The World Travel Awards crowned Costa Rica the leading destination for travelers in Central America for 2022. Costa Rica took the top spot, beating out top contenders such as Belize, Honduras, and Mexico. 

Related: Costa Rica’s First Black-Owned Tour Agency Adds Puerto Viejo To Experience Afro-Costa Rican Culture

What are the World Travel Awards?

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards is one of the most prestigious awards in the travel industry. The awards celebrate excellence in travel, tourism, and hospitality. Travel and tourism executives come together and vote for the awards each year. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Visit Costa Rica (@visit_costarica)

This year makes the 29th edition of the awards and this is the second year in a row that Costa Rica was named Mexico & Central America’s Leading Destination. Previous winners of the awards are Belize and Mexico. 

Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica may not be as popular as hot spots like Mexico, but the country is filled with lush greenery, adventure, and luxury. 

Small, but mighty, Costa Rica is home to 5% of all the biodiversity in the world. Travelers can explore the country’s volcanoes, lagoons, beaches, rivers, and rainforests. 

Costa Rica also was declared Mexico & Central America’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination this year because of its many outdoor adventures. 

If you’re looking for luxury when traveling, there are all-inclusive resorts, pools, and spas to relax and feel pampered.

Americans in Costa Rica

Costa Rica dropped its COVID-19 restrictions in April and North American travelers are allowed to stay up to 90 days in the country without a visa. 

Related: 5 Under-The-Radar Beaches In Costa Rica You’ll Want To See For Yourself