Around the U.S., as Americans are increasingly vaccinated, activities and events are resuming once again. But what’s the outlook for international travel? Certain countries are more prepared for visitors, and Costa Rica is one of them.

Costa Rica’s strict safety protocols, growing vaccination rate, and activities that are largely outdoors make it more desirable. Plus, with easy access from the U.S., it’s no wonder that Costa Rica is emerging as a popular choice for travelers itching to dust off their passports. Here’s a recap of why we consider Costa Rica a great place to restart your travel activities.

One of the safest countries for international travel post-pandemic

Costa Rica has one of the most modern health care systems in the world. More than 8.4 million vaccination doses have been administered so far, with roughly 75-80% of the population fully vaccinated. Covid-19 testing is readily available. For travelers, providers have strict safety protocols for guides, transport, and activities. Fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to purchase travel insurance. Time is spent outdoors and Holbrook has had a number of groups return with no incidents, only praise for their experience.

 Photo by Christa Markley

Easy to get to and astonishingly affordable

A direct flight to San José is less than three hours from Miami, so it can be a more manageable flight for first-time or nervous flyers. All you need is a passport, as Costa Rica does not require U.S. citizens to have a visa for entry. Its long history in ecotourism and established infrastructure provide great value for the money. And it has a variety of accommodations and activities to suit every budget.

 Photo by Joaquin Garcia

A wide variety of experiences

For its relatively small size—it’s about the same size as West Virginia—Costa Rica offers a wealth of experiences. With its beaches, forests, volcanoes, rivers and rapid streams, Costa Rica is a great place to enjoy outdoor adventure activities. Forest zip lining, kayaking and whitewater rafting are safe options that add a different dimension. Learning experiences abound, from biology and environmental studies to community service, language and sustainable agriculture.

World leader in conservation

Costa Rica is a world leader in environmental conservation and the protection of biodiversity. Nearly 25% of the country’s land is protected in national parks and privately owned reserves. Costa Rica’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program helps regulate businesses in the tourism industry. Costa Rica is an ideal location to learn about biodiversity with 900+ species of birds, 300+ species of reptiles and amphibians, 239 kinds of mammals, plus an astonishing 11,000+ plants.

 Photo by Pelin Karaca

Happy people

Costa Rica is known for its happy, friendly people. In fact, Costa Rica is consistently ranked among the happiest populations in the world! It has no standing military and has been peaceful and free of conflicts for many decades. Pura Vida!

A returning traveler summed it up well: “The people were lovely, very gracious, and outgoing. Every place we went, everyone thanked us for coming to their country. It was really heartbreaking for a country that is so based on tourism. I can't wait to go back.”

Interested in traveling to Costa Rica? See our Trips to Join

Originally posted May 2021; updated February 2022