• Total Visitor Expansion: Costa Rica welcomed 2,191,432 international stopover visitors between January and August 2026, marking a 5.3 percent increase over 2025.
• North American Dominance: The United States, Canada, and Mexico contributed over 1.53 million visitors combined, representing more than 70 percent of all international arrivals.
• Canada Leads Growth: Canadian arrivals delivered the highest rate of expansion among major markets, climbing 24.1 percent year-on-year to 232,949 travelers.
• Strong European Demand: European visitor arrivals saw substantial increases, highlighted by a 32.3 percent surge from Italy alongside gains from Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, and France

Costa Rica continues to capture international travelers seeking eco-adventures, pristine rainforests, and tropical coastlines, recording significant tourism growth throughout 2026. Official data reveals the country welcomed roughly 2.19 million international stopover visitors between January and August, representing a 5.3 percent year-on-year increase compared to the previous year. This influx was heavily powered by North American travel demand, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico collectively generating over 1.53 million arrivals and accounting for more than 70 percent of total overseas visitors.

The United States maintained its dominant standing as Costa Rica’s primary international source market, contributing over 1.23 million visitors during the eight-month timeframe for a steady 2.7 percent increase. American guests alone represented 56.3 percent of all international arrivals. Simultaneously, Canadian demand experienced an extraordinary surge, climbing 24.1 percent year-on-year to reach 232,949 visitors and expanding Canada’s overall market share to 10.6 percent. Mexico also posted positive momentum with a 7.6 percent increase, welcoming more than 69,000 travelers.

Beyond North America, international interest across Europe also reinforced the country’s positive travel trajectory. Solid gains emerged from key outbound European markets, highlighted by Italian arrivals surging by 32.3 percent, alongside double-digit growth from the Netherlands and Spain, and consistent contributions from Germany and France.

Based on prevailing monthly volumes, projections through mid-October estimate North American arrivals could reach roughly 1.82 million visitors, demonstrating sustainable demand across key travel seasons. This upward momentum reinforces Costa Rica’s enduring global reputation as a premier destination for sustainable tourism, biodiversity, and outdoor exploration.