Are you planning to visit Costa Rica as a solo female traveller and looking for some tips and advice? You’re in the right place! Costa Rica is the ideal destination for solo travellers who want a mix of adventure and relaxation and a fantastic place to get close to nature. I spent 10 days exploring the regions of La Fortuna, Guanacaste, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio as a solo traveller. This travel guide will cover how to get around, the best areas to stay, what not to miss, and more important tips for solo travel in Costa Rica!
This article was written by Layla Pond of Layla’s Lens, a solo travel blogger on a quest to make travel easier, cheaper, and attainable for all people, with edits and additions by Claire.
Here is everything you need to know to plan a successful solo trip to Costa Rica.
Is Costa Rica Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Let’s start with safety. Unfortunately, it’s often the main concern for women travelling alone and Central America in general isn’t always viewed as the safest place for women to travel.
However, Costa Rica is an excellent choice for solo female travellers because it is one of the safest and most tourist-friendly countries in Central America, with a well-developed infrastructure that caters well to international visitors.
According to the Global Peace Index 2024, Costa Rica is the 58th most peaceful country in the world, topping the list for Central America. To add a bit more context, Canada is placed 11th, the UK 34th and the United States is placed at 132, way below Costa Rica.
The local people, known as Ticos, are famously warm and welcoming to visitors, and English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, which is useful if you don’t speak much Spanish. That said, some basic Spanish will always come in handy, and you could even spend a week or two studying Spanish in Costa Rica if you have the time.
Costa Rica also has a reputation as a hub for eco-tourism and there are a variety of hostels, guided tours, and group activities around the country which make it easy to meet fellow travellers and explore safely.
The country’s stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and active volcanoes, means you have countless opportunities for adventure, making it ideal for solo travellers looking for both relaxation and excitement.
Whether you’re hiking through the cloud forests of Monteverde or enjoying the sun in Tamarindo, Costa Rica provides a perfect balance of independence and support for women travelling alone.
Of course, you should still take some basic precautions that apply pretty much anywhere in the world, for example, avoid walking alone at night, particularly in urban areas like San José or Limón, and protect your valuables by using a money belt or anti-theft bag and leave non-essential valuables at home or at your accommodation.
Considering Travel Insurance For Your Trip?
- Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I always buy travel insurance for my trips and was very glad I had insurance when I had my laptop and passport stolen in Ecuador!
- I chose World Nomads Travel Insurance for my recent backpacking trip to Australia and New Zealand. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families and offers cover for more than 150 adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.
As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
- I have also used SafetyWing which is available for purchase online in 180 countries and you can also buy it while you are already travelling. SafetyWing travel medical insurance is charged on a month-by-month basis so a great flexible choice for digital nomads or if you're not sure of your future plans.
- Alternatively, check out True Traveller if you're based in the UK, or use a comparison site like Travel Insurance Master to find the best cover for you.
Which Airport To Fly Into Costa Rica
Unless you’re backpacking through Central America and travelling overland, chances are you will fly into Costa Rica. The two main airports in Costa Rica are the San Jose (Juan Santamaría International Airport) and Liberia Airport in the Guanacaste region. I landed in San Jose, which is in the centre of the country and close to most of the top attractions.
Liberia is northwest of San Jose, in the Guanacaste region. This is the sunny, dry region of Costa Rica with luxurious resorts and popular beach towns like Tamarindo. Although Guanacaste has beautiful beaches, I recommend flying into San Jose, as it’s much closer to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Getting Around Costa Rica
The best way to get around Costa Rica is to rent a car, so you have the flexibility to visit all of the attractions whenever you’d like. There are public buses that run from San Jose to most regions. But, they take twice as long, and would require you to return to San Jose to take a different bus to the next region. If you’re travelling on a budget or staying in one region, this may be a good option. But for most people, I highly recommend renting a car.
Looking to Hire a Car?
- Get a quote for car hire with Discover Cars who compare car rental deals from lots of different companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip. I've used Discover Cars several times on road trips around the world and I love how easy it is to find cheap car hire!
Car rentals in Costa Rica aren’t necessarily cheap, but they will be cheaper than relying on group tours or private transportation. It’s important to note that car rentals may seem cheap online, because most companies exclude damage insurance from the total price.
When you pick up your car, however, it’s mandatory to purchase a damage insurance plan ($15-$30/USD per day). This is a separate fee from the 3rd party insurance that they include on the prices online. I recommend purchasing the full coverage plan, so you don’t have to worry about the rental being damaged throughout the trip – in my opinion, it’s worth the extra cost for that extra peace of mind!
I rented an SUV throughout my trip, and it made it extremely convenient to drive around Costa Rica. A 4×4 vehicle is not necessary, as most roads are well-paved in Costa Rica, but certain roads have potholes, and the road leading up to Monteverde is very bumpy. If you rent a sedan, make sure to drive extra slowly over potholes to avoid damaging your rental.
Where to Stay in Costa Rica as a Solo Traveler
Before arriving in Costa Rica, I wasn’t sure which region to stay in. So, I decided to stay in La Fortuna, Guanacaste, Monteverde, and Quepos. However, I wouldn’t recommend this, as I spent most of my time driving from region to region.
For a week-long trip, it’s best to stay in 2-3 regions at most. If you’re flying into San Jose, I recommend staying in La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Quepos/Manuel Antonio. These areas have several natural attractions, and tons of fun and unique experiences to offer.
As for the type of accommodation, you can choose from all kinds of options from hostels to luxury hotels. Hostels can be a great option for solo travellers, even if you book a private room, so you can meet people more easily and still get a good night’s sleep!
On the other hand, staying in a small family-owned hotel can be a nice way to meet the local owners.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is a lush green rainforest town with waterfalls, natural hot springs, volcano hikes, and more, and is a popular place to stay in Costa Rica.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna
$: Pura Vibra Hostel
This female-owned hostel is in a quiet part of town but still close to everything. There are private rooms and shared dorms to choose from, and guest reviews highlight the cleanliness and friendly staff at the hostel. Cash Only. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
$$ La Fortuna Lodge by Treebu Hotels
This hotel has the advantage of being right in the centre of La Fortuna, but with a shared terrace with views of the volcano. Some bedrooms also have amazing views of the volcano too, check the room details before you book. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
$$ Cabañas Sueños del Arenal
These spacious cabins are a short drive outside of town, but the views of Arenal volcano are hard to beat! Cabins have their own kitchen so are a great option if you prefer to make your own meals. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Monteverde, Puntarenas Province
Monteverde is a unique cloud forest town in the Tilaran Mountain Range, 3 hours south of La Fortuna. It is surrounded by nature so perfect for solo travellers who want to experience Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity close up.
Accommodation in Monteverde
$ Hospedaje Mariposa
This lovely guest house has spacious, cabin-style rooms with mountain views you can enjoy from your terrace. There are double rooms or apartments to choose from, apartments also have a kitchen to prepare your own meals too. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
$$ Rainbow Valley Lodge
This lodge is great value with stunning mountain view rooms with balconies. There is a garden and a shared terrace with more stunning views. Some rooms also have a fully equipped kitchenette and there is a tour desk on-site to help you book activities in the area. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
$$$: Chira Glamping Monteverde
This gorgeous glamping site has luxurious dome pods with a large double, ensuite bathroom and hot tubs where you can relax after a day’s adventuring. While you might be surrounded by couples, booking yourself a massage and lounging in the hot tub is a perfect solo treat in my book! >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Manuel Antonio Park, Quepos
Quepos is a small town on the Central Pacific Coast with beautiful beaches and the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.
Where to Stay in Quepos
$: Casa Quepos
This great value guest house is a good option if you’re visiting Costa Rica on a budget. It has clean, simple rooms that also have kitchenettes so you can rustle up your own meals. There is free parking on-site and a shared lounge and garden area to meet other guests. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
$$: Guest House Pura Vida
If you want to be surrounded by nature, this guesthouse has the choice of bungalows in the garden, or double rooms in the main house with a terrace. Guests love the friendly hosts and the location. Payment is in advance via bank transfer. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
$$$: Santa Juana Lodge & Nature Reserve
Santa Juana Lodge & Nature Reserve is set in a stunning location with panoramic views. Rooms have a kitchen and spacious balcony where you can enjoy the sounds of the forest and spot birds. There are various activities in the area including bird watching, hiking and a waterfall and zipline tour. Breakfast and dinner is included in the rates. >>>CHECK PRICES & AVAILABILITY
Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste
Guanacaste is a sunny, dry region on the Northern Pacific Coast with popular beach towns like Tamarindo and luxurious resorts. It’s where most people stay that fly into the Liberia airport, but I wouldn’t recommend staying in Guanacaste on a solo trip.
