How safe is Cartago?

Question

I've been looking into volunteering abroad next spring/summer with Cross Cultural Solutions. My first choice of the locations they have available is Cartago, Costa Rica.
Does anyone know how safe Cartago is? I mean, are there high crime rates? Are tourists and out of towners targeted? My mother claims that it isn't safe to go ANYWHERE outside of the USA because of so many other countries hating Americans and because of the way things are these days, but I don't believe that to be entirely true. I'm sure some places are unsafe (just like some places in America), but not all. So, that's what I'm wondering. How safe is Cartago for a 19 year old American girl? (I wouldn't be on my own. The organization sends several people at a time; lodging, transportation, everything provided.)
My 2 other choices would be Salvador, Brazil or Guatemala City, Guatemala. Anyone know how safe these places are?

I'd appreciate any info or insights! :)

Thank you so much for your answers!! Several were helpful, so I'm going to leave the choice of 'best answer' up to voting.

Again, thanks so much for taking the time to answer. Cartago is where I've decided to go! :)

Answer 1

I lived and studied for one year in Costa Rica (as a college student) and I've also travelled throughout Central America. Costa Rica is one of the safest Central America countries-and no the "Ticos" don't dislike North Americans. In fact, Costa Ricans are extremely friendly people, willing to help foreigners without wanting anything in return.

Cartago is a smaller town outside the capital of San Jose. I've been there several times and no time did I feel in any danger. In fact, I believe Cartago is a very religious town and each year there is a major pilgramage there during the holiday season. People walk there from San Jose during the night.

Despite believing Costa Rica is a safe country, I do have to highlight a couple of issues. Firstly, pickpockets are rampant in San Jose, so just be aware of this. You just have to watch your belongings and be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine. Don't ever walk alone at night in San Jose. Like any major city, there is some crime. Cartago is much smaller and there is a lot less crime there. Despite this, you should still consider my thoughts above.

I'm not familiar with Salvador, Brazil, but I can tell you that Guatemala City is a lot less safe than San Jose, Costa Rica. Guatemala has a much more different and violent history relative to Costa Rica. Costa Rica's relative peaceful history has greatly contributed to the current situation in the country.

As for being an exchange student...I believe this is one of the best experiences of my life. I was an exchange student in Sweden, Germany and Costa Rica. These experiences opened my mind and molded the person I have become. I would definately recommend you take the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica and experience the culture for yourself.

Answer 2

Costa Ricans like Americans. We gave them a lot of money during the Cold War. Costa Rica is very safe. The people will steal anything that's not tied down, though, but they are virtually never violent, nor do they "cause a scene," etc. Basically, don't leave anything unattended and you'll be fine. Cartago is a charming city.

Answer 3

Cartago is a pretty quiet place and far safer than your other two options. Costa Rica in general is not near as dangerous as Guatemala or Brazil.

I have taken 8 groups of students to Costa Rica to do service learning projects and it is safe if one takes normal precautions.

Costa Ricans do not hate Americans (they may be saddened by our actions). If your mother needs more information, ask Cross Cultural Solutions if they can provide you with emails of persons who have worked in Costa Rica.

Answer 4

I have lived off and on for many years in Cartago and other places in Costa Rica.. Don t walk around with expensive jewelry. Don t walk around at night.Take state taxi. Not taxi that is not part of system. Never leave your drink alone in bar. Someone might put something in it like they did to me in Jaco C R. For some reason they thank stealing is normal. They use to like Americans when I went down in 1993. But now they are not as friendly. Like the Yankees who live up north here in America. People from the south much better people to know. But it is getting bad now every where.

Answer 5

Well Costa Rica is a very nice place to live. Americans are very welcomed in Costa Rica. People tend to be helpful and amiable, specially out of the central city of San Jose, Cartago is in the outskirts. Now, you don´t have to trust everybody like you wouldn´t trust everybody in the U.S.
Very important too: DO NOT GO ALONE AT NIGHT. If you are respecful to our people they are going to be in the same way to you.
Take advantage of the trip and go visit some of our national parks.
Enjoy your trip in Costa Rica
if you need more info please send email to [e-mail]

Answer 6

Cartago Is as safe as wherever you are now. It gets chilly at night so bring a jacket

Answer 7

Crime Rates In Costa Rica