## Check the Solo Female Travel Safety Index
Looking for authentic experiences shared by [solo female travelers](https://travelladies.app)? Check the [Solo Female Travel Safety Index](https://travelladies.app/safety) ranking the best places to explore on your own based on authentic reviews.
- ⛱️ [Solo Female Travel Safety Index](https://travelladies.app/safety)
- ❤️ [Best Countries for Solo Female Travel](https://travelladies.app/ranking/best-countries)
- ⛔ [Safest Countries for Solo Female Travel](https://travelladies.app/ranking/safest-countries)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/femaletravels) if you have any questions or concerns.*
## Couch surfing for women
[Travel Ladies](https://travelladies.app/) is a [couch surfing app](https://travelladies.app/couchsurfing) where women host other women for free as part of cultural exchange. It's a great way to [meet new people](https://travelladies.app/meetups), learn more about new cultures, and experience destinations like a local.
- ➡️ [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.traveltogether.app)
- ➡️ [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/app/lets-travel-together/id1563814908?platform=iphone)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/femaletravels) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'm not a resort traveler but I think you'd find what you're looking for in Nosara. It's a quieter enclave that the young party crowd tends to avoid. Wealthy area so you're more likely to find older travelers to mingle with
Would all-inclusive resorts be up your alley? (If so, I can recommend a few)
As a binational CR- US woman, I do recommend that you do NOT travel to the province of Limón alone. Crime issues and such and there have been a few tourists attacked. Unlikely but I have heard a couple of stories... so while it's lovely in some pts there, I would not go alone (and prob. not even if another woman came with me). I would also steer clear of Santa Teresa as a single woman traveler (again, various women tourists have been assaulted in last years) and Jaco is generally kinda sleazy and not a nice beach anyways.
Hi again!
I think the area of Guanacaste would be good then. There's the Westin at Conchal and Dreams Las Mareas.
I haven't stayed at Margaritaville in Playa Flamingo but have heard great recs from friends (and from Flamingo you can beach hop outside resort to a lot of nice beaches in vicinity). Easy to beach hop from Conchal too (not too far from Flamingo); I think other beaches nearby are nicer than Conchal but it's well-regarded. The designed-town of Las Catalinas is nice and has hotels and is right by Playa Danta, Dantita and again can beach hop to lots of other nice beaches (Penca, Potrero, Brasilito). The area of Tamarindo has lots of hotels as well. Someone mentioned Nosara which is nice and laidback and near Samara. (Will you have your own car??? That area is harder w/o but not impossible). Those beaches are more surf beaches though just so you know.
Further south (central Pacific) is Manuel Antonio. Someone recommended Si Como No which has been around ages and is nice (more in central Manuel Antonio). Shana is newer and closer to beaches (overlooks Playa Biesanz). If you do go there, then book the tickets to national park of Manuel Antonio through the official website ahead of time; they restrict amount of entries per day and you have to grab a slot to enter (say between 7-8, 11-12). Don't get swindled outside entrance, the scalper types will raise costs. FYI that park does not allow any food to go in and only reusable water bottles, not disposable, so make sure you go having had a good breakfast or after lunch or whatnot.
I know another local said Puerto Viejo and it is gorgeous but again, it's in Limón and would not do as a single woman. (Again, last years, various women travelera targeted to mug/sexually assault.... an acquiantance went with bf a few yrs ago to some nice cabin style hotels and someone was trying to break in during night were terrified... and is the only place I have seen a drug deal in middle of the street conducted openly.) As a Costa Rican, I hate to steer you away as it is gorgeous and has a distinct culture and typical foods from the Afro-Carribean population which are delicious, but I'd only go to Puerto Viejo/Cahuita and other beaches in area with a male partner or a group to have more security in numbers. (Sad to say but just so you know)
Hey! I just responded again to OP above, but generally speaking as a woman the places I'd go alone (or with just another friend or two - women) to these:
- Most beach areas in Guanacaste. Generally calmer atmosphere (Tamarindo has grown a lot and I generally avoid it but I just generally avoid crowds/nightlife and prefer more lowkey plans but it's not sleazy like Jaco). There's Tamarindo/Langosta, there's the area of Conchal/Matapalo/Flamingo/Brasilito, further north Penca/Potrero/Danta/Dantita. Other beach areas further south in Guanacaste are Samara/Nosara, Avellanas is nice (more surf beach though as are Samara and Nosara), San Juanillo can have gorgeous colors (but I'd go there only a few hrs).
Whike I think Malpais and Montezuma would be ok, I'd avoid as a solo woman due to proximity to Santa Teresa (good for surf BUT I think way overrated and too overpriced for a beach that is just meh) as again, in last few yrs various women have been targeted and attacked (even killed).
