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 Experience (7 destinations)
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
- Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
- Costa Rica Quest
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
- The Best of Costa Rica
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
- Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
- Mystic Waterfalls & Forests Of Costa Rica
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 9 spaces left 6 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $2,355
15% Off- NZ$2,002You save $353
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
88 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour exceeded my expectations. I would recommend this tour to friends and family.”
Valerie, 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! December departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 17 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $5,710
8% Off- NZ$5,270You save $440
Costa Rica Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were great, tours as described, no 'bad surprises'. All transfers were on time.”
Susanne, traveled in June
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
8% Off- NZ$3,596
Costa Rica Quest
314 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Every day is very well planned and organized. The tour CEO helps organize free time and book all the activities.”
Kateryna, traveled in November
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $1,919
25% Off- NZ$1,439You save $480
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
126 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very well organized and provided an exciting experience.”
Martin, traveled in February
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $3,282
15% Off- NZ$2,789You save $492
The Best of Costa Rica
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“overall experience was good and when there was a problem iy was resolved quickly.”
Anthony, traveled in April
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $2,873
15% Off- NZ$2,442You save $431
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Nature can be fickle and without my dSLR camera zoom lens I wouldn't have got half the beautiful photos I have.”
Lisa, traveled in January
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! December departure dates
20 Dec, 2025 9 spaces left From $3,740
15% Off- NZ$3,190You save $550
Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing food, nature, wildlife, and culture. The hotel stay was great, people were warm and welcoming.”
Elisha, traveled in February
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $2,831
15% Off- NZ$2,406You save $425
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
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $1,798
15% Off- NZ$1,528You save $270
Mystic Waterfalls & Forests Of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a fun tour put together. Many activities were arranged to which you see these waterfalls and forest environments.”
Chris, traveled in April
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $2,911
15% Off- NZ$2,474You save $437
What people love about Costa Rica Tours in December
- Costa Rica Quest
The Costa Rica Quest tour WAS THE BEST! It was packed with options to zipline, jump from waterfalls, white water raft, or simply just take in this incredible country with tango lessons and walks through the cloud forest. Our guide Pamela was full of energy and life. Accommodations were nicer than expected. A lot of reviews call out that activities are not included — duh, welcome to G Adventures! You are paying for transit, accommodations, and a guide from the region — it's a steal and totally worth it! I am a solo female traveller and made incredible friends. One of my favorite ever trips. Experience Pura Vida for yourself!
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
Go for it. I went alone and was never lonely. Wonderful people and wonderful wildlife.
- Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
Every hotel we stayed in was fantastic. The tour guides were all very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The itinerary was very good, as it left us free time to explore the different areas every day, while and the transportation was always right on time for every pick up. The only thing that wasn't fantastic was the boat ride across the lake. The itinerary stated we would travel with an informed guide that would talk to us about the area, but it was just a taxi ride in a boat across the lake. The professionals in the boat never said a word to us once.
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.