What December is like in Guanacaste
December marks the return of the dry season, with rain tapering off and sunny days becoming the norm again by mid-month. It's also peak holiday travel season, so book tours and transfers early.
Where to go in December
Bijagua
A quiet mountain village at the gateway to Tenorio Volcano National Park and Río Celeste.
Explore →
Guanacaste
Costa Rica's Pacific province: dry forests, volcanic peaks and pristine Pacific beaches.
Explore →
La Fortuna & Arenal
Volcano scenery, hanging bridges, wildlife and hot springs in Costa Rica’s adventure capital.
Explore →
Monteverde
The jewel in the crown of Costa Rica's cloud forests.
Explore →
Papagayo
Private resorts, quiet bays and easy access to Guanacaste adventures.
Explore →
Playas del Coco
A convenient beach town with restaurants, live music and easy day-trip access.
Explore →
Playa Hermosa
A calm Guanacaste beach with a relaxed atmosphere near Papagayo and Coco.
Explore →
Rincón de la Vieja
Volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and high-energy adventures close to Liberia.
Explore →
Río Celeste
A turquoise river flowing through Tenorio Volcano National Park, one of Costa Rica's most magical natural wonders.
Explore →
Sámara
A relaxed beach district on Guanacaste's Nicoya Peninsula.
Explore →
Tamarindo
Costa Rica's buzzing Pacific surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Explore →Recommended tours for December
2-Hour ATV Mountain Ride
Two hours of private ATV adventure through unpaved mountain roads and dry forest terrain in Guanacaste. Off-the-beaten-track riding with a certified bilingual guide, exclusively for your group.
View Experience →
Waterfall & Las Pumas Wildlife Rescue Center
Private half-day at Llanos del Cortes waterfall and Las Pumas Wildlife Rescue Center, swim under the falls, then meet pumas, jaguars, ocelots, monkeys and macaws. Lunch included. Certified bilingual guide.
View Experience →
Celeste River Hike & Tenorio National Park
Private full-day hike to Río Celeste, the nearly opaque aquamarine blue river at Tenorio Volcano National Park. Lunch and national park fee included. Visitor identification details are required for national park registration and will be requested securely after booking confirmation.
View Experience →
Tenorio River White Water Rafting Class III–IV
Private Class III–IV white water rafting on the Tenorio River, racing rapids, plunging over falls and lush tropical wildlife. Snacks and lunch included. Certified bilingual guide exclusively for your group.
View Experience →
Monteverde Treetop Walk
Private full-day Monteverde Cloud Forest treetop walk, suspension bridges at canopy level with zip line (Classic option) or reptiles exhibition, butterfly garden and sloth sanctuary (Plus option). Breakfast and lunch included.
View Experience →
Waterfall Lovers Tour Costa Rica
Private Costa Rica waterfall and jungle tour. Discover hidden waterfalls with a certified local guide, exclusively for your group. Book via WhatsApp with Wild Papagayo.
View Experience →December travel guides
Playa Coco vs Samara: Which Beach Town Is Better for Your Costa Rica Vacation?
Playa Coco is livelier and closer to the airport; Samara is mellower and more scenic. Which fits your trip depends on the pace you want in Guanacaste.
Read Article →
Costa Rica With an 11-Month-Old: Where Should You Stay?
Planning a first Costa Rica vacation with a baby can feel overwhelming. Here is an honest comparison of the weather, accommodations and easiest areas for a relaxed family trip.
Read Article →
Best Waterfalls Near Papagayo: Which Day Trip to Pick
A local look at the best waterfall day trips from Papagayo, comparing drive time, walking difficulty, swimming access and how each changes between green and dry season.
Read Article →
Sea Turtles in Costa Rica: How to See Them Responsibly
Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean beaches provide critical nesting habitat for sea turtles. Learn where they nest and how to observe them responsibly.
Read Article →Plan your Costa Rica in December experience with a local expert.
Private transportation, personalized tours and practical advice in one conversation.