Happy Holidays in San José

The #1 appeal of Costa Rica is the diversity of the regions, home opportunities, and adventures to experience.

You can find a variety of resources, like Howler Media, to inform yourself of the vast array of choices.

I planned my first vacation in 12 years and I was eager to see what was to come. Yes, the input of information was tremendous from social media, advertising, and promotions. But a personal referral is the one I used for my decision. You will probably discover that is the #1 referral.

Vacations here in Costa Rica…can be a lot a things to a lot of people. Rain or shine, beaches or jungles, you have your options.

The place I chose was an hour from Liberia International Airport. I can tell you a lot of advantages, some you would not care for, others you might relate to. That’s the dilemma here…everybody is different. What makes my week great may be the total opposite of what you’re seeking.

The cover photo is from a soda in the little town we stayed at. Four times we ate there, each time under $12. Plus we got to experience authentic Costa Rica hospitality and food.

The town was small, had everything you needed from stores to eating locations, two breweries and dozens of adventures to choose from.

The town was clean. Meaning, you can sense the pride a community has in the way it presents itself in the visible appeal that you witness as you drive into the rural community.

Windmills dotted the skyline as did the rolling hills and the nearby dormant volcano. The rainy period had the area bursting with green foliage.

Our small rental had just what we needed. Nothing fancy, but the essentials to eat, sleep, and shower. A small creek ran next to the cabin for a 24-hour non-stop serenade of relaxation. Plus, the birds added their chirping to the appealing atmosphere.

The adventures, like the cover photo, could be as simply dynamic as the great maze breakfast to the relaxation of soaking in the nearby turquoise river. From the coffee and chocolate tours to the wildlife adventures…we had an amazing time with each excursion.

Sure, some information I knew, some animals I’ve read about…but first-hand encounters supersede whatever you may see in print or videos.

We had time to “do” and relax. It was a great balance.

If that sort of arrangement is not for you, you can find the total opposite just a couple of hours away. Which is fine. That’s what makes Costa Rica so rich in it’s appeal to the variety of worldwide visitors she welcomes each day.

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Planning Your Trip

Planning a trip to Costa Rica means balancing weather, budget, and activity level with how independent you like to travel. The outline below hits the main choices you mentioned so you can start narrowing down dates, destinations, and style of trip.

When to go

  • The driest, sunniest weather is roughly December to mid‑April, and this is also the most crowded and expensive period.
  • May–August (“green season”) brings some daily rain but fewer crowds, richer landscapes, and slightly lower prices; September–October tend to be the rainiest and are often avoided outside of specific regions.
  • Actually…anytime is a good time, seriously.

Budget and expenses

  • A realistic mid‑range budget is roughly 60,000–65,000 Costa Rican colones per person per day (around 100–110 USD) for private rooms, a mix of paid activities, and eating out.
  • With flights and activities, a one‑week mid‑range trip often falls under about 2,000 USD per person, while two‑week itineraries commonly land in the 3,000 USD‑per‑person range if you move around and do tours.
  • Here’s where researching all the options in the area pays off. Don’t disregard having a tour guide. They are trained to provide valuable information to you.

Adventures and fitness level

  • Popular adventures include zip‑lining, white‑water rafting, surfing, volcano hikes, wildlife night walks, and canyoning, many of which have minimum fitness/health requirements and sometimes weight limits.
  • If you have heart, joint, or balance concerns, prioritize shorter guided hikes, hot springs, wildlife boat tours, or easier canopy walks instead of long, steep jungle treks.
  • We had one hike that was very exhausting. Yet, people older than me (I’m 64) were enduring the rocky, challenging trail.

Safety, guides, and going alone

  • Costa Rica is generally considered one of the safer countries in the region, but petty theft and occasional muggings do occur, so you need to be careful with valuables and avoid poorly lit or remote areas at night.
  • Independent travel between well‑known towns is straightforward, but certified guides are strongly recommended for remote hikes, night walks, and adventure sports because they improve both safety and wildlife spotting.
  • Just use common sense. Which can range from “hold my beer, watch this…” to staying with a group of people, not wearing flashy jewelry, and leaving cash in safe hidden places.

