Costa Rica Tourism Surges in 2026 as Air Arrivals Drive Sustainable Growth

Aviation Gateways Fuel Visitor Recovery

Costa Rica has seen a marked rebound in tourism momentum during the first six months of 2026. Total international arrivals reached 1,733,596, representing a 7% increase over the 1,619,976 visitors recorded during the same period in 2025.

The growth was most pronounced in the first quarter, with March leading as the busiest month with 379,818 arrivals, followed by February (331,967) and January (321,992).

Air travel remains the primary engine for this growth. In the first half of 2026, 1,605,360 travelers arrived via aircraft, a 7.8% increase from the 1,489,008 air arrivals in H1 2025. This is a critical pivot for the industry, as air arrivals had previously seen a 2.8% decline in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024.

Strategic Distribution of Air Traffic

The flow of international tourists is concentrated across two primary aviation hubs, which serve as the gateways to different ecological and cultural zones:

• San José Airport: Handled 996,656 tourists (62.1% of air arrivals), providing the main link to the Central Valley, the Caribbean coast, and the northern regions.
• Guanacaste Airport: Handled 608,132 tourists (37.9% of air arrivals), offering direct access to the northwestern beaches and resort corridors.

North American Market Dominance and Risk

The data reveals a heavy concentration of visitors from North America, who accounted for 1,240,043 total arrivals, or 71.5% of the market.

The United States remains the largest source market with 984,939 visitors, while Canada contributed 207,110. While this provides a stable revenue stream, the high concentration creates a strategic vulnerability. Any economic downturn or reduction in flight capacity within North America could disproportionately impact Costa Rica's tourism economy.

Balancing Biodiversity with High Volume

Costa Rica’s tourism model is built on its biological wealth, with approximately 25% of its land protected across 145 wild areas and 11 conservation regions. Hosting roughly 5% of the world's known species, the country leverages this biodiversity to attract ecotourists and nature photographers.

However, the increase in visitor volume brings significant environmental pressure. To prevent trail erosion, wildlife disturbance, and excessive water consumption, the government is emphasizing responsible destination management. This includes:

• Strict visitor limits and controlled access to sensitive zones.
• Rigorous environmental assessments for new infrastructure.
• Enhanced enforcement of park regulations to protect mangroves and nesting areas.

Economic Impact and Visitor Behavior

Tourism spending remains robust, though it varies by entry method. In 2025, air travelers spent an average of US$1,848 per person with an average stay of 10.3 nights. Across all entry points, the average spend per visitor was US$1,728.20.

Visitor activity data from 2023–2025 highlights a diversified attraction profile, showing that most travelers engage in multiple experience types:

• Sun and Beach: 72.1%
• Ecotourism: 62.7%
• Adventure Experiences: 56.5%
• Cultural Activities: 56.1%
• Wellness Activities: 32.7%

Tourism Performance Data: H1 2026

Tourism Indicator	January–June 2026 Result	Calculated Share or Change
Total Arrivals (All Routes)	1,733,596	$\approx$ 7% increase vs 2025
Arrivals by Air	1,605,360	92.6% of total arrivals
Arrivals via Other Routes	128,236	7.4% of total arrivals
San José Airport Arrivals	996,656	62.1% of air arrivals
Guanacaste Airport Arrivals	608,132	37.9% of air arrivals
North American Arrivals	1,240,043	71.5% of total arrivals
United States Arrivals	984,939	56.8% of total arrivals
Canada Arrivals	207,110	11.9% of total arrivals

Key Takeaways

• Strong Recovery: Total arrivals grew by 113,620 visitors (7%) compared to H1 2025.
• Aviation Reliance: Over 92% of all tourists enter via air, making airport infrastructure vital to national GDP.
• Market Concentration: Over 71% of tourists originate from North America, highlighting a need for market diversification.
• Sustainability Challenge: With 25% of land protected, the government must balance high visitor volumes with the preservation of 5% of global biodiversity.

FAQ

Which month was the busiest for Costa Rican tourism in 2026? March was the peak month, recording 379,818 international arrivals.

How much does the average tourist spend in Costa Rica? Based on 2025 data, the average spend across all entry routes was US$1,728.20, while those arriving by air spent an average of US$1,848.

What are the primary activities tourists engage in? The most popular activities are sun-and-beach (72.1%) and ecotourism (62.7%).

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