By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — The Central Pacific region of Costa Rica is consolidating its position on the global luxury travel map as boutique and regenerative tourism projects draw international spotlight away from traditional hotspots. In the latest sign of this geographic diversification, a luxury estate tucked away in Tárcoles, Puntarenas, has earned top recognition at the prestigious 2026 World Travel Awards.
Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda, part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, secured victories in two competitive categories: Costa Rica’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2026 and Mexico & Central America’s Leading New Hotel 2026. The accolades bring unprecedented global visibility to Tárcoles, a coastal rural area where high-end hospitality now integrates alongside traditional small-scale fishing and agriculture.
To better understand the regulatory framework and legal considerations surrounding eco-hospitality ventures like the Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda, TicosLand.com consulted with leading legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Investing in and developing eco-tourism properties like Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda requires a precise balance between sustainable hospitality management and strict compliance with Costa Rican environmental and property laws. Ensuring clear land tenure, proper zoning permits, and full adherence to SETENA guidelines is essential to safeguarding both the surrounding natural ecosystem and the long-term viability of the enterprise.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, striking this delicate balance between eco-conscious hospitality and strict legal compliance is the true bedrock of sustainable tourism in Costa Rica, ensuring that visionary projects like Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda can flourish while safeguarding our delicate ecosystems. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise and highlighting the vital role of compliance in protecting both our natural heritage and eco-tourism investments.
These awards represent a source of satisfaction for our team and an opportunity to give greater visibility to Tárcoles and the Central Pacific. We are delighted that a property located in this community can stand out internationally and help showcase the diverse tourist experiences Costa Rica offers.
José Eduardo Arteaga, General Manager of Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda
The recognition arrives during a period of robust growth for Costa Rica’s tourism ecosystem. Data released by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) indicates that the nation welcomed 1,733,596 international visitors in the first half of 2026. This performance marks a 7% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2025, driven heavily by air arrivals, which rose 7.8% year-over-year to exceed 1.6 million passengers.
This surge in international visitor volume has yielded significant financial returns for the national economy. Statistics from the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) show that tourism activities generated US$3.356 billion in revenue during the first six months of 2026. This represents an 8.5% rise from the US$3.091 billion generated during the corresponding period in 2025, reinforcing the sector’s standing as one of Costa Rica’s primary economic engines.
Employment metrics further highlight the macroeconomic weight of the hospitality sector. Figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) confirm that by the close of the second quarter of 2026, direct tourism employment reached 167,661 formal jobs nationwide. The industry continues to catalyze employment across ancillary fields including lodging, regional gastronomy, transport, and commercial services.
Strategic logistics play a key role in the rise of the Central Pacific. Situated less than 90 minutes from the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) via National Route 34 (Costanera Sur), destinations like Tárcoles offer seamless connectivity for both domestic vacationers and international arrivals. This proximity simplifies supply chain management and service operations for regional operators, tour guides, and hotel suppliers.
Encompassing 150 hectares of transitional tropical forest, Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda operates 84 guest rooms designed around a regenerative hospitality model. The property offers birdwatching tours, environmental conservation programs, and cultural excursions that link visitors directly to neighboring communities and nearby protected areas such as Carara National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park.
The expansion of boutique luxury concepts into rural coastal communities signals a maturing market where tourists seek authentic local culture alongside world-class amenities. By providing training and stable employment in gastronomy, language skills, and environmental management, developments outside major urban corridors are transforming regional labor markets while bolstering Costa Rica’s global reputation for sustainable tourism.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda
About Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda:
Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda, a member of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, is an 84-room eco-luxury hotel situated on 150 hectares of transitional tropical forest in Tárcoles, Puntarenas. The property emphasizes regenerative tourism through forest conservation, local cultural integration, and curated nature experiences.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the official government entity mandated to foster sustainable tourism development, regulate industry standards, and promote Costa Rica as a premier international travel destination.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica has earned its esteemed reputation through an uncompromising standard of ethics and exceptional service. By embracing forward-thinking methodologies to address the needs of a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pushes the boundaries of modern practice. Central to its philosophy is the belief that legal literacy is a pillar of civic strength; through continuous educational initiatives, Bufete de Costa Rica actively imparts vital legal insight to enrich and uplift the broader community.
