Is Monteverde safe? 🇨🇷

Monteverde remains one of Costa Rica’s safer destinations for eco-tourism, despite the country’s elevated national homicide rate. The area benefits from strong environmental governance, low conflict risk, and a tourism-focused economy where violent crime against visitors is uncommon. However, the U.S. Embassy’s June 2026 update confirms that petty theft — especially bag-snatching and distraction thefts — has increased in Santa Elena, the main tourist hub, particularly around outdoor cafes and shuttle pickup points. These incidents are typically non-violent and opportunistic, often occurring when travelers leave valuables unattended or walk alone on poorly lit paths after dark.

Scams targeting visitors have also seen a modest rise, including individuals posing as park rangers to collect illegal “entry fees” for unofficial trails or waterfalls, and unlicensed vendors selling overpriced or non-existent canopy tours. Taxi scams, where drivers claim meters are broken and charge inflated flat rates, have been reported in the dossier as well. To stay safe, travelers should book tours only through licensed operators with verifiable credentials, use hotel safes for passports and excess cash, and avoid carrying wallets in back pockets or hanging bags on chairs in public areas. Walking alone on forest trails after dusk is discouraged; instead, opt for guided night walks offered by certified naturalist guides, which are both safer and more informative.

Overall, visitor sentiment remains mostly positive, with most travelers reporting feeling secure during daylight hikes, birdwatching tours, and visits to butterfly gardens or cheese factories. The key risks are situational and preventable: stay alert in crowded areas, secure belongings, and avoid isolated paths at night. While Monteverde does not face the same urban crime pressures as San Jose, its popularity brings predictable petty-crime risks that can be mitigated with basic precautions. By following these steps, visitors can safely enjoy the region’s renowned cloud forests and biodiversity.