Costa Rica Tours in January 2026
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10 best Costa Rica trips in January 2026
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Discover Costa Rica
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
- 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
- Exotic Costa Rica
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The other people in my group were lovely. The highlight of the trip for me was the night trek in the rainforest.”
Omolola, 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! January departure dates
See All Departure Dates10 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 24 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $3,740
15% Off- NZ$3,190You save $550
Discover Costa Rica
111 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was perfect, the accommodation, the food, the local guides, the itinerary which included close contact with lots of amazing wildlife and chance to become familiar with some of the culture of Costa Rica.”
Di, traveled in October
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 8 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 8 spaces left From $6,597
7% Off- NZ$6,160You save $437
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
24 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 up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 4 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $4,259
25% Off- NZ$3,194You save $1,065
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
88 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We hit all the highlights of CR, & saw a surprising amount of the wildlife. The accommodations were very nice.”
Maureen, 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! January departure dates
See All Departure Dates15 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 20 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $5,710
8% Off- NZ$5,270You save $440
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
126 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Interesting and educational trip.”
Lev, traveled in March
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $3,253
15% Off- NZ$2,765You save $488
The Best of Costa Rica
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The friendly and professional service was the icing on the cake. Nice to stay two nights at each location.”
hans, traveled in February
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,848
15% Off- NZ$2,421You save $427
Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tour itself was very interesting, informative, particularly for nature lovers. Monkeys, snakes, caimans, birds, iguanas, etc - all in proximity.”
Adil, traveled in January
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,806
15% Off- NZ$2,385You save $421
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $1,782
15% Off- NZ$1,515You save $267
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,886
15% Off- NZ$2,453You save $433
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $3,953
15% Off- NZ$3,360You save $593
What people love about Costa Rica Tours in January
- Costa Rica Quest
Our guide, Jonathan, was fantastic. He was fun, thorough, knowledgeable, attentive to every detail, and gave each traveler personal attention. He made the trip successful and fun. Everything detail was taken care of; everything was on time and exceeding expectations. The accommodations were fine, the tours and activities were great, and the vans were comfortable (and had wifi).
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
Was very organized, Paola was great and fast to respond to questions, also very accommodating.
- The Best of Costa Rica
Delighted with this tour! Everything was planned and organised for us and ran smoothly with no problems. The hotels were all lovely, the food was great, the transfers were on time, and communication from the team was fantastic. We particularly like Tortuguero and Tortuga but all the destinations were worth visiting.
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Tours in January 2026
What is the weather like in Costa Rica during January?
January stands out as one of Costa Rica's finest months with clear skies during the dry season particularly in Guanacaste and Arenal. The Arenal region maintains temperatures around 19°C with a tropical climate that's ideal for outdoor exploration. At Arenal Paradise Resort & Spa visitors note the weather creates perfect conditions for thermal pool relaxation and volcano hikes. The Caribbean side near Tortuguero sees occasional rain showers keeping the rainforest environment rich and green.
What accommodation options are available in Costa Rica for January trips?
The peak January season presents varied lodging choices across the country. Visitors can select Mountain Paradise Resort & Spa in La Fortuna with direct views of Arenal Volcano. El Establo Hotel serves as a gateway to Monteverde's cloud forest while beachgoers find comfort at places like Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows on Playa Carrillo. "The Mountain Paradise Resort was perfectly located for January activities - close to hot springs and hiking trails with amazing volcano views from our balcony."
Are there any special events or festivals in Costa Rica during January?
Costa Rica comes alive with cultural celebrations in January. The Santa Cruz Fiestas brighten Guanacaste from January 14-16 with traditional bullfights folk dancing and regional food. San José hosts the Palmares Fiestas in mid-January bringing together horseback parades live music and carnival activities. "Experiencing the Palmares festival during our January tour added an incredible cultural dimension to our wildlife adventures."
What are the top activities to do in Costa Rica during January?
January weather creates optimal conditions for outdoor adventures. Arenal offers zip-lining waterfall rappelling and relaxation at Baldi Hot Springs. Monteverde Cloud Forest welcomes visitors for guided night walks and elevated bridge trails. The Nicoya Peninsula particularly Playa Tamarindo presents excellent surfing conditions. "January was perfect for learning to surf at Playa Guiones - the waves were consistent and the weather was sunny every day."
Should I book my Costa Rica January tour in advance?
January sees the highest tourist numbers making early reservations crucial. Popular accommodations such as Arenal Springs Resort and Si Como No in Manuel Antonio often reach capacity 3-4 months ahead. "We booked our January tour 6 months in advance and were glad we did - many hotels were already full and some activities had limited availability."
How much should I budget for a Costa Rica trip in January?
An 8-15 day January tour typically costs between USD 2000-4000 per person covering lodging some meals and guided experiences. Premium options like Arenal Paraiso Resort command higher rates. Additional activities range from zip-lining at USD 60-100 to hot springs visits at USD 40-70. "While January is peak season with higher prices the perfect weather and amazing wildlife viewing made it worth every penny."
What wildlife can I typically spot in Costa Rica during January?
January offers prime wildlife viewing throughout Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park reveals howler monkeys toucans and caimans along its waterways. Monteverde Cloud Forest houses the resplendent quetzal 400-plus bird species and night creatures including pacas and tarantulas. "We saw so much wildlife in January - from sloths in Manuel Antonio to scarlet macaws in Carara Reserve and even spotted a mother and baby sloth near La Fortuna!"