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.

Costa Rica Tours in December 2026

10 best Costa Rica trips in December 2026

View Map
Explorer
The Costa Rican Caribbean Adventure
4.2 (5 traveler reviews)
"We loved him. He is sooo energetic, with lots of experiences and deep knowledge."
Tae, traveled in September
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Alajuela, San Jose, Guapiles, Tortuguero,Tortuguero National Park,Puerto Viejo de Talamanca,Cahuita+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Costa Rica Caribbean Coast
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Green World Adventures
From
US$1,528per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Costa Rica Express - 7 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Country is stunningly beautiful. I enjoyed exploring nature and saw a lot of wildlife."
Natia, traveled in November
Duration
7 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Guapiles,La Fortuna,Arenal Volcano National Park,Manuel Antonio National Park+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
From
US$2,455per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Discover Costa Rica
4.6 (114 traveler reviews)
"The tour was so well planned and organized, and we were able to do things that would have taken weeks to coordinate."
Ani, 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+7 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
5% Off
From $5,698
US$5,415per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
1 space left
15 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
4.5 (17 traveler reviews)
"It was a lovely country to visit and the beach extension hotel was well located."
Steven, traveled in November
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, Sarchi, Grecia, Poas Volcano National Park,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
12% Off
From $2,370
US$2,090per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
29 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Arenal Volcano & Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica, the perfect combination
3.9 (12 traveler reviews)
"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
Duration
5 days
Destinations
San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Green World Adventures
12% Off
From
US$1,117per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
The Best of Costa Rica (Activities included and Superior hotels)
4.8 (15 traveler reviews)
"Everything marched our expectation, breakfast and lunch ta Guapiles we re however of pour quality."
Eric, traveled in January
Duration
13 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita,Pacuare River,Arenal,La Fortuna,Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Green World Adventures
12% Off
From
US$3,640per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
4.7 (43 traveler reviews)
"The best guide ever!"
Spyridoula, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Playa Santa Teresa
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $899
US$809per person
Price based on Shared Room
21 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Epic Costa Rica: Craters, Rainforests & Hanging-10
5.0 (57 traveler reviews)
"Great trip, great people and great CEO."
Amanda, traveled in April
Duration
11 days
Destinations
San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, La Fortuna,Monteverde,Tenorio Volcano National Park,Liberia,Nosara,Playa Tamarindo+5 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From
US$1,149per person
Price based on Private Single Room
22 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Green World was awesome!"
James, traveled in April
Duration
9 days
Destinations
San Jose, Cartago, Orosi, Irazu Volcano National Park,Arenal,Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park,Poas Volcano National Park+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Green World Adventures
10% Off
From
US$2,073per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Our Costa Rican Highlights
3.4 (5 traveler reviews)
"Costa Rica is a beautiful place with amazing flora & fauna. Kids loved the activities we booked as 'add ons'."
Ketan, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+1 more
Age Range
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Green World Adventures
10% Off
From
US$1,682per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Active
Costa Rica Quest
4.6 (216 traveler reviews)
"Absolutely purchase the Catamaran option - it is well worth it and more than I expected it to be!"
Evan, traveled in January
Duration
9 days
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park,Monteverde,Manuel Antonio National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Physical Rating
Active
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $1,299
US$1,169per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
4 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
4.3 (145 traveler reviews) award winner
"Everything ran smoothly from start to finish, and we didn't encounter any issues."
Evan, traveled in February
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal, La Fortuna, Monteverde,Santa Elena,Manuel Antonio National Park,Alajuela+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Costa Rica
20% Off
From $1,975
US$1,580per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Active
Raft, Hike and Explore Costa Rica
4.7 (33 traveler reviews)
"Great adventures and reasonable accommodations at all stops. Transportation was often comfortable and timely."
Ian, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Monteverde
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Green World Adventures
20% Off
From
US$1,595per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Active
Costa Rica Adventure
4.8 (575 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was packed with amazing activities, stunning nature, and great vibes throughout."
Leonie, traveled in April
Duration
10 days
Destinations
San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa,Montezuma,Cabuya+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
TruTravels
40% Off
From $1,750
US$1,050per person
Price based on Shared Room
3 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
4.9 (72 traveler reviews)
"Especially the ziplining over the rainforest, the beaches in Manuel Antonio & swimming in the waterfall were one of the activities I enjoyed most."
Jule, traveled in February
Duration
12 days
Destinations
San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, La Fortuna,Monteverde,Playa Santa Teresa,Manuel Antonio National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18-59
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
15% Off
From $2,475
US$2,104per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
28 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour