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I’m not sure if it’s just me, but it feels like forever since the name of this country came up here. Blame it on El Salvador’s current regional prominence, especially after Bukele completely crushed criminal gangs, or Belize’s new trend, but Costa Rica seemed to take a back seat for a while.
Not anymore.
It is the no-brainer, most iconic outing in Central America still as popular as ever. In fact, tourism saw a 10.4% increase this year compared to the same period in 2025. Between January and February 2026, 653,959 international visitors landed in Costa Rica.
In February alone, 331,967 arrivals were recorded. This is evident from data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute a five-month period of year-over-year growth.
Impressive figures, but what is the fuss about?
Small country, an abundance of world wonders
For a small nation state, about the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has quite a lot to offer.
More than half of the national territory is covered by natural forest, with nature central to the country’s international appeal. This is the place you go to relax, unwind, enjoy a weekend getaway in a secluded, BoHo-chic jungle retreat and soak up the tropical vibe.
It houses about 5% of the world’s biodiversityDespite its small size, and among rainforests, misty cloud forests spanned by scenic suspension bridges and towering volcanoes, you are never far from breathtaking views here.
Often all you have to do is look out the window.
This is the fastest growing destination in Costa Rica
The country’s most visited attraction, Monteverde Cloud Forest, is where the majority of visitors will go. A mystical, mist-shrouded maze of lush pathways, home to more than 300 species of birds and orchids, it is Costa Rica’s premier destination for canopy-shaded walks.
The numbers don’t lie: Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport registered 230,406 passengers so far this year, a growth of 16.3% compared to a year earlier.
It’s the fastest growing international airport in Costa Rica, and the nearest major interchange at Monteverde, a 2.5-hour drive away.
While we highly recommend booking a private driver, Costa Rica is relatively safe to drive in.
The country itself is probably the most advanced in Central America in terms of infrastructure, although El Salvador is quickly catching up.
It has a dense road network (45,520 kilometers, to be precise) and almost complete electricity coverage that supports tourist hubs. Paved networks connect parks and beachesnone of the dodgy Honduras or Nicaragua style dirt roads– and overall it’s a lot safer to visit.
Costa Rica is that safe
The U.S. Department of State lists Costa Rica as a Level 2 destination, meaning Americans are not discouraged from visiting the country.
However, if they do, they should take certain precautions: avoiding commuting after dark, maintaining a higher level of situational awareness in crowded areas, and checking credentials before booking guided activities with local operators.
The usual stuff.
However, this is still Latin America, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned from the uptick in crime in Mexico in February, it’s that the security situation on the continent can deteriorate without warning. However, before flying to Costa Rica, be sure to check any travel warnings.
Where does the crowd go?
View the admission requirements for Costa Rica here.
Liberia Airport (LIR) is the main gateway to Guanacaste, a coastal strip in the Costa Rican Pacific Ocean known for its golden sandy beaches, surfing scene and luxury resorts.
Depending on where you go is your destination a 25-90 minute drive.
Playas del Coco is a breezy half-hour taxi ride from the airport. These are the volcanic, dark sand beaches you see on Instagram, ready for a postcard.
A little further, about 45 minutes, the Papagayo Peninsula is occupied by powerhouses like Four Seasons, on pristine bays largely untouched by mass tourism.
North America continues to lead Costa Rica’s tourism wave, with 454,889 Americans and Canadians arriving there so far this year (as of February).
If you’re wondering where the younger crowd goesThen look no further than surfing mecca Tamarindo, a 1-hour drive from Liberia airport. It’s the trendy backpacker town on the coast, with a thriving youth hostel scene, vibrant nightlife and plenty of paradise-like beaches with rolling waves to choose from.
Peak ‘Pura Vida’ vibes, if you know what we mean.
Costa Rica’s number 1 destination
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is currently the busiest airport in the country, with 372,295 international visitors in the first two months of 2026.
It serves not only the capital San José – somewhere most tourists pass through on their way to the Costa Rican jungle – but also the wider highland region.
Poás Volcano National Park is a 30-minute drive from the city, with its huge turquoise crater lake spewing sulfur fumes, and the iconic La Paz waterfall (60 min) is five waterfalls surrounded by a green rainforest.
Keep your eyes peeled for the odd jaguar in the trees.
Can’t get enough of Costa Rica’s natural wonders?
Irazú (1 hour drive) is the highest volcano in the country, with moon-like craters and special views from the top.
On a bumpy 2-hour journey from the capital, the dormant, cone-shaped Arenal Volcano is another must-see. The national park that encloses it is dotted with hot springs and ancient lava flows, and that’s true an abundance of unique jungle enclosures to choose from.
Check out Amor Arenala rustic-luxury cabin ensemble located in the heart of the rainforest canyon.
Think tropical hardwood design, private jacuzzis with panoramic views of Arenal and open-air spas.
