates with the National Institute for Women’s Research and the National Tourism Safety Board to promote gender equality in the tourism industry, eradicate and prevent violence against women, and create a safer environment for solo travelers in Costa Rica. , launched the RED SOFIA program.
Wellness trends are evolving for solo female travelers.
Hotel Belmar
Pedro Bellmar, general manager of Hotel Bellmar in Monteverde, said: “Costa Rica has always been known as a wellness destination, and solo female travel is steadily increasing as wellness trends evolve to more than just spa treatments.” Hotel Bellmare is located in a safe area and offers a number of nature-based wellness experiences on-site, on the farm and in a nature reserve, allowing women to relax and focus on self-care. Since its inception, Hotel Bemar has always provided a safe environment for female travelers. We strongly believe that women should feel safe when traveling alone and are now members of RED SOFIA. ”
“Costa Ricans are some of the most generous and welcoming people I’ve ever met, making them a great destination for solo female travelers,” said Becca Forward, chief of staff at Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences. ” he added. Everyone is helpful, helpful, and friendly, making for a very pleasant traveling experience even if you’re alone. ”
Corcovado National Park has an amazing ecosystem.
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must-see destinations
A visit to Costa Rica cannot be complete without seeing its attractions. Located in the remote southeast corner of Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park is one of Central America’s most unique ecosystems, including shallow lagoons, swamps, and mangrove wetlands, as well as rivers, wet forests, and lowland cloud forests. . Explore 46 kilometers of sandy beaches. Wildlife viewing including macaws, tapirs, jaguars and crocodiles is great. Hiking in Corcovado National Park is a great activity for solo travelers looking to stay active, but you must enter with an authorized guide.
Carrara National Park offers fully inclusive tourism with universal access passes that are easily accessible even for people with disabilities. The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to parrots, toucans and long-billed macaws, as well as the rare macaw. The park is also home to many different species of monkeys, including capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, and howler monkeys. A spectacular marine reserve, the Isla de Caño Biological Reserve is the ideal destination for beach and sea lovers. A must-see for solo travelers seeking sea kayaking, surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. This reserve is home to the most extensive coral reef formation on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Humpback whales may also live there.
Manzanillo is a Caribbean paradise surrounded by jungle.
visit costa rica
The quaint village of Manzanillo is a Caribbean paradise nestled in the jungle of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Mixed Wildlife Reserve. Manzanillo is the ideal location for an authentic experience away from the hustle and bustle. The reserve includes ecosystems such as rainforests, swamps, lagoons, coral reefs, and underwater plant habitats. It is home to species such as sloths, monkeys, and mountain lions, as well as endangered animals such as sea turtles and manatees.
Santa Ana is the perfect town for travelers looking to explore the urban side of Costa Rica. Located in the Central Valley of San José Department, this small town has great traditional Costa Rican cuisine and a lively nightlife. Santa Ana is an increasingly popular tourist destination, known for its production of pottery decorated with mineral-based patterns and paintings, and is a great place to buy quality souvenirs. Santa Ana is also home to the Santa Ana Museum of Agricultural Technology and History.
Pamela Holt, host of GoTraveler and Amazon Prime Video’s “Me, Myself & The World: The Art of Solo Travel.” There are plenty of opportunities to surf the perfect waves, zipline through the trees, or unwind at a yoga retreat. With a diverse community of travelers, there are ecotourism spots to explore and refreshing downtime all at affordable prices. Costa Rica is the type of destination where all travelers, especially solo female travelers, can find thrills and something new while feeling safe and welcome. ”
