Costa Rica Tours in December 2025
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10 best Costa Rica trips in December 2025
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica Quest
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- Costa Rica Experience (7 destinations)
- Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
- Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Treasures of Costa Rica
- Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
Costa Rica Quest
319 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was a nice balance of getting transported around with a very knowledgeable guide.”
Garry, traveled in February
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures December departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Dec, 2025 8 spaces left 5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $2,039
30% Off- NZ$1,427You save $612
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 5 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
30% Off- NZ$5,342
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left 6 Dec, 2025 3 spaces left From $2,255
10% Off- NZ$2,030You save $226
Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw far more than we would have ourselves. Once you are okay with that then you will have an amazing time.”
Daniel, traveled in August
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
10% Off- NZ$3,815
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I appreciate getting to see 4 different areas. The home visit was wonderful.”
Lydia, traveled in February
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 Dec, 2025 3 spaces left 16 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left From
10% Off- NZ$4,639
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent! Very punctual, friendly and with excellent service.”
Claudia, traveled in December
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $3,193
15% Off- NZ$2,714You save $479
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The vacation and transportation was very organized.”
Louise, traveled in January
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $1,612
15% Off- NZ$1,370You save $242
Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Green World was awesome!”
James, traveled in April
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $3,544
15% Off- NZ$3,012You save $532
Treasures of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was my first through a tour company and I did not know what to expect. It turned out great.”
Allison, traveled in July
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $1,868
15% Off- NZ$1,588You save $280
Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was great, with the right balance of guided tours and free time. The transportation and accommodation were very pleasant.”
Caitlin, traveled in November
Duration 5 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $1,908
15% Off- NZ$1,622You save $286
What people love about Costa Rica Tours in December
- Discover Costa Rica
The travel arrangements, accommodation, and food were excellent. The driver was excellent and the guide very good. I was with a lovely group of people. Unfortunately we had torrential rain at Arenal and Monteverde which meant that we got soaking wet and didn't see a lot. The other four locations were wonderful, particularly Savegre cloud forest. I would have loved to have stayed there another night and gone straight to the airport from there. I didn't particularly enjoy the farm visit and afterwards found myself covered in flea bites! Altogether though it was a great trip with beautiful birds and wonderful scenery.
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
We had a diverse group of people of 16 from Canada, US and UK. Ages ranged from 40s to 70s. Our "CEO", Jeff Young, did an excellent job identifying each of our skills and interests. He made recommendations along the way and was always engaging. His knowledge of Costa Rica, the culture, the birds, the wildlife, the history, etc. was amazing and something I want to further read about once I return home. We were most impressed by differences in the areas we explored and loved our experience.
- The Best of Costa Rica
I really liked the support from Tour Radar, in preparing for the trip. The staff were so helpful and pleasant. I liked the first part of the tour to Pachira Lodge and Tortuguero, plus the last one, Isla Tortuga, where activities and all meals were included. But the it got pretty expensive in La Fortuna and Monte Verde, when only the hotel rooms and breakfasts were included. Without spending hundreds of dollars more on activities, one was stuck in the hotels, far from anywhere walkable. If activities can't be included, at least choose hotels close to the centre or attractions, so walking is possible.
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Tours in December 2025
How busy is Costa Rica in December and should I book in advance?
Costa Rica experiences peak tourism in December particularly during the holiday season. Tour data shows 13-23 bookings per tour during this period. Popular accommodations like El Establo in Monteverde and Los Lagos in Arenal often reach full capacity. For the best selection of tours activities and hotels booking 3-6 months ahead is recommended especially for sought-after experiences like rafting and zip-lining adventures.
What are the best outdoor activities to do in Costa Rica during December?
December's favorable weather sets the stage for Costa Rica's signature outdoor pursuits. The Pacuare River welcomes rafters with class III-IV rapids. Monteverde's Cloud Forest provides zip-line courses that stretch through the canopy. Near La Fortuna visitors can trek around Arenal Volcano then unwind in the thermal pools at Baldi Hot Springs. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The zip-lining was the longest and scariest the rappelling was great fun and the horseback riding was a two-hour ride of hills valleys and rivers."
What's the weather like in Costa Rica during December?
December signals the beginning of Costa Rica's dry season with reliable weather in key destinations like Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Monteverde Cloud Forest maintains temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) while coastal regions such as Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo see temperatures of 85-90°F (29-32°C). A TourRadar traveler noted about their December visit: "The weather was amazing the wildlife was amazing and the tour guides were amazing."
What's the best region to visit in Costa Rica during December?
The Pacific Coast stands out in December with Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo offering consistent sunshine and minimal rainfall. The Arenal area provides clear volcano views and optimal conditions for outdoor activities. One TourRadar traveler shared: "We loved everything about Arenal and Samara especially. The combination of volcano views hot springs and beach time was perfect." Consider stays at Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows in Tamarindo or Los Lagos Resort in Arenal.
Are there any special festivals or events in Costa Rica during December?
December brings notable celebrations across Costa Rica. San Jose hosts the Festival de la Luz with illuminated parade floats and music performances. The Fiestas de Zapote runs December 25th through early January featuring traditional bull runs carnival attractions and food festivals. Hotels like Hotel Autentico in San Jose provide convenient access to these events. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The Costa Rican people were very friendly and gave exceptional service everywhere we went especially during the festival season."
What are the best beaches to visit in Costa Rica during December?
December presents ideal beach conditions on both coasts. Manuel Antonio National Park combines pristine beaches with wildlife encounters. Tamarindo and Flamingo beaches in Guanacaste create perfect settings for surfing and swimming. A TourRadar traveler observed: "The sunsets from the coast which are best viewed from the beach are spectacular and have to be seen to be believed."
What's the price range for Costa Rica tours in December?
December tour prices typically span from 1299 USD to 3250 USD per person averaging 175-338 USD daily. These rates cover stays at properties like Pachira Lodge in Tortuguero or Arenal Paraiso Resort guided activities select meals and inter-destination transfers. Prices vary based on tour duration and included services.