Costa Rica: The Perfect Spring Break Destination
Those cold winter months of January to April in the Northern Hemisphere are the perfect time to head out somewhere warm to soak up some sun and enjoy great summer activities. In Costa Rica, this period is known as Dry Season, and is extremely popular among groups and families, who book our spring break vacation packages as far in advance as possible, while the best hotels still have space.
Semana Santa: One of Costa RIca's Busiest Times
One of the busiest travel weeks of the year is the week preceding the Easter holiday, Holy Week or Semana Santa, as it is called here. As one of the most important weeks on the Catholic Calendar, Semana Santa is full of rich cultural celebrations, parades, rodeos, fireworks and food! Everyone takes a week off from work, banks close and public transportation comes to a halt. With all the local travelers and their families heading out to the coast or the mountains, hotels have very little space left for the flux of international travelers hoping to visit that week.
At this time of year all the hotels, bars and restaurants are open for business and many offer special entertainment or activities. The atmosphere is light and full of care-free fiestas, perfect for families, couples, school groups and pretty much anyone looking for some fun in the sun. It pays if you can be a little flexible with your travel dates. If you have the freedom to travel into the week following Semana Santa, many hotels drop to low season rates!
Is it Better To Visit Costa Rica in March or April?
The weather is virtually identical, with a slight chance of rain toward the end of April and early May. But a much larger deciding factor is Easter Week. We suggest avoiding travel during the height of it, as that is one of the busiest domestic travel days of the year for Costa Ricans.
If you are looking to enhance your children’s learning experience while on the spring break, just check with our travel consultants; they'll incorporate your child’s curriculum into your Costa Rica vacation with tours to the rainforest, volcanoes, and local cultural centers for a truly enriching stay that brings the classroom to life!
You cannot book too early when it comes to escaping the winter cold during Costa Rica’s busiest season. If you are able to, then get in early! Leaving it to the last minute is likely to leave you disappointed—don't wait to get in touch with our experienced travel consultants and they will be able to help tailor your vacation well ahead of time leaving you to relax and look forward to your upcoming trip.
What Places are Less Safe in Costa Rica for Spring Break?
Most on-path tourist destinations are quite safe, statistically. The higher crime areas of Costa Rica are concentrated in its larger metro areas: downtown San Jose, Alajuela, Limon, and Puntarenas.
If for any reason you cannot escape the cold this year, you may wish to lock-in your reservations early, for next year, with an interest-free payment plan. That way you can solidify your reservations on all the best hotels and tours with just 10% down.
Costs and Budgets for Spring Break in Costa Rica
It’s common to have lots of questions. Let us help you with some guidelines and estimates.
What's the Cost of a Spring Break Trip for a Family of Four?
Well, that depends. But below are some general cost guidelines for a theoretical family group consisting of two adults and two kids, traveling for seven nights. The trip cost estimates below include: lodging, private transport and two adventure tours.
Please note, these costs are for in-country expenses only and do not include international airfare. Because flights can comprise a very large portion of your trip cost, we suggest you start searching for airfare immediately. Check out our guide to finding affordable flights to Costa Rica.
Trip Cost Estimate - Costa Rica Family Spring Break
- Who: Two adults, two kids
- Where: Two destinations
- When: Mar 4 to Mar 11 (seven nights)
- To Do: Two adventure tours
- Transfers: All needed ground transfers from/to airports, hotels, and activities are included, with private vans
Rough Estimates:
- Affordable: $4,900
- Moderate: $5,875
- Deluxe: $7,250
Is Costa Rica Good for Spring Break?
YES! For most travelers, Costa Rica is a fantastic Spring Break destination. It’s extremely safe, offers a wide variety of destinations, lodging options and different “vibes” from which to choose. But fair warning: Costa Rica is NOT a hardcore party destination like some U.S. spring breaking hotspots, nor is it as affordable as some resort-heavy locations. But for a traveler seeking something unique and authentic, while still offering some fun & nightlife, Costa Rica is an outstanding spring break option.
Is Costa Rica Crowded During Spring Break?
That depends heavily on the specific destination and your definition of crowded. We rarely see any crowded beaches on par with say, Cancun or Daytona Beach. But there are towns and beaches that are busier than others. There are still plenty of lesser known destinations in Costa Rica that allow travelers an escape from the hustle and bustle. But for those seeking fun, sun and the opportunity to to mingle with fellow travelers, there are beaches that cater more to that audience.
Costa Rica’s Weather During Spring Break
Good news! The weather patterns in Costa Rica during the weeks generally associated with Spring Break are some of the absolute best weather all year. Costa Rica is famous for dozens of micro-climates, so you can also fine-tune your desire for heat & sun by selecting destinations that have more or less of each. For example, beaches further north receive less rainfall than those in the south. This is far less relevant in March and early April, when rainfall country-wide is very limited.
Safety tips for Spring Breakers
- Do not rent a car. It’s far safer to use private or public transport.
- Stay in hotels, avoid AirBnBs or other rentals.
- Do not party after hours with strangers.
- Stick together with fellow travelers.
- Do not leave valuables unattended.
- Do not carry excessive amounts of cash.
- Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches.
- Wear understated clothing that doesn’t scream “tourist!”
- Let others know where you’re headed.
- Trust your gut, if a situation feels weird, leave.
- Avoid consuming too much alcohol.
Best Destinations for Spring Break
That depends entirely on the activities you want to do, the weather you want to experience and the degree of crowds you want to see (or avoid). But a few of the more popular spots for Spring Break include: Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, and Tamarindo.
