Costa Rica Tours in January 2026
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10 best Costa Rica trips in January 2026
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Premium Costa Rica
- Discover Costa Rica
- Classic Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- Costa Rica Experience (7 destinations)
- The Best of Costa Rica
- Tropical Costa Rica 5 Days, Short Break
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
Premium Costa Rica
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A wonderful way to explore Costa Rica. The hotels all had amazing views from the balcony, and the food was really tasty.”
Catherine, traveled in July
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium January departure dates
See All Departure Dates17 Jan, 2026 5 spaces left 24 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
- US$4,440
Discover Costa Rica
111 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was perfect, the accommodation, the food, the local guides, the itinerary which included close contact with lots of amazing wildlife and chance to become familiar with some of the culture of Costa Rica.”
Di, 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 Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left 10 Jan, 2026 3 spaces left From
- US$4,875
Classic Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
60 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Intrepid provides small groups, personalized experience and the best guides.”
Elodie, traveled in June
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
- US$2,435
Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
89 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful itinerary, action packed and great fun!”
Sharon, traveled in November
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! January departure dates
See All Departure Dates24 Jan, 2026 2 spaces left 29 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left From $3,860
15% Off- US$3,300You save $560
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
48 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We got to see a lot of Costa Rica travelling all over and saw great wildlife. Really yummy food and lots of fun activities.”
Molly, traveled in April
Duration 12 days Destinations San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, Sarapiquí, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 18-59 Operator One Life Adventures January departure dates
12 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,475
15% Off- US$2,104You save $371
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 6 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
15% Off- US$3,024
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 Jan, 2026 3 spaces left 17 Jan, 2026 5 spaces left From $1,445
15% Off- US$1,228You save $217
The Best of Costa Rica
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The stay there and the river tour and nature hike were the best part of the trip. Your selection of the Tortuga Lodge was an excellent choice.”
Jess, 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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $1,729
15% Off- US$1,470You save $259
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $914
15% Off- US$777You save $137
Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Green World was awesome!”
James, traveled in April
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,010
15% Off- US$1,709You save $302
What people love about Costa Rica Tours in January
- Discover Costa Rica
Well organized and comprehensive tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife, especially the birds. He spotted things which we would never have done and was able to identify them with ease.
This tour of Costa Rica was amazing! My only issue was the time that seemed wasted on the first few days getting to and from Tortugero. Intrepid really should have private transport for this leg of the journey because we spent a lot of time on public buses and waiting for buses at stations (over 3 hours going there was spent at bus stations). However, I loved Tortugero and it was definitely worth the journey there. La Fortuna could've done with an extra day as well.
Classic Costa Rica (including Arenal Volcano National Park)
- Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
The tour leader and the driver were excellent, knowledgeable, endlessly patient and upbeat. Hotels were generally acceptable but not luxurious. La Baula Lodge was below par (both food and accommodations). Guayabo Lodge was too far from the included activities, but otherwise comfortable. El Faro Hotel would have been acceptable had I not been assigned the room under the kitchen, where noisy food preparation began at 5 a.m. I was a bit disappointed we didn’t see more animals in the parks, possibly because they were just too crowded. The weather (rain most days) may have impacted wildlife viewing also.
What our customers ask about Costa Rica Tours in January 2026
What is the weather like in Costa Rica during January?
January stands out as one of Costa Rica's finest months with clear skies during the dry season particularly in Guanacaste and Arenal. The Arenal region maintains temperatures around 19°C with a tropical climate that's ideal for outdoor exploration. At Arenal Paradise Resort & Spa visitors note the weather creates perfect conditions for thermal pool relaxation and volcano hikes. The Caribbean side near Tortuguero sees occasional rain showers keeping the rainforest environment rich and green.
What accommodation options are available in Costa Rica for January trips?
The peak January season presents varied lodging choices across the country. Visitors can select Mountain Paradise Resort & Spa in La Fortuna with direct views of Arenal Volcano. El Establo Hotel serves as a gateway to Monteverde's cloud forest while beachgoers find comfort at places like Nammbu Beachfront Bungalows on Playa Carrillo. "The Mountain Paradise Resort was perfectly located for January activities - close to hot springs and hiking trails with amazing volcano views from our balcony."
Are there any special events or festivals in Costa Rica during January?
Costa Rica comes alive with cultural celebrations in January. The Santa Cruz Fiestas brighten Guanacaste from January 14-16 with traditional bullfights folk dancing and regional food. San José hosts the Palmares Fiestas in mid-January bringing together horseback parades live music and carnival activities. "Experiencing the Palmares festival during our January tour added an incredible cultural dimension to our wildlife adventures."
What are the top activities to do in Costa Rica during January?
January weather creates optimal conditions for outdoor adventures. Arenal offers zip-lining waterfall rappelling and relaxation at Baldi Hot Springs. Monteverde Cloud Forest welcomes visitors for guided night walks and elevated bridge trails. The Nicoya Peninsula particularly Playa Tamarindo presents excellent surfing conditions. "January was perfect for learning to surf at Playa Guiones - the waves were consistent and the weather was sunny every day."
Should I book my Costa Rica January tour in advance?
January sees the highest tourist numbers making early reservations crucial. Popular accommodations such as Arenal Springs Resort and Si Como No in Manuel Antonio often reach capacity 3-4 months ahead. "We booked our January tour 6 months in advance and were glad we did - many hotels were already full and some activities had limited availability."
How much should I budget for a Costa Rica trip in January?
An 8-15 day January tour typically costs between USD 2000-4000 per person covering lodging some meals and guided experiences. Premium options like Arenal Paraiso Resort command higher rates. Additional activities range from zip-lining at USD 60-100 to hot springs visits at USD 40-70. "While January is peak season with higher prices the perfect weather and amazing wildlife viewing made it worth every penny."
What wildlife can I typically spot in Costa Rica during January?
January offers prime wildlife viewing throughout Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park reveals howler monkeys toucans and caimans along its waterways. Monteverde Cloud Forest houses the resplendent quetzal 400-plus bird species and night creatures including pacas and tarantulas. "We saw so much wildlife in January - from sloths in Manuel Antonio to scarlet macaws in Carara Reserve and even spotted a mother and baby sloth near La Fortuna!"