this post was submitted on 14 Oct 2023
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If you're still considering your options, I would highly recommend spending your time in Costa Rica instead as a solo traveler. I think it's one of the safest countries in the region, and also one of the most beautiful one with amazing biodiversity. They have a decent bus network though I did rent a car myself when I was there.
Having spent some time there, there are exceptions. We stayed in the Limon province, which from my understanding is the poorest. The town we were in was insanely safe. My wife could walk around alone after dark with no issues. But just 15 minutes away was Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. It's a party town with lots of drug activity. We heard reports of women being harassed and raped and that even groups of women weren't safe.
I don't know how much of that was true. I never looked into it. It was just rumors from the locals, but I trust them.
And from what I can tell, that's definitely not normal for Costa Rica.
Yeah I was there in Puerto Viejo and have to say I was very disappointed by it. As a lifelong reggae listener I was expecting a totally different vibe from the place. Ended up cutting my stay there much shorter than anticipated.
Didn't find that again anywhere else though.
If you ever get to go back to that area, just continue on down the road about 15 minutes to Manzanillo. The first restaurant as you get into town are room by my good friends. The Cool and Calm. Andy is usually out front grilling meats and blasting reggae.