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
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- Adventures in Costa Rica!
- Mountain & Volcano Costa Rica Tour
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
- Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- The Best of Costa Rica
- Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
- Mystic Forests of Costa Rica
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK December departure dates
See All Departure Dates9 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 13 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
- US$3,201
Adventures in Costa Rica!
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The rainforest is an amazing place to visit and learn about natural history and see enormous trees, plants and plenty of wildlife.”
Stefanie, traveled in May
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Class Adventure Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates9 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 10 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
- US$1,317
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
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates9 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 10 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
- US$1,200
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
89 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great outdoor tour.”
Jennifer, traveled in January
Duration 15 days Destinations San Jose, Los Quetzales National Park, Turrialba, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! December departure dates
See All Departure Dates17 Dec, 2025 8 spaces left 20 Dec, 2025 5 spaces left From $3,860
11% Off- US$3,440You save $420
Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A very nice sampling of Costa Rica: cloud forest, volcano, Caribbean beach. Good for those looking for moderate physical activity.”
Maya, traveled in February
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel December departure dates
20 Dec, 2025 1 space left From
11% Off- US$1,695
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great nature, great travelling companions.”
Stewart, 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 Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures December departure dates
See All Departure Dates16 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left 18 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $3,639
25% Off- US$2,729You save $910
The Best of Costa Rica
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels and transfers were all top notch.”
Marianne, traveled in October
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Tortuga Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica December departure dates
See All Departure Dates21 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 22 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $1,707
10% Off- US$1,536You save $171
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates21 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 22 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $914
10% Off- US$823You save $91
Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
7 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 Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica December departure dates
See All Departure Dates21 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 22 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $1,704
10% Off- US$1,533You save $170
Mystic Forests of Costa Rica
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was absolutely magical! We saw and learned about new plants and animals around every corner.”
Erin, traveled in April
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Costa Rica December departure dates
See All Departure Dates21 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 22 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $2,093
10% Off- US$1,883You save $209
What people love about Costa Rica Tours in December
- Adventures in Costa Rica!
The free time was ambiguously listed and the itinerary and overviews did not match. We were not clear in a couple of areas if we had free time or included activities with no way to reach anyone fast enough to sort out. Otherwise, very well put together tour. All the activities and transfers we had were well done and close to on time. We realized at the end that going to Liberia Airport from Monteverde would have been shorter and faster. Plus we actually did end up flying out from there with an additional transfer we paid for. This purchase could have been avoided had we asked to be taken there when booking, or if the tour itself gave as an option to end in either SJO or LIR airports. Hotels were adequate for sure as 2.5- 3 star. First hotel was good since it had the reserve and hanging bridges on site. Breakfast good. Room clean. Second hotel was really not that good. The room we had was fine and clean, breakfast good but the hot springs there was minimal and we didn't like being at a hotel meant for large groups. We ended up finding another hot springs to use. Too many busses in and out. Third hotel was very good. Food good. Room clean. All friendly staff at all hotels and they knew we were coming. Just tour really did not make sense to end in SJO since LIR was closer. Having that option built in would have been appreciated. Amount of free time versus planned activities was perfect. Activities were very good. Safe higher end companies were used. Good overall. Would like to be able to reach TourRadar or class tours a bit faster if there would be an emergency. Website is great and easy to use. Discount for travel agent would have been useful. Thank you overall!!
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
Excellent itinerary, fantastic guide, and just the right mix of included / optional activities.
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
Tour leader and driver were an excellent team providing good opportunities to discover Costa Rica. Communication of essential facts was good, communication of facts on wildlife, socio- economic, history, geography, politics and culture were excellent. Accommodation and transport exceeded expectations
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.