The natural attractions in Guanacaste are very spread apart, so you will be spending most of your time driving if you’d like to visit places like Rincon de la Vieja or the famous Rio Celeste waterfall. Guanacaste is best suited for those that want to stay in a beach town like Tamarindo, and be within walking distance to the beach and restaurants.
On the other hand, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio are perfect for solo travel. There are dozens of natural attractions surrounding these regions, and they’re easy to navigate.
The Best Things To Do in Costa Rica For Solo Travellers
Here are some of the most fun and adventurous activities in Costa Rica for solo travellers visiting La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Quepos.
Top Things to Do in La Fortuna
La Fortuna Park (Parque de la Fortuna)
La Fortuna Park is a charming park in the centre of town with a church, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and souvenir shops. It’s very walkable, and you’ll have a beautiful view of the Arenal Volcano from the park. This is the perfect place to stop for coffee or a meal between visiting all of La Fortuna’s attractions.
La Fortuna Hot Springs
La Fortuna is home to a variety of natural hot springs heated up by Arenal Volcano. These are the perfect places to relax in the evening, and most of them are open till 10pm at night. You can get a day pass at any of the hot springs, which range from $30-$90/day.
The Tabacon hot springs are the most popular ($89/day pass), and they have 20 natural pools, cascading waterfalls, and a lovely view of Arenal Volcano. The cheapest hot springs are at Los Lagos Hotel which costs $25/day pass, and although not as luxurious, they have multiple heated pools of varying temperatures.
Las Termalitas is another great value option which is more popular with locals than tourists, so it can be a good way to get a taste of hot springs without blowing your budget – with entry prices starting from $10 per person!
Costa Rica Sloth Tours
La Fortuna is an amazing place to spot sloths in their natural habitat. You can try spotting sloths on your own by hiking the Bogarin Trail, or you can go on a sloth-watching tour.
The Bogarin Trail is a 1.5 mile rainforest hike ($20/entrance) where you may be able to spot sloths and other animals. I had no luck seeing sloths on the Bogarin Trail, as they’re known to hide far up in the trees – and a guide will no doubt have more experience with spotting the animals! So, the next day I booked a sloth tour.
The three main sloth tours available are at Sloth’s Territory ($45/person), Sloth Watching Trail ($50/person), and the Bogarin Trail’s guided tour ($45/person). I took a tour of the Sloth Watching Trail, and we got to see sloths, owls, birds, lizards, and other fascinating wildlife through a telescope. This was one of the highlights of my trip so I highly recommend skipping the Bogarin trail and going on a guided tour.
Here are some options you can book in advance through GetYourGuide:
La Fortuna Waterfall
The La Fortuna waterfall is a gorgeous 200-ft waterfall that flows into a teal blue natural pool. There are over 500 steps leading down to the waterfall, and a nice wheelchair-accessible viewpoint from the top. At the bottom of the stairs, you can take a refreshing dip in the cold waters underneath the falls.
This is an absolute must-visit in La Fortuna and one of the most breathtaking waterfalls I’ve ever seen. Just remember to bring water shoes, as there are large rocks surrounding the pool at the bottom.
Mistico Hanging Bridges – Mistico Park, La Fortuna
The Mistico Hanging Bridges is a private nature reserve in the rainforest with six hanging bridges. The main trail of the park is around 2 miles, and it’s one of the best hikes to spot birds, snakes, spiders, and other wildlife on your own. I saw a group of coatis (like Costa Rican racoons) on the road leading up to the park, and many beautiful birds throughout the hike.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Beyond Mistico Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano National Park is another excellent place to hike. You can hike the Arenal 1968 trail to see old lava flows and wildlife, and get a great view of both Arenal Lake and Arenal Volcano.
You can join a guided tour to hike through the park, or if you prefer to hike alone the trails are well-marked. Tours such as this one usually include a guided hike, lunch and a visit to some hot springs, plus you’ll get extra information on the area, animals and plant life from your guide. >>>FIND MORE VOLCANO TOURS ON GETYOURGUIDE
El Salto (Rope Swing), La Fortuna
El Salto is an amazing natural swimming hole in La Fortuna located under a bridge in the heart of town. It has clear blue waters, cascading waterfalls, and a rope you can swing off of into the water. This is the perfect place to go for a refreshing swim, and it’s completely free (besides a small parking fee).
