Political Crisis Preparedness
Guest safety is the highest priority to Costa Dulce Retreat Center – Our ultimate goal is to help you enjoy your travels and a new country. We understand how travel can push comfort levels and
Guest Safety & Travel Confidence Memo
Purpose: To proactively address guest concerns regarding safety in Nicaragua during periods of heightened political coverage, and to provide clear, experience-based reassurance grounded in history, community presence, firsthand guest accounts, and data.
Our Position on Safety at Costa Dulce
We understand that safety is a top priority when choosing a travel destination, especially when international media highlights political developments such as diplomatic pressure or prisoner releases. We want to be very clear and transparent: Costa Dulce remains a safe, calm, and welcoming place for guests, and our on-the-ground experience consistently reflects this.
Perspective from Past Political Events (2018)
During the political unrest in 2018, much of the concern was driven by international headlines rather than conditions on the ground where we are located. At that time:
Unrest was largely isolated to specific urban and political centers and did not impact daily life in our region.
While overall tourism numbers declined due to perception and uncertainty, guests who were staying at Costa Dulce during that period consistently reported feeling safe, relaxed, and deeply fulfilled by their experience.
Many guests chose to travel anyway and later shared public reviews describing their sense of safety and calm while on site.
What Guests Said During the 2018 Period
Guests who stayed with us during the 2018 unrest left numerous public reviews describing their actual, on-the-ground experience. Rather than relying on headlines, they consistently referenced feeling safe, calm, and unaffected by political events. A few direct excerpts from TripAdvisor reviews written during that time include:
“People at home thought we were crazy going to Nicaragua during this time of unrest, but honestly it was so peaceful… There was no evidence of any political issues.” (Reviewed Dec 28, 2018)
“The unrest of Nicaragua has not touched this place — we felt very safe.” (Reviewed Nov 9, 2018)
“This year’s retreat took place during a time of civil unrest in Nicaragua. I can’t say enough about how effectively the staff monitored the situation, kept us informed, and kept us safe.” (Reviewed Jul 10, 2018)
“I was a bit nervous to come into Nicaragua, but we flew in and had no problems at all. Pure paradise.” (Reviewed Jun 15, 2018)
“It was slow season when I stayed, but I felt completely at ease and supported the entire time.” (Reviewed Jul 6, 2018)
These reviews were written in real time, during the period of international concern, and reflect the lived experience of guests who chose to come despite the broader narrative.
21+ Years of Local Presence & Community Integration
Costa Dulce has been operating in this region for over two decades. That continuity matters.
Our long-standing presence includes:
Deep understanding of local land use and regulations
Long-term relationships with neighboring communities and local leaders
Strong institutional and logistical knowledge built through consistent operation
A reputation as a trusted, responsible member of the local ecosystem
Because of these relationships, we are well informed about real conditions on the ground — not just headlines — and are able to adapt calmly and responsibly when needed.
Safety by the Numbers (Contextualized)
Despite outdated perceptions, Nicaragua is statistically safer than many popular tourist destinations, including within Central America and the United States:
Nicaragua’s theft rate is less than one-quarter of the global average and roughly one-third that of Costa Rica.
Nicaragua’s homicide rate (~6.2 per 100,000) is lower than more than half of U.S. states, including California, Colorado, Nevada, and North Carolina.
Costa Rica’s homicide rate is nearly three times higher than Nicaragua’s; Panama’s is about double, and Mexico’s is nearly five times higher.
Nicaragua reports fewer overall crimes per capita than Costa Rica, Belize, and Mexico.
Petty theft is significantly less common than in popular tourist hubs such as San José, Cancún, or Panama City.
Nicaragua does not have widespread cartel or organized-crime violence seen in other parts of the region.
Violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare; most visitors report feeling safe, welcomed, and well cared for.
What Guests Actually Experience Today
What we consistently observe — even during periods of heightened political rhetoric — is:
Calm daily life in our region
A strong sense of community and hospitality
Guests who unplug, slow down, and leave feeling restored
Political developments discussed at the diplomatic or international level have not translated into instability or safety issues for travelers at Costa Dulce.
Our Commitment
We take guest safety seriously and continuously monitor local conditions through trusted relationships and direct presence. If conditions were ever to change in a meaningful way, we would communicate proactively and transparently.
At this time, there is no reason for concern regarding travel safety at Costa Dulce, and we remain confident in welcoming guests who are seeking rest, connection, and meaningful experiences.
For anyone with questions or hesitations, we are always happy to speak directly and provide context — because clarity and trust matter.