If you are a single male traveler, you most likely know about the dark side of Costa Rica. People in the know, know. There is a side of Costa Rica that is so dark that it’s claimed lives, created crime, and ruined relationships. While prostitution is legal in Costa Rica, it’s an extremely riveting topic to many people. The sex tourism industry has a significant impact on Costa Rica, influencing both its economy and social issues.
Today I’ll share the truth about Costa Rica prostitution, because any traveler to the country should be aware of what happens there, whether they are for or against it.
This article is constantly updated as the scene continues to evolve. Please follow all local laws if you are looking for sex in Costa Rica and always use protection. We do not endorse this behavior and this is a guide of where not to go for most of you.
Costa Rica Sex Guide
I studied in Costa Rica in the year 2000, and had a very brief run-in with this industry, but only during my one weekend of free travel from my home base, near Liberia, Costa Rica. Along with some friends, we chose to stay in a hotel – one that would later become infamous – called the Hotel Del Rey. Costa Rica has been identified as the fastest-growing capital for sex tourism in Latin America.
Some men prefer the allure of the bartenders in establishments that feature prostitution. What do you prefer?
“Cold beer, casino gaming, sportsbook, and Air Conditioning,” read the advertisement in the Frommer’s book. Having been studying in Guanacaste for a solid two months, we felt that we all deserved some of the amenities we weren’t afforded in the scorching hot Guanacaste climate. That said, four of us split a two bedroom room for the weekend not knowing what we had just gotten ourselves into.
As an aside, Manuel Antonio is also a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers in Costa Rica.
“Make sure to come to the lobby at night,” said the man behind reception, who ended up being Greg Ruzicka, an owner of the hotel at the time. “There will be 100’s of women who want you,” he continued. “Ladies of the night,” if you will.
Being barely 21, and wet to the prostitution scene in Costa Rica, we had no idea that the pay for play model was so in your face.
(By the way, you will need a passport when you go to Costa Rica. Seems obvious, but many ask.)
Needless to say, that night was an eye opening night. Admittedly, all of us college students, two months fresh off the boat from Minnesota, were terrified to even make eye contact with the women. When you do, the lock in on you and you become their mission. Scared, we sat at the bar, watched American sports, and drank cold beer. The scenery and people watching was amazing, and something that would never be forgotten.
Fast forward many years, and business took me to Costa Rica in the 2000’s. My life and work was down there. A lot of entertaining went on at the Del Rey and other nearby establishments. I was a local. I was friends with all the bartenders, security, and of course, the local street vendors. When you are a local, it’s one thing, but to be a foreign local, that’s another. They welcome you, and you will never go forgotten. Even if you keep to yourself, people take notice.
Usually I was flanked by 2-3 or more friends as well as personal security, so I wasn’t hard to find in the San Jose area. While I don’t visit as much as I’d like to, and the scene has really changed, today I present to you my recollection of 24 years traveling to and living in Costa Rica.
It’s important to know that my musings are mostly about the San Jose Escort scene. Since I lived outside of San Jose, this was my area of expertise.
I’ll say this, I’ve been around the world, and this place makes my list of the best places for single guys to get laid. If you can’t seal the deal here, well, I don’t know what to tell you.
Escorts in Costa Rica
While escorts do exist on websites in Costa Rica, offering sexual services, that’s a more discreet route. The majority of the prostitution is confined to certain venues, like hotels and what are known as pensiones. These are the equivalent to a brothel, but many operate as a massage parlor and they operate under some very gray area laws and are often busted by the local officials.
There are pensiones that cater to tourists, but most of them cater to locals. Some even have local pricing and very cheap beer. These come and go as problems surface, so be very careful about which ones you go to.
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San Jose Costa Rica Prostitution
First off, this is 100% legal in Costa Rica.
(Disclaimer: I’m not here promoting or condoning it – just presenting facts for travelers.)
However, there are two things to remember.
- No minors. No exceptions. Don’t even think about it. You will be locked up immediately. You do NOT want to end up in a Costa Rican prison.
- Pimping is illegal. Women are all independent in this trade.
Efforts to combat child prostitution are stringent, with severe penalties for offenders and initiatives aimed at protecting minors.
Here’s a recent arrest that proves that the country does NOT mess around on either item. – BUSTED.
Also, it’s not something most people try to celebrate, and there are many groups trying to get rid of the sex trade. (Read – http://qcostarica.com/crack-down-on-prostitution-in-san-jose/)
The trade has unions, medical cards, and access to health care. If you are a professional sex worker, the protocol is to be examined by a Doctor every 15 days. You must carry a CCSS card for this.
