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We all know Central America for its lush jungles, pristine beaches and vibrant Spanish culture, and in recent years numerous countries in the region have made great strides in becoming more accessible to tourists, whether through improved connectivity or increased security levels.
We’ve had El Salvador, who went from one of the world’s murder capitals to one of the safest; Panama, where demand has increased significantly due to affordability; and even Nicaragua, that is rising on the tourism charts, with a 125% increase in arrivals.
As great as that all sounds, no Central American country can surpass Costa Ricathe unstoppable regional leader on its way to a record number of visitors:
How is Costa Rica performing in tourism?
As confirmed by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (known by its Spanish acronym ICT), a total of 2,181,899 tourists landed in Costa Rica between January and October 2024. already an increase of 10.3% compared to 2023.
If the trend continues – and we have reason to believe it will – this will be the situation of the country biggest year in tourism 2.7 million arrivals have been forecast to date, with a particular increase in US and European arrivals noted.
So what is it about Costa Rica that has, and most importantly, should, captivate American travelers You Are you considering a visit this winter, instead of another all-inclusive getaway to Cancun that barely generates any real excitement?
Why is Costa Rica so popular?
Firstly, Costa Rica is nothing short of a nature lover’s paradise, with a volcano-ridden hinterland, clouds and rainforests, rich wildlife and extensive coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
It is home to an abundance of national parks, including Manual Antonio, where you can find many pristine beaches and an abundance of wildlifewith sloths and rare birds living in the wild, Corcovado National, inhabited by the elusive jaguar, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve:
A haven for biodiversity with beginner-friendly trails and suspension bridges, it’s a must-see in Costa Rica, but if you’re looking for something more adventurous, the imposing Arenal Volcano offers plenty of hiking and ziplining opportunities.
Is it relaxation you are looking for? Rincón de la Vieja is extremely popular for its volcanic hot springs and towering waterfallswhich flow into serene, natural pools, and let’s not forget Tortuguero and its pristine Caribbean sandbanks.
It is an incredibly tourist friendly country!
With so much to see and do, you might be wondering how difficult it is to get around Costa Rica: the answer is not difficult at all, which is precisely one of the reasons why the country has an edge over its Central American counterparts when it comes to popularity!
This is a very tourist friendly country, smaller in size than the state of West Virginia, and at that You can book excursions to most nature reserveswhether you are based in San Jose, the national capital, or in La Fortuna, the gateway to the volcanoes.
From the first you can tour Poás Volcano, stop at the majestic La Paz Waterfall ($139), take a boat to Isla Tortuga, and snorkel and swim in turquoise waters ($115), or even reach the base of the Arenal Volcano and admire views of coffee plantations ($159).
If you live in La Fortuna, you’ll receive an entrance ticket to walk the world-famous Místico Arenal Suspension Bridges it will only cost you $28 (transfers not included), and for the thrill seekers, rafting at the base of the volcano costs from $85 per person.
All of these incredible activities (and many more) are available at GetYourGuide.
Is San Jose one of the most underrated capitals in Latin America?
We all know Mexico City for its diverse neighborhoods, Buenos Aires for its gourmet restaurants, and Rio de Janeiro for its postcard-worthy beaches, but what about Costa Rica’s often overlooked San Jose? Have we been underestimating it all along?
Perhaps Costa Rica’s biggest appeal to travelers is its breathtaking nature, and rightly so, but Culturally, the national capital has just as much to offerwith its vast collection of Spanish colonial buildings, city parks and vibrant street markets.
For delicious street food at affordable prices, head to the Central Market, a maze-like food hall filled with rows of vendor stalls, where you can get hot snacks, traditional crafts, and delicious Costa Rican coffee, which is said to rival Colombia’s in quality.
It’s not exactly known that Costa Rica is on the cheaper side of Central America, so if you want to avoid the overpriced restaurants, only gringos go here. make sure you add La Muny to your list: it’s likely that not a word of English is spoken, but the ceviche and fried yuca are excellent, and they’re all local prices.
Security levels are okay
Much has been said lately about improving security in Central America, especially after Nayib Bukele came to power in El Salvador and successfully crushed gangs – not without controversy, if you’re a staunch defender of violating human rights. .
Costa Rica has always been considered one of the safest in this community of nationsBut that doesn’t mean crime isn’t a widespread problem: from pickpocketing to armed robbery, American tourists remain subject to higher security risks than at home.
Like the US Department of State repeatsAmericans should exercise ‘heightened caution’ when visiting; Still, most visits go off without a hitch, and it should be reassuring that local authorities do the same in conversations with the savior of El Salvador to tackle their own crime statistics.
For now, American tourists are not discouraged from traveling to Costa Rica it remains a Level 2 destinationbut they should take precautions such as booking activities through reputable providers, avoiding exploring jungle areas unguided, and being aware of their surroundings.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
