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 Monteverde safe? 🇨🇷
Costa Rica · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Monteverde scores 73/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Monteverde is moderately safe for travelers, requiring a high degree of caution due to petty crime and health advisories. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams.
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Monteverde 🇨🇷
Costa Rica · Assessed 29 July 2026
73
/ 100
Yes — generally safe
Safer than ~77% of countries
What drives this score
Crime63/100FairHomicide 17.7 / 100k
Sentiment76/100GoodMixed
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
Low risk
92
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
55 / 100 (Mixed)
55
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
LowNo specific data for Monteverde, but Costa Rica's homicide rate is higher than many developed nations. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon but possible.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are risks in tourist areas and on public transport.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed
76/100
Reported feel55Mixed
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
While many articles highlight Monteverde's appeal for eco-tourism, some news indicates challenges with health and security, and warnings about illegal tourism operations.
Monteverde is moderately safe for travelers, requiring a high degree of caution due to petty crime and health advisories.
While Monteverde is generally considered safe, particularly for eco-tourism, visitors should be aware of petty crime like pickpocketing and scams. Health risks, including mosquito-borne illnesses, are present, and adherence to official travel advisories is recommended.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026U.S. travelers face fines for engaging in illegal national park tours, with tourists being arrested after being duped by unofficial operators.— TheTravel
- Apr 2026U.S. issues urgent travel warning for a popular tropical destination, referencing illegal national park tours and crackdowns.— MassLive
- Feb 2026Tourism in Costa Rica starts the year strong, despite ongoing health and security challenges.— Periódico Digital Centroamericano y del Caribe
Common scams
- Illegal national park tours
- Duped tourists arrested after engaging with illegal operators
Full briefing
Monteverde, Costa Rica, presents a moderately safe environment for travelers, though a high degree of caution is advised. The region is renowned for its cloud forests and eco-tourism, but visitors should remain vigilant against petty crime and be aware of health advisories. Official government advisories from Canada, for instance, recommend exercising a high degree of caution for Costa Rica as a whole.
The primary safety concerns for tourists in Monteverde revolve around petty theft and scams. There are reports of illegal national park tours leading to fines and arrests for unsuspecting tourists, highlighting the importance of using only official operators. While violent crime is not a prominent issue for visitors, pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in more crowded tourist spots. The crime index for Costa Rica is moderate, and while specific data for Monteverde is limited, general awareness of surroundings is crucial.
Health is another important consideration. Costa Rica has active health alerts for Chikungunya, and global alerts for Polio, Dengue, and Measles are in effect. Travelers should take precautions against mosquito bites, such as using repellent and wearing protective clothing, especially during the wetter season. The availability of hospital beds per capita is below the country average, underscoring the need for proactive health measures and travel insurance.
To ensure a safe trip to Monteverde, travelers should prioritize using official tour operators for national parks and attractions, and avoid engaging with unofficial guides. It is advisable to secure valuables, refrain from displaying them openly, and be particularly aware of your belongings in busy areas. Walking alone after dark should be avoided. Staying informed about current health advisories and taking necessary preventative measures will also contribute to a safer travel experience.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 5 Monteverde districts for visitors: 3 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Monteverde safety map.
Santa ElenacautionMain town, generally safe but be aware of petty theft.
Alto de San JuancautionMore remote, exercise caution, especially after dark.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological PreservesaferWell-managed park, focus on nature.
Cerro PlanosaferResidential and tourist area, generally quiet.
San LuissaferRural and agricultural area, low crime.
07 · After Dark
Is Monteverde safe at night?
44% of people in Costa Rica say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2018).
No specific data for Monteverde, but Costa Rica's homicide rate is higher than many developed nations. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon but possible.
After dark, be most careful around Santa Elena, Alto de San Juan. 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 Monteverde's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight70
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight71
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight70
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight70
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight71
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight72
09 · Questions
Monteverde safety FAQ
Is Monteverde safe for tourists right now?
Monteverde is moderately safe for travelers, requiring a high degree of caution due to petty crime and health advisories. While Monteverde is generally considered safe, particularly for eco-tourism, visitors should be aware of petty crime like pickpocketing and scams. Health risks, including mosquito-borne illnesses, are present, and adherence to official travel advisories is recommended. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of Monteverde should tourists avoid?
No districts were flagged as no-go areas for visitors at the last assessment.
What are the most common scams in Monteverde?
- Illegal national park tours
- Duped tourists arrested after engaging with illegal operators
How does Monteverde compare with other places in Costa Rica?
Monteverde ranks #1 of 5 Costa Rica destinations we've assessed, scoring 73/100. See the Costa Rica safety overview for the full list.
How is this Monteverde 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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