Comments on: Costa Rica Caribbean Beaches

By: Leigh Shulman

Leigh Shulman — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 02:41:11 +0000

Hey Stephen,

I lived in Panama for 6 months and traveled to CR quite a few times. Mostly on the Caribe coast. There is most definitely more crime here and people are likely to prey on tourists. Particularly those who get drunk and don’t know what’s going on. You also want to watch your stuff in hostels.

But for the most part, it’s just fine. When we were there, we got stranded in Manzanillo long after the bus stopped running. A complete stranger gave us a ride all the way back to Cahuita (half an hour drive). We paid him, but not for one second did I doubt my safety.

Panama tends to be even safer than Costa Rica. You’re always going to hear stories, and Panama City (particularly certain parts) can be sketchy. But the interior tends to be fine.

By: Brian Green

Brian Green — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:26:05 +0000

I too have heard stories of crime while there. Thankfully in my 14 days in Panama and Costa Rica my girlfriend and I never experienced any issues. Although we played it very safe.

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:59:27 +0000

Crime is a topic on it’s own, a very complicating one. We hear random crime stories all the time. We have even had it happen to others traveling with us, people staying in our hostal at the same time as us, and locals that we befriended. Crime can be everywhere, we just have to be continually cautious and conscious of it. People here are typically more poor and desperate, therefor we are even more cautious.

To answer your question… Yes, we heard stories about thefts in the Puerto Viejo area, but I still wouldn’t discourage you from visiting there.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:23:26 +0000

How is the crime on the Caribbean beaches? You have any problems? Hear of anything? .-= Stephen´s last blog ..West Bank Slide Show =-.