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There are moments in life when you crave a different kind of holiday season—something warmer and more adventurous than the usual winter ritual. That was exactly how Chris and I felt the year we traded snowflakes for palm trees, holiday lights for fireflies, and the familiar events of the Christmas season for the symphony of Costa Rica’s rainforest and the excitement of celebrating the season in a different culture.

As we touched down in the San Jose airport and stepped into the warm tropical air, it felt like shedding an old layer. The world smelled like orchids and eucalyptus. The sky glowed a vivid blue. And for the first time in years, the holidays felt less like a countdown and more like an invitation—an invitation to breathe, explore, and celebrate in the heart of nature.

Excited for our Costa Rica Holiday Adventure

Long before Nomadtique, Costa Rica was where I found my adventurous spirit—I spent a good amount of time in this beautiful country during my 20s rafting class IV and V rivers in a two-person raft I backpacked down steep ravines, climbing cliffs dripping with moss, and camping beside waterfalls that sparkled beneath the moonlight. And when Chris and I returned years later for Christmas and New Year’s, that same wild beauty wrapped itself around us—but now softened with touches of luxury, warm hospitality, and ease.

Recently, I had the pleasure of planning a new client’s journey to Costa Rica. During the trip planning, I’ve been reminiscing about our last Costa Rica adventure and the way the country transforms in December—the twinkling lights strung across small towns, the beaches filled with local celebrations, the festive markets that spill into the streets, and the gentle feeling that the entire country is exhaling.

Costa Rica is magic any time of year.
But during the holidays?
It’s extraordinary.

Where to Begin: Choosing the Right Costa Rica Airport for a Holiday Adventure

Costa Rica welcomes travelers through two main international airports, plus several domestic airports and air strips, making for a total of at least 16 airports, each offering its own energy and gateway into the country. The two main international airports are Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) near San José and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia. Picking the best option between these two international airports can save you a lot of driving time and money. The right choice depends on what experiences you are looking for and how you plan on exploring the country.

San José (SJO) brings you into the heart of the Central Valley—surrounded by mountains, festive holiday lights, and the hum of December celebrations. It’s ideal for those exploring the Arenal/La Fortuna region, Monteverde, the South Pacific, or the Caribbean coast.

Liberia (LIR) is the tropical gateway, just minutes from sunny beaches, luxury resorts, and the celebration-filled coastline of Guanacaste (about 25 minutes away) and the Papagayo Peninsula.

During Christmas and New Year’s, both airports feel alive with travelers escaping winter and locals heading toward celebrations.

La Fortuna for the Holidays: Warm Springs, Misty Mornings & Volcano Views

There is something enchanting about spending Christmas in La Fortuna. Instead of pine trees, you’re surrounded by towering palms. Instead of snow, warm volcanic mist. Instead of fireplaces, thermal springs.

As we approached the region, Arenal Volcano appeared like a soft shadow against the sky—its presence grounding and powerful. The town glowed with holiday energy: lights wrapped around railings, families sharing tamales in open-air restaurants, and local markets filled with handmade gifts.

For this trip, we chose to stay at The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort. We were looking for a more romantic, adult Christmas and the Royal Corin’s adult only resort felt like a holiday retreat crafted by nature itself. Thermal pools flowed through lush gardens, their warm currents offering the most comforting alternative to winter chill. Chris and I sank into the warm volcanic waters under a sky studded with stars—no coats, no rushing, no noise. Just pure presence. We loved floating through the tiered hot springs that ranged from large pools with swim-up bars to small springs secluded by rock caverns and cascading vines.

Royal Corin Spa & Resort, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

On Christmas evening, we chose to dine at the resort and enjoyed the set (prix fixe) menu paired with delicious wines. We then spent the next several days exploring the La Fortuna area and indulging in the resort spa. For us, La Fortuna’s holiday season wasn’t loud or busy. It was a slow, gentle, and deeply relaxing experience.

Exploring La Fortuna During the Festive Season

Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica’s lush northern region, La Fortuna is a vibrant gateway to adventure and natural wonder. Dominated by the iconic Arenal Volcano, this charming town offers more than just stunning views—it’s a hub for immersive experiences in one of the country’s most biodiverse areas. Visitors can soak in the rejuvenating thermal hot springs, explore verdant rainforests teeming with wildlife, or embark on thrilling activities like zip-lining, waterfall rappelling, and horseback riding.

