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
- Discover Costa Rica
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Costa Rica Quest
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
- The Best of Costa Rica
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
- Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
- Mystic Waterfalls & Forests Of Costa Rica
Discover Costa Rica
111 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The various areas we visited were beautiful and full of so much 'nature' in the form of birds, lizards, monkeys, crocodiles, turtles and other forms of life.”
Cheryl, traveled in February
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 $7,105
10% Off- NZ$6,395You save $711
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I can see what sort of people go on this, and they always friendly and same nature as myself.”
Stephen, traveled in January
Poas Volcano's active crater and Monteverde's misty cloud forests create an enchanting holiday setting. Magical evenings await at Arenal's thermal springs, while peaceful Christmas mornings unfold on Manuel Antonio's pristine beaches, watching monkeys and scarlet macaws.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Sarchi, Grecia, Poas Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From $3,740
15% Off- NZ$3,190You save $550
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accomodations were hostels but they were nice hostels! I love my time spent in Costa Rica!”
Maria, traveled in January
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 $1,359
25% Off- NZ$1,019You save $340
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
25% Off- NZ$4,674
Costa Rica Quest
314 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was a nice balance of getting transported around with a very knowledgeable guide.”
Garry, traveled in February
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 up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $1,919
25% Off- NZ$1,439You save $480
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
126 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 $3,325
15% Off- NZ$2,827You save $499
The Best of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels and transfers were all top notch.”
Marianne, traveled in October
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 $2,911
15% Off- NZ$2,475You save $437
Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a total enjoyment, stress-free holiday! It was an unforgettable holiday.”
Morgan, traveled in November
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,869
15% Off- NZ$2,438You save $430
Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Made us feel like we got the best of every part of the trip.”
Josie-Lynn, traveled in November
Holiday magic unfolds with guided hikes through Arenal Volcano National Park's trails and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. A festive dinner at thermal springs, scenic boat ride across Arenal Lake, and 4 nights at standard hotels with breakfast complete the experience.
Duration 5 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range up to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From $1,822
15% Off- NZ$1,549You save $273
Mystic Waterfalls & Forests Of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“For a first timer in CR, this was a great tour for an active vacation! Rincon de la Vieja was great!”
Nancy, traveled in February
Duration 8 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Arenal Volcano National Park, San Jose Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,950
15% Off- NZ$2,507You save $442
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Costa Rica
- 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.
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
This tour was the best balance of activities at the start to make the most of the natural beauty and wildlife of the rainforest and cloud forest followed by several days at the beach with optional excursions. I don’t think we would have seen and done all we did if we planned it on our own.
- 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.
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."