Travel bookings to Costa Rica from the United States are rising, driven by travelers anticipating higher costs, seeking to avoid airport delays, and taking advantage of lower prices during the green season after May.
More bookings and earlier planning
According to specialized media and tour operators, demand for Costa Rica is growing beyond typical seasonal patterns, with more Americans booking weeks or months in advance.
Factors such as potential complications with TSA screenings in the United States, expectations of rising fuel prices, and increased awareness of airfare volatility are pushing people to secure their trips before costs increase.
Costa Rica benefits from this trend as a nearby destination with relatively short flights and well-developed tourism infrastructure.
Green season as a strategy
Many travelers are choosing to schedule their vacations starting in May, when Costa Rica’s so-called green season begins and prices for flights, accommodations, and tours decrease.
During these months, prices can be 20% to 50% lower than in peak season, while conditions often feature sunny mornings and afternoon rains that refresh the landscape.
This combination of savings, fewer crowds, and especially lush nature makes the country an attractive option for travelers seeking value for money.
Recent tourism growth data
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) reported that in January 2026, 294,087 tourists arrived by air, representing a 10.28% increase compared to January 2025.
Of that total, 162,110 visitors came from the United States, an 8% increase from the previous year, reaffirming it as the main source market.
Overall, across all entry points (air, sea, and land), Costa Rica received 321,992 tourists in January, a 7.88% increase compared to 2025.
Expert recommendations
Tour operators and travel package platforms suggest that booking in advance and traveling during the green season helps avoid both higher prices and peak-season crowds.
They also recommend prioritizing direct flights or those with few connections from U.S. cities with strong routes to Costa Rica, such as Miami, Houston, Dallas, or New York.
This proactive approach of “book now and travel smart” is emerging as a new norm among those choosing Costa Rica for their vacations.
Official sources
Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT): official statistics on tourist arrivals by air and all entry points, January 2026.
Communications and reports from the international tourism industry on increased demand for Costa Rica from the United States and North America.
