Q COSTARICA — The renowned Spanish lifestyle magazines and platforms Men’s Health and Women’s Health awarded Costa Rica the “Best International Destination” prize 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 ceremony took place in Spain in December, and the award remains valid throughout 2026.
Costa Rica was selected as the ideal setting to enjoy wellness and improve physical and mental health, allowing visitors to disconnect in direct contact with nature.
William Rodríguez, Costa Rica’s 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 the 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 a balanced diet of locally sourced ingredients.
Spain is the sixth largest source of tourists to Costa Rica. In 2025, Costa Rica welcomed more than 50,000 Spanish travelers, according to the most recent data from the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT). The total flow of European travelers reached just over 400,000 visitors by the end of last year, reaffirming Costa Rica’s position as a leading destination in Europe.
Costa Rica, a desirable destination in 2026
Additionally, during December 2025 and January 2026, destinations such as the Osa Peninsula, in the province of Puntarenas, Nosara in the province of Guanacaste, and the province of Limón were included as trending destinations in prestigious lists of must-see places to visit during the year, published by specialized tourism media outlets 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 New York Times list of “52 Places to Visit in 2026,” published on Wednesday, January 7. According to the prestigious publication, Osa was selected for its beaches, 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.
Meanwhile, Nosara 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 travelers who love dreamy beaches and rainforest hikes in 2026.