Published on Wednesday, April 23, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff and wire services

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, best known for portraying Doctor Strange in "Marvel’s Avengers saga," recently embraced the “Pura Vida” lifestyle while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica.

Cumberbatch, 48, stayed in the country for three weeks, from April 5 to April 17, according to the General Directorate of Migration.

The actor was spotted by Backgrid Media Agency surfing and carrying his surfboards at Surfer Factory Surf School, which has locations along the beaches of Jaco in Puntarenas, and Mal País and Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula.

The British star also visited the rainforest region near Arenal Volcano National Park in La Fortuna, Alajuela, where he enjoyed a ziplining adventure with Sky Adventures. He graciously posed for photos with staff members during the visit.

"Look who joined us to feel the adventure!," Sky Adventures posted on social media. "Big thanks to Benedict Cumberbatch and his family for visiting us! We’re honored to have shared this adventure with you. Pura Vida!”

Cumberbatch is widely acclaimed for his work in film, television, and theater. His accolades include a BAFTA TV Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award. He has also received two Academy Award nominations and four Golden Globe nominations.

In 2014, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. The following year, he was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to the performing arts and charitable work.

He is married to British theater director, playwright, and former actress and singer Sophie Hunter. The couple has three children.

Cumberbatch joins a growing list of celebrities who have recently vacationed in Costa Rica. Just last week, American actor Tom Welling, best known for his role as Superman in the television series Smallville, shared numerous photos from his own family getaway in the “Pura Vida” country.

Recently, Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump has been spotted with several family members in Guanacaste province.

In February, Michael Jordan the iconic NBA star, returned to Costa Rica for the third time this year to the country.

Tourism is a key sector of Costa Rica's economy. In 2024, the country welcomed over 2.6 million tourists by air, a 7% increase from 2023.

In 2024, Costa Rica achieved $5.4 billion in foreign exchange earnings from the tourism sector, according to data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica.

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