Costa Rica Surpasses 1.85 Million International Air Arrivals Through July 2026
Costa Rica Surpasses 1.85 Million International Air Arrivals Through July 2026
Updated August 28, 2026
Costa Rica tourist arrivals in 2026 continue to outpace last year. Official data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) show that 1,853,430 international tourists entered the country by air from January through July, a 7.0% increase from 1,731,416 during the same period in 2025.
The latest result updates the first-quarter figures referenced in our and provides a clearer picture of how demand is developing across the country’s two main international gateways.
Quick Answer
Costa Rica received 1,853,430 international tourists by air between January and July 2026, 122,014 more than in the same period of 2025. Guanacaste Airport (LIR) grew faster than Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), while North America remained the dominant source region. For travelers, the figures reinforce the importance of choosing the arrival airport that best matches the first destination.
Key Facts
1,853,430 tourists arrived in Costa Rica by air from January through July 2026.
Air arrivals increased 7.0% year over year.
Total international tourist arrivals through all entry routes reached 2,001,660.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) handled 1,154,732 arrivals.
Guanacaste Airport (LIR) handled 698,079 arrivals, up 13.3%.
The United States generated 1,120,962 air arrivals.
Canada reached 210,375 air arrivals, up 25.1%.
Europe contributed 282,054 air arrivals, up 9.7%.
Costa Rica Tourist Arrivals 2026: Latest Data
ICT data show that air travel accounted for approximately 92.6% of all international tourist arrivals through July. July itself recorded 248,070 air arrivals, 2.3% more than July 2025.
The year has not grown at the same pace every month. Air arrivals rose strongly in January, February and March, then slowed from April onward. June declined 1.2% year over year before July returned to positive growth. That makes the seven-month result strong, but also more nuanced than the headline number alone suggests.
Guanacaste Airport Is Driving More of the Growth
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, commonly marketed as Guanacaste Airport or Liberia Airport (LIR), received 698,079 international tourists through July, compared with 616,120 a year earlier. That represents an increase of 81,959 visitors, or 13.3%. Travelers using LIR can review when planning onward transportation.
By comparison, SJO increased by 39,973 arrivals, or about 3.6%. This is an analytical inference based on the official airport totals: Guanacaste accounted for roughly 67% of Costa Rica’s net increase in international air arrivals during the period.
This suggests that northern Pacific demand is playing an outsized role in the country’s 2026 air-arrival growth.
North America Remains the Main Source Market
North America generated 1,388,486 air arrivals through July, representing about three-quarters of the national air total. The United States remained the largest individual market with 1,120,962 arrivals, up 4.3%.
Canada showed substantially faster growth, reaching 210,375 arrivals, an increase of 25.1%. Europe also performed strongly, with 282,054 air arrivals and 9.7% growth. Spain and the Netherlands were among the faster-growing European markets, increasing 13.9% and 16.5%, respectively.
What the Arrival Growth Means for Travelers
Higher national arrivals do not necessarily mean every destination is equally busy, but stronger passenger volumes can increase demand around popular arrival periods and tourism corridors.
Travelers landing at SJO can compare , while visitors still deciding between Costa Rica’s main gateways can use the . Airport choice can materially affect driving time and the practicality of the first stage of an itinerary.
For direct airport-to-hotel travel, provides flexible pickup and door-to-door service. can be a practical alternative on routes where their fixed schedules and pickup conditions match the traveler’s itinerary.
FAQs
How many international tourists arrived in Costa Rica by air in 2026?
Costa Rica recorded 1,853,430 international tourist arrivals by air from January through July 2026, according to ICT data. That was 122,014 more arrivals than during the same seven months of 2025.
How much did Costa Rica air tourism grow in 2026?
International air arrivals increased 7.0% between January and July 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Growth was strongest early in the year, slowed during the second quarter, and returned to positive territory in July.
Which Costa Rica airport grew faster in 2026?
Guanacaste Airport (LIR) grew faster. It received 698,079 international tourists through July, up 13.3% year over year. SJO received 1,154,732 arrivals, up approximately 3.6%.
Which country sends the most tourists to Costa Rica?
The United States remained Costa Rica’s largest air-arrival market through July 2026, with 1,120,962 visitors. Canada was also significant and grew much faster, increasing 25.1% to 210,375 arrivals.
Should travelers choose SJO or LIR?
It depends on the itinerary. SJO is generally practical for the Central Valley and many central, Caribbean and southern routes, while LIR is often better positioned for Guanacaste and the northern Pacific. Travelers should compare airport location with their first hotel and overall route before booking flights.
Conclusion
Costa Rica’s 1.85 million air arrivals through July confirm continued tourism growth in 2026, but the strongest gains are not evenly distributed. Guanacaste Airport is expanding much faster than SJO, Canada and Europe are showing strong year-over-year growth, and monthly growth has moderated since the first quarter.
Travelers can plan airport pickup and onward travel through The Costa Rica Shuttles’ or scheduled shared services, selecting the service that best matches their arrival airport, destination and itinerary.
