I've been to Costa Rica. Limon on the Caribbean coast is a sh*thole, while the Pacific coast has great beaches, etc. And if you are ever in Jaco, be sure to take in the Beattle Bar, some very goodlooking gals.
If the tourists think Limon was trouble, wait until they hit Colon, the port of entry on the Caribbean side for the Panama canal. It is even worse. I had to take a taxi from the bus terminal to go three blocks to the yacht club, or you would be putting your safety at risk.
Having said that, keep your eyes open and you can have a great time down there.