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Travelers looking for sunny shores, history-filled cities, and remarkable food this winter can’t go wrong with Latin America, a region known for its stunning attractions and fascinating cultures.
Though many associate this time of year with gloomy skies and frigid temperatures, there’s one gorgeous country located south of the U.S. that’s currently defying all expectations through its crystal-clear skies, welcoming atmosphere, and beachy allure.
So, if you’re planning on taking a well-deserved vacation anytime soon, here’s why now might be the best time to explore the wonders of Costa Rica.
Flight Prices Are At Their Lowest
One of the main reasons why you’ll want to book your tickets to Costa Rica right now is that flight prices will soon be at their lowest annual rates.
According to Skyscanner’s airfare comparison tool, January is by far the cheapest month to fly from the U.S. to Costa Rica, with plane tickets hovering around $155 per person, as opposed to the $261 or $244 you’d have to pay in June or November, respectively.
Taking advantage of the price drops this time of year could potentially save a group of four people up to $424 in travel costs alone.
So, whether you’re looking to snag some budget-friendly flights yourself or searching for that perfect holiday present for someone you love, January plane tickets to Costa Rica would be the perfect choice.
The Weather Is As Good As It Gets
December marks the beginning of the dry season in Costa Rica, making winter one of the very best times to fully enjoy the dreamy beaches the country is so widely known for.
Temperatures in most coastal locations this time of year hover around 80°F and 90°F (26.7°C and 32.2°C), while sunshine is abundant and precipitation as low as it gets – in short, it’s the perfect weather for a warm winter getaway that’ll help you escape the gloomy skies back home.
Adventurous travelers, in particular, will find January and February to be the perfect time for outdoor excursions, hikes, and climbs that aren’t interrupted by heavy rains.
The absence of temperamental weather conditions also makes it easier for nature lovers to spot Costa Rica’s world-renowned wildlife, so make sure to add a national park or two (Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, and Tortuguero would be my top picks) to your travel itinerary.
It Will Be An Event-Filled Winter
Though Costa Rica always boasts that vibrant, Latin American charm we’ve come to know and love, the country truly comes alive during the winter months through its many events and festivals that provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the local culture in its truest form.
One of the undeniable highlights of the winter event calendar is the Fiestas de Zapote, an annual festival in San Jose that features bullfighting, rodeos, and traditional Costa Rican music, just to name a few.
This year, the festival is set to take place between December 25th, 2023, and January 5th, 2024, so if your travel schedule is flexible enough, definitely try to time your visit so that it coincides with what many believe to be Costa Rica’s most iconic event.
If you’re planning to fly to the country a bit later in January, you can always attend the long-awaited Palmares festival, which is a massive celebration full of parades, concerts, and entertaining acts.
The event always starts on the second Thursday of the year, which, in 2024, coincides with January 11th, and ends on the month’s third Sunday, or, in this case, January 21st.
There’s A Lot To See
While Costa Rica is a perennial favorite among avid sightseers across the world, winter comes with a unique set of views and experiences that are bound to leave you a bit breathless.
January, for example, marks the peak of sea turtle nesting season on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Remember the Tortuguero National Park I mentioned earlier?
That’s where you can take some fascinating guided tours and witness the incredible spectacle of sea turtles laying their eggs this time of year.
Winter is also the best time for birdwatching in the country, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Manuel Antonio National Park, in particular, are prime locations for those looking to spot a wide array of toucans, parrots, and vibrant hummingbirds in their natural habitats.
Last but certainly not least, now is the perfect time to lie back and bask under the Costa Rican sun in one of the many world-class beaches that dot the region, including (but not limited to) Playa Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and Conchal.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com