I adore exploring destinations during the off-season. The hustle and bustle of high-season travelers and summer vacationers have faded away, making way for a quieter and more serene travel experience. With everyone back to school and back to work, this period offers enhanced travel opportunities for both you and me.

The off-season is characterized by dwindling crowds and reduced prices as hotels, tour operators, and airlines entice travelers with substantial discounts. While it may be the low season, especially in Costa Rica, where it coincides with the rainy season, it brings unique charms. If you’re planning to explore a rainforest or cloud forest, anticipate occasional rain and clouds. The positive aspect of Costa Rica’s “green season” lies in the lush green landscapes, rushing rivers (ideal for whitewater rafting!), and a refreshing break from the scorching tropical sun. Mornings in the “green season” are typically sunny, and some days may remain rain-free.

If you’ve been accumulating those vacation days, now is the optimal time to visit Costa Rica.

Here are the top 5 advantages of visiting Costa Rica in the low season:

  1. Avoid the crowds.
  2. Benefit from lower prices and special offers.
  3. Indulge in nature tours with just you and the natural surroundings, avoiding crowds of tourists on the same trails. (Potential rate discounts, too.)
  4. Enjoy more relaxation time, savoring Costa Rica at a local’s pace. Utilize the afternoon rain for a peaceful hammock snooze!
  5. Take advantage of lower airline fares or use your frequent-flier miles for greater savings compared to the high season.

Additionally, here are the 6 best places to visit in Costa Rica during the off-season:

#1: Grano de Oro Hotel, San Jose If you’re flying into Costa Rica’s main international airport, Juan Santamaria, in the San Jose metropolitan area, consider staying at Grano de Oro Hotel for your first and last nights. It’s conveniently located downtown, close to the city’s museums and cultural attractions.

#2: Royal Corin Hotel, Arenal Volcano Experience the excitement of the Arenal Volcano, displaying renewed signs of life with clouds of water vapor. Stay luxuriously close to the live volcano with on-site hot springs at the Royal Corin Hotel.

#3: Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort, Manuel Antonio Lose yourself in the paradise of rainforest and secluded beaches near the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park at Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort.

#4: Cuna del Angel Hotel, Dominical Explore the natural beauty of Dominical on the Southern Pacific Coast, an oasis of tropical black sand beaches and world-class surfing. It’s also Humpback Whale-watching season through October!

#5: Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, Osa Peninsula Discover the impressive Osa Peninsula, home to the world-famous Corcovado National Park, and stay at Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, a pioneer in sustainable tourism in Costa Rica.

#6: Guanacaste Lodge, Flamingo, Guanacaste Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Flamingo on the province of Guanacaste, where long sandy beaches, pristine surf breaks, lush forests, diverse wildlife, and serene peace await you.