Why Costa Rica’s Green Season Deserves a Spot on Your Travel Calendar
When planning a tropical getaway, most travelers flock to Costa Rica during the dry season (December to April). But those in the know understand that June and July—part of the country’s lush Green Season—offer a magical window to experience the best of the rainforest, wildlife, and adventure at exceptional value.
Also called the “secret season”, these mid-year months combine sunny mornings, refreshingly short afternoon rains, vibrant green landscapes, and fewer crowds. It’s a time when nature flourishes and travelers can enjoy exclusive offers at some of the country’s most charming boutique hotels.
The Enchanting Green Season Advantage
Traveling to Costa Rica during the Green Season—which coincides with the North American summer months—is a secret well kept by seasoned travelers and nature lovers. Rather than long days of non-stop rain, the months of June through August typically offer sunny mornings, refreshing afternoon showers, and vivid natural beauty that transforms the landscape into a lush, living canvas.
But the benefits go far beyond the weather. Here’s why a Green Season escape with Enchanting Hotels is an experience you’ll want to repeat year after year:
Lush, Vibrant Landscapes
The rain breathes life back into Costa Rica’s ecosystems. From the tropical dry forests of Guanacaste to the cloud forests of Monteverde and the rainforests of Golfo Dulce, you’ll witness verdant canopies, gushing waterfalls, and colorful flora at their most striking. Trails are more alive, rivers are more dynamic, and every photo bursts with vibrant green hues.
Incredible Wildlife Viewing
With fewer tourists and revitalized habitats, wildlife is more active and easier to spot. From humpback whales arriving in Golfo Dulce to nesting birds in Palo Verde and toucans in Tilajari’s gardens, summer is a prime time for nature photography, birdwatching, and marine encounters. Night walks and early morning hikes become magical windows into Costa Rica’s wild heart.
Exclusive Offers and Greater Availability
One of the most practical advantages? Lower rates and more room availability. The Green Season allows for more flexibility in planning, access to premium rooms and packages, and fewer crowds in national parks and hot springs. It’s the perfect time to enjoy luxury and nature in peace.
Authentic Local Experiences
With fewer international tourists, the Green Season lets you experience Costa Rica at a slower, more local pace. You’ll have more time to connect with staff, learn about sustainable practices, and join in local festivals—like La Virgen del Mar celebrations in July or regional horseback parades and rodeos.
Hotels like Rancho Humo Estancia and Hacienda Guachipelín proudly showcase their Guanacaste heritage through farm-to-table cuisine, folkloric traditions, and cultural activities that feel especially intimate this time of year.
Tranquil, Soulful Atmosphere
Whether you’re practicing yoga on a jungle deck at Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, sipping coffee with a volcano view at Tilajari, or enjoying a misty sunrise in Monteverde’s cloud forest at El Establo, the Green Season delivers a slower, more serene travel experience—ideal for wellness seekers, couples, and solo travelers.
Adventures that Come Alive
Some adventures are actually better in the Green Season. Waterfalls are at their fullest, rivers flow stronger for tubing and rafting, and forests feel more alive. Ziplining through the canopy, horseback riding to hidden springs, and kayaking through mangroves all take on an extra element of wonder under the summer sky.
If you’re considering a Green Season escape in Costa Rica, look no further than Enchanting Hotels’ curated collection of sustainable, family-run, and experience-rich accommodations across the country. Here are five exceptional stays to consider:
1. Tilajari Eco-Resort – La Fortuna Region
Located on the banks of the San Carlos River, near the famous Arenal Volcano, Tilajari Eco-Resort is a peaceful retreat that shines during the Green Season. Surrounded by tropical gardens, butterfly sanctuaries, and sporting facilities, the resort is perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
June and July bring renewed life to the nearby hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Enjoy birdwatching in the early morning mist, take a canopy tour under the cover of the lush forest, or simply relax with views of grazing horses and distant volcano peaks.
2. Hacienda Guachipelín – Rincón de la Vieja, Guanacaste
For those craving adventure, Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín offers a unique stay on a working ranch near Rincón de la Vieja National Park. In July, the tropical dry forest begins to revive after months of sun, transforming into a vibrant green landscape teeming with wildlife.
The Green Season enhances river tubing, waterfall rappelling, and hiking to volcanic mud pots. After the action, soak in the naturally heated hot springs or treat yourself to a volcanic mud bath. Guachipelín perfectly combines adrenaline with rustic luxury and local flavor.
3. Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge – Golfo Dulce
Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is your private hideaway in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific, where the rainforest meets the calm waters of Golfo Dulce. Accessible only by boat and set within a private reserve, this eco-luxury lodge is a dream destination during the Green Season.
June and July are particularly special as they mark the beginning of the Southern Hemisphere humpback whale migration. Guests often spot mothers and calves breaching in the gulf, just minutes from the lodge’s dock. Combine that with yoga on a jungle deck, kayaking through mangroves, and candlelit dinners—this is barefoot luxury at its finest.
4. Rancho Humo Estancia – Palo Verde Wetlands
In the heart of the Tempisque River basin, Rancho Humo Estancia is an upscale lodge on a private reserve surrounded by wetlands and wildlife corridors. This is the place to go if you want to see Costa Rica’s birdlife and biodiversity thrive during the early rains of June and July.
From eco-boat tours and ox-cart rides to sunset cocktails overlooking the floodplain, Rancho Humo offers a tranquil and culturally rich experience. The skies may cloud over in the afternoon—but that only adds to the drama of this spectacular landscape.
5. El Establo Mountain Hotel – Monteverde
Perched in the cloud forest of Monteverde, El Establo Mountain Hotel is known for its panoramic views, mountain air, and access to one of Costa Rica’s most enchanting ecosystems. And the Green Season here is anything but gloomy—it’s alive with hummingbirds, orchids, and mist-draped trails.
In June and July, Monteverde’s trails are quieter, waterfalls stronger, and the forest more magical than ever. Whether zip-lining above the canopy or enjoying a spa day with forest views, El Establo invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
Plan Your Green Season Getaway
Traveling in June or July gives you access to a side of Costa Rica that many miss. Whether you crave adrenaline in the mountains, serenity by the sea, or the romance of the rainforest, Enchanting Hotels has a stay to match your style.
Browse the full collection of Enchanting Hotels and plan a Green Season escape you’ll never forget.
