Share the article
Last updated
Travelers looking for sunny shores, cities full of history and remarkable food this winter can’t go wrong in Latin America, a region known for its stunning attractions and fascinating cultures.
While many associate this time of year with gloomy skies and frigid temperatures, there is one beautiful country south of the US that is currently defying all expectations with its crystal clear skies, welcoming atmosphere and beachy allure.
So if you’re planning on taking a well-deserved vacation soon, now might be the best time to explore the wonders of Costa Rica.
Flight prices are at their lowest
One of the main reasons you’ll want to book your tickets to Costa Rica now is that flight prices will soon be at their lowest annual rates.
According to from Skyscanner Airfare comparison tool January is by far the cheapest month to fly from the US to Costa Rica, with airfares hovering around $155 per person, as opposed to the $261 or $244 you’d pay in June or November.
By taking advantage of the price drops at this time of year, a group of four can save up to $424 in travel costs alone.
So whether you want to book some budget-friendly flights for yourself or are looking for that perfect holiday gift for someone you love, flights to Costa Rica in January are the perfect choice.
The weather is as good as it gets
December marks the start of the dry season in Costa Rica, making winter one of the best times to fully enjoy the dreamy beaches the country is so famous for.
Temperatures in most coastal locations fluctuate around this time of year 80°F and 90°F (26.7°C and 32.2°C), while the sun is plentiful and the precipitation is as low as it can be – in short, it’s the perfect weather for a warm winter holiday that will help you escape the gloomy skies at home .
Adventurous travelers in particular will find January and February the perfect time for outdoor excursions, hikes and climbs uninterrupted by heavy rain.
The absence of temperamental weather conditions also makes it easier for nature lovers to spot Costa Rica’s world-famous wildlife, so be sure to add a national park or two (Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, and Tortuguero would be my top picks) to your itinerary. .
It will be a winter full of events
While Costa Rica always boasts the vibrant, Latin American charm we have come to know and love, the country really comes alive during the winter months with the many events and festivals that offer visitors the chance to experience the local culture in its truest form. .
One of the undeniable highlights of the winter events calendar is the Fiestas de Zapote, an annual festival in San Jose that features bullfighting, rodeos and traditional Costa Rican music, to name a few.
This year the festival takes place between December 25, 2023 and January 5, 2024, so if your itinerary is flexible enough, be sure to plan your visit to coincide with what many consider to be Costa Rica’s most popular festival. iconic event.
If you’re planning to fly into the country a little later in January, you can always attend the highly anticipated Palmares Festival, a big party full of parades, concerts and fun acts.
The event always starts on the second Thursday of the year, which in 2024 coincides with January 11, and ends on the third Sunday of the month, or in this case January 21.
There is much to see
Although Costa Rica is a perennial favorite among avid tourists around the world, winter brings with it a unique set of views and experiences that will undoubtedly leave you a little breathless.
For example, January marks the peak of sea turtle nesting season on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Remember the Tortuguero National Park I mentioned earlier?
There you can take some fascinating tours and witness the incredible spectacle of sea turtles laying their eggs at this time of year.
Winter is also the best time for birdwatching in the country, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Manuel Antonio National Park in particular are prime locations for those wanting to spot a wide range of toucans, parrots and vibrant hummingbirds in their natural habitat . habitats.
Last but certainly not least, this is the perfect time to kick back and bask under the Costa Rican sun at one of the many world-class beaches found in the region, including (but not limited to) Playa Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo and Conchal. .
Read more:
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans for 2023 from $10 per week
How to easily earn points for free travel
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
