Christmas & New Year Tours in Costa Rica
Imagine celebrating the festive season in Costa Rica over Christmas and New Year's Eve! With 147 Christmas and New Year adventures to choose from lasting 1 days up to 16 days, you're sure to find that enchanting Costa Rica Christmas tour you have always dreamt of.
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- K
Katy • traveled in August
If you are considering a trip to Costa Rica - this is the trip to take. Costa Rica is such an incredible destination for first-time adventurers and this itinerary really covers it all. Our guide, Allan, was great at pointing us in the right direction for local eats and we were able to take in the full world of adventure Costa Rica has to offer, from ziplining in Monteverde to canyoning in La Fortuna. I would go back in a heartbeat and recommend this trip to anyone!
Classic Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park) - K
Kevin • traveled in May
Organization and guide and itinerary great. Weather did not cooperate - perhaps understandable given the calendar.
Best of Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park) - E
Emily • traveled in August
For a budget tour, everything went really well. We especially loved the activities, and appreciated the way we never had to worry about our transfer transportation. The vans were always there on time, and it took a huge load off our minds never having to worry how we're going to get to the next place. I wish the places we stayed at were a bit nicer, but they were always clean at least and again- we did do a budget tour. We can't expect 4 stars. All in all, we had an amazing time in Costa Rica and we're so glad we did this tour.
Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
10 best Christmas & New Year Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- Discover Costa Rica
- Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
- Best of Costa Rica 9 Days Tour
- From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Best of Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had so much fun touring around Costa Rica. We thoroughly enjoyed all excursions planned for us.”
Catherine, traveled in October
Natural treasures from Monteverde Cloud Forest to Manuel Antonio beaches sparkle during holidays. Santa Rosa de Pocosol homestay features festive meals, wildlife appears at Arenal Volcano, and tropical Quepos hosts New Year's celebrations.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$2,370
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
55 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Stunning nature, amazing Activities, lots of fun.”
sotiria, traveled in October
Costa Rican holiday traditions come alive through Christmas cooking classes near Poás Volcano. Festive celebrations in Escazú and beachside New Year's Eve in Manuel Antonio complement seasonal wildlife viewing and group activities.
Duration 12 days Destinations San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, Sarapiquí, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 18-59 Operator One Life Adventures From
- NZ$4,004
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Interesting country. Beautiful diversity.”
Paul, traveled in February
Holiday spirit fills San Jose's central plaza, while wildlife roams Tortuguero National Park and festive atmosphere lights up Manuel Antonio's beaches. Traditional Costa Rican holiday meals highlight December tours.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $5,259
25% Off- NZ$3,944You save $1,315
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
25% Off- NZ$5,431
Discover Costa Rica
111 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The holiday was wonderful, looking after us every step of the way, and always attentive to our requests.”
Caroline, traveled in August
Costa Rica's incredible wildlife adds magic to the holidays. Watch turtles at Tortuguero, traverse Arenal Volcano's lava fields, and search for quetzals in Savegre Valley. Scenic eco-lodges host festive meals while expert guides showcase natural wonders.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Manuel Antonio National Park, Piedras Blancas, San Isidro de El General, Los Quetzales National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $8,374
9% Off- NZ$7,582You save $792
Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We especially loved the activities, and appreciated the way we never had to worry about our transfer transportation.”
Emily, traveled in July
Morning canoe tours in Tortuguero National Park herald the holiday season. Adventures include Monteverde's 197-foot-high ziplines and seasonal sunset viewing at Arenal Observatory Lodge, followed by rejuvenating dips in volcanic hot springs.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Marvelus Travel From
9% Off- NZ$2,036
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
9% Off- NZ$5,259
From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We really liked the experience in the canals, in a very secluded place as an alternative to Tortuguero.”
Michael, traveled in June
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Pacuare River, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Alajuela Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Elemento Natural Costa Rica From
9% Off- NZ$2,825
Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Green World was awesome!”
James, traveled in April
Holiday spirit fills Costa Rica from Irazu's summit to festive meals near Arenal Volcano. New Year's celebrations showcase the geothermal wonders of Las Pailas, followed by tours of La Paz Waterfall Gardens' wildlife sanctuaries.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Orosi, Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
9% Off- NZ$3,410
Best of Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“She was knowledgeable, patient and interactive.”
Sinead, traveled in March
Natural wonders meet holiday cheer in Costa Rica. Festive celebrations combine with Arenal Volcano trails, wildlife spotting in Manuel Antonio National Park, and cultural learning from the Terraba indigenous community.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal, Monteverde Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,360
20% Off- NZ$4,288You save $1,072
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Costa Rica
What is the weather like during Christmas & New Year in Costa Rica?
The dry season in Costa Rica coincides with the Christmas and New Year period creating reliable conditions for holiday travel. Visitors to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano can expect temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C) while Monteverde Cloud Forest stays a bit cooler ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C). Beach destinations such as Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo offer bright days suited for outdoor activities. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "The weather during Christmas time was perfect - sunny days for activities and cool evenings for holiday celebrations."
How early should I book a Christmas & New Year tour to Costa Rica?
The holiday season requires significant advance planning with bookings needed 6-8 months ahead. Popular lodgings like Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero and El Establo Mountain Hotel in Monteverde typically reach capacity a full year before the season. Data shows most travelers secure their Christmas and New Year tours 8-10 months ahead of time. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "We booked our December tour in March and were glad we did - many preferred hotels were already full."
How do Costa Ricans celebrate Christmas & New Year?
Local celebrations center around family gatherings for tamale making the Festival de la Luz in San Jose and neighborhood holiday markets. Hotels such as the Sheraton San Jose prepare traditional Christmas Eve feasts. Coastal areas like Manuel Antonio light up with New Year's fireworks displays. A TourRadar traveler shares: "Celebrating New Year's in La Fortuna was incredible - the locals welcomed us into their festivities with traditional food and music near Arenal Volcano."
What are the best destinations to visit during Christmas & New Year in Costa Rica?
Key locations during peak season include Manuel Antonio National Park known for beaches and wildlife Arenal Volcano with its hot springs and Monteverde Cloud Forest offering distinct hiking trails. The Guanacaste coast provides excellent beach weather while Tortuguero National Park draws wildlife enthusiasts. Accommodations like Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero offer strategic bases for exploration. According to a TourRadar traveler: "Visiting both Arenal and Manuel Antonio during Christmas week gave us the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation."
What unique wildlife can I expect to see during Christmas & New Year in Costa Rica?
The December-January period offers prime wildlife viewing. Tortuguero National Park teems with howler monkeys toucans and water birds. Manuel Antonio National Park provides reliable sightings of sloths white-faced capuchin monkeys and macaws. Properties like Selva Verde Rainforest Lodge position guests for optimal wildlife encounters. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Our Christmas week tour included amazing wildlife sightings - we saw over 50 species of birds and several sloths in Manuel Antonio alone."
What are the accommodation options for Christmas & New Year tours in Costa Rica?
Options span from simple eco-lodges to upscale resorts each embracing holiday decorations. Los Lagos Resort in La Fortuna features seasonal events and festive meals while El Establo Mountain Hotel in Monteverde provides New Year's fireworks viewing spots. Coastal properties like Hotel Nammbu in Samara host beachfront celebrations. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The hotels during Christmas were beautifully decorated and the special holiday meals were amazing."