December in Costa Rica feels different.
Not louder. Not rushed.
Just… more intentional.
While much of the world closes the year amid cold weather, crowded malls, and endless to-do lists, Costa Rica pauses to remember something deeper: peace, family, and connection with nature. December here is not only about Christmas — it is also about values.
And that makes it the perfect time to travel with purpose.
December 1st, 1948: The Day Costa Rica Chose Peace
On December 1st, Costa Rica commemorates one of the most defining moments in its history: the abolition of the army in 1948.
This decision was not symbolic — it was transformative.
By eliminating its military, Costa Rica redirected national resources toward:
Education and public health
Environmental protection
Culture, democracy, and social development
That choice shaped the country we know today: a nation without an army, but rich in biodiversity, social stability, and a deep respect for life.
Peace in Costa Rica is not an abstract idea.
It is something you feel when you walk through a forest, float down a river, or hear your children laugh freely outdoors.
Peace Has a Landscape: Nature as a Way of Life
In Costa Rica, peace is closely tied to nature.
Protected areas cover more than 50% of the country. Wildlife moves freely. Rivers are living classrooms. Volcanoes remind us of time and resilience. Nature here is not scenery — it is identity.
That’s why December is such a meaningful time to explore the country:
The rains soften, landscapes are vibrant and alive
Wildlife activity increases
Temperatures are ideal for outdoor experiences
Traveling through Costa Rica in December is an invitation to slow down and reconnect — not just with the environment, but with each other.
Christmas the Costa Rican Way: Simple, Present, Connected
Christmas in Costa Rica looks different — and that’s its beauty.
Instead of snow and excess, the season is often celebrated:
Walking nature trails together
Sharing outdoor lunches under trees
Letting kids discover rivers, birds, and insects
Spending time away from screens and schedules
Here, the holiday spirit lives in presence, not possessions.
Peace also means rest.
And rest often begins when we step back into nature.
The Best Family Adventures to Close the Year
December is about togetherness — and shared experiences create the memories that last longest. These family-friendly adventures are perfect for all ages:
Boat Safari – Palo Verde National Park
A gentle boat ride through wetlands rich in wildlife. Ideal for children, grandparents, and anyone who loves observing nature calmly and safely.
Kayaking on Lake Arenal
An active yet accessible experience surrounded by volcano views, birds, and open water. A perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.
Easy Hikes Around Arenal Volcano
Short, informative trails that combine geology, rainforest, and breathtaking views — ideal for families looking to learn while exploring.
Hot Springs & Picnic Experiences
Warm waters, natural surroundings, and time to relax together. A beautiful way to end the year grounded and restored.
Experiences don’t expire.
They become stories — and traditions.
Sustainable Gifts: Giving Experiences, Not Things
December often invites us to consume more — but Costa Rica invites us to choose differently.
A family tour.
A shared sunset from the water.
A child spotting wildlife for the first time.
These are gifts that don’t come in boxes — but they stay longer.
Choosing experiences over objects is not only meaningful; it’s also more sustainable. And it reflects the same values Costa Rica has upheld for generations.
Celebrate What Truly Matters This December
This holiday season, Costa Rica reminds us that peace is an active choice.
At Blue Pass, we believe travel should reflect that choice:
Respect for nature
Time with family
Experiences that enrich, not exhaust
We invite you to close the year celebrating life, peace, and connection — the Costa Rican way.