The welcoming local community, coupled with a range of boutique lodges and gourmet eateries, ensures every traveler feels at home while indulging in authentic Costa Rican hospitality. Whether you seek a restful connection with nature or exhilarating outdoor pursuits, La Fortuna promises an unforgettable blend of tranquility and excitement. For these reasons, I always like to book several experiences and adventures in the La Fortuna area when traveling in Costa Rica. Some of our favorite activities in La Fortuna include:

Mistico Park Hanging Bridges, Costa Rica

Arenal Mistico Park Hanging Bridges

The Arenal hanging bridge experience is a walk through the rainforest canopy on a network of fixed and swaying suspension bridges. This experience offers unique perspectives of the ecosystem, wildlife, and scenic views of Arenal Volcano. The trails are well-maintained and the bridges range in height and length. If you do not enjoy heights, then maybe re-think this experience.

Chris and I chose to participate in a small group guided tour of Mistico Park to increase our chances of spotting wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and birds, as well as to learn more about the local flora and fauna. Unfortunately, we didn’t see a sloth on this adventure, but we very much enjoyed how in late December the rainforest is so richly green and alive.

La Fortuna Waterfall

The day after Christmas, we visited La Fortuna Waterfall—a surreal swap for traditional festivities. This experience involved a hike through the rainforest, followed by the opportunity to swim in natural pool at the base of the waterfall (75-meter cascade). During this holiday adventure experience, the trail felt sacred and quiet, and the turquoise pool below shimmered with the kind of magic that only nature can create. We loved the opportunity to be this immersed in nature.

Wildlife Safari Float

Our favorite experience on this holiday trip to Costa Rica was the wildlife safari float down the Peñas Blancas river. This was a very relaxing float that allowed us to view many animals with the help of our expert guide. We were thrilled to see sloths, monkeys, crocodiles and many different species of birds. Our tour concluded with a delicious, traditional Costa Rican lunch comprised of rice, beans, chicken, and fried plantains. This is an experience we will definitely book again on our next Costa Rica adventure.

Night Walk in the Rainforest

On our last night in La Fortuna, we ventured into the rainforest at night. As nature lovers, we wanted the experience of seeing animals that are active at night. Our flashlights revealed neon frogs, shimmering insects, and glowing eyes in the branches. Our tour offered a lovely dinner as part of the experience and included a professional guide. It was a lovely holiday experience.

For us, experiencing La Fortuna during the holidays felt like a spiritual reset—warm, quiet, and beautifully alive with nature.

Monteverde for New Year's: Dinner in the Cloud Forest & Fireworks of Nature

From the warm embrace of La Fortuna, we climbed into the cool, misty mountains of Monteverde—a dramatic shift in both scenery and feeling. To arrive in Monteverde, we took a taxi-boat-taxi services that combined both van and boat travel to make the journey faster and more scenic. We had a beautiful viewing experience of the Arenal volcano as we crossed Lake Arenal in our open-air boat during the early morning. Once across the lake, we had a 3.5 hour ride to reach Monteverde. On this leg of the journey, we enjoyed beautiful vistas of the countryside and the driver even stopped at a lovely mountainside restaurant and rest area with amazing views for us to enjoy lunch.

As we ascended into the Monteverde mountain region, the air turned crisp, scented with piney forest and wild herbs. New Year’s Eve was just days away, and the town was lively with travelers seeking meaningful experiences to close out the year. Monteverde feels like stepping into a world suspended between earth and sky—a place where the clouds don’t just drift overhead, they settle in around you like an embrace. Perched high in the Tilarán Mountains, this ethereal region is where mist weaves through ancient trees, hummingbirds hover like jeweled flashes of color, and every trail feels like a secret whispered by the forest.

Monteverde is the heart of biodiversity in Costa Rica, home to thousands of plant species, rare wildlife, and ecosystems so fragile and unique that they exist nowhere else on Earth. It’s a place where the forest tells its own stories—of shifting microclimates, of ancient trees standing watch, and of wildlife moving unseen through the canopy.

