This Beautiful Latin American Country Is Surging In Popularity Despite Advisories

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It doesn’t take the brightest crayon in the box to see why 99% of travelers aren’t visiting countries like Ukraine or Russia, but when it comes to some of the most beautiful winter sun destinations, what would it take to deter you?

Well, according to the latest statistics, even 2 back-to-back November travel alerts aren’t stopping travelers from venturing to one of Latin America’s most paradisal destinations — especially for reliable sun over the next few months.

Whether it’s for wondrous wildlife, picture-perfect surf spots, luxe resorts, or jungle excursions, vacationers are still booking trips to Costa Rica at a higher rate than last year, according to the Costa Rican news source Tico Times.

It’s true, despite U.S. officials heeding caution with very specific, detailed incidents to inform American tourists of the risks.

So, is Costa Rica too good to pass up, or are these recent advisories overblown? Let’s dive in!

Costa Rica Expects A Busy Winter Season

We at Travel Off Path claimed earlier this year that Costa Rica may have lost its luster, and it was backed by a myriad of safety concerns, higher than usual prices, and dwindling visitor numbers.

We’ll touch on safety again shortly, but Costa Rica has clearly regained its popularity, at least as a relaxing winter escape.

Both of Costa Rica’s main entry points, Liberia and San Jose, boast average highs of 78 degrees or higher from December through March.

A far cry from icy roadways and cold shoulders (oh wait, that’s just my ex), Costa Rica offers an array of attractions and experiences that are incredibly joyful to explore in a diverse tropical playground.

While it remains to be seen if your winter vacay will match the country’s famed “Pura Vida” lifestyle, some would argue it’s more marketing jargon than the current way of life right now.

That being said, there’s no denying Costa Rica is truly one of the most captivating destinations in close reach to the States — if it’s safe.

Home to luxury resorts, such as Secrets Papagayo (where I’ll be vacationing soon), unknown beach towns dotting pristine shores, and immaculate rainforest adventures with vibrant wildlife and natural wonders, Costa Rica will always be a draw, and the expected influx of 300,000 compared to last “high season” proves it.

The Latest Travel Alert Raises Eyebrows: Tourists Are Being Harmed

As if one travel alert wasn’t enough, Costa Rica said, “hold my Imperial“.

The latest U.S. Embassy-issued alert is heavy on crime, and tourists are feeling the brunt of it.

Unlike nearby El Salvador, which has cleaned up its act, Costa Rica is seeing a spike in the wrong direction.

As such, the Embassy highlighted 3 concerning events directly affecting visitors simply going about their business:

• Criminal groups have targeted foreign-owned businesses and homes for crimes that included robberies, break-ins, and extortion
• Criminal groups have targeted travelers, forcing them to withdraw substantial amounts of cash from ATMs or initiate wire transfers
• Tourists have reported home invasions and armed robberies at their Airbnbs (and other rental properties)

As a result, the U.S. Embassy is insisting Americans follow these helpful tips, such as:

• Set daily withdrawal limits for your debit cards/bank accounts
• Avoid traveling alone, especially after dark
• Avoid booking Airbnb properties with reviews mentioning security incidents
• Purchase travel insurance that includes loss or theft of valuables coverage

Costa Rica’s Other Alert Doesn’t Pass The Sniff Test

Just before the Embassy released its second alert for the week, the prior warning was a real doozy!

In case you missed it, this one is a lot less worrisome, as you can beat it to the punch, unlike an out-of-nowhere mugging at an ATM.

This advisory was actually categorized as a health alert. The concern revolves around a commonly used pesticide triggering aluminum phosphide poisoning.

The good news is, even though it’s a colorless gas, it does emit a noticeable odor in 2 forms.

The Embassy suggests if you catch a whiff of garlic and/or spoiled fish funk, you could be in danger.

It’s also important to note that moving to another part of your residence or vacation accommodation where there’s no odor can still be just as dangerous — it’s best to get away entirely, as aluminum phosphide can be fatal, or at the very least, cause severe respiratory symptoms.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.