I have been to CR three times. It's totally safe, except for San Jose. I'm 6'3", 240 lbs and I was uncomfortable in SJ. The hotel clerk in SJ nearly tackled me when I tried to walk out the door one night....they know it's not safe too. Arenal, Quepos/MA, Arenal, Monteverde, Tortuguero...all safe and awesome. The rest of CR is a wondeful as SJ is horrible. Land and leave is the most common plan, it seems.