Aguti Wildlife Reserve, Monteverde, Costa Rica

We stayed at Koora Hotel, which is nestled high and deep into the canopy of the mountains. From our balcony in our Junior Suite, we watched clouds drift like silk across the tree line—slow, serene, and otherworldly. Monteverde during the holidays feels like stepping into the quiet stillness before a new chapter.

The Koora Hotel was an excellent choice of a stay in this region, as it is directly next to the Aguti Wildlife Reserve. Being next door to the reserve allowed us to enjoy morning and evening walks through 4 km of trails and view many diverse species of animals and plants as part of our daily activities while exploring this region. Additionally, the Koora Hotel’s restaurant Kiré was absolutely decilicious with an extensive wine list, so we found ourselves enjoying most of our meals here.

Holiday Experiences in Monteverde

Monteverde isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling. A place to reset, reconnect, and rediscover wonder. Whether you're wandering across hanging bridges high above the canopy, savoring a treetop dinner overlooking the forest, or simply watching clouds drift past your balcony, Monteverde transforms you. It reminds you of the quiet magic that still exists in the world—and how deeply we need places like this. Some of the activities we enjoyed while exploring this area include:

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

There is no better way to end a year than inside a cloud forest. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is a highly biodiverse, protected area known for its lush cloud forest ecosystem, which is constantly shrouded in mist. Guided walks reveal hidden ecosystems—glowing moss, rare birds, and orchids so tiny you’d miss them without an expert eye. The forest hums quietly, as if offering a blessing for the year ahead. Chris and I enjoyed both day and night tours of the Reserve and enjoyed spotting many diverse species of wildlife, including more sloths!

El Tigre Waterfalls

The El Tigre Waterfall is a system of four waterfalls accessed via 8 km (5 miles) of hiking trails that feature nine bridges, handing and rustic. This hike feels cleansing and symbolic—crossing suspended bridges, listening to water thunder into pools, and letting nature wash away the old year. This was one of our favorite experiences of our entire trip. Chris and I packed snacks and water and spent most of the day meandering the trails between the waterfalls. Chris was even brave enough to take a dip in the frigid mountain streams. We were also glad that we reserved the horseback ride at the end of the hike to take us back up the mountain after a long day of hiking.

El Trapiche Coffee & Sugar Cane Tour

Warm sugar cane juice and freshly roasted coffee beans add a festive sweetness to the season. Watching coffee beans roast in small batches felt nostalgic and grounding. We enjoyed the tour of this family-run plantation that processes coffee, sugar cane, and cacao. The tour was interactive and included activities like making sugar cane candy and tasting fresh products like coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane juice. The tour concluded with a tasting of various farm-made snacks and drinks, such as arracache picadillo with coffee.

San Lucas Treetop Dining

On New Year’s Eve Eve, we dined above the forest at San Lucas—a glass treehouse in the clouds. San Lucas Treetop Dining is a fine dining experience where guests eat in private, elevated glass pods suspended above the forest canopy. It features a multi-course, gourmet meal with local ingredients. We strongly recommend including the wine pairing with your meal. The meal was divine, yes, but the experience felt symbolic: perched high above the world, wrapped in nature, stepping into a new year with intention.

Monteverde is the perfect place to reflect, reset, and welcome a new beginning.

San Lucas Tree Top Dining, Monteverde, Costa Rica

Tamarindo: A New Year’s Sunset Over the Pacific

Our final days in Costa Rica led us back toward warmth, sunlight, and ocean breezes as we arrived in Tamarindo, just in time to celebrate New Year’s Day. The town buzzed with open-air music, local celebrations, and a beachside energy that felt joyful and unfiltered. We enjoyed watching tourists and locals alike celebrating on the beach and enjoying time with friends and family. Personally, we loved ringing in the first day of the year with margaritas and lounging in our beachfront hotel garden area.

Tamarindo is the kind of place that instantly loosens your shoulders and deepens your breath. A lively beach town on Costa Rica’s sun-drenched Pacific coast, it’s where golden sand stretches endlessly, the ocean shimmers in shades of turquoise and gold, and the whole world seems to move to the rhythm of the tide.

