I need advice -
I REALLY want to travel through Nicaragua and Costa Rica this July - ideally for three weeks. The problem is that I dont know anyone who can commit to a three week vacation - at best, a female friend may be able to meet me there for a week. I really want to go but my initial thought is that I should NOT go alone (safety questions). Is it safe?

Other info - I want the vaca to be a mixture of doing nothing and adventure. Without having done much research - I want to go to Ometepe, Little or Big Corn, San Juan del Sur, Costa Rica (travel within this country probably wont be too extensive), Managua and Granada. Will probably travel by bus within the country.

I am a woman in my 30s from New York City (so inherently a little tough LOL)

Advice please!

Several women on this board have travelled to CR alone. I know shillmac and tully can give you good advice.

Honestly,
I wouldn't venture in Nicaragua alone.
I'm a 24 year old male, and I went there when I was 22 for 2 weeks in a huge group...
You can't wear any black/red colors at all, otherwise you get mixed up with being a supporter of the Sandinistas (local political gang). It's a very rough territory...absolutely BEAUTIFUL, but rough. So to be on the safe side I'd try to find someone. If you do go, adventure to Volcano Mombacho!!!! beautiful walk and an absolutely GREAT way to spend a day! It's a rainfored volcano! But Nicaragua is worth it!!!! and I'm trying to go in another group trip August 2009!

I would feel pretty comfortable travelling in CR alone - I would just take some precautions such as not driving at night, never leaving anything in my car unattended, etc.

Nicaragua and Costa Rica

Safety issues are not the same in the two places. I would feel comfortable going alone to Costa Rica (I go to Mexico as a solo female) but would not try Nicaragua myself.

Although I have never traveled alone to either country mentioned I have been to both recently.
I loved Nicaragua and never felt unsafe at any time. I am sure it depends on where you are traveling within the country.
Tully also visited Nicaragua so maybe she can give you better advice.

I had no problems as a single female traveler. That said, I definitely did my research and used a travel company to arrange most of my stuff. I used Rodlofo at Oro Travel - [email protected] for my airport transfer and tours in & about Granada. Granada I walked about fine day & night, I did get a couple looks but they seemed more curious than hostile.

You may want to focus in on one area though; if travel in Costa Rica is time-comsuming than in Nica it is even more so. With only 3 weeks you easily spend that in CR and barely scratch the surface. Btw, in CR more & more single females are traveling, I just got back yesterday and met several.

I don't know Costa Rica, but FWIW, Nicaragua in general currenly has the 2nd lowest crime rate in Latin America (after Uruguay). Never know how much is really being reported and I'm sure that different places can vary. We just came back on Sunday and didn't feel at all uncomfortable in Granada, Masaya or surrounding areas. Then main thing right now is a transport strike ovr gas prices now that's getting a little heated, but just walking around towns was fine and we met several solo female travelers that were doing the same. Of course, something can happen anywhere, but just overall the vibe was pretty laid back.