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
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Discover Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Quest
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Classic Costa Rica
- The Best of Costa Rica
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
- Exotic Costa Rica
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park
131 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was a comprehensive sample of Costa Rica. All the connections were very knowledgeable and friendly.”
Anita, traveled in December
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 10 to 99 year olds 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 $1,975
10% Off- US$1,778You save $197
Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From the Caribbean to the Pacific and the mountains in between this journey showcased the amazing flora and fauna of this most diverse Central American country.”
Michelle, traveled in February
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 4 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
10% Off- US$3,099
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The river trip and the San Antonio national park, but all of it was fantastic!”
Karen, traveled in December
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Sarchi, Grecia, Poas Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 10 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,490
18% Off- US$2,030You save $460
Discover Costa Rica
111 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A cornucopia of flora and fauna, well presented. Wonderful experience.”
Donald, traveled in March
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 16 to 99 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 8 spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 8 spaces left From $4,948
14% Off- US$4,245You save $703
Costa Rica Quest
291 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The country is beautiful and very safe. The activities and hotel locations were great.”
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $1,299
25% Off- US$974You save $324
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very efficient in seeing and experiencing a lot of the country in a little amount of time.”
Jerronaka, traveled in July
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures January departure dates
See All Departure Dates24 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 31 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $849
25% Off- US$637You save $212
Classic Costa Rica
56 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw so much and experienced so much.”
Margaret, traveled in March
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 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 3 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,405
25% Off- US$1,804You save $601
The Best of Costa Rica
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels and transfers were all top notch.”
Marianne, traveled in October
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Tortuga Island Age Range up to 99 year olds 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 $1,728
10% Off- US$1,556You save $172
Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were extremely pleased with the TourRadar package we purchased to tour Costa Rica. We highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see that beautiful country.”
Stephen, traveled in October
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range 10 to 99 year olds 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 $1,703
10% Off- US$1,533You save $170
Exotic Costa Rica
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They have give us a lot of information adapting into the tour all our requirements, top service.”
JosepRiudavets, traveled in April
Duration 8 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Bijagua, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 10 to 99 year olds 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 $2,400
10% Off- US$2,160You save $240
What people love about Costa Rica Tours in January
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
A fantastic tour in a beautiful country. A memory I’ll never forget
- Journeys: Explore Costa Rica National Geographic Journeys
We really enjoyed the diversity of the locations visited and the wildlife that we saw on the tour. The tour was very well planned, the guide was excellent, and the included activities were great. We are in our mid-20s and were the youngest people on our tour (a few under 50 but most were 50+) but we still had an amazing experience.
- Costa Rica Experience
This was a really enjoyable tour. Although it was only 9 days long, with days 1 and 9 being arrival and departure days, we managed to pack quite a bit in. The tour group was limited to 12 people which meant we had opportunity to get to know one another. Our tour leader, Imalay, was very knowledgeable and passionate about her country. Although the tour brochure gave this a physical rating of 2 out of 5 I would have thought it was a little closer to 3 as there was quite a bit of walking, often over rough surfaces including alongside Arenal volcano and in wet, slippery conditions. There are no meals included so you will need to budget for that both in terms of money and time to go out and buy food. Accommodation was ok. We saw plenty of wildlife including a sloth hanging out in the trees at one of our hotels! Overall, this was a really enjoyable tour.
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!"