Town in Limón, Costa Rica
Is Puerto Viejo safe?
Friendly and laid-back, but theft is common, especially from beaches, bikes and rentals.
Is Puerto Viejo safe?
Friendly and laid-back, but theft is common, especially from beaches, bikes and rentals. Drugs and late-night drinking add risk.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-04-01.
- Homicide rate in Costa Rica: 17.7 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Costa Rica: 14.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
Safety in Puerto Viejo at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bike and bag theft, break-ins of rentals and cars, and occasional nighttime muggings on dark roads outside the center. |
| At night | The center is lively until late; take a taxi rather than walking dark roads and beach paths back to lodgings. |
| Solo women | Solo women commonly travel here. Catcalling happens; avoid isolated roads and beaches after dark and watch drinks. |
| Other risks | Powerful rip currents at Playa Cocles; Dengue-carrying mosquitoes; Flooding and landslides on the road in heavy rain |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Street sellers pushing drugs, which can lead to police or robbery
- Overpriced bike or ATV rentals with damage claims
- Hostel or tour agents taking deposits for unlicensed tours
Take care
- Leaving bikes unlocked or bags on the beach
- Dark roads and beaches at night, especially Cocles to Chiquita
- Drug offers from street sellers
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or a copy with the entry stamp; police check documents.
- Feeding wild animals is illegal and fined.
- Drug offences carry a minimum eight-year prison sentence.
How Puerto Viejo compares in Costa Rica
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| La Fortuna | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manuel Antonio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Santa Teresa | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Monteverde | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nosara | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Uvita | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San José | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tamarindo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Viejo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Jacó | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Puerto Viejo safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women commonly travel here. Catcalling happens; avoid isolated roads and beaches after dark and watch drinks.
Is Puerto Viejo safe at night?
The center is lively until late; take a taxi rather than walking dark roads and beach paths back to lodgings.
What is the crime rate in Puerto Viejo?
Bike and bag theft, break-ins of rentals and cars, and occasional nighttime muggings on dark roads outside the center. Nationally, Costa Rica records 17.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Puerto Viejo?
All emergencies 911.
More about Puerto Viejo
Going to Puerto Viejo solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- SINAC national parks
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.