5 Reasons to visit Costa Rica now in off-season, and where to go

I love traveling in off-season. High season travelers and summer vacationers are gone. Back to school and back to work, which means better travel opportunities for me and you.

Off-season is when crowds disappear and prices drop, as hotels, tour operators and airlines look to attract travelers with deep discounts.

Granted, it's not the low season for nothing. In Costa Rica, it is rainy season … but, after all, if you are going to visit a rainforest or a cloud forest, you should expect some rain and clouds! The positive side of Costa Rica in "green season" is that the rain creates lush green landscapes, rushing rivers (think: whitewater rafting!), and a cool respite from the blazing hot tropical sun. Mornings during "green season" are almost always sunny, and some days it may not rain at all.

So, if you've been saving up those vacation days, now is the best time to visit Costa Rica.

Top 5 Advantages to Visiting Costa Rica in Low Season:

• Avoid the crowds.
• Lower prices and special offers.
• Nature tours with just you and nature … rather than hordes of tourists roaming the same trails. (Possible rate discounts, too.)
• More relax time. Enjoy Costa Rica at a local's pace. Use that afternoon rain for a hammock snooze!
• Lower airline fares; or use your frequent-flier miles for greater savings than in high season.

6 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica in Off-Season:

#1: Grano de Oro Hotel, San Jose

If you're flying into Costa Rica'smain international airport, Juan Santamaria, in the San Jose metropolitan area, you'll probably need a place to stay for your first and last nights. Be downtown close to the city's museums and cultural attractions.

#2: Royal Corin Hotel, Arenal Volcano

Biggest news is the Arenal Volcano is puffing out clouds of water vapor, showing renewed signs of life. Stay front and center at the live volcano in luxury with on-site hot springs.

 

#3: Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort, Manuel Antonio

You'll want to get lost forever in this paradise of rainforest and secluded beaches by the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park.

#4: Cuna del Angel Hotel, Dominical

Dominical, on the Southern Pacific Coast,is a natural beauty – an oasis of tropical black sand beaches and world-class surfing. It's Humpback Whale-watching season through October!

#5: Lapa Rios Eco Lodge, Osa Peninsula

Home to the world-famous Corcovado National Park, the Osa Peninsula is one of the most impressive regions of Costa Rica for its vast protected wilderness areas. Lapa Rios pioneered sustainable tourism in Costa Rica.

#6: Harmony Hotel, Nosara, Guanacaste

Long sandy beaches, pristine surf breaks, forest, wildlife, sun, and peace are your companions at Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula of Guanacaste.

Camino Travel is a fully-licensed incoming tour operator in Costa Rica, with more than 22 years of experience.

By Shannon Farley