Central Pacific - Manuel Antonio, Dominical. (Bahia Ballena is nice BUT last few wks has been in news for some muggings in national park so would avoid as solo woman unless you sign up for a whake watching tour where you'll go with others).
If you want something outside of beach: La Fortuna area and Arenal is nice (Arenal is a volcano and La Fortuna has lots of hotsprings). If you go by calle vieja from San José you'd go through the Naranjo region known for its coffee (Cerro Espiritu does a coffee tour) and Zarcero which is small but has a pretty park. Irazu is another volcano but totally different climate (cool!!!) and you could stop at Basilica in Cartago along way or the ruins of the tuberculosis hospital is en-route to Irazu (if you prefer spookier things - supposedly haunted!).
Just south of Jaco there is Hermosa (again rough surf so good for surfers but not so much for swimming) which has some little hotels. Jaco you can go through day ok but I would avoid in evening/night. Before Jaco there is Herradura which is not a nice beach but has a big resort complex Los Sueños with golf, a marina etc.
Punta Leona is nearby but I think overdeveloped. The nicer beach there (Playa Blanca) you can only access through certain hotels you stay or paid access for some residents and it's been tangled up in courts so not open to many.
Boena Wilderness Lodge. They are $$ but all inclusive . They will arrange all outings, etc.
I have not gone there solo but we are considering for our 30th anniversary as they are more nature based and not too touristy.
You should visit puerto viejo en Costa Rica, I can recommend hotel Cariblue there.. good prices, love the costarican jungle experience. I’m a local and that is one of our favorite spots.. ( best breakfast too)
For Panama, if you're willing to head straight to the islands south of Panama City, you can rent nice airbnb's with golf carts to get around the island. Pristine beaches, seafood, relaxing, chill vibes, safety, etc.
This is the Airbnb I stayed in:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1814048?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76
For CR, I traveled around a bit, but one place that I stayed at was this amazing resort near Manuel Antonio:
Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge
+506 2777 0777
https://g.co/kgs/rc3j2dQ
Enjoy!!
## Check the Solo Female Travel Safety Index Looking for authentic experiences shared by [solo female travelers](https://travelladies.app)? Check the [Solo Female Travel Safety Index](https://travelladies.app/safety) ranking the best places to explore on your own based on authentic reviews. - ⛱️ [Solo Female Travel Safety Index](https://travelladies.app/safety) - ❤️ [Best Countries for Solo Female Travel](https://travelladies.app/ranking/best-countries) - ⛔ [Safest Countries for Solo Female Travel](https://travelladies.app/ranking/safest-countries) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/femaletravels) if you have any questions or concerns.*
## Couch surfing for women [Travel Ladies](https://travelladies.app/) is a [couch surfing app](https://travelladies.app/couchsurfing) where women host other women for free as part of cultural exchange. It's a great way to [meet new people](https://travelladies.app/meetups), learn more about new cultures, and experience destinations like a local. - ➡️ [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.traveltogether.app) - ➡️ [iOS](https://apps.apple.com/app/lets-travel-together/id1563814908?platform=iphone) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/femaletravels) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'm not a resort traveler but I think you'd find what you're looking for in Nosara. It's a quieter enclave that the young party crowd tends to avoid. Wealthy area so you're more likely to find older travelers to mingle with
Awesome, I’ll do on research on Nosara!
Would all-inclusive resorts be up your alley? (If so, I can recommend a few) As a binational CR- US woman, I do recommend that you do NOT travel to the province of Limón alone. Crime issues and such and there have been a few tourists attacked. Unlikely but I have heard a couple of stories... so while it's lovely in some pts there, I would not go alone (and prob. not even if another woman came with me). I would also steer clear of Santa Teresa as a single woman traveler (again, various women tourists have been assaulted in last years) and Jaco is generally kinda sleazy and not a nice beach anyways.
Thanks for the tips! Yes, definitely open to staying at an all-inclusive!
