advice on san jose costa rica
 

traveling to costa rica on now 24 to dec 1st any one travel there last few months i would like to here from you have travel there before but its been over ten years

Just to try to help you - what do you want to know, exactly?

Karen

i travel there in the 80 s and 90 s to i would like to know if san jose still safe for tourist to walk aroud i speak the language and was talking to my friend last night his dauther just moved back after living in costa rica for two years and she says things have been getting a bit routh in san jose lately i don"t know how true this is thats why i would like to hear from some one thats been there recently and get a second opinion

I would be careful about walking around in the city. The city is divided into odd numbered streets and even numbered streets. The even numbered streets you really need to be careful on. There has been a big increase in petty crime over the last ten years. I spent a couple nights in the city 1 1/2 years ago and didn't have any trouble walking around the Amon district during the day but one time did see a woman have her gold chain pulled right off her neck.

Hmmm.

I've visited San Jose probably 3 times over the past 6 years. While I've heard the tales of petty crime downtown, I've never experienced a problem and actually feel pretty darn safe strolling around Av. Central and most of the busier downtown areas. Last time I was there, the police presence seemed pretty strong and the city felt generally safe.

By the way, if you're interested, I posted a few snapshots and impressions of San Jose. They're at: http://www.tiogringo.com/sanjose.html

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com