In December, Monteverde is just easing into the dry season. Travelers this time of year should be prepared for the occasional afternoon rain, although that will fade as the month progresses. Just to be safe, however, it’s smart to bring along a hat and a waterproof, lightweight rain jacket for any brief showers that appear.
As you can imagine, the end of December is a popular time for travelers from around the world to visit Costa Rica. Plenty of visitors swap their cold winter weather for the warm, comfortable climate of Monteverde. However, that also means that some tourist spots can be crowded. At the same time, some non-tourist businesses may be closed for part of December. If you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, that might be a drawback.
December in Costa Rica kicks off with the Festival de las Luces, or Lights Festival. Although the big fireworks displays are in places like San Jose, there are still plenty of smaller celebrations in Monteverde. Then, throughout the region, Christmas and New Year’s Eve will be celebrated.
There’s plenty to do in Monteverde in December. If you run into the occasional rainy afternoon, head indoors for a tour of the Monteverde Cheese Factory. Dating back to the 1950s, this factory is an important part of the local culture, and a tasty way to spend an hour or two! If that doesn’t fill you up, dig into the beloved restaurant Restaurante De Lucia. For more than two decades, the eatery has served up traditional Costa Rican and international favorites. If you’re looking for a small, private place to stay on your trip, check out the Swiss Hotel Miramontes.
For more information about when to travel to Monteverde, we recommend reading the following articles:
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