Christmas & New Year Tours in Costa Rica
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10 best Christmas & New Year Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
- Discover Costa Rica
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Costa Rica Experience
- Classic Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour (7 destinations)
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
- The Best of Costa Rica
Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had an amazing time in Costa Rica! So glad we booked this tour with Bamba Experience.”
Aashfaria, traveled in June
A 14-day Costa Rican adventure brings holiday cheer. Christmas in Monteverde's cloud forests leads to New Year's on Santa Teresa's shores. Nocturnal wildlife tours and festive meals with Arenal Volcano views complete the experience.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$4,663
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
34 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels and arranged transportation were excellent, as well as all the guides and staff in general.”
Ana, traveled in August
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Playa Tamarindo Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,041
10% Off- NZ$2,738You save $304
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 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $7,257
14% Off- NZ$6,225You save $1,032
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very efficient in seeing and experiencing a lot of the country in a little amount of time.”
Jerronaka, traveled in July
Costa Rica's December departures blend holiday spirit with adventures. Arenal Volcano hikes ($50), La Fortuna waterfall swims ($20), and Santa Teresa surf lessons showcase perfect winter weather.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures From $1,279
25% Off- NZ$959You save $319
Costa Rica Experience
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was outstanding.”
bethany, traveled in April
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 9 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,190
15% Off- NZ$1,862You save $328
Classic Costa Rica
57 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Interesting and varied itinerary, with good balance between looking for wildlife, optional activities, and relaxation at the beach.”
Ursula, traveled in June
Holiday magic fills this Costa Rican adventure. Christmas dinner with locals in Santa Rosa de Pocosol pairs with wildlife watching in Tortuguero National Park and New Year's celebrations on Manuel Antonio's beaches. Special holiday activities highlight local traditions.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, Tenorio Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,545
25% Off- NZ$2,659You save $886
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The country is so diverse and beautiful. Together with our driver Erick, he formed the best team.”
Katharina, traveled in April
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 18 to 39 year olds Operator One Life Adventures From
25% Off- NZ$3,675
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour (7 destinations)
87 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We hit all the highlights of CR, & saw a surprising amount of the wildlife. The accommodations were very nice.”
Maureen, traveled in November
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Los Quetzales National Park, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From $5,820
6% Off- NZ$5,490You save $330
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
131 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent communication and help during this tour. Costa Rica was amazing.”
Sharmeen, traveled in October
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,317
10% Off- NZ$2,986You save $331
The Best of Costa Rica
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The friendly and professional service was the icing on the cake. Nice to stay two nights at each location.”
hans, traveled in February
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Tortuga Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,904
10% Off- NZ$2,614You save $290
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Quest
We had a smooth trip - thanks for our guides Alonso and Chris. They were very helpful and informative. Good variety of activities during our trip.
- Discover Costa Rica
This was my first group tour and it completely exceeded my expectations. I planned a last minute solo trip to Costa Rica and thought it would be helpful to be with a group and couldn't have been more right. The tour was so well planned and organized, and we were able to do things that would have taken weeks to coordinate. In general we saw a great range in everything Costa Rica had to offer. Our guide was incredibly enthusiastic, knowledgeable, patient and fun. The trip would not have been the same without her.
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour (7 destinations)
The tour leader and the driver were excellent, knowledgeable, endlessly patient and upbeat. Hotels were generally acceptable but not luxurious. La Baula Lodge was below par (both food and accommodations). Guayabo Lodge was too far from the included activities, but otherwise comfortable. El Faro Hotel would have been acceptable had I not been assigned the room under the kitchen, where noisy food preparation began at 5 a.m. I was a bit disappointed we didn’t see more animals in the parks, possibly because they were just too crowded. The weather (rain most days) may have impacted wildlife viewing also.
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."