Beach town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Is Santa Teresa safe?
A relaxed beach town where theft is the main problem.
Is Santa Teresa safe?
A relaxed beach town where theft is the main problem. Dust, ATVs and rip currents are bigger risks than crime.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- 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 Santa Teresa at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Petty theft from beach bags, hostels and parked vehicles; occasional break-ins at isolated rentals, usually when homes are empty. |
| At night | Roads are dark, dusty and shared with ATVs. Stay near your lodging or take a taxi; there are no street lights outside the center. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable for solo women, thanks to the international community. Use ride arrangements at night and lock rental doors. |
| Other risks | Strong rip currents and big surf; Heat and dehydration, Mar–Apr; ATV and scooter accidents on rough roads |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Overpriced ATV or scooter damage claims on rentals
- Unlicensed shuttle drivers charging above standard rates
- Beach 'security' demanding tips for watching your bag
Take care
- Leaving valuables on the beach while surfing
- Riding ATVs on unlit dirt roads at night
- Isolated beach walks after dark
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 Santa Teresa 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 Santa Teresa safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable for solo women, thanks to the international community. Use ride arrangements at night and lock rental doors.
Is Santa Teresa safe at night?
Roads are dark, dusty and shared with ATVs. Stay near your lodging or take a taxi; there are no street lights outside the center.
What is the crime rate in Santa Teresa?
Petty theft from beach bags, hostels and parked vehicles; occasional break-ins at isolated rentals, usually when homes are empty. Nationally, Costa Rica records 17.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Santa Teresa?
All emergencies 911.
More about Santa Teresa
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- 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.