[PastorBooks]

Is kidnapping a problem there like it is in Mexico and much of South America?

[mick]

No. I have never heard of a tourist or a Gringo kidnapped for money. There have been killings of young Americans from time to time...but that was all drug related. The east coast port city of Limon is a known drug stop over point and a few yrs ago a couple of American kids were murdered. But like any port in the Caribbean you have to use caution. San Jose ( the capital) has plenty of rough spots that are best avoided.

It's important to remember that the population prides itself on being descendant from European stock with little inter marriage with the native population. Costa Rican's look and carry themselves very differently from Nicaragua, Panama or the rest of the people of Central America. Actually, the thought of a vicious drug cartel rising up in Costa Rica among the native population is laughable. They are much too passive and laid back for that !!