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
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
- Costa Rica Quest
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- Costa Rica Experience (7 destinations)
- Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
- Mystic Waterfalls & Forests Of Costa Rica
- Exotic Costa Rica
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a journey of self-discovery, of learning about the world, and meeting people you never would have met otherwise.”
Jacqueline, traveled in April
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 Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $1,499
20% Off- NZ$1,199You save $300
Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was amazing! All staff from tourradar has been very helpful.”
Stavros, traveled in August
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 Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
20% Off- NZ$4,737
Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Costa Rica has much to offer. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a pleasant environment.”
Gary, 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 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
20% Off- NZ$1,925
Costa Rica Quest
318 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved the island; loved the activities were so much fun.”
Makelis, traveled in August
Night walks in Monteverde Cloud Forest, wildlife viewing in Manuel Antonio National Park, and La Fortuna's hot springs mark the season. Comfortable hotels like Fortuna Downtown Inn host festive meals and local holiday traditions.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,059
20% Off- NZ$1,647You save $412
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Brilliant experience, knowledgeable and skilled guide, upper level accomodation.”
Ulrich, traveled in June
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 $4,659
25% Off- NZ$3,494You save $1,165
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,245
20% Off- NZ$1,796You save $449
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We did a lot of traveling over the Costa Rican countryside but saw and experienced so much.”
Derek, traveled in March
Duration 5 days Destinations San Jose, Sarchi, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,560
15% Off- NZ$1,326You save $234
Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tour itself was very interesting, informative, particularly for nature lovers. Monkeys, snakes, caimans, birds, iguanas, etc - all in proximity.”
Adil, traveled in January
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,907
15% Off- NZ$2,471You save $436
Mystic Waterfalls & Forests Of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Costa Rica is a lovely country, but it's people make it unforgettable.”
Terence, traveled in February
Duration 8 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Arenal Volcano National Park, San Jose Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,989
15% Off- NZ$2,541You save $448
Exotic Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organized, we appreciated all the hard work you put into each section of the trip.”
Kara, traveled in July
Duration 8 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Bijagua, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $4,096
15% Off- NZ$3,481You save $614
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Costa Rica
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
The trip was amazing ! All staff from tourradar has been very helpful.
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
The trip by G Adventures was incredible! From Volcanoes to Waterfalls to Beaches. Our guide was very helpful in making the experience even better.
- Classic Costa Rica
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!
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."