This is Costa Rica’s laid-back, barefoot-luxury side—vibrant, colorful, warm, and full of life. Surfers ride long, rolling waves from sunrise to sunset. Cafés spill onto the sidewalks, mixing the scent of espresso with ocean breeze. Boutique shops offer handmade treasures, and at night, the town glows under soft string lights as music drifts out from open-air restaurants.

Our stay at Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel felt like the embodiment of slow luxury—bougainvillea-covered paths, ocean views, and slow breakfasts on airy terraces. This adult only hotel offers a half-board option, which includes a daily, delicious breakfast buffet with fresh fruit, cheeses, pastries, and made-to-order egg dishes. You can also partake in the mimosa and Bloody Mary bar, if you want to start the festivities early.

A New Year in Tamarindo

What sets Tamarindo apart is its energy—warm, welcoming, a little playful, and endlessly relaxing. It strikes the rare balance between lively and laid-back, making it the perfect home base for travelers who want both adventure and ease. Whether you're sipping a chilled drink by the pool, exploring local craft markets, or celebrating New Year’s Eve under palm trees, Tamarindo leaves its mark. It’s where time slows down, worries fall away, and the pura vida lifestyle feels as natural as the tide. Some of the experiences we enjoyed during are time here are:

Sunset Catamaran Sailing
We welcomed the last sunset of the first day of the new year aboard a catamaran. The sky turned coral and lavender. Dolphins played alongside the boat. The world felt infinite and intimate at once.

Estuary Wildlife Safari, Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Estuary Wildlife Safari
This experience is a boat tour through the mangroves of the Tamarindo Estuary, located in Las Baulas National Park. The approximately two-hour tour offers a guided experience to spot wildlife like crocodiles, howler monkeys, iguanas, and various tropical birds, such as herons and egrets. You can expect hotel pickup and a boat ride with a guide who will explain the local ecosystem. The estuary, with its slow-moving waters and abundant wildlife, felt like a peaceful New Year’s meditation.

Tamarindo is where you enter the new year feeling warm, sun-kissed, and remarkably alive.

Other Stays We Love

Costa Rica is full of extraordinary escapes, each offering a different lens into the country’s landscapes. The country unfolds like a tapestry of distinct landscapes and moods, each region offering its own personality and pace.

In La Fortuna and the Arenal region, the towering volcano and lush rainforest create a backdrop of adventure—where waterfalls thunder into turquoise pools and thermal springs steam beneath the canopy. Climbing higher into the mountains, Monteverde feels like stepping into a dream, with clouds drifting through the treetops and quiet trails winding through an otherworldly cloud forest rich in wildlife.

As the landscape opens toward the Pacific, Guanacaste welcomes travelers with long golden beaches, warm breezes, and a sun-soaked rhythm that continues down into the bohemian surf towns of the Nicoya Peninsula, where yoga classes, beach cafés, and barefoot luxury define daily life. Just north, the Papagayo Peninsula offers Costa Rica’s most exclusive coastal hideaways—private coves, calm turquoise water, and refined resort experiences perfect for unwinding. Inland, the Central Valley and San José blend culture, markets, and coffee-covered hillsides with easy access to the country’s most popular regions, while the remote Osa Peninsula to the south feels wild and untouched, home to Corcovado National Park and some of the richest biodiversity on the planet. And along the Caribbean coast, a colorful mix of Afro-Caribbean culture, lush jungles, and laid-back beach towns adds a completely different, rhythmic energy.

Together, these regions create a country where every traveler can find their own pura vida—whether in the clouds, the mountains, or by the sea. Here are some of our favorite properties across the regions—perfect for holiday travel or any time you need a reset.

Río Perdido — Bagaces, Guanacaste Interior

A secluded sanctuary tucked between canyons and thermal rivers. Over the holidays, the air is warm but not hot, and nights cool gently—a perfect time to soak in natural hot springs.
Ideal for: adventure seekers, couples wanting privacy, wellness travelers.

Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts — Pérez Zeledón Mountains

A mountain retreat made for holiday renewal. Horseback riding through rolling hills, spa rituals, and misty mornings create the kind of peaceful reset December dreams are made of.
Ideal for: honeymooners, wellness travelers, luxury seekers wanting quiet.

