Fall in Love with Guanacaste: Forbes’ Pick for 2026’s Must-Visit Destination

Guanacaste, Costa Rica was named one of Forbes’ best places to travel in 2026. Discover why—and how Elysium Properties can elevate your stay or investment.
Whales in Guanacaste

Discover Why Guanacaste, Costa Rica Is One of the World’s Most Exciting Destinations for 2026 — And Why You Should Partner with Elysium Properties to Own, Manage, and Experience It

If you’re looking for the perfect place to invest in a vacation home, manage rental income, or simply escape to paradise — the news is in: the stunning region of Guanacaste, on Costa Rica’s northwest Pacific coast, has just been named one of the six best places to travel in 2026 by Forbes LLC in an article titled “The 6 Best Places to Travel in 2026, According to a Travel Advisor.” Forbes

Here at Elysium Properties, we couldn’t be more thrilled — and with good reason. Let us walk you through what makes Guanacaste so exceptional, why this recognition matters, and how Elysium can help you seize the moment.


Why Guanacaste?

Nature & Adventure

Guanacaste is a land of contrasts: golden-walled volcanoes, lush tropical dry forests, white-shell beaches, rich wildlife, and near-year-round sunny skies. According to local coverage of the Forbes list, the region draws travellers because “its mix of action and downtime, all wrapped in Costa Rica’s pura vida way of life.” Tico Times

From surfing Tamarindo’s waves to zip-lining through the canopy, hiking the trails of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, or simply relaxing at Playa Conchal’s almost-white sand (formed by crushed shells) — Guanacaste offers it all. Forbes

Beaches & Coastline

The coastline is a masterpiece. Playa Conchal, for example, is singled out in the Forbes piece as “a tree-lined beach famous for its special sand formed by tiny white and coloured shells.” Forbes The Papagayo Peninsula, Nosara, Flamingo — each beach has its own personality: upscale resort vibe, laid-back surf town, secluded family-friendly hideout.

Accessibility & Appeal

Guanacaste also checks the boxes for convenience. The region is served by the international airport in Liberia, which helps bring in travellers seamlessly. Tico Times And Forbes notes this access as a key factor in why Guanacaste made the list: the combination of “untamed shores … volcanoes … thermal pools … outdoor pursuits and quiet escapes.” Tico Times

Cultural & Sustainable Travel

Travel trends are shifting: today’s travelers look for meaningful experiences, not just luxury. Forbes highlights that the list’s destinations “mix culture, natural sights and real experiences over flashy luxury.” Tico Times Guanacaste firmly fits that description. The local ethos of “pura vida” — laid-back living, connection with nature, community-minded growth — is alive and well here.


What the 2026 Recognition Means

Being named one of the top six global destinations to travel in 2026 is a big deal. It signals increasing visibility, rising demand, and enhanced property-and-tourism momentum. For you as a buyer, owner, or investor, that means opportunity. We believe this recognition will drive more travellers to Guanacaste, more bookings for vacation properties, more demand for property management, and ultimately more value for owners.

At Elysium Properties, we see this as the perfect moment to act — whether you’re purchasing a vacation home you’ll enjoy and rent out, or entrusting your existing property into professional management to capitalize on the wave of interest.


How Elysium Properties Can Help

Property Purchase & Setup

If you’re looking to purchase in Guanacaste — whether a beachfront villa, a hillside condo, or a boutique resort-style home — Elysium is your local partner. We handle everything: identifying high-potential neighborhoods (Tamarindo, Papagayo, Playa Flamingo, Playas del Coco), coordinating legal and tax setup, connecting you with trusted brokers, and advising on property suitability for vacation rental markets.

Vacation Home Management & Rental Booking

Owning is just the first step — maximizing the return is the next. Elysium offers full service: professional marketing and listing, guest communication and check-in, housekeeping and maintenance, dynamic pricing to capture peak-demand windows, and regular owner reporting. With Guanacaste entering the global spotlight, our local expertise will help you make the most of this opportunity.

Guest Experience & Local Excellence

We believe that exceptional guest experience drives return bookings and owner returns. Elysium curates the full stay: from welcome baskets featuring Costa Rican specialties, to local concierge services (surf lessons, zip-lines, volcano tours), to leveraging our local network of artisans, guides and properties to create a stay that resonates. When your guests love it, they return — and so does your income stream.

Your Strategic Partner for the Future

With the Forbes nod and increasing tourism to Guanacaste, now is the time to align with a partner who knows the region, the market, the pitfalls and the opportunities. Elysium positions you for long-term success: not only enjoying your own slice of paradise, but treating that slice as an income-producing asset when you’re not using it.


In Summary

Guanacaste’s inclusion on Forbes’ “6 Best Places to Travel in 2026” list is a beacon. It tells us:

  • This region is globally recognized and trending.

  • Its blend of nature, adventure, culture, comfort and accessibility resonates with today’s travellers.

  • For property owners and investors, this means increased demand and potential for value.

If you’re ready to explore owning, managing or optimizing your vacation property in Guanacaste, Elysium Properties is here to guide you — from purchase to professional management to guest-delight and return on investment.

Let’s chat about your vision. Let’s make your next destination not just a getaway … but a smart getaway.

Pura vida!

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