Costa Rica is the world’s most desirable country for 2026.
Readers of the British travel magazine Wanderlust voted Costa Rica the Most Desirable Country in the World (Gold) at the 25th Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, announced in London on November 4, 2026.
The award at a glance
- Award
- Most Desirable Country in the World — Gold
- Awards
- 25th Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards (Wanderlust magazine, UK)
- Who voted
- About 250,000 Wanderlust readers
- Ceremony
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026 · Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London · during World Travel Market (WTM) London
- Received by
- Marcos V. Borges, executive president of the Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT), with a delegation of 45 Costa Rican tourism businesses
- Official results
- wanderlustmagazine.com — 2026 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards winners
A consistent favorite of travelers
This is not a one-off: Costa Rica has finished in the world’s top six every year since 2021, with two golds. Tap a year to see the official results.
Other 2026 winners
- Most desirable country in EuropeSpain
- Most desirable city outside EuropeTokyo
- Most desirable European cityAthens
- Culture & heritageEgypt
- Nature & wildlifeSouth Africa
- FoodThailand
Why travelers keep choosing Costa Rica
Rainforest, cloud forest, active volcanoes, waterfalls and two coastlines sit within a few hours of each other, so one trip can feel like several.
Wildlife is part of everyday travel: sloths, monkeys, toucans, frogs, sea turtles and hundreds of bird species.
A long-standing commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism, plus the warm, relaxed Pura Vida culture.
Demand keeps growing: Costa Rica received 2,310,320 international visitors from January to September 2026, 4.8% more than in the same period of 2025.
Planning your trip to the world’s most desirable country
More travelers means busier airports, popular routes and high-season dates. Booking your private transfers and tours ahead of time keeps the trip simple: a local driver waits for you at the airport, and the route between Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio or the beaches is handled door to door.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards?
They are the annual travel awards of the British magazine Wanderlust, decided by its readers. The 2026 edition was the 25th and the winners were announced in London during World Travel Market.
Which award did Costa Rica win in 2026?
Gold in Most Desirable Country in the World, chosen by about 250,000 readers.
Has Costa Rica won this award before?
Yes. Costa Rica was first in 2022, third in 2021 and second in 2025 (behind Japan) before winning again in 2026.
What is the easiest way to get around Costa Rica?
Private transfers are the most relaxed option: a local driver picks you up at the airport or your hotel and takes you door to door between destinations, without driving on unfamiliar roads.
Sources
- The Tico Times — Costa Rica voted world’s most desirable country by 250,000 travelers
- TTG Media — Prince Harry announces Travalyst tie-up at Wanderlust awards
- La República — Costa Rica es elegido el destino más deseado del mundo
- Wanderlust — 2026 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards winners
- Wanderlust Travel Awards
Come See Costa Rica is not affiliated with Wanderlust or the awards. Facts as reported by the sources below on November 5–6, 2026.