Where to stay and how to eat

  • Hotels are best if you want on‑site services and easy tour pickups; condos or Airbnbs suit longer stays and families; small lodges and B&Bs give more local character and often include breakfast. Condos like Lake Arenal Condo is a great option to consider.
  • Eating out three times a day adds up, so many travelers choose places with at least a mini‑kitchen, cook simple breakfasts or some dinners, and then eat one main meal out to keep costs and effort balanced.
  • There are local stores to get the basic food items. Depending on the area, a good pork rib package can range from $5 to $15. The high touristy locations….expect larger price tags.
  • Once again, use local suggestions on eating out.

What is within a two-hour trip?

  • So what if you chose a day to drive a couple of hours to experience other adventures? We were in a location to access dozens of beaches, more volcanoes, Lake Arenal, adventure parks, and more.
  • Options…where is the spot that offer you and your family the most the opportunities?

Summary quiz:

The place we went to for a week was:

  • San Jose
  • Tamarindo
  • Bijagua
  • Puntarenas
  • Limon
  • My full budget was:
  • $750
  • $1000
  • $1250

Happy Holidays in San José: As a Costa Rican who loves this small, beautiful paradise, I feel absolutely blessed that my birthplace is so rich in nature, culture, customs and folklore. It’s a proud heritage, nurtured by humble people committed to keeping alive the abundance of time-honored traditions for future generations.

Holy Days, or “días de los Santos,”
are taken seriously but in the
most festive-spirited sense.

When it comes to celebrating the year-end holidays, or “fiestas de fin de año”, there are so many uniquely Costa Rican flavors and flourishes that make the experience truly special. With a predominantly Roman Catholic population, it’s a country where holy days, or “día de los Santos,” are taken seriously but in the most festive-spirited sense. In fact, “fiestas” have a symbolically religious significance, bringing families together from all different parts of the country to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. Other reasons to celebrate are the end of the school year and vacations being around the corner for both private and public sectors.

The delicious smell of tamales can be found wafting from almost every corner of the country. These are not just any tamales, but the traditional Tico version of a corn flour tortilla filled with stew ingredients — likely from a treasured family recipe — and wrapped in banana leaves. Tamales are a must-have taste treat, synonymous with Christmas in Costa Rica.

High season, starting in November, is so-named for the upsurge in national and international tourists. An obvious draw is the transition to the drier and sunnier weather in December and summer’s onset in January. But what better time for Costa Rican vacation plans to include joining in the local holiday festivities?

San José, translated as “Saint Joseph” and named in honor of Joseph of Nazareth, is Costa Rica’s capital and largest city. As the biggest population hub, it is where most holiday events, concerts and fiestas take place. The museums, schools, universities, art galleries, water parks and multi-cultural attractions, as well as colonial infrastructure, set San José apart as the ideal vacation spot for adults and children alike.

Must-Do Activities in San José

Festival de la Luz • Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.

festival-de-la-luz-san-jose-costa-rica

In its 23rd year, San José’s “Festival de la Luz” (Festival of Lights) is unlike any other celebration in Costa Rica, attracting over a million spectators annually. Each year features a different theme with a parade of floats, masquerade dancers, typical Costa Rican bands and dancers and fireworks. This festival is associated with the capital city’s year-end festivities. It all starts at 6 p.m. with fireworks from the roofs of the tallest city buildings. The parade can be viewed anywhere along its two-mile (3.2 kilometer) route, starting from the Gimnacio Nacional and entering Paseo Colón to reach Plaza de la Democrácia.

More information: www.festivaldelaluz.cr

Zapote • Dec. 25 – Jan. 3

zapote-costa-rica

This end-of-year celebration, also known as a mega-fest, takes place in the eastern San José district of  Zapote. Lasting 10 days, a variety of activities are offered for all tastes and ages — a little bit of everything. That includes the famed Tico-style bull riding in the “Redondel” (bullring). Attendees can also enjoy dozens of rides, parades, national and international concerts, mega-bars and nightly fireworks. Your appetite can be satisfied in many delicious ways, from fast food to traditional Costa Rican carnival food. Christmas and New Year’s Eve feature even bigger celebrations in Campo Ferial Zapote, accompanied by music, food and of course, plenty of fireworks.

