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If you’ve been saving up for an extended vacation somewhere sunny in 2023, but you’re looking to escape the crime surge in Colombia, and the rising costs of Tulum resorts, perhaps you should be considering this under-visited tropical paradise in Latin America instead, where jungle views extend for miles on end, and safety concerns are almost nonexistent.
Latin America (LatAm) is the go-to destinations for U.S. citizens traveling abroad, due to the its multicultural character, flavorful cuisine rich in native and colonial influences, and most famously, its stunning nature. From Mexico’s pristine cenotes to Brazil’s gorgeous Atlantic coast, there are numerous unmapped locations waiting to be (re)discovered.
Perhaps symbolically, one of the top rated countries for an introductory visit sits right at the crossroads of North and South America:
Central America’s Number One Tourist Destination
As numerous parts of Latin America continue to face political crises and civil unrest, there is one nation in particular not only enjoying an enduring social and economic stability, but an enviable status as the safest among all members of the geopolitical group. As it turns out, there’s never been a better time to explore the wonders of Costa Rica than now.
Recently named one of the top destinations to visit in 2023 by renowned magazine Travel and Leisure, the Central American gem has seen bookings skyrocket this year after it boldly reopened for tourism in March, becoming one of the first, and to this date one a handful of Latin American countries to have removed all anti-tourism measures.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Costa Rica is a hot topic right now, and judging by it’s natural assets and cultural value, it’s not hard to see why. As we have reported previously, off-grid travel is a leading travel trend for 2023: an increasing number of travelers are expressing a strong desire to disconnect from their devices and ‘get back to nature’.
Nature Reserves, A Pacific Coastline And Caribbean Beaches, All In One Place
A quick glance at a Costa Rica travel brochure will confirm it is the ideal pick for outdoorsy persons and History aficionados alike. Its landscape almost entirely dominated by rainforests, teeming with exotic species making up to 5% of the world’s biodiversity, and home to magnificent waterfalls and nature trails.
We have already listed our favorite natural world experiences in Costa Rica, but other than protected reserves, the country has access to both the Caribbean and Pacific seas. If it’s relaxation you’re after, and outdoor adventures are not your forte, you can still admire the serene Pacific, or swim in the turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean instead.
What about safety? How concerned should Americans be about their well-being traveling Costa Rica? On the latest Global Peace Index, which ranks 163 countries and territories from most to least peaceful, Costa Rica is the highest-charting Latin American country, meaning its ‘Society Safety and Security’ levels are high, and internal conflicts are limited.
As a matter of fact, the only country safer than Costa Rica in the Americas, including North, Central and South, is Canada. This, among other factors such as the vast tourist offer, makes Costa Rica an incredibly popular destination for all categories of travelers: big spenders on wellness retreats, young, solo backpackers, and even families.
Costa Rica Is One Of The Easiest Countries To Enter In LatAm Right Now
Currently, no health restrictions apply to Americans entering Costa Rica. Authorities have exempted them from presenting a negative pre-departure test when unvaccinated against Covid, in stark contrast with the Brazilian and Colombian Governments, and proof of immunization is no longer required for incoming tourists.
Juan Santamaria International, the busiest airport in Costa Rica, and its primary point of entry, is served by an extensive list of nonstop flights from the following U.S. hubs:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Baltimore (BWI)
- Charlotte (CLT)*
- Chicago (ORD)*
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
- Denver (DIA)
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- Houston (HOU)
- Houston (IAH)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Miami (MIA)
- Newark (EWR)
- New York (JFK)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Washington-Dulles (IAD)
*These routes are seasonal
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Grant Hebert
Tuesday 20th of December 2022
I disagree with the comments below. Having lived in the US and Costa Rica and many other countries, I would argue the fact that no one here is considering if that Costa Rica has the best safety rating overall and it’s very accommodating to people from more developed countries. As the saying goes “you get what you pay for”. Sure you could go to Nicaragua or Hounduras but you’re in countries with much higher crime rates, less infrastructure, less access to modern day amenities and worse health care options. In comparison, Costa Rica is still 52% lower in cost of living terms than most of the United States and definitely most of Europe.
Housing here is very cheap and comparable with other big cities in Latin America. Health care is very affordable and has the same quality as in American hospitals. The crime is very low compared to the other countries in Latin America that I lived in. Costa Rican’s are also more educated and cosmopolitan than their neighbors. The weather in the Central Valley is amazing,
The overall culture of Costa Rican’s is laid back, peaceful, and soft. They’re not aggressive like people in Guatemala, PR, Cuba, Nicaragua, etc… That to me makes a huge difference in terms of quality of life, the people that you’re living with. The people have the quality of education as people in NYC with the hospitality of people from Georgia. You can’t beat that.
If you’re someone who is stable economically and has money, Costa Rica is by far the superior choice for Latin American living. If you have less budget and are very stingy and not well off than sure there’s cheaper options in Latin America. Perhaps go to Mexico where you’ll likely run into the Cartel and can’t even drink the water.
I highly doubt all these celebrities and famous people wouldn’t have bought homes here if there wasn’t something special and difference about Costa Rica.
Tommy
Thursday 5th of January 2023
@Grant Hebert, AGREE! People from neighboring countries get really angry when they read this. But, fact is, generally, Costa Rican people have better manners and lower levels of corruption than people from most other Latam countries. I am a Guatemala-born USA citizen that has travelled around Latam and the world.
RJ
Sunday 18th of December 2022
My goodness Costa Rica is probably the biggest mess in all of Central America.. the highest meat prices the highest close prices, pharmaceutical prices that will make your head spin.. the salaries are so low the only way people survive is from a constant flow of foreign donations.. and unless you're rich forget tourism, you'll pay two to three times as much for a comparable excursion as you will in Nicaragua or Panama
James
Thursday 15th of December 2022
Costa Rica is expensive. How can I get deals with $500 budget or less?
LW
Thursday 15th of December 2022
There are way too many dogs along with their droppings which sadly is undesirable. Need infrastructure upgraded huge. The prices for accommadation are way to high for where you are in a third world country. Food in the expensive tourist areas is excellent.