Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica's capital and want to know which neighborhoods to avoid in San José? While Costa Rica isn't among the most dangerous countries in the world, San José does have some areas that tourists should avoid.

In this article, you will find the list of neighborhoods to avoid in San José, their location with a map as well as the safest neighborhoods in which to stay.

This guide is written using sources of information on the security of San José neighborhoods published on the Internet: studies, statistics, rankings, press articles.

Is San Jose dangerous in 2024?

Is San José, the capital of Costa Rica, a dangerous city? This is a question that concerns many travelers. The country is renowned for its natural beauty and incredible biodiversity, but is it safe to walk the streets of its capital?

Fortunately, the answer is more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no”. Indeed, San José is one of the least dangerous cities in Latin America. But that doesn't mean San Jose is a safe city.

This is evident when examining Numbeo.com 's 2024 ranking , where San José is in the middle range compared to other Central American cities. In fact, with a crime index of 55.79, San José is less dangerous than Tijuana or Mexico City , but remains more dangerous than Panama City or Cancun.

And globally , San Jose is at the top of the list of the most crime-ridden cities in the world: It is ranked 85th most crime-ridden city out of 335 ranked cities.

Is it safe to go to San Jose?

According to statistics, the crime rate in San José is higher than in other areas of Costa Rica. However, it is important to note that most crimes are petty thefts and misdemeanor acts. Violent or serious crimes against tourists are relatively rare.

Furthermore, in San José, as in all large cities, certain neighborhoods require particular vigilance in terms of security. By avoiding these neighborhoods (see list below), following safety advice, and staying informed with city crime updates, tourists can visit and enjoy this beautiful capital.

Map of neighborhoods in San José

Here is a map where you can identify neighborhoods to avoid in San José, as well as the best places to stay listed below: Google Map

Area to avoid in San José

Before we tell you about the dangerous neighborhoods in the city, here's an area tourists should avoid in San Jose due to its unsavory reputation. This is the red-light district of San Jose, located in Gringo Gulch near Morazán Park and the Hotel Del Rey.

Most dangerous neighborhoods in San José

A recent crime report in San Jose revealed that the three most dangerous neighborhoods are Pavas , Desamparados , and La Carpio . These neighborhoods have high crime rates, with a significant number of robberies, burglaries, and physical assaults. It is strongly recommended to avoid these areas, especially at night.

Next, Barrio Los Ángeles , Barrio México , Calle Blancos , Guadalupe and Hatillo are the 5 other neighborhoods to avoid in San José because of their insecurity.

To avoid these dangerous neighborhoods, find out where they are located in the city of San José below (click on the Google maps links):

1. Turkeys : Located west of San José, Pavas is known for its poverty and the presence of criminal gangs which contribute to insecurity in this neighborhood.
2. helpless : Located in the south of the city, Desamparados is another at-risk neighborhood.
3. The Carpio : Located near the Juan Santamaría International Airport, La Carpio is also an area where tourists should avoid going.
4. Barrio Mexico – Barrio México has been the scene of armed robberies and assaults. Poverty, the presence of gangs and the lack of basic infrastructure contribute to the dangerous situation in this neighborhood.
5. Barrio Los Angeles – Barrio Los Ángeles is also a neighborhood with a high crime rate.
6. Calle Blancos – Calle Blancos is an area where thefts and assaults are frequent.
7. Guadalupe et Hatillo are 2 neighborhoods affected by security problems in recent years.
8. Neighborhoods Los Guido, Leo XIII, and El Infiernillo are also places to avoid at night.

Safe neighborhoods to stay in San José

Although San Jose has some unsafe neighborhoods, there are neighborhoods that are generally considered safe for visitors. Here are some of the safest neighborhoods to stay in San Jose:

1. Escazú : Located west of San José, Escazú is known for being a secure residential area with many restaurants and shopping centers.
2. Santa Ana : Also located west of San José, Santa Ana is a popular residential area for expats. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and has many services for visitors.
3. Amon neighborhood : Located in central San José, the historic Barrio Amón district is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. It is home to magnificent colonial buildings and charming pedestrian streets.

However, it is always recommended to take safety precautions, even in neighborhoods considered less dangerous.

Downtown: The best neighborhood to visit San José

Downtown San José is a large area ideal for tourists who want to be close to tourist attractions. This neighborhood is a mix of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers and bustling squares.

There you can admire emblematic buildings such as the National Theater, the Gold Museum and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You can also stroll the cobbled streets, explore the local markets and discover some great restaurants.

Here is a well-located hotel in the center of San José, a 5-minute walk from the San José Cathedral and the National Theater: Gran Hotel Costa Rica

Barrio Amón: The historic district of San José

Barrio Amón is a historic neighborhood located in the center of San José in the Carmen district. It is home to magnificent colonial buildings, charming pedestrian streets, museums, shops and trendy bars and restaurants.

Here is a hotel in a charming colonial house: Hotel Santo Tomas

Escazú: The chic district of San José

If you're looking for a modern, chic residential neighborhood, Escazú is the perfect place to stay in San José. This area, a little further from the city center, is renowned for its high-end supermarkets, luxury shopping centers and international restaurants. You can enjoy city life while being surrounded by lush green landscapes and breathtaking views of the Central Valley.

Here is one of the highest-rated hotels in the area, offering the best value for money: Posada el Quijote