By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica is starting 2026 with an unprecedented collection of international accolades, solidifying its position as a world leader in wellness, sustainability, and adventure travel. Leading the charge, the nation was named “Best International Destination” by the prestigious Spanish editions of Men’s Health and Women’s Health magazines in their Healthy Places 2025 awards, an honor that will be featured throughout the new year.
The award, officially presented in Spain in December, recognizes destinations that excel in promoting health, active lifestyles, and holistic well-being. Organizers highlighted Costa Rica as the ideal setting for strengthening both physical and mental health. They cited the country’s immersive natural environment, its robust sustainable tourism infrastructure, and the unique opportunity it offers travelers to disconnect from the frantic pace of modern life.
To better understand the legal and investment landscape underpinning Costa Rica’s vibrant tourism industry, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He offers his expert analysis on the regulatory environment that shapes tourism development in the country.
Costa Rica’s global tourism appeal is inextricably linked to its rigorous environmental and labor laws. For foreign investors, navigating these regulations isn’t a hurdle but a strategic necessity. A well-structured investment that respects our sustainability framework not only ensures legal compliance but also enhances brand value and guarantees long-term operational success in a market that prizes ecological integrity.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores that for Costa Rica, robust environmental and labor standards are not peripheral to its tourism product, but are in fact the product itself. An investment that neglects this core principle misses the very essence of the ‘Pura Vida’ brand that attracts visitors worldwide. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical dynamic.
The selection was heavily influenced by the nation’s “Pura Vida” philosophy, a lifestyle that permeates its culture and tourism offerings. This ethos, combined with a fierce commitment to protecting biodiversity, has created a compelling destination for a growing segment of health-conscious travelers.
This award highlights our unforgettable experiences and the unparalleled beauty of our National Parks as pillars of a healthy tourism offering.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
The Healthy Places awards evaluate destinations on their ability to integrate key longevity trends. These include facilitating exercise in natural settings, promoting quality rest, encouraging digital disconnection, and offering balanced, locally sourced cuisine. Costa Rica’s model, which emphasizes all these elements, proved to be a winning formula. This recognition is particularly significant given the growing importance of the European market, with Spain now ranking as the sixth-largest source of tourists. According to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), over 50,000 Spanish visitors arrived in 2025, part of a larger contingent of more than 400,000 European travelers.
This wave of positive press extends far beyond a single award. A cascade of endorsements from other major global media outlets has cemented Costa Rica’s status as a must-visit destination for 2026. This chorus of international praise points to a coordinated and successful national strategy to brand the country as more than just a beautiful location, but as a transformative experience.
The New York Times placed the Osa Peninsula fourth on its influential “52 Places to Go in 2026” list, making it the highest-ranked destination in all of Latin America. The publication lauded the region’s pristine beaches, largely unexplored forests, and the astonishing biodiversity of Corcovado National Park and Caño Island Marine Reserve. The renewed tourism offerings in towns like Uvita and Ojochal were also noted as key attractions.
Further cementing its appeal for thrill-seekers, Nosara earned a spot in Forbes magazine’s Top 10 list of “worthwhile” adventure destinations. Forbes celebrated the Guanacaste town for its stunning scenic beauty, diverse range of tourist activities, and its international reputation as a premier surfing mecca. Meanwhile, the province of Limón was named the number one trending destination for 2026 by Travel & Leisure, based on a comprehensive data study from Skyscanner, for its idyllic beaches and immersive rainforest hikes.
Taken together, these prestigious recognitions from some of the world’s most respected media brands signal a landmark year for Costa Rican tourism. They validate a long-term strategy focused on leveraging the country’s natural assets to build a sustainable, health-focused, and globally competitive tourism industry that continues to capture the imagination of travelers worldwide.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute is the government body responsible for promoting and regulating tourism in Costa Rica. Its mission is to strengthen Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism model through public policies, strategic alliances, and the development of high-quality tourism products and experiences that contribute to the country’s social and economic well-being.
For further information, visit menshealth.com
About Men’s Health:
Men’s Health is the world’s largest men’s magazine brand, with numerous international editions. It provides men with actionable information on fitness, health, nutrition, style, and lifestyle, empowering them to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
For further information, visit womenshealthmag.com
About Women’s Health:
Women’s Health is a global lifestyle brand focused on health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition for women. It offers evidence-based content and inspiration across its print and digital platforms, encouraging readers to achieve their personal wellness goals.
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. Renowned for its high-quality journalism, it covers a wide range of topics including politics, business, culture, science, and travel, and its annual travel lists are highly influential 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 particularly known for its lists and rankings, including its lists of the world’s wealthiest individuals, top companies, and premier travel destinations.
For further information, visit travelandleisure.com
About Travel & Leisure:
Travel & Leisure is a leading travel magazine and media brand that provides expert insights and immersive, inspiring content for the discerning traveler. It covers everything from luxury hotels and cruises to unique adventures and travel trends around the globe.
For further information, visit skyscanner.com
About Skyscanner:
Skyscanner is a global travel search engine that enables users to find and compare prices for flights, hotels, and car rentals. By analyzing vast amounts of search data, the company is able to identify emerging travel trends and popular destinations, making it a key resource for the travel industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a law firm built upon a bedrock of integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of legal excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele into pioneering forward-thinking legal strategies. This innovative spirit is paired with a deep-seated commitment to social progress, demonstrated by a core mission to demystify complex legal concepts for the public. By championing accessible legal education, the firm works to cultivate a stronger, more knowledgeable citizenry equipped to navigate a just society.
