Costa Rica Return Travel Data and Growth
Why People Keep Coming Back to the Central Pacific
It starts as a simple escape: sunshine, warm air, and the first sunrise walk on the beach that makes you feel human again. Then you catch a sunset from your oceanfront condo rental with whales jumping in the distance and think, “We should do this every year.” And that’s exactly how it happens. People don’t just visit Costa Rica—they return. Eventually, the question changes from “Where should we stay?” to “Should we stop renting?”
Costa Rica return travel is more than a feel-good trend—it’s a measurable driver that matters for real estate, especially in lifestyle markets like Jacó and the Central Pacific. Costa Rica’s Tourism Board (ICT) highlighted that about 30% of tourists arriving by air in 2025 and recent years have visited Costa Rica at least six times. That matters because six+ visits isn’t casual tourism—it’s a habit. And habitual travelers tend to do three important things:
- Buy with confidence because they know the country and the rhythm of the seasons
- Value convenience (a reliable home base, storage, consistent internet, familiar routines)
- Return consistently (annually or more), which supports owning long-term
January air arrivals: a strong start to 2026
ICT figures reported widely in Costa Rica media show 294,087 visitors arrived by air in January 2026, which is 27,412 more than January 2025 (266,675)—about +10.3%. This is important for buyers and sellers because stronger arrivals often lead to:
- Higher short-term rental demand during peak travel months
- More “area discovery” trips (people trying different towns before they buy)
- Increased interest in “home base” properties that make repeat travel easier
Why people return—and why they stay
A recent study discussed by Time Out ranked Costa Rica as the #1 country travelers most want to return to (based on analysis of reviews/upvotes). ICT also amplified that ranking in its own communication, reinforcing the “repeat-visit” narrative at a national level. In real-life terms, return travel usually follows a predictable path: Hotel stays → 2) Vacation rentals → 3) Longer seasonal stays → 4) Ownership. By visit #3, #5, or #6, the internal conversation shifts from “Should we come back?” to “Why are we paying to rent the same lifestyle every year?”
Top 10 reasons people love and return to the Central Pacific
If Costa Rica is the country people want to revisit, the Central Pacific is often where they decide to make it easier to come back.
- Sunrise + sunset beach walks (the “defrost” routine): Warm mornings, golden evenings, and a shoreline that resets your day.
- Easy access from San José (weekend-friendly): One of the most convenient beach regions to reach, which makes repeat trips realistic.
- A true “best of both worlds” lifestyle: Beach time plus restaurants, services, and activities—without feeling isolated.
- A full range of beach towns in one corridor: From energetic Jacó to calmer Bejuco, plus resort-style living in Herradura / Los Sueños.
- Year-round outdoor living: Surf, swim, hike, paddleboard, waterfalls—no waiting for a “season” to start.
- Great dining, cafés, and everyday conveniences: Groceries, pharmacies, gyms, coffee shops, and beachside meals are close by.
- Community + social connection: It’s easy to meet people and build routines quickly.
- Adventure on your doorstep: National parks, rainforest trails, fishing, rivers, wildlife—easy day trips.
- A wide range of real estate options: Condos, villas, gated communities, ocean-view homes, and lock-and-leave choices.
- That “I can actually breathe here” feeling: Ocean air, tropical scenery, open space, and a pace that people miss the moment they leave.
What this means for buyers in the Central Pacific? If you’re buying in Jacó / Playa Hermosa / Herradura–Los Sueños / Bejuco / Punta Leona, repeat-visitor trends point to one truth: the best “home base” properties match how repeat travelers actually live.
Buyer checklist (the smart filters):
- Walkability to beach, cafés, and groceries (repeat visitors pay for convenience)
- Low-maintenance ownership (condos or homes with proven property management)
- Tropics-ready features: ventilation, quality A/C, humidity control, durable finishes
- Rental rule clarity (HOA minimum nights, pets, parking, guest procedures)
- Also, if your plan includes rentals, ask for 12 months of booking statements + expense summaries. As repeat travel rises, buyers compare properties using real numbers—not guesses.
Costa Rica return travel is being backed by hard indicators—repeat-visitor behavior and rising air arrivals. Those signals typically translate into more lifestyle-driven buyers, more seasonal demand, and stronger interest in Central Pacific “home base” properties.
If this sounds like you—and you’re ready to stop renting your favorite weeks every year—RE/MAX can help you find the right fit in Jacó Beach and the Central Pacific (Bejuco to Punta Leona). Start here: RE/MAX Jaco Beach Costa Rica Real Estate | Realty Services