To get here, you’ll park alongside the bridge, and it’s a short walk to get to the natural pool. Just remember to bring a few dollars for the parking attendants who will charge you to park by the bridge.
Chocolate and Coffee Tours in Costa Rica
Going on a coffee tour in Costa Rica is a great way to learn about how some of the world’s highest-quality coffee beans are grown. In La Fortuna and Monteverde there are a variety of coffee and chocolate tours available.
Not only will you get to learn how coffee is made from seed to cup, but you’ll also get to see how chocolate is made from bean to bar. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy many samples of coffee, chocolate, and tropical fruit – what a great day!
Cooking Classes
I love doing cooking classes wherever I travel, it’s a great way to meet local people as the cooks are usually from the area, and you can meet fellow travellers who take part in the class. And of course you get to learn how to make traditional dishes and have a fantastic meal when you’ve finished!
This cooking class in La Fortuna starts with a visit to an organic farm to collect ingredients for the meal, then you’ll prepare the dishes for your lunch together.
Things to Do in Monteverde
Monteverde is one of the most unique places to visit in Costa Rica. At an elevation of over 4,000 feet, the town is entirely in the clouds, and has a cool, misty environment often referred to as an “eternal spring”. This environment makes it incredibly biodiverse, and it’s home to hundreds of species of plants and animals you can observe while hiking.
The actual town of Monteverde is Santa Elena, which has a few restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. There are several nature reserves to hike in Monteverde, but the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is by far the most expansive.
Ficus La Raiz
The Monteverde Fig Tree Bridge (Ficus La Raiz) is a cool little attraction worth checking out when you arrive in Monteverde. It’s a short hike to a collapsed fig tree that turned into a bridge, with picnic tables and benches.
Entrance to the bridge is $2 USD, and there’s a large dirt parking lot with bathrooms on site.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is a 26,000 acre private nature reserve surrounding the town. If you only have time for one hike in Monteverde, this is the place to go. It has suspension bridges in the clouds and several hiking trails where you can explore the diverse flora and fauna in the reserve.
The other lesser-visited cloud forest in town is the Santa Elena Reserve, a 765 acre reserve with many hiking trails, and an observation deck above the clouds. It’s much smaller than the Monteverde Cloud Forest, but it’s a good alternative if you prefer to be away from crowds.
Night Walk Tour
Once it gets dark in Monteverde, you can go on a night walk tour to spot nocturnal animals in the rainforest, while learning all about the diverse ecosystem The most popular place for a night tour is Monteverde’s Wildlife Refuge, a small 55 acre reserve that’s home to sloths, monkeys, frogs, glow in the dark scorpions, and other fascinating wildlife.
On a guided tour, you’ll use flashlights and telescopes to see the different creatures, so you’ll leave with many amazing photos. These are some options you can book in advance:
The Best Things to do in Quepos
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica to spot wildlife and one of the highlights of my trip.
You could join a tour to the park like this one which includes transport, or explore yourself quite easily if you have your own car to get to the park. Another option is to join a guided walk with a naturalist inside the park to learn more about the animals and ecosystem.
Even without a guide, I was able to spot monkeys, deer, lizards, birds, and a sloth by the beach area! It has numerous hiking trails through the jungle that lead to scenic viewpoints of the ocean and the beaches.
There are two beaches (Manuel Antonio Beach and Playa Espadilla) within the park, and the main beach is accessible by hiking the Manuel Antonio Beach Trail. Manuel Antonio Beach is a beautiful white sand beach where you’re almost guaranteed to see capuchin monkeys.
To get to the park, you must buy tickets online at SINAC. When you arrive, it’s best to park as close to the entrance as possible (by Hotel San Bada), in one of the private lots. Additionally, make sure to bring cash with you, as parking is around 3,000-5,000 CRC ($6-$10 USD), and they don’t accept cards.
Nauyaca Waterfalls
The Nauyaca Waterfall is an amazing two-tiered waterfall that you can swim in, just an hour south of Manuel Antonio. It’s a 5 mile round trip hike (8km) to get to the waterfall from the main entrance, and they offer 4×4 and horseback riding tours if you’d rather skip the hike.
Once you reach the waterfall, you can swim in the large natural pool. For more details on how to get there, check out our guide to hiking Nauyaca Falls.
