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 Highlights Adventure 8D/7N
- Costa Rica Nature Explorer 8D/7N
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
- The Best of Costa Rica
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
- Mystic Waterfalls & Forests Of Costa Rica
- Exotic Costa Rica
- The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
- Ultimate Escape
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
- NZ$3,562
Costa Rica Nature Explorer 8D/7N
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Pura vida, really nice experience.”
daniela, traveled in February
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde 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
- NZ$2,014
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
126 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was self guided so tour radar set up everything for travel excursions and accommodations. We had a blast!”
Janey, traveled in July
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 $3,250
15% Off- NZ$2,763You save $488
The Best of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour gave us a great overview of many different regions of the country and took so much stress out of booking travel basics.”
Christine, traveled in June
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 $2,846
15% Off- NZ$2,419You save $427
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A brilliant trip - thank you Explore.”
Julie, 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 $2,804
15% Off- NZ$2,383You save $421
Mystic Waterfalls & Forests Of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great excursions with a balance of leisurely tours and tours requiring more effort. A good variety of places we stayed.”
Jason, traveled in March
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 $2,883
15% Off- NZ$2,451You save $432
Exotic Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was partially guided, so though lodging and transportation were covered there were a few days where I could have used help coordinating afternoon activities.”
Brian, traveled in January
Duration 8 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Bijagua, 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 $3,950
15% Off- NZ$3,358You save $593
The Best of Costa Rica, Self-Drive
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything went very smoothly. Accommodations were great, and the food was delicious.”
Kirsten, traveled in December
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 $2,832
15% Off- NZ$2,408You save $425
Ultimate Escape
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The variety of plants and animals exceeded our wildest expectations and left us wanting more!”
Wendy, traveled in November
Duration 11 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Tortuguero National Park, San Jose, Braulio Carillo National Park, Herradura 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 $4,149
15% Off- NZ$3,527You save $622
What people love about Costa Rica Tours in December
- Costa Rica Quest
BEST TOUR!!! Highly recommended!!! Fantastic way to see Costa Rica!! Our guide was an absolute legend!!
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
We have never been on a 'tour' before but my husband wasn't excited about the variables in driving in Costa Rica even though we've done it plenty in other countries. We chose this tour based on the locations and liked that it wasn't a massive group tour, but arranged travel that may include small tour groups along the way. We were torn on ending in Manuel Antonio vs Tamarindo. Paolo did an amazing job working with us and was able to add BOTH locations. We upgraded all the hotels and were glad we did. She added a little surprise for our first night out of San Jose. The arrangements were all detailed and easy to understand. Our transports were always on time, knew our names, where we were going. Zero headaches or problems. I HIGHLY recommend this company and Paola. Pura Vida!
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
Well organized, timely pick ups from the hotels, tour guides are very knowledgeable, timely communication with tour agency, hotels via WhatsApp and TourRadar message box. Tour itself was very interesting, informative, particularly for nature lovers. Monkeys, snakes, caimans, birds, iguanas, etc - all in proximity, however you are safe because the tour guide is with you. Tours are adjusted and conducted according to weather conditions, so you will not miss it. Thank you.
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.