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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From Arenal to the Caribbean CoastWe had a wonderful time and our tour was more than expected. We will definitely use TourRadar again!
Costa Rica: San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio- 11 daysThe only thing I would say is the pick up to the airport sucked they got the wrong time and I had to get a taxi other than that it was an amazing experience and would definitely go again!
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10 best Christmas & New Year Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
- 18 to 35s One Week in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica: San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio- 11 days
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From Arenal to the Caribbean Coast
“The accommodations were great, beds very comfortable. We really enjoyed all the tours.”
Therese, traveled in January
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
- US$1,665
18 to 35s One Week in Costa Rica
“This was the best trip of my entire life.”
Precilia, traveled in November
December departures showcase Monteverde's cloud forest festivities and seasonal wildlife viewing. Christmas markets in San Jose, traditional holiday meals, and New Year celebrations along Puerto Viejo's Caribbean coast create lasting memories.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Manzanillo Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From $780
20% off- US$624
Costa Rica: San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio- 11 days
“We had a wonderful time and our tour was more than expected. We will definitely use TourRadar again!”
Phyllis, traveled in July
Costa Rica offers 15 December departures for holiday adventurers. Festive meals in Tortuguero's eco-lodges, Arenal Volcano's natural fireworks, and New Year's Eve on Manuel Antonio's tropical beaches create perfect warm-weather holiday traditions.
Duration 11 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Aborigen Tours From $2,499
10% off- US$2,249
Costa Rica Experience
“We love the home stay and all the other activités that were presented to us.”
Annette, traveled in March
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, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,476
10% off- US$1,329
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
“The white water rafting was amazing and the waterfall at the end was a nice touch.”
Kristina, traveled in February
Costa Rica's December departures blend holiday spirit with adventures. Arenal Volcano hikes ($50), La Fortuna waterfall swims ($20), and Santa Teresa surf lessons showcase perfect winter weather.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Caño Negro, Pacuare River, Playa Santa Teresa, Mal Pais, Montezuma, Tortuga Island Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $899
25% off- US$674
Premium Costa Rica (8 destinations)
“Excellent guide and driver. Will need to come back!”
Nikolas, traveled in November
Natural wonders meet holiday cheer in Costa Rica. Hike Arenal 1968 trails on Christmas, observe wildlife in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and join traditional festivities in San Jose's central market. Upscale accommodations and festive farewell dinners included.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From
25% off- US$5,245
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
“We saw everything we wanted to and our tour guide was great.”
Susan, traveled in February
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, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Tarcoles, Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From $2,510
17% off- US$2,090
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."