Costa Rica emerges as a leading destination for wellness and forest bathing tourism

Costa Rica is emerging as a premier destination for wellness tourism, specifically for the practice of ‘forest bathing’ (shinrin-yoku). National Geographic has highlighted the country as a paradise for this trend, noting that its vast natural landscapes—with forests covering approximately 60% of its territory—provide the ideal environment for sensory immersion in nature.

This shift toward mindful travel is also reflected in regional market trends. According to the 2025 Market Research and Measurement Report from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), Chilean travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer sustainability, holistic well-being, and authentic connections to local environments. Costa Rica’s model of conservation and biodiversity makes it a strong match for these evolving traveler priorities.