November in Costa Rica. This is Costa Rica before the crowds arrive, and you’ll be experiencing it exactly as nature intended. By this time of year, the landscape is at its absolute pristine peak. The rainforests are lush, the rivers are full and flowing, and the wildlife is still more out in the open thanks to the quiet season. After months of rain, everything is intensely green, photogenic, and the parks are pristine.November feels like a really exclusive time to visit Costa Rica. Sitting just before the main dry-season rush, there are nowhere near as many people in the national parks, the beaches are serene, and you can take in all the magic of the wildlife viewing without jostling for a good spot. The waterfalls are at full force, so places like La Fortuna Waterfall are especially dramatic at this time of year. Visually, it’s unbeatable.As you explore, it feels like you’ve discovered the country before everyone else has.
Costa Rica is all about active nature and wildlife – and that's never truer than in November. The rain means food is plentiful, so wildlife is on the move and easier to spot. What’s more, November is shoulder season with fewer visitors, so the animals are likely to be closer to the trails and braver about coming out into the open.In places like Tortuguero National Park and Corcovado National Park, sightings can be really excellent. Monkeys, sloths, toucans, and even big cats (if you’re lucky), are still more out in the open than they can be during the busier times of year.With fewer arrivals, there’s a much more relaxed feeling in the towns and lodges across the country. Guides have more time, the service feels even more personal than normal, and you’ll have countless opportunities to connect more deeply with local culture.
Red eyed tree frog, Manuel Antonio National Park
November is a great time of year for your pocket, too, offering better value for money for your Costa Rica holiday. It’s shoulder season, so our experts have more availability to play with in those beautiful, boutique eco lodges, and we’re often able to secure lower hotel rates at the places that’ll be perfect for you.November in Costa Rica is the sweet spot between peak experience, iconic wildlife, and sensible pricing before the high season kicks in. And now is a brilliant time to get it in the diary. You might get a little rain, Costa Rica is tropical after all, but the payoff is more than worth the drizzle.
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[content] => Top company, well done Dawn and top destination. Never been on a holiday which included various hotels and accommodations before. Discussed various options and ideas with Dawn and she made up a suggested itinerary.
Everything went like clockwork and every accommodation had its own unique charm and quality.
All drivers arrived at least 15 minutes before time which saves all stress.
Costa Rica is an amazing place, and even the drives between places were entertaining, informative, and beautiful.
Thank you Dawn, one of my top 3 holidays in my life and the best with just my wife.
[name] => Martin Brown
[location] => HA Traveller, November 2025
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“
Top company, well done Dawn and top destination. Never been on a holiday which included various hotels and accommodations before. Discussed various options and ideas with Dawn and she made up a suggested itinerary. Everything went like clockwork and every accommodation had its own unique charm and quality. All drivers arrived at least 15 minutes before time which saves all stress. Costa Rica is an amazing place, and even the drives between places were entertaining, informative, and beautiful. Thank you Dawn, one of my top 3 holidays in my life and the best with just my wife.
Martin BrownHA Traveller, November 2025
”
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[content] => We’ve just returned from an unforgettable two-week trip to Costa Rica, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. Every hotel we stayed in was absolutely perfect –comfortable, clean, and located in the most beautiful surroundings.
We were blown away by the wildlife we encountered along the way—toucans, monkeys, sloths, and so much more. Everywhere we went, the people were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the trip feel even more special.
Costa Rica truly exceeded our expectations, and we would love to go back. Highly recommend Dawn at Holiday Architects to anyone considering a visit!
[name] => Serena May
[location] => HA Traveller, November 2025
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“
We’ve just returned from an unforgettable two-week trip to Costa Rica, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. Every hotel we stayed in was absolutely perfect –comfortable, clean, and located in the most beautiful surroundings. We were blown away by the wildlife we encountered along the way—toucans, monkeys, sloths, and so much more. Everywhere we went, the people were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the trip feel even more special. Costa Rica truly exceeded our expectations, and we would love to go back. Highly recommend Dawn at Holiday Architects to anyone considering a visit!
Serena MayHA Traveller, November 2025
”
November is also the month when direct flights to Costa Rica kick off again. So, rather than having to fly via the USA or elsewhere and endure the hassle of changing, waiting around, and longer travel times, just one easy flight awaits.
A toucan taking a rest in the Osa Peninsula
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[content] => “I was walking the hanging bridges with my brilliant guide, Donald, when suddenly he stopped in his tracks. “I’ve got goosebumps!” he said. And lo and behold, about 15 metres from the trail, there was an ocelot preening herself in a tree. Donald had only ever glimpsed a sight of a tail once, so watching this beautiful creature for ten minutes was such an honour. I’ll never forget it.”
[name] => Louise Mumford
[location] => HA Costa Rica Destination Manager
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“
“I was walking the hanging bridges with my brilliant guide, Donald, when suddenly he stopped in his tracks. “I’ve got goosebumps!” he said. And lo and behold, about 15 metres from the trail, there was an ocelot preening herself in a tree. Donald had only ever glimpsed a sight of a tail once, so watching this beautiful creature for ten minutes was such an honour. I’ll never forget it.”
Louise MumfordHA Costa Rica Destination Manager
”
What’s more, if you book your Costa Rica holiday by March 15 2026, for travel between May and November 2026, our Costa Rica experts have worked closely with our team on the ground to secure an added bonus for you.During your time in Arenal, heading to the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is a must and we’ve managed to secure a complimentary Hanging Bridges tour for your holiday.Tucked away within the pristine rainforest near La Fortuna, a guided walk takes you high into the canopy along a series of suspended bridges, offering a rare perspective of Costa Rica’s wildlife at eye level.Expect to spot sloths resting in the trees, monkeys moving through the forest, colourful toucans, and intricate orchids, all set against sweeping views of Arenal Volcano. And, with a bit of luck, you might get a sighting like our expert, Lou did...
A rare ocelot sighting at Arenal's Hanging Bridges
Every holiday we design is unique, but mixing wildlife, landscapes, local life and plenty of time to unwind, our two-week Classic Costa Rica holiday idea is a great starting point for your November trip.You’ll begin in the Central Valley, tucking into a wonderfully authentic cooking class with Doña Elida in her local home, before heading deep into the rainforest of Boca Tapada. You’ll really know you’ve arrived in Costa Rica here. Our expert, Dawn says: “Waking up in your own treehouse surrounded by birds and monkeys is one of the most special ways to kick off your Costa Rica holiday.”Next up, it’s time to head to the adventure hub of Arenal for volcano views, hot springs and wildlife walks across those famous hanging bridges, then cross into the Monteverde Cloud Forest for canopy trails and zip-lining.Your holiday finishes up beside the Pacific in Manuel Antonio, with beach days, kayaking mangroves and plenty of chances to soak up that Pura Vida spirit we love so much. Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, but by timing your holiday for November, the park will still be lovely and quiet.If you’ve got a little more time to spare, and fancy a little more luxury, we recommend swapping out Manuel Antonio for some time in the Osa Peninsula. This is the ultimate in Robinson Crusoe luxury, with speedboats to five-star resorts, empty beaches and wildlife running the show.
Costa Rica in November?
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