Costa Rica’s most beloved season has arrived — the Dry Season, known locally as verano. From December through April, the country awakens under endless blue skies, golden beaches, and vibrant outdoor life. Across both coasts and in every rainforest valley, nature glows with the aftereffects of the rains: rivers still flow, forests shimmer in emerald hues, and every sunrise feels like an invitation to explore. For travelers, it’s the perfect moment to rediscover Costa Rica’s diversity — from the volcanic slopes of Guanacaste to the tranquil rainforests of the Osa Peninsula and the colorful Caribbean coast — through the warm hospitality of the Enchanting Hotels Collection.
The Enchanting Hotels Collection brings together some of Costa Rica’s most inspiring boutique properties — places where nature, comfort, and authentic local character blend seamlessly. From rainforest eco-lodges and beachfront hideaways to wellness retreats and adventure-rich mountain hotels, each member of the collection is independently owned and deeply committed to sustainability, community, and personalized hospitality. Whether you’re seeking serenity, exploration, or a connection to Costa Rica’s vibrant landscapes and cultures, Enchanting Hotels offers a curated journey through the country’s most extraordinary destinations.
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The Magic of Costa Rica’s Dry Season
The Dry Season in Costa Rica brings more than sunshine — it brings clarity. Skies turn brilliant blue, ocean visibility improves for snorkeling and diving, and trails open wide for hiking and exploration.
Average daytime temperatures hover between 28–32°C (82–90°F), with cool evenings in the highlands and consistent sunshine along the Pacific coast. This is when Costa Rica’s national parks, waterfalls, and beaches are at their best.
Whether your dream is a rainforest yoga retreat, an oceanfront escape, or a volcano adventure, this is the season to live Pura Vida in full color.
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Guanacaste: The Golden Coast of Adventure
In Guanacaste, sunshine reigns supreme. The Dry Season transforms this northwestern region into a playground of outdoor adventure.
At Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín, on the slopes of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, guests can zipline through canyons, float down the Río Negro, explore nature trails, and unwind in mineral-rich hot springs and volcanic mud baths.
Nearby, Nammbú Bungalows and Bosque del Mar embrace the coast’s golden glow, offering beachfront luxury and calm turquoise waters ideal for swimming and sunset strolls.
An adventure-lover’s paradise located at the foot of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Guests enjoy ziplining, river tubing, canyoning, hot springs, volcanic mud baths, and miles of nature trails — all within a working ranch and protected dry-forest setting.
A stylish beachfront escape overlooking one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful bays. Nammbú offers airy, modern bungalows, panoramic ocean views, and easy access to Playa Carrillo’s calm, swimmable waters and golden sands.
A nature-rich eco-estancia set within the wetlands of Palo Verde, one of Costa Rica’s most important bird habitats. Rancho Humo offers wildlife boat tours, sunrise birdwatching, gourmet farm-to-table cuisine, and an immersive experience in Guanacaste’s savannas and marshlands.
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Southern Serenity: Rainforest Meets the Sea
In the southern Pacific, Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is where the rainforest kisses the ocean. Set within a private reserve on the shores of the Golfo Dulce, this eco-luxury lodge is surrounded by pristine jungle and calm, emerald waters.
During the Dry Season, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling flourish under clear skies, while wildlife — from scarlet macaws to dolphins — remains abundant. Nicuesa recently achieved Elite status in Costa Rica’s Sustainable Tourism Certificate (CST), reaffirming its leadership in responsible travel and conservation.
Just north, perched above the coastline of Bahía Ballena, Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel blends comfort with sweeping Pacific views. Its hillside location means sunny days, gentle breezes, and panoramic sunsets over the Marino Ballena National Park — home of the famous Whale’s Tail sandbar. Guests enjoy spacious suites, a serene pool area, lush gardens, and easy access to whale-watching tours, beaches, and coastal rainforest trails.
