Costa Rica ranks first on the SCS Chauffeurs Index of destinations travelers are most likely to visit again and recommend to others, according to an analysis of more than 8,000 online reviews and upvotes.

The index, created by luxury airport transport provider SCS Chauffeurs, identified Costa Rica as the top country, with 895 mentions and upvotes.

“The Central American country has featured on a whole load of ‘where to travel’ lists for 2026, and its northern region is home to a well-traversed backpacker route which extends from San Jose to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Tamarindo Beach and to Manuel Antonio National Park,” the index states.

The research also highlights the Osa Peninsula, in Puntarenas Province, as one of the country’s standout regions. The peninsula has held the top spot on Time Out’s roundup of the world’s most underrated destinations since September 2025. Grace Beard, Time Out’s travel editor, recently visited the remote region and described it as “one of the world’s greatest eco-adventures.”

Italy ranks second on the list, followed by Japan in third place. Other countries in the top 10 are the United Kingdom, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, India, New Zealand, Ireland and Iceland.

Costa Rica’s strong performance in the index comes as tourism officials continue efforts to promote the country internationally. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute, known as ICT, recently participated in the 2026 Travel & Adventure Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York as part of a broader strategy to strengthen global outreach.

Tourism remains one of Costa Rica’s leading industries. In 2025, the country welcomed more than 2.6 million tourists arriving by air.

In 2024, the tourism sector generated more than $5.4 billion in foreign exchange earnings.

ICT is the government agency responsible for promoting Costa Rica’s tourism industry.