Tourism is increasingly recognized as a driver of well-being and sustainability in nature-based destinations, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study investigates how travel frequency influences tourist happiness through the mediating role of perceived stress. Data were collected from 385 visitors to Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador, and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis validated the measurement model, followed by a mediation SEM that incorporated demographic controls (age and income). Results indicate that perceived stress exerts a strong negative effect on happiness (β = −0.58, p < 0.001), confirming its role as a key inhibitor of well-being. Travel frequency significantly reduces stress (β = −0.36, p < 0.001), while its direct effect on happiness is not significant (β = 0.07, p > 0.05), evidencing full mediation. These findings refine traditional assumptions that “more travel equals more happiness,” highlighting stress mitigation as the critical pathway to sustainable tourist well-being. Practical implications suggest prioritizing low-stress, high-adjustment experiences through clear signage, real-time information, and simplified booking systems. This research contributes to tourism psychology and sustainable destination management by demonstrating that happiness depends on reducing stress rather than increasing hedonic stimuli.

Tourism is increasingly recognized as a driver of well-being and sustainability in nature-based destinations, yet the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study investigates how travel frequency influences tourist authentic happiness through the mediating role of perceived stress. Data were collected from 385 visitors to Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador, and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A Confirmatory Factor Analysis validated the measurement model, followed by a mediation SEM that incorporated demographic controls (age and income). Results indicate that perceived stress exerts a strong negative effect on happiness (β = −0.58, p < 0.001), confirming its role as a key inhibitor of well-being. Travel frequency significantly reduces stress (β = −0.36, p < 0.001), while its direct effect on happiness is not significant (β = 0.07, p > 0.05), evidencing full mediation. These findings refine traditional assumptions that “more travel equals more happiness,” highlighting stress mitigation as the critical pathway to sustainable tourist well-being. Practical implications suggest prioritizing low-stress, high-adjustment experiences through clear signage, real-time information, and simplified booking systems. This research contributes to tourism psychology and sustainable destination management by demonstrating that authentic happiness depends on reducing stress rather than increasing hedonic stimuli.