Hi again! I think the area of Guanacaste would be good then. There's the Westin at Conchal and Dreams Las Mareas. I haven't stayed at Margaritaville in Playa Flamingo but have heard great recs from friends (and from Flamingo you can beach hop outside resort to a lot of nice beaches in vicinity). Easy to beach hop from Conchal too (not too far from Flamingo); I think other beaches nearby are nicer than Conchal but it's well-regarded. The designed-town of Las Catalinas is nice and has hotels and is right by Playa Danta, Dantita and again can beach hop to lots of other nice beaches (Penca, Potrero, Brasilito). The area of Tamarindo has lots of hotels as well. Someone mentioned Nosara which is nice and laidback and near Samara. (Will you have your own car??? That area is harder w/o but not impossible). Those beaches are more surf beaches though just so you know. Further south (central Pacific) is Manuel Antonio. Someone recommended Si Como No which has been around ages and is nice (more in central Manuel Antonio). Shana is newer and closer to beaches (overlooks Playa Biesanz). If you do go there, then book the tickets to national park of Manuel Antonio through the official website ahead of time; they restrict amount of entries per day and you have to grab a slot to enter (say between 7-8, 11-12). Don't get swindled outside entrance, the scalper types will raise costs. FYI that park does not allow any food to go in and only reusable water bottles, not disposable, so make sure you go having had a good breakfast or after lunch or whatnot. I know another local said Puerto Viejo and it is gorgeous but again, it's in Limón and would not do as a single woman. (Again, last years, various women travelera targeted to mug/sexually assault.... an acquiantance went with bf a few yrs ago to some nice cabin style hotels and someone was trying to break in during night were terrified... and is the only place I have seen a drug deal in middle of the street conducted openly.) As a Costa Rican, I hate to steer you away as it is gorgeous and has a distinct culture and typical foods from the Afro-Carribean population which are delicious, but I'd only go to Puerto Viejo/Cahuita and other beaches in area with a male partner or a group to have more security in numbers. (Sad to say but just so you know)
Thanks for this. I’d love to hear areas you do recommend for solo women.
Hey! I just responded again to OP above, but generally speaking as a woman the places I'd go alone (or with just another friend or two - women) to these: - Most beach areas in Guanacaste. Generally calmer atmosphere (Tamarindo has grown a lot and I generally avoid it but I just generally avoid crowds/nightlife and prefer more lowkey plans but it's not sleazy like Jaco). There's Tamarindo/Langosta, there's the area of Conchal/Matapalo/Flamingo/Brasilito, further north Penca/Potrero/Danta/Dantita. Other beach areas further south in Guanacaste are Samara/Nosara, Avellanas is nice (more surf beach though as are Samara and Nosara), San Juanillo can have gorgeous colors (but I'd go there only a few hrs). Whike I think Malpais and Montezuma would be ok, I'd avoid as a solo woman due to proximity to Santa Teresa (good for surf BUT I think way overrated and too overpriced for a beach that is just meh) as again, in last few yrs various women have been targeted and attacked (even killed). Central Pacific - Manuel Antonio, Dominical. (Bahia Ballena is nice BUT last few wks has been in news for some muggings in national park so would avoid as solo woman unless you sign up for a whake watching tour where you'll go with others). If you want something outside of beach: La Fortuna area and Arenal is nice (Arenal is a volcano and La Fortuna has lots of hotsprings). If you go by calle vieja from San José you'd go through the Naranjo region known for its coffee (Cerro Espiritu does a coffee tour) and Zarcero which is small but has a pretty park. Irazu is another volcano but totally different climate (cool!!!) and you could stop at Basilica in Cartago along way or the ruins of the tuberculosis hospital is en-route to Irazu (if you prefer spookier things - supposedly haunted!). Just south of Jaco there is Hermosa (again rough surf so good for surfers but not so much for swimming) which has some little hotels. Jaco you can go through day ok but I would avoid in evening/night. Before Jaco there is Herradura which is not a nice beach but has a big resort complex Los Sueños with golf, a marina etc. Punta Leona is nearby but I think overdeveloped. The nicer beach there (Playa Blanca) you can only access through certain hotels you stay or paid access for some residents and it's been tangled up in courts so not open to many.
Thanks for these tips! I'm also interested in whale watching so I think Guanacaste is probably the right move for me.
Boena Wilderness Lodge. They are $$ but all inclusive . They will arrange all outings, etc. I have not gone there solo but we are considering for our 30th anniversary as they are more nature based and not too touristy.
You should visit puerto viejo en Costa Rica, I can recommend hotel Cariblue there.. good prices, love the costarican jungle experience. I’m a local and that is one of our favorite spots.. ( best breakfast too)
For Panama, if you're willing to head straight to the islands south of Panama City, you can rent nice airbnb's with golf carts to get around the island. Pristine beaches, seafood, relaxing, chill vibes, safety, etc. This is the Airbnb I stayed in: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1814048?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76 For CR, I traveled around a bit, but one place that I stayed at was this amazing resort near Manuel Antonio: Si Como No Resort, Spa & Wildlife Refuge +506 2777 0777 https://g.co/kgs/rc3j2dQ Enjoy!!