Costa Rica wins the title of most desirable country outside Europe at the 2026 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards. Belize and Peru also take gold, while Guatemala, Buenos Aires and Brazil all make the podium.
Second behind Japan in 2025, Costa Rica takes first place this year in the Most Desirable Country (World) category. The results were announced on 4 November at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, in the presence of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who gave a speech on responsible tourism. Japan takes silver this year and South Africa bronze. Spain tops the ranking dedicated to European countries.
Twenty-five editions of the readers’ awards
Founded in the United Kingdom in 1993, Wanderlust has built its reputation on reporting focused on nature, local cultures and travel beyond the most heavily visited routes. Today, the magazine and its website reach an international audience.
Its Reader Travel Awards, now celebrating their 25th edition, invite readers to choose the destinations they most want to discover, as well as their favourite tour operators and airlines. This year, 251,461 people took part and cast more than 8.2 million votes. Countries, cities, islands and regions each have their own ranking, complemented by categories covering areas such as adventure, heritage and wildlife.
To explain Costa Rica’s victory, the editorial team highlights the role of its lodges, community-based tourism and the protection of natural areas. It specifically mentions wildlife-watching experiences, including the turtles of Tortuguero and the tapirs of the Osa Peninsula.
Belize and Guatemala lead the emerging destinations ranking
Central America takes the top two places in the category of most desirable emerging destinations. Belize, which won silver in 2025, takes gold ahead of Guatemala, followed by Armenia.
In Belize, Wanderlust highlights Maya sites, Garifuna cultures and stays centred on the barrier reef. Panama, ranked eighth, completes Central America’s presence in this selection.
Peru rewarded for adventure
Peru wins gold in the adventure category, ahead of Canada and New Zealand. Hiking in the Cordillera Blanca, Salkantay and Ausangate, as well as excursions in the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon, are among the experiences highlighted. The selection underlines that travel opportunities extend far beyond Machu Picchu.
Among cities outside Europe, Buenos Aires takes silver behind Tokyo, after ranking first in 2025. Cartagena de Indias, the fortified city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, ranks sixth. Brazil also wins a silver medal in the nature and wildlife category, behind South Africa.
Full results
Wanderlust readers therefore give several Latin American destinations a prominent place in their travel plans. Costa Rica, Peru and Buenos Aires retain their appeal, while Belize and Guatemala are attracting more attention. The results point to interest in very different types of trips, where exploring a city, hiking, meeting local communities and observing wildlife can each be a reason to travel.
Photos: Wanderlust Magazine
