Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse and eco-friendly destinations in the world, famous for its lush rainforests, volcanoes, and stunning beaches.
After a strong recovery from the pandemic, the country recorded ~2.47 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, and early 2025 trends show another increase, reaching approximately 2.8 million visitors annually.
The nation continues to attract travelers seeking sustainability, adventure, and “pura vida” — the simple, happy life Costa Rica is known for.
Key Stats: Costa Rica Tourism
- US $5.43 billion in tourism revenue in 2024 — a new high for Costa Rica’s travel industry.
- Around 2.66 million air-arriving tourists in 2024, reflecting a ~7.7% year-on-year growth.
- In the first half of 2024, 1.53 million visitors arrived by air — up ~14.5% from the same period in 2023.
- North Americans dominate arrivals: approx. 75% of tourists in early 2024 came from North America (61% US, 10% Canada).
- 189,881 air arrivals in May 2025 — a decline indicating emerging headwinds in the tourism sector.
- Just ~632,000 visitors in Q1 2025 — only about 63% of the pre-pandemic benchmark (2019) for the same period.
- The number of scheduled airline seats to the country through early 2025 is projected at ~5.4 million, up ~7.3% over the previous year — signaling growth in capacity.
- The industry added over 15,000 jobs in early-mid 2024, growing sector employment substantially.
How Many Tourists Visit Costa Rica Each Year?
Costa Rica hosted ~2.47 million tourists in 2023 and is projected to exceed 2.8 million in 2025.
| Year | International Arrivals |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 3.14M |
| 2020 | 1.01M |
| 2021 | 1.35M |
| 2022 | 2.11M |
| 2023 | 2.47M |
| 2024 (est.) | 2.65M |
| 2025 (proj.) | ~2.8M |
Most arrivals come by air, primarily through Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Liberia International Airport (LIR).
How Many Tourists Visit Costa Rica Each Day?
Costa Rica receives an average of ~7,500 international visitors per day.
The busiest periods are December–April, coinciding with the dry season and North American winter escapes.
How Much Money Does Costa Rica Make From Tourism?
Tourism is Costa Rica’s top foreign exchange earner, contributing about 8% of its GDP.
- Tourism revenue (2023): USD 4.7 billion
- Average daily spend per tourist: ~USD 170
- Average length of stay: ~12 nights
- Jobs supported: ~250,000 (direct + indirect)
Which Countries Visit Costa Rica the Most?
The United States dominates, followed by Canada and key European markets.
| Country | Visitors (2023) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 1.68M | ~68% |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 150K | ~6% |
| 🇫🇷 France | 95K | ~4% |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 85K | ~3% |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 70K | ~3% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 55K | ~2% |
| 🇨🇱 Chile | 42K | ~2% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 36K | ~1.5% |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 34K | ~1.4% |
| 🇨🇷 Domestic tourism | 2.2M (trips) | — |
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Costa Rica?
Nature is the star of Costa Rica’s tourism — national parks, volcanoes, and beaches dominate the list.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (est.) | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Manuel Antonio National Park | ~500K | Puntarenas |
| Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna | ~400K | Alajuela |
| Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve | ~250K | Puntarenas |
| Tortuguero National Park | ~200K | Limón |
| Poás Volcano National Park | ~190K | Alajuela |
| Corcovado National Park | ~180K | Osa Peninsula |
| Tamarindo Beach | ~170K | Guanacaste |
| Cahuita National Park | ~150K | Caribbean Coast |
| Rincón de la Vieja Volcano | ~140K | Guanacaste |
| San José Museums & Culture District | ~130K | Central Valley |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica? (Seasonality)
Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (high season) and the rainy season (green season).
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season (Dec–Apr) | Peak | Ideal for beaches and hiking |
| Rainy Season (May–Nov) | Moderate | Lush scenery, fewer crowds |
| Green Season (Sep–Oct) | Low | Heavy rain, great deals |
| Shoulder (Nov & May) | Rising | Balanced weather, good prices |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Costa Rica?
Cultural festivals, eco-events, and sports bring thousands of visitors each year.
| Event | Month | Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Envision Festival | Feb | ~10K | Eco-spiritual music & art event in Uvita |
| Palmares Festival | Jan | ~25K | Country’s largest traditional fair |
| Independence Day | Sep | ~20K | Parades & cultural celebrations |
| Whale Watching Season | Jul–Oct | — | Marino Ballena National Park |
| Santa Cruz Fiesta | Jan | ~15K | Rodeos & local music |
| Ironman 70.3 Costa Rica | Jun | ~5K | Sports tourism |
| Art City Tour (San José) | Year-round | — | Cultural nights & art walks |
How Does Tourism Impact Costa Rica’s Economy?
Tourism contributes roughly 8% of Costa Rica’s GDP and drives sustainable development.
- One in ten Costa Ricans works in the tourism sector.
- The country’s 98% renewable energy mix complements its global eco-tourism leadership.
- Ecotourism programs protect over 25% of Costa Rica’s territory, the highest proportion of protected land in the Americas.
How Busy Are Hotels and Lodges in Costa Rica?
Hotel occupancy averaged ~72% in 2024.
- Luxury eco-lodges & boutique hotels near Arenal and Manuel Antonio often exceed 85% occupancy in high season.
- Average daily rate (ADR): USD 160–200 in 4★–5★ properties.
- New projects: Over 50 eco-lodges and boutique resorts are under development, many under international sustainability certification.
Which Regions Are Most Popular With Tourists?
Costa Rica’s attractions are spread across several unique regions:
- Guanacaste: Beach resorts, surfing, dry tropical forests
- Arenal & La Fortuna: Hot springs, volcanoes
- Central Valley: San José, culture, museums
- Caribbean Coast: Afro-Caribbean culture, coral reefs
- Osa Peninsula: Remote jungles, luxury eco-lodges
FAQ – Costa Rica Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Costa Rica each year?
~2.8 million in 2025 (projected).
Which country sends the most tourists to Costa Rica?
The United States, with ~68% of all arrivals.
How much does tourism contribute to GDP?
About 8% of Costa Rica’s GDP.
When is the best time to visit?
December–April (dry season).
What is the average stay length?
Around 12 nights.
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s one of the safest destinations in Central America.
Sources
- ICT Costa Rica — Instituto Costarricense de Turismo – Tourism Statistics 2024
- World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) — Tourism Recovery Data 2023–2024
- Statista — Tourism in Costa Rica (Visitor and GDP data)
- Central Bank of Costa Rica — Tourism Revenue and Balance of Payments 2024
- Reuters / La Nación — Costa Rica Tourism Sector 2025 Outlook
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