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Costa Rica's reputation for safe travel is well-deserved, and your visit here will likely be problem-free. However, as a woman traveling alone in Costa Rica, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Latin American men have an unfortunate reputation for machismo, an exaggerated masculinity that can sometimes seep its way into your vacation. In more traditional or rural areas, many men are unaccustomed to seeing a woman traveling alone, so your solo wanderings may attract unwanted attention: audible hissing, catcalls and piropos, Spanish-language come-ons, are all common.
Piropos are best handled with a bit of humor and a thick skin. Don't be surprised if a simple walk down the street elicits calls of "mi amor" (my love or sweetheart), "que belleza" (how beautiful), or "rica mami" (sexy). No harm or even disrespect is meant by these words. Take them as a compliment. Remember, though Costa Rica seems very similar to home, its culture is governed by a different set of rules. When in Rome, it's best to do as the Romans do. In this case, act like a Tica (female Costa Rican) and ignore the piropos. Train your eyes straight ahead, and fight the urge to give your suitors a piece of your mind.
To avoid unwanted male attention in the first place, all you need do is walk with a man. Making friends as you travel is easy, and if your new male friends accompany you down the street, you'll soon find that, like magic, all audible come-ons and hissing have stopped. But take care that your male companion walks on the curb-side of the sidewalk; otherwise, he isn't seen as "protecting" you, but rather "offering" you up to any interested party.
Another great way to minimize attentions is to modify your wardrobe. In San Jose, you'll find that many Ticas dress in tight, provocative clothing, often paired with mile-high stiletto heels (how they pull this off during rainy season remains a mystery). But these women are used to Costa Rican machismo, and know how to handle the slew of comments hurled their way. If you prefer to avoid piropos and catcalls altogether, consider exchanging a low-cut top for a more conservative version. Also, note that rural Costa Rica is nothing like the "big city," and is more traditional and conservative – provocative clothing is not recommended in these areas.
Traveling alone in Costa Rica is an amazing adventure, and with a bit of mental preparation, you can immunize yourself against the effects of machismo. And remember, not all Ticos (Costa Rican men) are chauvinists, and most will treat you with genuine kindness and respect. So be smart, stay safe, and have fun on your Costa Rican vacation.
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