Nayara Tented Camp — Arenal/La Fortuna Region

Romantic canvas tents with sweeping volcano views, private plunge pools, and holiday lights twinkling through the rainforest.
Ideal for: romantic escapes, honeymooners, luxury nature lovers.

Andaz Costa Rica Resort — Papagayo Peninsula

A breezy, modern luxury aesthetic beside pristine beaches. During the holidays, the resort feels festive yet relaxed—with warm breezes, golden sunsets, and curated events.
Ideal for: design lovers, families, couples, multigenerational groups.

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas — Guanacaste Coast

An adults-only hideaway perched above the ocean—private villas, plunge pools, and dramatic sunsets. December’s dry season skies make it especially breathtaking.
Ideal for: couples, honeymooners, solo travelers seeking peace.

Four Seasons Costa Rica — Papagayo Peninsula

A holiday haven. Two beaches, elevated dining, and a festive, luxurious atmosphere perfect for family celebrations or end-of-year indulgence.
Ideal for: luxury families, holiday escapes, travelers wanting everything handled.

W Costa Rica — Reserva Conchal, Guanacaste

Vibrant, stylish, and youthful—perfect for travelers who want energy, color, nightlife, and beachfront celebration around New Year’s.
Ideal for: couples, groups, stylish younger travelers.

El Mangroove — Gulf of Papagayo

Laid-back luxury with a modern tropical atmosphere—festive but never overwhelming.
Ideal for: foodies, couples, boutique-lovers, small families.

Tabacón Thermal Resort — Arenal Region

Holiday lights reflecting off natural volcanic springs make this one of the most romantic places to spend Christmas.
Ideal for: spa lovers, honeymooners, couples.

Pro Travel Tips for a Magical Holiday in Costa Rica

Using Credit Cards & Currency Exchange in Costa Rica

Cards are widely accepted, but small bills are helpful in rural areas. ATMs provide the best exchange rate. If you pay in USD, expect change in colones.

The easiest way to manage money in Costa Rica is to rely primarily on credit cards and ATMs, which offer the best balance of convenience and favorable exchange rates. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout the country—at hotels, restaurants, shops, and even many small businesses—making them the most seamless way to pay.

Before traveling, it’s smart to notify your bank to avoid fraud alerts, and choose a card with no foreign transaction fees if possible. For cash, the most efficient method is to withdraw colones directly from ATMs once you arrive; the rate is significantly better than airport currency exchanges or hotel kiosks. ATMs are common in major towns, and withdrawing smaller amounts more frequently is safer than carrying large sums. While U.S. dollars are accepted in many tourist areas, the change you receive will almost always be in colones, so having local currency on hand is helpful for markets, small vendors, tips, and rural areas. Costa Rica makes everyday spending easy, and a thoughtful mix of cards and small cash withdrawals ensures smooth, stress-free travel.

Pack for Three Climates

Holiday travel here means layering for cool Monteverde mornings, warm La Fortuna afternoons, and hot tropical coastlines.

One of the beautiful complexities of traveling through Costa Rica—especially across regions like La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Pacific coast—is that the country truly feels like three destinations in one. In a single trip, you’ll move through wildly different microclimates, each with its own mood, temperature, and packing needs.

La Fortuna and the Arenal region are warm, humid, and lush, requiring breathable clothing that can handle mist, sun, and rainforest moisture. Lightweight activewear, quick-dry fabrics, and comfortable walking shoes are essential here, especially for waterfall hikes or hanging-bridge adventures.

Step into Monteverde, however, and the world changes—the air cools, the elevation rises, and the cloud forest often wraps itself in a soft, drifting mist. This is where you’ll want layers: long sleeves, a cozy sweater, a light jacket, and pants that make evening forest walks comfortable.

Finally, the Pacific coast shifts the mood once again with its hot, sun-soaked days, salty breezes, and endless beaches. Here, swimsuits, sandals, airy dresses, linen sets, and SPF-friendly clothing become your daily uniform. Packing with Costa Rica’s “three climates in one journey” mindset ensures that you feel comfortable, stylish, and prepared whether you’re soaking in hot springs, wandering through misty forests, or sinking your toes into warm sand at sunset.

Bamboo Sushi Club, Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Holiday Dining

Make reservations in advance for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve—many restaurants offer festive set (prix-fixe) menus.