Together, the southern region’s hotels — from Nicuesa’s secluded jungle haven to Cristal Ballena’s panoramic hillside escape — offer a softer, more intimate side of Costa Rica’s Dry Season.
A remote eco-luxury lodge accessible only by boat, nestled between the rainforest and a tranquil gulf. Offering award-winning sustainability, farm-to-table cuisine, and abundant wildlife, Nicuesa is ideal for travelers seeking nature, serenity, and wellness.
A hillside boutique hotel overlooking the shimmering Pacific and Marino Ballena National Park. Cristal Ballena offers spacious suites, a tranquil pool area, tropical gardens, and panoramic sunsets — all just minutes from whale watching, pristine beaches, and coastal rainforest trails.
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Caribbean Charm: Almonds & Corals and Manatus Tortuguero
The Caribbean coast follows its own rhythm, with sunshine alternating with soft tropical rains that keep the jungle lush and vibrant.
At Almonds & Corals Boutique Hotel, located between the jungle and sea in Manzanillo, guests experience the essence of Caribbean wellness — hammocks, coral-colored sunsets, and the soothing sound of the surf.
Farther north in Tortuguero, Manatus Hotel offers comfort amid canals and wildlife. Boat safaris reveal toucans, monkeys, and the occasional manatee gliding through the water — a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.
A unique jungle-meets-beach retreat where elevated walkways wind through tropical forest to beautifully styled tented rooms. This eco-chic lodge blends Caribbean culture, nature, and relaxation just steps from the sea.
One of Tortuguero’s most comfortable and exclusive lodges, offering spacious air-conditioned suites, fine dining, and a serene riverside setting. Boat tours from Manatus take guests deep into the canals to spot monkeys, toucans, river turtles, and more.
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Why Travel During Costa Rica’s Dry Season?
With sunshine stretching across coastlines and clear skies unveiling the country’s most dazzling landscapes, the Dry Season is when Costa Rica feels wide open and effortlessly welcoming. Whether you’re chasing beaches, wildlife, culture, or adventure, this is the time when every region is at its brightest and most accessible. It’s no wonder travelers from around the world plan their escapes around this season of warmth, clarity, and natural beauty.
- Perfect Weather: Long, sunny days are ideal for beaches, hikes, and photography.
- Vibrant Nature: Rivers still flow, and wildlife is active after the rains.
- Outdoor Living: Surf, snorkel, zipline, or simply relax under palm trees.
- Smooth Travel: Roads and trails are at their best for exploration.
- Festival Season: From Christmas to Easter, communities come together to celebrate with color, music, and tradition.
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Planning Your Sunny Escape
Once you’ve decided to embrace Costa Rica’s Dry Season, a little preparation goes a long way in making your trip seamless and unforgettable. From booking boutique, sustainability-certified stays to mixing regions for the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, planning the right way ensures you make the most of this iconic season. Here are a few simple tips to help you create a sunshine-filled itinerary with Enchanting Hotels.
- Book Early: The Dry Season is peak travel time; secure your stays at Enchanting Hotels well in advance.
- Mix Regions: Combine adventure in Guanacaste, the calm of the rainforest in the South, and Caribbean culture for a full experience.
- Stay Sustainable: Each Enchanting Hotel holds Costa Rica’s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST) or has incorporated sustainable practices into its daily operations, ensuring your trip benefits both nature and local communities.
- Pack Smart: Sunscreen, reusable water bottle, breathable clothes, and your sense of wonder.
Live the Sunshine Season
From sunrise yoga under the rainforest canopy to sunset cocktails by the Pacific, Costa Rica’s Dry Season invites you to reconnect with nature, adventure, and yourself. It’s the time when the country glows brightest and life slows to the rhythm of the waves.
Whether your journey leads you to Hacienda Guachipelín’s volcanic trails, Nicuesa’s rainforest sanctuary, or the Caribbean calm of Almonds & Corals, the Enchanting Hotels Collection welcomes you to experience Costa Rica at its most radiant.
