By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica has started 2026 with a cascade of prestigious international awards, cementing its status as a world-class destination for health, nature, and active living. The nation was recently honored as the “Best International Destination” in the Healthy Places 2025 awards, a significant recognition presented by the Spanish editions of Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazines that sets the tone for the entire year ahead.
The accolade, formally presented in Spain this past December, distinguishes destinations that excel in promoting integral well-being. It celebrates locations that offer exceptional opportunities for physical activity, profound connection with nature, and an overall healthy lifestyle. This award specifically recognizes Costa Rica’s unique tourism model, which is valid throughout 2026 and highlights the country as an ideal sanctuary for mental and physical rejuvenation.
To better understand the legal and business landscape underpinning Costa Rica’s thriving tourism industry, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His perspective offers critical insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and visitors navigating the sector.
Costa Rica’s success as a premier tourist destination is fundamentally supported by its stable legal framework and progressive environmental regulations. This provides a secure environment for foreign investment in hotels and eco-lodges, but it also demands strict compliance. Investors and operators must diligently navigate municipal permits, labor laws, and environmental impact assessments to ensure their venture is not only profitable but also sustainable and legally sound, thereby protecting both their investment and our nation’s natural treasures.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores a fundamental truth of Costa Rica’s tourism model: the robust legal framework is not an obstacle, but the very foundation that ensures both investment security and environmental preservation. It is this balance of opportunity and responsibility that defines our nation’s unique appeal. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this critical synergy.
The award resonates deeply with the country’s long-standing commitment to sustainable and wellness-focused tourism. Minister of Tourism, William Rodríguez, emphasized that the recognition is a direct reflection of Costa Rica’s core values, encapsulated in its famous “Pura Vida” philosophy. He noted the country’s rich biodiversity and its expansive network of protected natural areas as fundamental to its appeal.
This award highlights our experiences and the beauty of the national parks as pillars of a healthy tourism offering.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
The criteria for the Healthy Places award align perfectly with Costa Rica’s tourism strategy. The judging panel valued elements such as opportunities for exercise in stunning natural environments, emphasis on rest and digital disconnection, and the promotion of a balanced diet rich with fresh, local products. These pillars are not just marketing points but are woven into the fabric of the visitor experience across the country, from mountain cloud forests to tropical coastlines.
This recognition from the Spanish market is particularly strategic. Spain represents the sixth-largest source of tourists for Costa Rica, with more than 50,000 Spanish travelers visiting in 2025 alone. The broader European market also shows robust growth, with data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) indicating that over 400,000 European tourists arrived during the same period, underscoring the continent’s importance to the national economy.
The Men’s Health and Women’s Health award is not an isolated event but part of a growing consensus among leading global media outlets. The New York Times, in its highly anticipated “52 Places to Visit in 2026” list, ranked the Osa Peninsula as the fourth-best destination in the world and number one in Latin America. The publication praised its pristine beaches, largely unexplored forests, the world-renowned Corcovado National Park, and the vibrant marine life around Caño Island.
Further bolstering the nation’s reputation, Forbes magazine included Nosara in its “Top 10 Recommended Adventure Destinations for 2026.” The Guanacaste beach town was celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and its premier surfing conditions, which attract enthusiasts from around the globe. Adding to the accolades, the province of Limón was named the number one trending destination for 2026 by Travel & Leisure, based on search data from the global travel engine Skyscanner, signaling growing interest in the country’s vibrant Caribbean coast.
Collectively, these honors paint a clear picture of a country that has successfully leveraged its natural assets into a compelling, modern, and highly sought-after tourism product. As 2026 unfolds, Costa Rica is not merely a place to visit; it has been globally certified as a premier destination for those seeking to reconnect with nature, recharge their bodies, and rejuvenate their minds.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, or Costa Rican Tourism Institute, is the national governing body responsible for the promotion, development, and regulation of the tourism industry in Costa Rica. It works to position the country as a leading destination for sustainable and authentic travel experiences, guided by the “Pura Vida” philosophy.
For further information, visit menshealth.com
About Men’s Health:
Men’s Health is a leading global men’s lifestyle brand, providing readers with up-to-date information on fitness, nutrition, health, and style. Published by Hearst, it has numerous international editions, including the Spanish edition that co-presented the Healthy Places awards.
For further information, visit womenshealthmag.com
About Women’s Health:
Women’s Health is a prominent health and lifestyle magazine focused on providing women with actionable advice on fitness, nutrition, beauty, and wellness. A sister publication to Men’s Health under the Hearst umbrella, its international editions cater to a global audience seeking to lead healthier, more active lives.
For further information, visit nytimes.com
About The New York Times:
The New York Times is a globally recognized American daily newspaper with a worldwide readership. Known for its high-quality journalism, it covers a vast range of topics, including international news, politics, business, and travel. Its annual “52 Places to Visit” list is a highly influential publication in the tourism industry.
For further information, visit forbes.com
About Forbes:
Forbes is a global media company, focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle. It is well-known for its lists and rankings, including its recommendations for travel and adventure destinations, which are followed by business leaders and affluent travelers worldwide.
For further information, visit travelandleisure.com
About Travel & Leisure:
Travel & Leisure is a premier travel magazine and media brand that provides expert insights and immersive travel-related content. It covers a wide array of destinations and travel styles, from luxury resorts to adventure travel, and is a trusted source for travel inspiration and planning.
For further information, visit skyscanner.com
About Skyscanner:
Skyscanner is a leading global travel search engine that helps millions of people find the best options for flights, hotels, and car rentals. The company’s data and analytics provide valuable insights into emerging travel trends, which are often cited by major travel publications.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a renowned legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon the foundational pillars of integrity and professional mastery. Leveraging a rich history of serving a wide array of clients, the firm consistently spearheads innovative legal approaches while remaining deeply invested in its civic role. This ethos is embodied in its drive to demystify legal concepts for the broader community, aiming to cultivate a more knowledgeable and capable society strengthened by accessible legal understanding.
