As interest in nature-based, sustainable and experiential travel continues to grow, Costa Rica is seeing strong demand from Canadian travellers, particularly those in Quebec, while expanding its appeal beyond the traditional winter getaway. In this week’s Take 5, we catch up with Gustavo Inciarte, Account Manager – Costa Rica Tourism Board, to discuss the destination’s growing popularity, year-round travel opportunities, luxury and wellness offerings, air access from Quebec and how travel advisors can tailor Costa Rica to a wide range of clients.

1.Costa Rica has long been one of Quebecers’ favourite destinations for nature, beaches, wildlife, and ecotourism. Have you recently noticed an additional surge in its popularity, and if so, which regions are seeing the greatest interest?

“Absolutely. We have seen a significant increase in interest from the Canadian market. During the first four months of 2026, Costa Rica welcomed 173,439 Canadian visitors- an increase of 35% compared with the same period in 2025.

“Guanacaste remains one of the best-known regions, thanks to its beautiful beaches, diverse accommodations and convenient air access. However, travellers are also increasingly interested in exploring beyond the traditional beach stay. We are seeing growing demand for La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area, Monteverde, Tortuguero, the Central Pacific and the Osa Peninsula and South Pacific.

“Today’s travellers are looking for more than a beach vacation. They want authentic experiences, meaningful connections with nature and opportunities to step away from the pace of everyday life. Costa Rica is ideally positioned to meet those expectations. Biodiversity, sustainability, adventure, wellness and cultural immersion are all shaping travel decisions, and Costa Rica brings these elements together naturally within one destination.

Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

2. Do you find that Quebecers still tend to view Costa Rica primarily as a winter destination, or have travellers here come to realize that the country is well suited to visits at other times of the year as well?

“Winter remains our strongest season, particularly for Canadians looking to escape the cold, but we’re seeing a noticeable shift.

“More visitors are discovering the advantages of travelling during the Green Season, which generally runs from May through November in much of the country. This period brings beautifully lush landscapes, fewer visitors, excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities and compelling value. Rain often arrives later in the day, leaving mornings open for exploring, and conditions vary considerably by region. The Caribbean coast, for example, follows a different weather pattern and can be especially appealing in September and October.

“Costa Rica is truly a year-round destination, with each season offering something distinctive. Depending on the region and time of year, visitors may experience sea turtle nesting, humpback whale watching, migratory birdlife, world-class surfing, vibrant waterfalls or forests at their greenest. Travel advisors can help clients match the season and region with the experiences that matter most to them.

3.Does Costa Rica also offer luxury accommodations, high-end travel experiences and wellness retreats?

“Absolutely. Costa Rica has developed an exceptional luxury offering that remains closely connected to the country’s natural landscapes and commitment to responsible tourism.

“The destination is home to internationally recognized resorts, intimate boutique hotels, secluded eco-lodges, private villas and premium wellness retreats. Standout properties include Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique and the Nayara Resorts portfolio.

“These properties combine highly personalized service and sophisticated design with extraordinary natural settings. Guests can enjoy private beaches, world-class spas, exceptional dining, golf, yoga and wellness programming, wildlife experiences and customized excursions by land and sea.

“Luxury in Costa Rica is about more than five-star accommodations. It is the luxury of space, privacy, time and access: waking up to the sounds of the rainforest, enjoying a privately guided wildlife experience, dining on ingredients sourced from local farms or reconnecting through a carefully designed wellness journey. It allows visitors to experience exceptional comfort while remaining connected to nature, local communities and the destination’s sustainability values.

4.How easy is it to travel to Costa Rica from Quebec, and what are the available options?

“Costa Rica is more accessible to Quebec travellers than ever.

“Air Canada and Air Transat offer seasonal nonstop service from Montréal to both San José and Liberia, giving travellers convenient access to different parts of the country. Beginning Dec. 15, 2026, Air Transat will also introduce a new weekly nonstop flight from Quebec City to San José, creating an additional direct option for the Quebec market.

“Travellers can also access Costa Rica through connections elsewhere in Canada. San José is an ideal gateway for the Central Valley, La Fortuna, the Caribbean and the Central and South Pacific, while Liberia provides convenient access to Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula.

“Once travellers arrive, domestic flights, private transfers, rental vehicles and guided touring options make it possible to combine several regions within one itinerary. Travel advisors play an especially valuable role in designing the right route and transportation plan, helping clients experience Costa Rica’s diversity without making the itinerary feel rushed.

A sloth hanging out in Costa Rica

5.What are the strongest selling points travel advisors can use to encourage Quebecers to visit Costa Rica, regardless of the season?

“One of Costa Rica’s greatest strengths is the extraordinary variety of experiences available within a relatively compact country. During a single vacation, visitors can experience volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests, beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, abundant wildlife, adventure, wellness and vibrant local culture.

“Costa Rica is also recognized as a global leader in sustainable tourism. Approximately 30% of its territory is protected natural land, including national parks and preserves, and the country is home to around 6% of the world’s biodiversity. Travellers can choose certified tourism businesses and experiences that help support conservation and local communities. Visit Costa Rica sustainability information.

“The country’s culinary offering is another increasingly compelling selling point. Costa Rican cuisine tells the story of the destination through locally grown coffee and cacao, tropical fruits, farm-to-table ingredients, traditional family recipes and distinct regional influences. Visitors can explore farmers’ markets, coffee farms and cacao plantations, learn to prepare traditional dishes, dine at innovative restaurants and discover the Afro-Costa Rican flavours of the Caribbean coast.

“For travel advisors, Costa Rica is a rewarding destination to recommend because it can be tailored to many different clients – from couples, families and multigenerational groups to solo travellers, adventurers, luxury clients, food lovers and wellness enthusiasts. It also lends itself to repeat travel, as every region offers a different landscape, culture and experience.

“Above all, Costa Rica offers something travellers increasingly value: warm hospitality, authentic human connection and the opportunity to slow down and reconnect – with nature, with one another and with themselves. That is the essence of Pura Vida.”

For more information, go to www.visitcostarica.com.