Like Amsterdam, the sex scene is openly discussed in Costa Rica. It’s something people know about, talk about, and have opinions on. I’ve seen many famous people from the USA and other countries in places where prostitutes roam. More than I could probably remember even.
As far as facilitating prostitution in Costa Rica, (pimping, trafficking, sex rings) it’s a very significant crime. The view here is that nobody should be forcefully entering this trade, but if they want to, they can.
International efforts to combat sexual exploitation, including initiatives by the United Nations and the International Labour Organization, are also in place to address this issue.
Another reason that will attract Costa Rican women to the sex trade is that they can make up to 125 times the average minimum wage in Costa Rica. Let that sink in for a second, and you’ll see why women will go to great lengths to earn $100 while their friends work for only a few dollars per hour. The quality of life can drastically be brought up in just a few hours per week, if they play their cards right.
You’ll also find that working women will have a grasp on the English language most of the time. At least they know the sexual buzz words, that’s for sure. It’s the perfect place to have a bachelor party if you are looking to get down and be off the grid.
Chica Friendly Hotels in San Jose
If you are looking to bring company back to your room, you MUST be aware that some hotels don’t allow it. Here’s a list of hotels that allow women to join you in your room. They of course, will have to provide identification.
Playa Jaco Prostitution
As mentioned, the movement has made its way to this bustling beach town on the central Pacific coast, and San Jose is a shell of what the famous Gringo Gulch used to look like. Destinations like the Horseshoe Casino and New York Bar have been closed for many years, and the Hotel Del Rey has gone through major changes. You’ll find many Costa Rican hookers in the casino at the Cocal Hotel & Casino located in Playa Jaco. Jaco has become the #1 destination for sex in Costa Rica now that the San Jose scene has drastically changed over the years and establishments like the Del Rey are no longer what they used to be.
Sex tourists from the United States and other countries significantly impact Playa Jaco, contributing to its reputation as a hub for sex tourism.
I recommend Playa Jaco if you are looking for the adult nightlife stuff. If you are looking for a host, there is NOBODY better than Jaco VIP for the ultimate Costa Rica bachelor party experience. I’ve been in groups using their services and they are second to none.
Where to Find Sex Tourism in Costa Rica
Since I moved away in 2010, a lot of the scene has supposedly moved to Jaco Beach. The Jaco prostitutes enjoy the nice beach life as well as growing tourism trend and mainly congregate at the Hotel Cocal & Casino. While they do exist in other areas, Jaco, along with the declining San Jose sex scene, are the two predominant areas.
San Jose offers the “Gringo Gulch,” an area that is also called the “Zona roja.” (Red light district.) This is normally reference to the zone one block North of Mercado Central and it houses seedy bars, dingy night clubs and hourly motels.
Travel Tip: In Costa Rica, a “night club” is somewhere females dance. A “strip club” in the USA.
That isn’t to say you won’t find Costa Rican prostitutes in other areas of the country, but that’s just the belly of the beast. The busiest working women are in Jaco and San Jose.
Where Will You Find Sex in Costa Rica?
Again, the action used to be at the iconic Hotel Del Rey, which boasted a 24 hour bar, casino, sometimes a sportsbook, a coffee station, and more sex workers than you could ever meet over a three day weekend. Rooms are upstairs, and heavily guarded by security. There is a fee to take women to your room, of course. However, this establishment went through tough times during the pandemic and the action is now more at the Hotel Taormina, which is just a few blocks away. Like the Del Rey, they feature a bustling bar and a Vegas style casino.
The outside looks so simple, so innocent.
In San Jose, you’ll find sex starting at $20 for a low end, normally old, overweight, and very imperfect Dominican or Nicaraguan. On the high end of the spectrum, you’ll find that a fresh off the boat Colombian with all the accessories will ask for $300. You get all types of types in between, and of course, things will change based on their current need for cash, their desire to be with you physically, and of course, how their day is going so far.
Sure, you can find many options below $20 in Costa Rica, which is downright frightening. These are mostly street hookers in San Jose, mostly known for their transgender traits and desire to rob you. Many carry knives, and they are usually part of the old adage “good from far, far from good.” Be very careful, because as locals say “they are on the street for a reason.” This normally refers to the lack of ID card, having an issue at a place like the Del Rey or Taormina, or just being volatile and getting the old 86. They could also be HIV positive.
