December is an excellent time to visit Costa Rica: it marks the start of the dry season (verano), offering sunny days and lush landscapes—ideal for beaches, rainforests, and volcano hikes.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Transport | $1,400 |
| 🏨 Accommodations | $1,900 |
| 🧳 Gear | $300 |
| 🗺️ On-site | $1,200 |
| Total | $4,800 |
[ ] 🏛️ Museo Nacional de Costa Rica ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Discover the country’s history in this fortress-museum—great orientation to Costa Rica.
[ ] 🎨 Museo del Jade ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
Largest American jade collection—mesmerizing artifacts, good for a light museum day.
[ ] 🌳 Parque Metropolitan La Sabana ⭐⭐ (~1h)
San José’s “Central Park”, locals jogging and relaxing, nice strolls.
[ ] 🏙️ Barrio Amón ⭐ (~1.5h)
Historical neighborhood with preserved colonial mansions—enjoy street art and cafés.
[ ] 🛍️ Mercado Central ⭐⭐ (~1h)
Bustling market for coffee, spices, and local snacks. Arrive early for fewer crowds.
[ ] 🏛️ Teatro Nacional ⭐⭐⭐ (~1h)
Ornate architectural icon, guided tours show its opulence. Book shows ahead if interested.
[ ] 🏞️ Arenal Volcano National Park ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)
Hike trails with volcano views. Early mornings are best for clearest views.
[ ] 🌳 La Fortuna Waterfall ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
Trek through lush jungle. Swim at the base! Stairs can be steep.
[ ] 🧗 Sky Adventures Arenal Park (Ziplining) ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)
Epic canopy zipline with volcano and lake views. Book in advance.
[ ] 🛶 Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park ⭐⭐ (~5-6h with transfer)
Light turquoise river and waterfall—unforgettable. Can be muddy in wet conditions.
[ ] 🚣 Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Boat Tour ⭐⭐ (~4h)
See sloths, monkeys, crocodiles. Best in early morning. Guided tours depart La Fortuna.
[ ] ♨️ Ecotermales Hot Springs ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
Natural pools, lush surrounds, less crowded than large resorts.
[ ] 🚵 Arenal Hanging Bridges ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Suspension bridges in rainforest canopy for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
[ ] 🚣 Lake Arenal Kayaking ⭐️ (~2h)
Relaxed activity with stunning vistas—windy afternoons, mornings best.
[ ] 🚴 Mountain Biking Arenal Area ⭐️ (~2h)
Scenic trails—best for experienced riders.
[ ] 🏖️ Playa Tamarindo ⭐⭐⭐ (~6h)
Long sandy beach, great for swimming, surfing lessons, and sunsets.
[ ] 🏄 Surfing Lessons ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)
Best place to learn in Costa Rica—gentle breaks, many surf schools.
[ ] 🚤 Estuary Mangrove Boat Tour ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Spot crocs, monkeys, iguanas in lush mangroves—family-safe adventure.
[ ] 🌊 Playa Langosta ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Quieter than Tamarindo, perfect for walks and tide-pooling.
[ ] 🐢 Night Turtle Nesting Tour ⭐⭐ (~3h, only Dec-Mar)
Chance to see leatherbacks nesting—requires late evening or night tour.
[ ] 🚲 Tamarindo Town Exploration by Bike ⭐ (~2h)
Chill ride to beach cafés, artisan shops, markets.
[ ] 🏞️ Las Baulas National Marine Park ⭐⭐ (~3h)
Mangroves and turtle nesting sites, nearby to Tamarindo.
[ ] 🏄 Stand-Up Paddleboarding ⭐ (~1.5h)
Calm mornings best, great views back toward town.
Amazon PrimeNetflixAmazon PrimeYouTubeNetflix| City | Nights | Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| San José | 2 | Airbnb San José Centro | $260 |
| La Fortuna | 4 | Airbnb near Arenal | $760 |
| Tamarindo | 4 | Airbnb Tamarindo Beach | $880 |
| Total | 10 | $1,900 |