Always just park close to the shops in their lot have never had a problem.

Insuremytrip.com for theft always wise anywhere usually Patriot for me

$1 or so a day for comp coverage cancellation health etc well worth it.

Always put my luggage in a lockable trunk.

Try to park where I can watch my car.

Happy Travels!

Thanks!

I always advise my clients that rule #1 is to NEVER leave luggage in an unattended vehicle. Violent crime against tourists is generally not a problem in Costa Rica. But theft from cars is almost an industry.

A lockable car trunk is fairly safe, but the 4WD vehicles usually leave your valuables in plain sight.

Zarcero is a popular stop for the topiary and beautiful old church that makes up the town square. But this is a huge place for car burglary. I would advise that you don't lose sight of your car while looking at the topiary, and to take turns going into the church. There is also a great coffee shop on the right side of the square (as you look at the church). Good flavored coffees, and they will flavor them with local liqueurs if you wish.

In Sarchi, the larger stores have a guard out front. These lots are usually secure. One of the stores even has a private lot in the rear.

I haven't heard of any particular problems in Grecia. But I would still refer to rule #1.

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer any more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional

Yes, Never! The voice of experience speaking here. Knowing better, as urbanites ourselves, we decided a small lot on a busy street mid day next to a busy little restaurant would be ok. NOT!!

Thanks so much for the invaluable help! We most likely won't make a lengthy stop at all and will indeed take every precaution when we do stop.

We've met people on our trips that have had all their luggage stolen from their car, and it can really ruin a trip. I wouldn't risk it.

Rental cars are just mobile banks.

Straight from the State Department website

Travelers renting vehicles should purchase an adequate level of locally valid theft insurance, park in secure lots whenever possible, and never leave valuables in their vehicles. The U.S. Embassy receives several reports daily of valuables, identity documents, and other items stolen from locked vehicles, primarily rental cars. Thefts from parked cars occur in cities, at beaches, at the airport, in front of restaurants and hotels, and at national parks and other tourist attractions.

Do you feel lucky?

In Grecia, you can't miss the red church with the tin roof. There is parking all around that block, for a nominal charge, supervised by a very vigilant parking attendant wearing a neon vest. We stopped in Grecia twice enroute to Arenal, and both times we had all our suitcases in the trunk. While we would not leave the car unattended in Sarchi or Zarchero, we felt comfortable with the arrangement in Grecia. The boss man there will also point you in the direction out of town.

Hey, our trip is over, bu thanks for responding anyway.

We drove through Grecia without stopping. Stopped in Zarcero and took turns with the kids in the topiary garden while one of us watched the car. In Sarchi we parked in front of an ox-cart factory (I forget the name, but it's owned by two brothers and the machinery is still powered by a water wheel) and only visted their shop.