Narayan AmmachchiCosta Rica is one of the most expensive tourist destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean, ranking second in average visitor spending, reported Spanish news outlet Infobe citing Go2Africa report.
Only Panama outperforms it, with tourists spending an average of $2,162 per trip, compared to Costa Rica’s $2,067 per visitor.
The findings underscore a strategy adopted by both Costa Rica and Panama: prioritize higher-value tourism over mass arrivals. Rather than competing on visitor numbers, the focus has shifted to maximizing economic impact per traveler.
In Costa Rica, spending is concentrated in lodging, dining, and car rentals, with visitors typically staying between 12 and 13 nights, the news outlet added. The country’s strong appeal among U.S. and European travelers — markets known for longer stays and higher purchasing power — has reinforced this trend.
A robust portfolio of high-end ecotourism, luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and private nature-based experiences has positioned Costa Rica as a premium destination. Areas such as Guanacaste have seen significant growth in luxury and ultra-luxury accommodations, further driving up per-visitor expenditure.
This model contrasts with destinations like Mexico, where average spending stands at $672 per tourist due to its diversified tourism base spanning budget to luxury segments.
As the region’s tourism sector rebounds from the pandemic, Costa Rica’s emphasis on sustainability, exclusivity, and value-added experiences highlights a distinctive Caribbean and Latin American success story — where profitability, not crowds, defines success.
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