By 
Costa Rica has recorded a steady increase in international tourism for the first half of 2026, signaling a strong recovery in air connectivity and a growing demand for sustainable travel. Official data confirms that between January and June 2026, the country welcomed 1,733,596 non-resident overnight visitors, up from 1,619,976 during the same period in 2025. This represents a net increase of 113,620 visitors.
The growth was most pronounced in the first quarter, with March recording the highest volume of arrivals at 379,818, followed by February (331,967) and January (321,992).
Air gateways remain the primary engine for transit. Air arrivals reached 1,605,360, accounting for 92.6% of all entries. This is a 7.8% increase over the 1,489,008 air arrivals recorded in H1 2025, reversing a 2.8% decline seen in the first half of the previous year.
Transit Distribution and Source Markets
The flow of passengers is split between two primary hubs: San José and Guanacaste. San José serves as the gateway for the Central Valley, Caribbean coast, and northern regions, while Guanacaste facilitates direct access to the northwestern beaches and resorts.
North America continues to dominate the source market, contributing 1,240,043 visitors (71.5% of total arrivals). The United States remains the largest single market with 984,939 visitors, followed by Canada with 207,110.
Sustainable Infrastructure and Environmental Pressure
With 25% of its territory protected across 145 wild areas and 11 conservation regions, Costa Rica leverages its biodiversity—estimated at 5% of the world's known species—as a primary economic driver. However, the surge in arrivals puts increased pressure on rural natural resources, specifically regarding trail erosion, water consumption, and waste management in sensitive ecosystems.
Transit Schedule & Route Specifications (H1 2026)
| Tourism Indicator | H1 2026 Result | Share / Change |
|---|---|---|
| Total International Arrivals | 1,733,596 | $\approx$ 7% Increase vs 2025 |
| Air Arrivals | 1,605,360 | 92.6% of total |
| Land/Sea Arrivals | 128,236 | 7.4% of total |
| San José Airport (SJO) | 996,656 | 62.1% of air arrivals |
| Guanacaste Airport (LIR) | 608,132 | 37.9% of air arrivals |
| US Market Arrivals | 984,939 | 56.8% of total arrivals |
| Canada Market Arrivals | 207,110 | 11.9% of total arrivals |
Traveler Logistics Guide
From a ground-level perspective, navigating Costa Rica requires a strategic choice between the two main airports to minimize domestic transit time.
- Airport Selection: If your itinerary focuses on the Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, or the Caribbean coast, fly into San José (SJO). For those heading to the Nicoya Peninsula or Tamarindo, Guanacaste (LIR) is the optimal entry point to avoid 4–6 hours of additional road travel.
- Connection Planning: Given that 92.6% of tourists arrive by air, domestic transfers (shuttles or internal flights) can become congested during peak months (January–March). Book ground transfers at least 14 days in advance.
- Entry Requirements: Currently, there are no changes to border visa or passport processes. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry.
- Eco-Transit: To align with national sustainability goals, travelers are encouraged to use certified sustainable transport providers to reduce the carbon footprint in protected conservation regions.
Infrastructure Impact Assessment
The heavy reliance on North American markets (71.5%) creates a vulnerability to economic shifts in the US and Canada. While the current growth is positive, the concentration of arrivals at SJO and LIR suggests a need for further diversification of entry points to alleviate pressure on these hubs and distribute tourism revenue more evenly across rural communities. The continued integration of environmental certifications into the tourism model is essential to prevent the "over-tourism" of the 145 protected wild areas.