Holiday dining in Costa Rica feels wonderfully unhurried—warm nights spent outdoors, the scent of grilled seafood drifting through the air, and tables lit by candlelight or soft lanterns instead of string lights and fireplaces. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are celebrated with heart and flavor across the country, and many restaurants create special prix-fixe menus inspired by local ingredients, seasonal produce, and coastal traditions. The atmosphere is festive but never rushed; you’ll find families gathering for leisurely dinners, travelers sipping craft cocktails under palm trees, and chefs weaving Costa Rican flavors into elegant holiday dishes. Reservations are essential during the festive season, as some of the region’s best dining experiences book out weeks in advance. Here are a few of my favorite spots to elevate your holiday meals:

In La Fortuna / Arenal

Amor Loco – Nayara Springs
Romantic, theatrical, and beautifully intimate, Amor Loco serves gourmet dishes crafted from local ingredients in a dramatic, rainforest-inspired setting. The holidays here feel indulgent and deeply atmospheric.

Tucanes – Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Perfect for a festive dinner before or after the hot springs, Tucanes offers elegant, garden-view dining with seasonal menus highlighting organic produce and contemporary Costa Rican cuisine.

In Monteverde

San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience
A stunning treetop restaurant suspended above the cloud forest, ideal for Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. Dining here feels almost spiritual—each course arrives with breathtaking views and serene ambiance.

Restaurante Celajes – Hotel Belmar
One of Monteverde’s best farm-to-table experiences, Celajes blends local flavors with modern culinary techniques. Holiday evenings are cozy, candlelit, and elevated with sweeping mountain views.

In Tamarindo / Guanacaste Coast

Pangas Beach Club
A beachfront dream for Christmas or New Year's dinners—tables set right on the sand, the sound of waves rolling in, and a menu filled with fresh seafood, grilled meats, and festive cocktails.

Dragonfly Bar & Grill
A Tamarindo favorite for elevated candlelit dining with handcrafted cocktails. Holiday menus often feature beautifully cooked seafood, fresh vegetables, and creative twists on Costa Rican flavors.

Patagonia Argentinian Grill & Restaurant
Perfect for a celebratory New Year’s Eve feast, Patagonia serves excellent steaks, flavorful sides, and a warm, lively ambience.

On the Papagayo Peninsula

Ostra – Andaz Costa Rica Resort
A refined seafood-focused restaurant ideal for holiday celebrations. Expect thoughtfully plated dishes, interactive ceviche tastings, and an elegant open-air atmosphere that feels festive and luxurious.

Cena Sociale – Four Seasons Costa Rica
A coastal-Italian dining experience with handmade pastas, wood-fired specialties, and stunning ocean views—perfect for a romantic holiday dinner or a lively New Year’s celebration.

Sentido Norte – Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas
For travelers seeking the most cinematic holiday dining moment, Sentido Norte offers panoramic sunsets, a cliffside ambiance, and fresh, upscale coastal cuisine. A showstopper for Christmas Eve.

In the Nicoya Peninsula (Nosara / Santa Teresa)

Koji’s
A beloved sushi spot in Santa Teresa—perfect for a coastal, bohemian-style holiday meal featuring impeccably fresh fish.

La Luna – Nosara
A beautiful beachfront restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes, candlelit tables, and a tranquil holiday ambiance.

Whether you’re savoring a six-course dinner overlooking the cloud forest or enjoying a sunset meal with your toes in the sand, holiday dining in Costa Rica feels magical. The flavors are fresh, the settings unforgettable, and the pura vida spirit adds something special to every festive moment.

Wildlife Etiquette

Look, admire, photograph—but don’t touch or feed.

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth—a living sanctuary where monkeys leap across treetops, sloths curl themselves into perfect moss-covered bundles, and jewel-toned birds flash through the canopy like moving brushstrokes. Encountering wildlife here feels magical, intimate, and deeply humbling. But with that privilege comes responsibility, especially during the busy holiday season when travelers from all over the world share these spaces with the animals who call them home.

