Why visit Costa Rica?
We could tell you how beautiful our beaches are, how delicious our traditional food is, and how awe-inspiring our many volcanoes are. But you might not believe us just because we say it’s so. And you don’t have to. These international awards and recognitions tell you everything you need to know.
National Geographic UK Names Costa Rica One of 8 Sustainable Destinations for 2021 and Beyond
Costa Rica ranks #2 on their list of eight of the best sustainable countries to visit in 2021. How did they choose our lovely country? These natural facts convinced the National Geographic UK that Costa Rica was the best sustainable destination:
- 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected, between national parks, biological reserves, and national wildlife refuges.
- Costa Rica constitutes 2.5% of the earth’s biodiversity, while taking up 0.001% of its surface area.
- Costa Rica has been fiercely committed to natural conservation for five decades.
UK Selling Travel Readers Decide Costa Rica is the Best Destination for Wildlife and Nature
In 2019, the readers of Selling Travel, the one of the UK’s leading travel publications, chose Costa Rica as the best destination for wildlife and nature. In addition to the previous facts on conservation and biodiversity, readers were undoubtedly impressed by wide variety of flora and fauna that can be seen, even close to the populated areas.
When you visit Costa Rica, you are almost assured to hear the serenade of the howler monkeys, see the curious ringed tails of the coati, appreciate the music of the hundreds of bird species found in Costa Rica, and be enchanted by our orchids, birds of paradise plants, and fascinating kapok trees.
Costa Rica Wins Best Beach Destination by Tripexpert
What can we say? Costa Rica has just over 800 miles (1290 km) of coastline between it’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts. With a year-round mild tropical climate and a dedication to nature conservation, naturally we’d have spectacular beaches. That’s what Tripexpert declared in 2019 when it chose Costa Rica for the award of Best Beach Destination.
TripAdvisor Awards Arenal Volcano National Park One of its Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best
It’s 2021 and TripAdvisor named Arenal Volcano National Park the 6th best national park in the world. Among its reasons for recognizing one of Costa Rica’s favorite national parks are the numerous activities, experiences, and sights you can participate in nearby, including:
- Hotsprings
- Waterfalls
- Active Volcano
- Rafting
- Lake sports
- Hanging bridges
- And hundreds of others
Costa Rica Receives a UN Champion of the Earth Award
The Champion of the Earth award is the highest environmental recognition offered by the UN. Costa Rica won this award in 2019 for its continued efforts and dedication to becoming a carbon-neutral country. Costa Rica won this award specifically in the policy leadership category for its plan to be 100% carbon-neutral by 2050.
Costa Rica Consistently Ranks as Happiest Country in the World
The Happy Planet Index (HPI) measures the wellbeing, longevity, equality, and sustainability of every country in the world to determine who the happiest countries are. Costa Rica has topped the poll several times since 2006. This recognition is attributed to strong cultural social networks, long life expectancies, and a very small ecological footprint.
The UN’s Gallup Poll also Ranks Costa Rica as 12th Happiest Country
If the Happy Planet Index wasn’t enough, The UN’s own Gallup Poll ranks Costa Rica as one of the happiest countries in the world.
Airports Council International (ACI) Recognizes Costa Rica’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste as Best Airport in Latin America in its Size Category
Based on passenger surveys given to passengers at airports all over Latin America and the Caribbean, the international airport in Liberia won with flying colors for 2020. This decision by the Airports Council International, was based on passenger experience for departures and arrivals. The airport also received international recognition for its continuous service and quality improvements.
The Leader Destination in Central America and Mexico for 2019 is Costa Rica
The World Travel Awards honored Costa Rica as the best destination for Central America and Mexico in 2019. Apart from that international recognition, it gave Costa Rica 10 other tourism awards, including:
- Best New Hotel
- Best Boutique Hotel
- Best City for Urban Getaway
- Best Hotel
- Best Resort
Costa Rica is Consistently Honored with International Awards
Despite its small size, Costa Rica has a big reputation on the international scene. If these international awards, honors, and recognitions aren’t enough to convince you to visit Costa Rica, then we’re not sure what will!