HOW FAR AHEAD SHOULD I BOOK MY TRIP TO COSTA RICA?

If you are Inspired by images of Costa Rica’s rainforests brimming with exotic flora and fauna, steaming volcanos, and world-class beaches, you are not the one! If you're dreaming of a trip to this Central American nation and are wondering how far to book in advance, here are some pointers. Savvy travelers book early. Airlines generally release flight tickets nearly 12 months in advance, and this is an excellent opportunity to secure some of the lowest prices.  In general, when planning a trip to Costa Rica, it is always best to book in advance to guarantee services, hotels, airfares, and the availability of tours. Here is some important information about how far ahead you should book your trip to Costa Rica.

 

Sunset over Guanacaste

Plan for the high season

 

With so many North Americans flying south for the winter, and locals traveling home – it’s pivotal to book in advance if you want to visit Costa Rica during high season. Christmas and New Year periods are especially busy. Hotel rooms and buses can sell out weeks ahead, but by being savvy and using several transport links (such as a private shuttle), it’s possible to make things work. Ask us at Va Expeditions for more information about planning a trip to Costa Rica in December. The week leading up to Easter is another high season time period, though the parades and processions that take place during this time are quite unique and well worth seeing. Once again you can always as us for assistance with your Cost Rica travel plans. 

 

Costa Rica Tree Frog

Advantages of Booking Early

 

You can secure availability for your preferred tour date, tour time, and tour guide.
You can secure availability for tour transportation.
You can secure availability for every member of your travel to participate in the tour together at the same time
You can secure availability for private tours and/or private tour guides.
You can save precious vacation time by taking care of tour arrangements from home, not waiting until you’re in Costa Rica to research, book, and confirm tours and activities.

 

Arenal Hot Springs

You can save money by taking advantage of early-booking discounts.
If you choose to pay for your preferred tours and activities in advance (this isn’t always required), you can reduce the amount of cash you need to carry with you in Costa Rica or reduce the amount of foreign credit card processing fees and/or currency exchange fees charged to your credit card.
You can obtain tour confirmation documents in advance, giving you an opportunity to review the documents and rectify any mistakes.
You can travel with comfort knowing that your travel itinerary is confirmed, and peace of mind knowing what each day will bring.
You’ll know which tours and activities you’ll be experiencing which helps with the packing list! 
You’ll know which hours of each day you’ll be busy, which means you’ll also be able to plan for your downtime.
You’ll have an opportunity to research the companies behind the tours and activities you’re interested in, to ensure you select well-respected and safe tour providers.

 

Costa Rica Hummingbird

You’ll have an opportunity to seek answers to any tour-related questions you may have, to ask one of our expert Travel Designers. 
You’ll have an opportunity to submit special requests to tour operators, such as dietary requests or any other special requirement for your Costa Rica tour.
You’ll be less likely to become a victim of a booking or payment-related scam or to experience subpar tours, which can result from quick, last-minute reservations placed on a whim through unvetted sources.

 

Costa Rica Sunset

In Costa Rica, factors including favorable weather, increased wildlife and marine life activity, ideal water and wave conditions, and national holidays often translate to an above-average number of visitors and tighter tour availability. Outside of Costa Rica, international flight price hikes, worldwide pandemics, and the cost of inflation can result in fewer visitors and wider tour availability. It is impossible to account for every possible factor that weighs on the topic of availability. 

 

Whale Watching

High Season versus Low Season

From December to April is Costa Rica’s dry season. This is summer and across most of the country, this is when you’re going to have the sunniest days. This is the peak time to come, so any popular beaches, landmarks, or destinations here will be at their busiest.   If you’re going to the Caribbean Coast, the dry season there is more around September-October when they have a “mini summer” or January-March. This area is typically more humid all year, with the possibility of rain all the time. It’s similar to La Fortuna, where there is no true dry season, and the weather is hard to predict, even day-to-day. You could have a fantastic view of the Arenal Volcano early in the day and then have it completely covered in clouds and rain a few hours later.  Because this is the busiest time to visit, the crowds are the biggest during the dry season. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll need to BOOK IN ADVANCE and not just by a few days. We’re talking months ahead of time. Hotels, tours, and car rentals should be booked 4-6  months before you go and more like 8 months ahead of time if you want to come during a holiday like Christmas or Easter.

 

Horse Riding at Sunset

From May to November, Costa Rica enters the wet or rainy season. The peak of the wet season is September and October, which are the rainiest months for much of the country and should generally be avoided for travel. However, you’ll find the best (and driest) weather from August to October on the Caribbean coast, so this is a perfect time to visit places like Puerto Viejo or Tortuguero!  One of the advantages of the rainy season is how beautiful and green everything becomes. This is also the best time to see all the amazing waterfalls in Costa Rica as they are the most spectacular during this time of year.  To avoid the crowds, this is the time to come! Activities, tours, and beaches are a lot less busy. You may even find you have an entire spot to yourself! You won’t need to plan tours or book as far in advance if you’re coming during this time. You’ll also find while driving around the country, traffic isn’t as heavy, so you won’t experience those delays. If budget considerations are top of your list, then come to Costa Rica during this season. The peak and high season rates are gone, so hotels are cheaper, sometimes by as much as 30-50%. You won’t need to book a room as far in advance either.

 

Rainy Season over Monteverde

 

If you need more information about Costa Rica vacation planning contact us here and we will be happy to help!