Venues called “Pensiones” are basically brothers operating under the guise of massage parlors. These are like the standard rub and tugs like you find operating illegally in the USA, although sex and more is available in these houses of ill repute.
Massage Parlors in San Jose Costa Rica
Again, these range from being blatantly advertised to very discreet. Some of the lower tiered ones cater to locals, while others cater to sex tourism. They often come and go, change names, and even locations, but if you ask around (start at the Sportsmen’s Lodge, there’s always people there willing to share stories and locations) you’ll get recent market conditions and updates on all establishments and perhaps recommendations on providers. Yes, it does get that granular.
The ones that are usually rocking are the New Fantasy Massage and the Hotel Little Havana’s Zona Blue, but again these always come and go. It’s not my thing, and like I said, there are dozens, if not 100’s of other low end ones that line San Jose. Just ask around as I’m out of the loop in this regard.
The Ultimate Hack to Meeting Women in Costa Rica Today
One thing to keep in mind is that the women here want to meet foreign men. American, Canadian, they don’t care. They want to be treated to dinners, movies, and things that most local men just fail to deliver on because, well, they have a reputation as being players and not really being doting guys. I’m sure some local men “do the most” but this is a widespread thought, and there is a HUGE reason Ticas like foreigners other than just the perceived wealth.
To really meet women that want to meet you, the biggest trick in the book (prior to your trip is best) is to join Amigos.com.
I read about this on another site, and didn’t take the advice until my fourth trip after reading that. Upon messaging about 50 women on the site, I found that I had seven dates lined up prior to even landing in San Jose! It literally was the biggest hack on how to meet women in Costa Rica, and the results were incredible. I met two for coffee, and ended up in a casual encounter. Another two I met for drinks, and well, that ended the same way. Not all women are hookers in Costa Rica, of course! (Don’t laugh, some men think that.) The regular woman who sells clothing or works for a law firm likes foreign men just like the ones who are simply out there looking for money. Amigos.com is a small monthly fee to have access to women who want to date you in Costa Rica. Trust me, it’s a time saver like no other. Tinder and Bumble just aren’t big down there.
What do Costa Rica Prostitutes Look Like?
On average, the typical Costa Rican woman is very attractive. With their exotic look, tan and silky skin, what’s there not to like? They are lighter than most Latinas, which many guys like. What I
This is one of the better looking Costa Rica prostitutes you’d see. This photo was found on a website promoting The Cocal Hotel & Casino.
like best is their accents and the way they speak Spanish – it’s much more clear than neighboring countries.
There are, of course, many types of Costa Ricans. You have an entire side (Limon, the East Coast) of people with Caribbean roots, so if you like darker women, they are represented down here too. Don’t forget, there are women from many other Latin American countries, not just Ticas. You will find all types working in this industry.
You’ll find that most Costa Rican’s enjoy the beach. So, if you find that special someone and strike up a several day romance, keep that in mind, and think about taking a trip. They will not say no, especially since you are paying their way.
Where do Sex Workers Hang Out in Costa Rica?
This article summed it up best as far as where do they hang out to find Johns. The Taormina Hotel & Casino is now #1, and the Jaco Beach area, mostly the Cocal Hotel & Casino, are the main staples. However, they do hang out at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Barrio Otoya, right nearby, as well as many lower end, dingy massage houses. While the law is against these, (several people will argue against that but the number of raids, shutdowns, and arrests speak otherwise) you’ll find many unassuming operators in San Jose and beyond. There have been reports of all sorts of conditions, prices, and activities, but again, I don’t mind hanging out in a well trafficked hotel and bar, but I typically stay far away from the other spots.
Also, keep in mind, these are regular people! I’ve had many occasions where I’ve seen the women dancing the night away in Disco’s like Club Vertigo, Frankie Go’s, and Castro’s Bar. I can’t even state if any or all of them are open as I write this in 2018, so I may be dating myself with that comment. The fact of the matter is, they have lives too. If you catch them with their guard down, strike up a conversation, you never know where it could go.
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Have a question about traveling to Costa Rica? Please ask it below, and our staff, with several members who lived there off and on for many years, people who keep up with many people in the country, will gladly point you in the right direction.
Also make sure to read how to move around Costa Rica, I have tips on Uber in Costa Rica, and it’ll really help answer the questions you have about getting around this very small, yet diverse country.
In Summary
This is simply a travel advisory so people can know what to expect in Costa Rica’s cultish sex tourism scene. Please make sure to follow all local laws.