WildistHotels
Lapa Rios
← See Full Guide

Lapa RiosDecember 2026

Most rooms run 1,061/night.Here's when it's worth it — and when to avoid.

Monthly Scores & Pricing

i
Best Value
Adventure mode

December 2026

Trip type
Value verdictValue verdict
Score
80 / 100
?
Avg Rate
—
Best Week From
— ★
Temp Range
75-83.3°F
Crowds
High
Rain Risk
Low
Why December

The dry season reopens. Trails across the 1,000-acre reserve become fully navigable, the Corcovado boat transfer to Sirena runs reliably, and SANSA small-plane flights from San José operate with minimal weather interference. Northern humpbacks from California and British Columbia are entering the Golfo Dulce in increasing numbers through December, setting up the January-February peak. The four-monkey morning walk is back to full reliability across dry, navigable trails, and the squirrel monkey troops are foraging widely after months of wet-season restriction.

What's possible this month
Scan the Golfo Dulce from the lodge ridge and from guided boat tours as northern humpbacks begin arriving from California in December
Hike the full reserve trail for the first time since April as dry-season conditions restore the entire trail network
Day trip to Corcovado's Sirena station as boat transfers become fully reliable in the dry season
Run the four-monkey walk through the reserve as all four species become active on cleared, open trails
Conditions
🌞 Warm 83.3°F days💧 High humidity🌅 12hr daylight
↓
Book the second half nowLate December is the property's highest-demand window and the holiday period drives it. The 17 bungalows commit months in advance, SANSA seats fill quickly, and Corcovado permits for peak dates require early planning. Waiting until October to book a late-December stay is a reliable way to find it sold out.
December 2026 — Daily Rate Tracker
📅Select your dates to track price changes for your trip window.
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun

Wildist Research

Not just when it's cheapest.
When it's worth it.

We study Lapa Rios year-round. Tell us your travel style and we'll tell you the best time to book.

✓The best months for your trip type
✓The weeks worth paying more for — and the ones to avoid
✓The best way to book when you're ready

Free · Independent Research Guide

Before you book December at Lapa Rios

If you're planning a trip to Lapa Rios in December, expect temperatures ranging from 75-83.3°F alongside 12hr daylight. You'll be navigating high crowds with a low risk of rain.

← Exploring November instead?