No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-05-19T10:42:25Z
Full advisory →Is La Fortuna safe? 🇨🇷
Costa Rica · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, La Fortuna scores 69/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. La Fortuna is moderately safe for travelers, but requires awareness of petty crime and health risks. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
La Fortuna 🇨🇷
Costa Rica · Assessed 29 July 2026
69
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~71% of countries
What drives this score
Crime61/100FairHomicide 17.7 / 100k
Sentiment66/100FairGenerally Positive with Caveats
Advisories72Good
Stability80Good
Health64Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Costa Rica: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
65 / 100 (Generally Positive with Caveats)
65
City SignalCity Web Research
Homicide rate
17.7 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Costa Rica17.7Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
30
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile specific incidents targeting tourists in La Fortuna are not detailed, Costa Rica's homicide rate is higher than many developed nations, and the general crime index suggests a moderate risk of robbery.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are risks in tourist areas and crowded locations, though specific hotspots in La Fortuna are not identified.
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03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Generally Positive with Caveats
66/100
Reported feel65Generally Positive with Caveats
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Travel media highlights La Fortuna's sustainable tourism initiatives and natural attractions, suggesting a positive visitor experience. However, a significant percentage of people report not feeling safe walking alone after dark, indicating some public safety concerns.
La Fortuna is moderately safe for travelers, but requires awareness of petty crime and health risks.
While La Fortuna is a popular tourist destination with a generally positive outlook on sustainable tourism, visitors should be aware of the moderate crime index and potential health concerns. Road safety is also a consideration.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026Costa Rica is promoting a sustainable tourism model in La Fortuna, urging travelers to secure early waterfall passes.— Nomad Lawyer
- Feb 2024Costa Rica identified 36 crime 'hot spots' that pose risks to tourists.— The Tico Times
- Feb 2026A scandal involving corruption within Costa Rica's Coast Guard was tied to a drug trafficking case.— The Tico Times
- Jun 2011A 16-year-old student was shot and killed in Costa Rica while on a school trip.— CBS News
Common scams
- Overcharging for tours or services, especially if not pre-booked or confirmed.
- Fake taxis or unofficial transport services.
Full briefing
La Fortuna, Costa Rica, presents a moderately safe environment for travelers, though a degree of caution is advised. The destination is actively promoting sustainable tourism, with initiatives like early waterfall pass bookings highlighting its appeal. However, the country's overall crime index and homicide rate suggest that visitors should remain vigilant.
On the ground, this translates to a moderate risk of both petty theft and more serious crimes like robbery. While specific incidents targeting tourists in La Fortuna are not frequently highlighted in recent news, the general crime statistics for Costa Rica indicate that pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in busy tourist areas. It is advisable to be aware of your surroundings and secure your belongings.
Health and environmental factors also warrant attention. Costa Rica has active travel health notices for Chikungunya, Dengue, Polio, and Measles, necessitating preventative measures against mosquito bites and ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date. Road safety is another concern, with a notable rate of traffic deaths, so travelers should exercise caution when driving or using local transportation.
To ensure a safe trip, travelers should prioritize using official taxis or pre-booked transportation, be discreet with valuables, and stay informed about health advisories. Drinking bottled or purified water is recommended. While La Fortuna is celebrated for its natural beauty and tourism infrastructure, maintaining a heightened awareness of potential risks will contribute to a more secure and enjoyable experience.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 6 La Fortuna districts for visitors: 4 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the La Fortuna safety map.
La Fortuna Town CentercautionGenerally safe but exercise caution, especially after dark, due to moderate risk of petty crime.
La Fortuna Rural OutskirtscautionAway from main tourist hubs, crime rates may be less documented; exercise increased vigilance.
Arenal Volcano National Park AreasaferHigh tourist traffic, generally safe for daytime activities, but be aware of natural surroundings.
La Fortuna Waterfall AreasaferPopular tourist spot, generally safe during operating hours, but be mindful of crowds for pickpocketing.
Tabacón Hot Springs AreasaferResort-focused area, generally safe with good security, but standard precautions apply.
El CastillosaferA smaller community near Arenal, generally safe and quiet for visitors.
07 · After Dark
Is La Fortuna safe at night?
44% of people in Costa Rica say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2018).
While specific incidents targeting tourists in La Fortuna are not detailed, Costa Rica's homicide rate is higher than many developed nations, and the general crime index suggests a moderate risk of robbery.
After dark, be most careful around La Fortuna Town Center, La Fortuna Rural Outskirts. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight La Fortuna's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight66
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight67
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight67
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight67
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight68
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight69
09 · Questions
La Fortuna safety FAQ
Is La Fortuna safe for tourists right now?
La Fortuna is moderately safe for travelers, but requires awareness of petty crime and health risks. While La Fortuna is a popular tourist destination with a generally positive outlook on sustainable tourism, visitors should be aware of the moderate crime index and potential health concerns. Road safety is also a consideration. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of La Fortuna should tourists avoid?
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
What are the most common scams in La Fortuna?
- Overcharging for tours or services, especially if not pre-booked or confirmed.
- Fake taxis or unofficial transport services.
How does La Fortuna compare with other places in Costa Rica?
La Fortuna ranks #3 of 5 Costa Rica destinations we've assessed, scoring 69/100. See the Costa Rica safety overview for the full list.
How is this La Fortuna safety score calculated?
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
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