Crocodile Bridge
The Crocodile Bridge is an interesting roadside attraction, located on the route from Manuel Antonio to the airport (San Jose/Liberia). This is a highway bridge over the Tarcoles River, with sidewalks on each side where you can view crocodiles swimming in the river.
The Tarcoles River inhabits over 2,000 crocodiles, and when the tide is low, you’ll have a great chance of spotting one from the bridge. If you want to see them up close, you can also go on a crocodile boat tour over the Tarcoles River.
Sample 1 Week Costa Rica Itinerary (7 days)
For this Costa Rica itinerary, it’s best to fly into the San Jose airport to reduce driving time. San Jose is only a 2.5-3 hour drive from Manuel Antonio, whereas Liberia is over a 4.5 hour drive. If you’re flying into Liberia, it’s better to stay in a Guanacaste beach town like Tamarindo instead of Manuel Antonio.
Days 1-3: Airport to La Fortuna: 2-3 hour drive
Day 1: La Fortuna Park, Hot Springs
Day 2: La Fortuna Waterfall, Sloth Tour, Arenal Volcano Hike
Day 3: Mistico Hanging Bridges, El Salto (Rope Swing)
Days 4-5: La Fortuna to Monteverde: 3 hour drive
Day 4: Coffee Tour (La Fortuna/Monteverde), Ficus la Raiz
Day 5: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Night Walk
Days 6-7: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio: 3.5 hour drive
Day 6: Manuel Antonio Park
Day 7: Nauyaca Falls, Crocodile Bridge
For more ideas on what to do in Costa Rica during your trip, check out our complete 7 day Costa Rica itinerary!
Solo Travel Essentials To Pack For Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a relatively easy destination to get around, but it’s important to pack the right things to stay safe and comfortable. Here are some essentials you won’t want to miss when packing your suitcase:
- Bug spray: Costa Rica has mosquitos and spiders so insect repellent is an absolute essential while you’re out in nature.
- Sunscreen: Due to its proximity to the equator, it’s very easy to get sunburned in Costa Rica. It’s best to wear an SPF of at least 30 when going out (on the face and body), and reapply it throughout the day.
- Comfortable hiking and water shoes: Most natural attractions require a hike so bring comfortable shoes that support your feet. Water shoes are also necessary for swimming in waterfalls and hot springs.
- Rain jacket, umbrella, waterproof case: During the rainy season (May-Nov), rain jackets/ponchos and umbrellas are essential for staying dry. Waterproof cases are also extremely helpful to protect your phone and/or camera gear.
My guide to solo travel safety items includes more useful solo travel gear for any destination.
More Tips For Travelling Solo Around Costa Rica
Never Leave Valuables Unattended
Tourists are a common target for petty theft in Costa Rica, so always keep your belongings in your possession wherever you go. Additionally, never leave any valuables in your car, or hidden in plain sight in your accommodation.
Avoid Driving At Night
Most roads in Costa Rica are well-paved and easy to navigate during the day. However, there are occasional potholes and narrow roads with steep drop-offs, so it’s best to not drive at night.
Don’t Feed The Wildlife
It’s illegal to feed wildlife in Costa Rica because it’s dangerous and can disrupt the delicate ecosystem. Never feed any wildlife, from the crocodiles in Tarcoles River to the adorable capuchin monkeys in Manuel Antonio Park. Keep a safe distance away and admire these incredible animals without impacting them.
Always Double Check Your Bill
As a tourist, you can be overcharged if you don’t understand the exchange rate or aren’t paying attention in Costa Rica. It’s important to always double-check your bill when eating out, getting gas, or any other purchase. Make sure to ask for the final price in colones, and check your credit card statement to ensure it reflects the correct price.
Wear Bug Spray And Sunscreen When Going Out
To avoid uncomfortable bug bites and sunburns, always put on bug spray and sunscreen when going out. If you’re prone to getting sunburn, opt for an SPF of 50 or higher, and reapply it every 3 hours. I love Sun Bum sunscreen as it’s reef-safe and SPF 50.
Summary – Solo Travel in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an incredible destination for solo travellers because of the abundance of natural attractions, great food, and friendly locals. Whenever I needed directions or activity recommendations, the locals were always very helpful and hospitable.
For a weeklong trip, I recommend staying in La Fortuna, Monteverde, or Manuel Antonio. In my experience, these were the safest and easiest regions to navigate as a solo traveller.