Costa Rica is awarded as the best health and wellness destination

The renowned Spanish lifestyle magazines and platforms Men's Health and Women's Health awarded Costa Rica the prize for "Best International Destination" in their "Healthy Places 2025" awards. This recognition distinguishes destinations and brands that are committed to health, active living, and holistic well-being.

The award was presented in Spain during the month of December and remains valid throughout the year 2026.

Costa Rica was selected as the ideal setting to enjoy wellness and improve physical and mental health, allowing visitors to switch off in direct contact with nature.

William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism, noted that the Spanish media based this award on the country's iconic "Pura Vida" lifestyle, its commitment to biodiversity protection, and its wide range of outdoor activities. "This award highlights our unforgettable experiences and the unparalleled beauty of our National Parks as cornerstones of a healthy tourism offering," he stated.

These awards feature six categories designed to recognize the world's healthiest and most adventurous destinations. Selection criteria are based on a destination's ability to combine wellness with the latest longevity trends, such as daily exercise in natural environments, quality rest and digital detox, as well as balanced, locally sourced food.

Spain is the sixth largest source of tourists to Costa Rica. During 2025, the country received more than 50,000 Spanish travelers, according to the most recent data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT). The total flow of European travelers reached just over 400,000 visitors at the end of last year, reaffirming Costa Rica's position as a leading destination in Europe.

Costa Rica, a desired destination in 2026

Additionally, during December 2025 and January 2026, some destinations such as the Osa Peninsula, Nosara, and the province of Limón were included as trending destinations in the prestigious lists of must-see places to visit during the year by specialized tourism media such as the New York Times Travel, Forbes, and Travel & Leisure.

The Osa Peninsula ranked fourth in the world and first in Latin America on the list of “52 Places to Travel in 2026,” published by the US media outlet on Wednesday, January 7. According to the prestigious publication, Osa was selected for its beaches, largely unexplored forests, the biodiversity of Corcovado National Park, the abundant marine life of Isla del Caño, and the revitalized tourism offerings of Uvita and Ojochal.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/travel/places-to-travel-destinations-2026.html

Nosara, for its part, was included in Forbes Magazine's Top 10 list of the best adventure destinations "worth considering." The publication highlighted the scenic beauty of the beach and its diverse tourist activities, as well as its status as a must-visit spot for surfing.

Finally, the province of Limón was listed, -according to Travel & Leisure based on a Skyscanner study-, as the number one trending destination for all travelers in love with dream beaches and walks in the middle of the rainforest for 2026. 

Source: ICT.