Costa Rica has been taking big and important steps towards becoming a sports tourism destination. The country’s particular characteristics, its many attractions, beautiful weather, safety, political stability, technology availability, together with the experience gained by organizing companies and the support offered by the government, have played a significant role in the growth of this industry.

“La Ruta de los Conquistadores” is probably one of the pioneers in sports tourism in the country, considered the first and original multi-stage Mountain Bike Competition in the World, and one of the hardest athletic events in the planet, it has been taking place in Costa Rica for 26 years (counting this year’s edition) and it has become a challenge for international athletes.

The excellent conditions the country offers for the practice of Mountain Bike are undeniable, and many smaller events are organized in the country that are used by athletes in the region as a perfect training opportunity.

Surfing has also been attracting many international sports figures throughout the years.

The Davis Cup, X-Knights, the San Jose Marathon, the 70.3 Ironman, Sport Fishing Tournaments, and the PGA Tour Latin America are just some examples of how the country has been able to attract this market and position itself as the perfect location to carry out different sporting events.

The sponsorship of the Ministry of Tourism through its Essential Costa Rica brand and the support of municipalities have become crucial for the organization of these events, which attract thousands of athletes and their teams as well as many fans, generating an economic benefit for the communities involved, the companies in the tourism sector, and the country in general.

An investment in infrastructure to be able to attract other sporting events is necessary.