Forbes highlights Guanacaste, Costa Rica, as a top 2026 travel destination for its beaches, adventures, and eco-friendly vibe.
Guanacaste is one of the top six spots for travelers in 2026, alongside Nikko in Japan, Kona in Hawaii, Versailles in France, Antarctica, and Marrakech in Morocco.
Travelers today seek out spots that mix culture, natural sights, and real experiences over flashy luxury.
Zane Bohrer, vice president at Ovation Network, notes that people want trips that connect them to something deeper, with strong demand for places that offer exploration and a sense of class.
Guanacaste stands out for its mix of action and downtime, all wrapped in Costa Rica’s pura vida way of life, with surf spots, yoga retreats, eco-friendly high-end stays, and rugged volcano areas.
Author's summary: Guanacaste is a top 2026 travel destination.