Published on
January 18, 2026
Costa Rica, long celebrated for its rich biodiversity and eco-tourism offerings, has found itself struggling to maintain momentum in 2025. Despite its natural allure, the country’s tourism sector experienced sluggish growth, with a modest 1% increase in visitor arrivals. This underperformance can be attributed to a combination of economic factors, rising travel costs, infrastructure limitations, and growing safety concerns, which have all contributed to a dip in the number of international visitors. As Costa Rica seeks to uphold its status as a leading eco-tourism destination, these challenges are proving to be significant hurdles, making it harder for the country to capitalize on its eco-tourism brand and remain competitive in the increasingly crowded Latin American tourism market.
Slow Recovery Amidst Regional Growth
Costa Rica has long been a favorite destination for eco-tourism, attracting millions of visitors annually thanks to its diverse ecosystems and focus on sustainability. However, in 2025, the country’s tourism industry faced several challenges. Early data for the year showed a slow recovery in international arrivals, with a significant slump in the first three quarters. While there was some late-season growth, it wasn’t enough to offset the overall underperformance. Mexico, by contrast, recorded a 6% increase in arrivals, highlighting the gap between Costa Rica and its competitors in the region.
North American tourists—who make up roughly 50% of Costa Rica’s visitor numbers—were particularly absent in 2025. Factors like reduced flight availability and a weakening economy contributed to a downturn in demand. Costa Rica’s reliance on the North American market, particularly the U.S. and Canada, has exposed vulnerabilities as global travel habits evolve.
What’s Holding Costa Rica Back?
Several key factors are contributing to Costa Rica’s lackluster performance in 2025. From rising costs to infrastructure concerns, here’s a closer look at the issues:
1. Rising Costs Make Costa Rica Less Accessible
Costa Rica’s emphasis on premium eco-tourism has positioned it as a high-end destination, attracting those seeking unique, nature-centric experiences. However, this focus has resulted in higher travel costs for visitors, especially when compared to other Latin American countries like Mexico and Guatemala, which offer more budget-friendly alternatives. Additionally, the appreciation of the Costa Rican colón has further increased the cost for international tourists, making it even more expensive than some neighboring destinations.
Mexico’s affordability, combined with its wide range of tourism options—from beachfront resorts to cultural experiences—has made it more attractive to budget-conscious travelers. Costa Rica, on the other hand, risks alienating a broader audience if its high pricing persists.
2. Infrastructure Limitations
Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, but its infrastructure has long been a point of concern for travelers. Poor road conditions, limited public transportation options, and difficulty accessing certain remote destinations have made travel within the country cumbersome. In comparison, countries like Mexico and Guatemala boast more developed infrastructure, allowing visitors to explore more destinations with ease.
Costa Rica’s compact size should make it relatively easy to get around, yet the lack of an efficient transport network has meant long travel times for tourists, which can be frustrating and off-putting. Improving transport infrastructure is essential for making the country more accessible and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
3. Safety Concerns Affect Visitor Numbers
While Costa Rica is considered safer than many of its regional counterparts, reports of petty crime and incidents targeting tourists have tarnished its image in recent years. Media coverage of such crimes, even if they are isolated incidents, has raised concerns about safety, especially among North American tourists. As safety is often a top priority for travelers, especially those from the U.S. and Canada, these negative perceptions have led to a decrease in visitors from these regions.
While Costa Rica remains a relatively safe destination compared to other Central American countries, these growing concerns over crime have undoubtedly impacted the tourism sector’s growth, particularly in key markets like the U.S. and Canada.
4. Changing Travel Preferences
The global travel landscape has shifted post-pandemic, with more tourists seeking destinations that offer a mix of experiences, including cultural tourism, urban exploration, and historical sites. While Costa Rica’s eco-tourism offerings remain a draw, they may no longer meet the evolving desires of today’s travelers. Many tourists now look for destinations that provide more than just nature-related activities, such as cultural festivals, urban experiences, and archaeological sites.
Countries like Mexico and Guatemala have capitalized on this trend, diversifying their tourism offerings. Mexico, for instance, attracts a wide variety of travelers with its mix of beaches, colonial cities, and cultural attractions. Guatemala, meanwhile, markets its archaeological sites and eco-tourism experiences. Costa Rica’s narrow focus on eco-tourism may no longer be enough to stand out in such a competitive market.
Broader Regional Trends Impacting Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s challenges are not unique to the country. Many Caribbean and Latin American destinations reported stagnation or even declines in U.S. arrivals in 2025, with rising travel costs, inflation, and changing consumer preferences being the key culprits. Canada’s outbound travel to the region also softened in the same period, which has had a knock-on effect on countries like Costa Rica that traditionally rely on Canadian tourists.
Despite these obstacles, Costa Rica continues to attract millions of visitors due to its natural beauty and eco-tourism credentials. However, the country must adjust its approach to remain competitive with its regional counterparts.
Opportunities for Costa Rica’s Tourism Future
While Costa Rica faced slower growth in 2025, there are several strategies that can help boost the country’s tourism industry. First, a more aggressive marketing campaign targeting high-potential markets like Europe and Asia could expand Costa Rica’s reach beyond North America. Additionally, investing in infrastructure—particularly in transportation—would significantly enhance the visitor experience, making it easier for tourists to access remote destinations.
Another key area for improvement is cost competitiveness. While Costa Rica’s eco-tourism remains a strong selling point, the country needs to diversify its offerings to attract a wider range of travelers. Introducing more affordable options could help boost growth by making the destination accessible to more budget-conscious tourists.
Conclusion: A Path to Revitalization
Although 2025 was a challenging year for Costa Rica’s tourism sector, the country’s unique assets—its natural beauty, biodiversity, and eco-tourism reputation—remain powerful tools for attracting visitors. By addressing infrastructure issues, diversifying its tourism offerings, and improving cost competitiveness, Costa Rica can regain its position as one of Latin America’s top tourist destinations.
If the country can adapt to changing travel trends and meet the evolving expectations of global travelers, it has the potential to once again thrive in the competitive tourism landscape.
Tags: Costa Rica, Tourism news
