Always be aware, especially when traveling alone. There, unfortunatley, in Costa Rica, Central America, Latin America new young generation, lots of cheap (compared to USA) drugs, and many involved in drugs and crimes.
click on
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01
Lead story on http://www.insidecostarica.com/
CR, Central and South American News..Daily.
I can remember in early 1970s walking around San Jose and on remote CR Pacific beaches late night alone, never a problem. Things have changed. Keep alert.
Don't ever let anyone tell you CR or any other place in Central or South America is paradise and 100% crime free. They are probaly trying to sell you land/real estate!!!!!! Har Har!!!!!!!!!!!