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 Quest
- Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- Costa Rica: Beaches, Wildlife & Wild Times
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Discover Costa Rica
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
- Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
- Treasures of Costa Rica
Costa Rica Quest
318 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour and experiences highly recommended.”
Lorna, traveled in April
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 $2,039
30% Off- NZ$1,427You save $612
Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time visiting beautiful CR where out travel guide had every thing organized to the last detail.”
Deepa, traveled in December
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
30% Off- NZ$2,495
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
48 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip was a blast I had so much fun!!”
Tristan, traveled in May
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
30% Off- NZ$4,043
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He went above and beyond to make sure that we all had the best experience possible everywhere we went!”
Koshtra, traveled in July
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
Costa Rica: Beaches, Wildlife & Wild Times
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a great time and I enjoyed my CEO and the people in my group a lot.”
Lyle, traveled in February
The festive season in Costa Rica features holiday swimming at Poza Los Coyotes and Christmas surfing at Playa Tamarindo. Visit Guaitil's artisan workshops for unique gifts and celebrate with fellow travelers aged 18+. December departures include special holiday activities.
Duration 6 days Destinations Liberia, Nosara, Playa Tamarindo Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator G Adventures From $979
25% Off- NZ$734You save $245
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
25% Off- NZ$4,789
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 $7,649
20% Off- NZ$6,119You save $1,530
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
41 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 Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,124
10% Off- NZ$2,812You save $312
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything went smoothly, and each of the places we visited was amazing. Highly recommend!”
Cara, traveled in June
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 $1,577
10% Off- NZ$1,419You save $158
Treasures of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing sights and activities, very well organised. Hotels were all lovely.”
Patrick, traveled in April
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,828
10% Off- NZ$1,645You save $183
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Costa Rica
- Classic Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
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!
- Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
This was a wonderful trip. Great homestay gave insight into the culture. We had fabulous opportunities to see different landscapes and lots of native wildlife. Our guide was excellent being passionate about showing us his country I would highly recommend this trip. Pat and Michael from Australia
- Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
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.
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."