Costa Rica was recognized as the friendliest country in the world in 2026, according to Condé Nast Traveller magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards. The country received a score of 98.67 out of 100, placing it ahead of New Zealand and Ireland in the category dedicated to the friendliness of local populations.
The recognition, published in October 2026, is based on evaluations submitted by the magazine’s readers, who share their experiences and opinions about tourist destinations around the world. It is a distinction reflecting travelers’ perceptions rather than an official ranking compiled by a government body.
Costa Rica Ranks First Among the Friendliest Countries
In the 2026 rankings, Costa Rica secured first place with 98.67 points. New Zealand came second with 98.46 points, while Ireland ranked third with 98.39 points.
The list also includes destinations across Asia, Europe, and other regions, reflecting the diversity of countries that travelers appreciate for the welcome they offer visitors.
This result highlights the importance of the human experience during a trip, beyond landscapes, tourist activities, or available infrastructure. The perception of warmth, hospitality, and friendliness can influence how visitors remember a destination.
The “Pura Vida” Philosophy as Part of the Country’s Identity
The publication links Costa Rica’s position to the national philosophy of “pura vida,” an expression widely used in everyday life and associated with a positive outlook, tranquility, and the value of spending time with others.
More than a tourism slogan, “pura vida” is part of Costa Rican language and cultural identity. It can express gratitude, serve as a greeting, convey well-being, or reflect an optimistic way of approaching everyday situations.
Visitors’ experiences are also shaped by the diversity of environments the country offers, from coastal communities to inland towns and rural regions. Interactions with local communities are an important aspect of tourism, particularly for travelers who want to discover the customs and everyday life of the places they visit.
Costa Rica Also Ranks Among the Best Countries to Visit
The recognition for friendliness was not Costa Rica’s only notable result in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. The country also ranked sixth in the category of the world’s best countries to visit, with a score of 94.29 out of 100.
The publication highlighted features such as volcanoes, beaches, tropical forests, and protected natural areas, which contribute to the diversity of experiences available to travelers.
These attractions make it possible to combine different types of tourism, from adventure activities and wildlife watching to relaxation, gastronomy, and cultural discovery.
The World’s Ten Friendliest Countries in 2026
According to the ranking published by Condé Nast Traveller, the top ten countries were:
- Costa Rica: 98.67 points.
- New Zealand: 98.46 points.
- Ireland: 98.39 points.
- Indonesia: 97.50 points.
- Bhutan: 97.23 points.
- Portugal: 96.67 points.
- Italy: 96.54 points.
- Greece: 96.31 points.
- Thailand: 96.00 points.
- India: 95.87 points.
These scores reflect evaluations collected through the Readers’ Choice Awards and should be interpreted within the methodology used for these awards.
Recognition That Strengthens the Country’s Tourism Image
Taking first place in this category increases Costa Rica’s international visibility and reinforces its image as a destination where nature and human experiences can be part of the same journey.
For the tourism sector, hospitality is an important component of the visitor experience, alongside service quality, the conservation of natural spaces, safety, and destination accessibility.
Although the result comes from a readers’ survey and does not represent a universal measurement of the friendliness of every population, it recognizes the positive experiences that many travelers associate with Costa Rica.
Sources consulted
- Condé Nast Traveller. “It’s Official – These Are the Friendliest Countries in the World: 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.” October 2026.
- La República. “Costa Rica Is the Friendliest Country in the World in 2026, According to Condé Nast Traveller.” October 10, 2026.
- Condé Nast Traveller. Results of the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards in the categories of friendliest countries and best countries to visit.
