Christmas & New Year Tours in Costa Rica
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10 best Christmas & New Year Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Classic Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
- Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
- Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
- Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Zip-Lines
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- Discover Costa Rica
- Best of Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
- Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotel is not new, but is spotlessly clean, well run and well maintained, quiet with a comfortable bed and amenities.”
Ivan, traveled in May
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 From $914
10% Off- US$823You save $91
Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Green World was awesome!”
James, traveled in April
Holiday spirit fills Costa Rica from Irazu's summit to festive meals near Arenal Volcano. New Year's celebrations showcase the geothermal wonders of Las Pailas, followed by tours of La Paz Waterfall Gardens' wildlife sanctuaries.
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 From
10% Off- US$2,010
Classic Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
60 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a perfect introduction to Costa Rica. I preferred the mix of flexibility and structure.”
Jolene, traveled in March
Holiday magic fills this Costa Rican adventure. Christmas dinner with locals in Santa Rosa de Pocosol pairs with wildlife watching in Tortuguero National Park and New Year's celebrations on Manuel Antonio's beaches. Special holiday activities highlight local traditions.
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, Tenorio Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,660
30% Off- US$1,862You save $798
Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We especially loved the activities, and appreciated the way we never had to worry about our transfer transportation.”
Emily, traveled in July
Morning canoe tours in Tortuguero National Park herald the holiday season. Adventures include Monteverde's 197-foot-high ziplines and seasonal sunset viewing at Arenal Observatory Lodge, followed by rejuvenating dips in volcanic hot springs.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Tortuguero National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Marvelus Travel From
30% Off- US$1,200
Costa Rica Experience (8 destinations)
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Her knowledge and respect about culture and biodiversity is outstanding. Her care and attention to all our needs is beyond anyone expectations.”
Chantal, traveled in April
Natural treasures from Monteverde Cloud Forest to Manuel Antonio beaches sparkle during holidays. Santa Rosa de Pocosol homestay features festive meals, wildlife appears at Arenal Volcano, and tropical Quepos hosts New Year's celebrations.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
30% Off- US$1,395
Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Cloud Forests & Zip-Lines
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing experience! So thank you.”
Sarah, traveled in January
December brings festive activities at Mi Cafecito cooperative and holiday meals in La Fortuna. Magical cloud forest moments await in Monteverde, while San Jose's Christmas markets and seasonal treats enhance zip-lining adventures through decorated forests.
Duration 6 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator G Adventures From
30% Off- US$549
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
30% Off- US$3,196
Discover Costa Rica
111 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A cornucopia of flora and fauna, well presented. Wonderful experience.”
Donald, traveled in March
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 $5,548
9% Off- US$5,025You save $523
Best of Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time. A great way to see Costa Rica and, in my case, travelling alone.”
Stephen, traveled in January
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, Arenal Volcano National Park, Arenal, Monteverde Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,960
20% Off- US$3,168You save $792
Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized and good response when needed a change in itinerary. I would especially like to commend on his friendly and professional organization.”
Wendy, 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$1,082
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Costa Rica
We enjoyed the tour a lot and recommend it to everybody. Due to covid, there were only few people everywhere, and I had a private tour where we mostly had guided tours and transfers just me or there was just one another couple joining. All the hotels and lodges were very good, the staff very friendly, food tasty (especially the lodges in Tortuguero, Arenal and Monteverde were located beautifully in nature). Everything worked as planned and on-time. Specially thanks to Paola she was help me for the hold time while I’m over there.... amazing country, will comes back November or December (stay more days in Tortuguero Thanks Christina
Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
- Classic Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
If you are considering a trip to Costa Rica - this is the trip to take. Costa Rica is such an incredible destination for first-time adventurers and this itinerary really covers it all. Our guide, Allan, was great at pointing us in the right direction for local eats and we were able to take in the full world of adventure Costa Rica has to offer, from ziplining in Monteverde to canyoning in La Fortuna. I would go back in a heartbeat and recommend this trip to anyone!
- Best of Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
Organization and guide and itinerary great. Weather did not cooperate - perhaps understandable given the calendar.
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."