Christmas & New Year Tours in Costa Rica
Ready to zip-line through cloud forests to Pacific beaches during the festive period?? Visit the small town of La Fortuna and the majestic Arenal Volcano, exploring Monteverde National Park on a walking tour, discovering exotic wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park, and wandering San Jose's markets. From thermal hot springs to Pacific beaches, Costa Rica during the holidays delivers.
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Elaine • traveled in January
It was a great holiday and I'd highly recommend it, apart from the last resort. I also think you shouldn't make the same people share and same person on their own if we've all paid for room share.
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension - R
Raymond • traveled in February, 2026
Everything except one optional activity was good to excellent. Our guide Gerhard and driver Henry were excellent. Gerhard's knowledge of everything from history to wildlife and geology was impressive. Henry safely navigated some rather sketchy stretches of road and mad me glad I wasn't driving!
Discover Costa Rica - M
Michael • traveled in July, 2025
This was an amazing experience to discover the north and east side of Costa Rica. We really liked the experience in the canals, in a very secluded place as an alternative to Tortuguero. All the itinerary was well planned, well executed with no delays and great service. We loved the people of Costa Rica!
From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
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10 best Christmas & New Year Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Discover Costa Rica
- From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
- Best of Costa Rica
- The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure
- Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
- The Best of Costa Rica (Activities included and Superior hotels)
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
Zip-line through Monteverde's rainforest and soak in Paradise Hot Springs near Arenal Volcano, then check out San Jose's Central Market to taste traditional tamales and learn about coffee. A private guide takes you through Curu National Wildlife Refuge spotting howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, and sloths before relaxing on Playa Santa Teresa's beaches.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Curú Wildlife Refuge Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,762
8% Off- US$3,461You save $301
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
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 Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From $2,370
12% Off- US$2,090You save $280
Discover Costa Rica
114 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I love the information on the government, history and the education system. The trip exceeded my expectations.”
Deborah, 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 Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $5,698
5% Off- US$5,415You save $283
From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Love the hot springs, views of the volcano and friendliness of the people.”
Michelle, traveled in April
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Pacuare River, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Alajuela Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Elemento Natural Costa Rica From
5% Off- US$1,665
Best of Costa Rica
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had a fantastic trip. Bryan worked so hard to make sure everyone had the best trip possible.”
Rebecca, traveled in March
Natural wonders meet holiday cheer in Costa Rica. Festive celebrations combine with Arenal Volcano trails, wildlife spotting in Manuel Antonio National Park, and cultural learning from the Terraba indigenous community.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Caño Negro, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park, San Gerardo de Dota, Los Quetzales National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,660
20% Off- US$2,928You save $732
The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The quality of the tours was great, I particularly like the extra tours that we could pay for.”
Amy, traveled in November
Tropical Christmas magic fills Tortuguero's canals from Mawamba Lodge. New Year celebrations light up Puerto Viejo's atmosphere, while Cahuita National Park's coastal trails and festive Caribbean meals delight visitors. December departures feature holiday-themed activities.
Duration 7 days Destinations Alajuela, San Jose, Guapiles, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
20% Off- US$1,528
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
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 All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Green World Adventures From
20% Off- US$1,117
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."