The most important rule is simple: look, admire, photograph, but never touch or feed. Even the sweetest-looking creatures can become stressed or ill from human contact. Feeding wildlife disrupts their natural behaviors and can actually endanger them—monkeys may approach tourists more aggressively, sloths can become dehydrated or malnourished from unfamiliar foods, and coatis (those adorable raccoon-like creatures) can become dependent on handouts and wander too close to roads.

When watching wildlife, keep a few steps of distance. Not only does this protect the animals, but it allows you to observe them behaving naturally—sloths crawling slowly along branches, iguanas warming themselves on rocks, and tiny red-eyed tree frogs perched like living gems along leaves. These moments are infinitely more rewarding when the animals are undisturbed.

If you’re hiking, stay on marked trails and move quietly; the quieter you are, the more you’ll see. In the rainforest, your guide will help you spot creatures that would be impossible to find on your own, and using their expertise ensures the animals remain safe. Flashlights during night walks should be dim and pointed down unless guided otherwise—bright light can disorient nocturnal species.

Remember also that the rainforest is not a zoo. Animals appear on their own terms. Let patience be part of the experience—some of the most unforgettable sightings happen when you least expect them.

By approaching wildlife with gentleness and respect, you’re honoring Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation and ensuring that future travelers—and future generations—can experience these remarkable creatures in their natural, thriving habitats.

Sun & Insect Protection is Essential in Costa Rica

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply often. December sun can be strong. Insects are prevalent and they bite. Take the proper precautions.

In Costa Rica, the elements feel wonderfully alive—sun, mist, rainforest air, and ocean breeze all shifting as you move through the country. But with this natural beauty comes two companions you need to prepare for: strong tropical sun and the region’s ever-present insects. Protecting yourself from both not only keeps you comfortable, it allows you to enjoy each moment without interruption.

The sun in Costa Rica is powerful, even on cloudy days. Because the country lies close to the equator, UV exposure can intensify quickly—especially near water or at higher elevations like Monteverde. The gentle morning light may feel soft, but within a few hours the intensity rises, and it’s easy to underestimate how quickly sunburn can appear. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential, and reapplying every couple of hours becomes part of your travel rhythm. Think of sun protection as a form of self-care here: wide-brimmed hats that pair beautifully with resort wear, airy long-sleeved layers for daytime excursions, and sunglasses sturdy enough for both oceanfront afternoons and cloud forest hikes.

In the rainforest, insects are part of the ecosystem, from tiny mosquitos to curious ants and intricate winged species you’ll only ever see in Costa Rica. Their presence is normal and often fascinating, but a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring they don’t intrude on your experience. A gentle, effective insect repellent—preferably one designed for tropical environments—is a must, especially in the mornings and evenings when activity peaks. Opt for lightweight pants during jungle walks, bring a breathable long-sleeve layer for dusk, and choose lodging with screens or nets if you’re staying deep in nature.

For those with sensitive skin, consider reef-safe sunscreen and DEET-free repellents, both of which work beautifully in Costa Rica’s climate. And if you’re exploring coastal areas like Tamarindo or the Nicoya Peninsula, the ocean breeze helps keep insects at bay, making beach days blissfully comfortable.

Together, thoughtful sun and insect protection allow you to stay present—whether you’re crossing a misty hanging bridge, watching the sun drop into the Pacific, soaking in hot springs beneath the stars, or wandering through the rainforest where each sound and color feels like its own small miracle. A few simple precautions ensure nothing gets in the way of Costa Rica’s pura vida magic.

Why Costa Rica Is the Most Unexpectedly Perfect Holiday Escape

Costa Rica gave us one of our most memorable Christmas and New Year’s seasons—warm mornings by the water, adventurous days in the rainforest, quiet mountain sunsets, and a sense of renewal that stayed with us long after we returned home.

It’s a holiday destination that breaks the mold. A place where nature becomes the backdrop for celebration. Where the season feels more like restoration than rush, and where the year’s closing chapters unfold slowly, beautifully, and with intention.

And if Costa Rica is calling to you this holiday season, Nomadtique would love to help you write your own pura vida story.

Costa Rica: A Holiday Journey Through Pura Vida, Past and Present

Where to Begin: Choosing the Right Costa Rica Airport for a Holiday Adventure

La Fortuna for the Holidays: Warm Springs, Misty Mornings & Volcano Views

Exploring La Fortuna During the Festive Season