More information: www.fiestaszapote.com

Tope Nacional • Dec. 26 at noon

Topes are parades showcasing beautiful horses, horsemanship and cowboy outfits. San José’s “Tope Nacional” is one of the largest and most spectacular events of its kind, hosting about five thousand riders and more than a million viewers. Horse owners and farmers from across the country come to the capital to show off their prized horses and riding skills. Since Costa Rica is rich in farming and ranching tradition, Tope Nacional has become a holiday tradition for many Ticos. It takes place in Avenida Segunda starting at noon with a parade of horsemen, masquerades and comparsas filling the streets with music and joy. If you want to be part of the fun, don’t forget your cowboy hat, blue jeans and boots!

More information:

facebook.com/fiestassjo or detope.com

Pedregal Bull Riding: “Toros a la Tica” • Dec. 25 – 31

Pedregal-Bull-Riding-Toros-a-la-Tica

While the Zapote bullring remains the traditional bull riding venue, Pedregal’s “Toros a la Tica” has drawn its own following in recent years. The six-day event features a bull riding championship, rodeos, live music, food and more. Admission costs 8,000 colones ($16) for adults and 5,0000 colones ($10) for children. Centro de Eventos Predregal in Belén, west of San José.

More information: facebook.com/TOROSalaTICAOficial

Fiestas de Palmares • Jan.13 – 22

fiesta-de-palmares-costa-rica

Celebrating the patron saint of Palmares, this fiesta includes horse  parades, live music concerts, the “Festival Ranchero,” fireworks, mega-bars and much more. It all takes place in Palmares, Alajuela, which is quick and easy to access from San José city center.

More information:

facebook.com/FiestasPalmares2018

or acp@fiestaspalmares.com

Iluminacion de la Fachada del Museo de los Niños • Dec. 1 at 6:30 pm.

Iluminacion-Fachada-del-Museo-de-los-Niños

Every year on Dec.1, San Jose’s “Museo de los Niños” (Children´s Museum) facade is illuminated with a light show, accompanied by music and entertainment. This free event includes a video on the facade of the building, lighting of over 4,000 lights, dancers, actors and fantasy characters to delight the youngest at heart. Lining up Calle 4, at Centro Costarricense de Ciencia y la Cultura complex, will be a “safe zone” with activities for families starting at 1 p.m. that afternoon.

More information: www.museocr.org or facebook.com/museodelosninoscr

Asociación Pro Hospital Nacional de Niños – Parque Diversiones

Asociacion-Pro-Hospital-Nacional-Niños-Parque-Diversiones-costa-rica-

This amusement park is sure to amuse everyone. Enjoy fun-filled times on roller coaster, water coaster and many other favorite thrilling rides, plus a train and arcade. Throughout December, the park will be decked out in Christmas decor and offering special seasonal activities, including live music and dances. Parque Diversiones is located in La Uruca, two kilometers west of Hospital Mexico, Avenida 59, San José.

More information: www.parquediversiones.com

Teatro Nacional • Various December Dates

teatro-nacional-costa-rica

The National Theater fits prominently into the holiday traditions of many Costa Ricans wanting to enjoy a concert or dance performance in this spectacular venue before it closes for the year. Located in the heart of San José, Avenida 2, Calle 1, the country’s so-called “crown jewel” is featuring the following playbill lineup for 2018:

12th Annual End-of-Season Concert conducted by Carl St. Clair

Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

“Alicia en el País de las Maravillas”

Dec. 7 — 16, various times

A newly minted Costa Rican tradition is to watch this holiday take on the famous fairytale, Alice in Wonderland. The performance brings together the country’s best classical ballet, contemporary, urban and jazz dancers.

Navidad Espectacular: “Los Tenores”

Dec. 21 — 22

The renowned Costa Rican musical group of four talented singers performs traditional and pop holiday songs.

More information: www.teatronacional.go.cr

In the same Tico spirit of celebrating Christmas, every corner of San José, every house and every street will be beautifully decorated, as well as all the shopping centers and plazas. We make time in our schedules to take in all the sights and sounds of the season.

Over the years, we have adopted different traditions from other countries, only to make them our own like drinking rompope, our version of eggnog. We merge them with the culture and traditions that define us as Costa Ricans but of course, without losing our own identity. Our essence is to be preserved and protected at the roots for coming generations to pass on in turn.

Spanish Terms:

Comparsa: a group of singers, musicians and dancers that take part in carnivals and other festivities in Spain and Latin America.

Fiesta: Spanish for festival or party, including religious festivals in some traditional cultures.

Masquerade: Event or activity where participants wear masks and costumes.

THANK YOU!

Mónica Barrios Jerez