COSTA RICA TRAVEL GUIDE

Costa Rica in August

Weather, best destinations and recommended tours for visiting Costa Rica's Guanacaste and Arenal regions in August.

Costa Rica in August
SeasonGreen Season
Best forWaterfalls & wildlife
CrowdsModerate
Rain riskModerate

What August is like in Guanacaste

August continues green-season patterns with warm mornings and dependable afternoon rain. It's a strong month for waterfall and hot springs tours, since water levels are high and trails are cooler than peak dry season.

Where to go in August

Recommended tours for August

Palo Verde & Cultural Experience El Viejo
Wildlife & Culture

Palo Verde & Cultural Experience El Viejo

Covered boat ride down the Tempisque River through Palo Verde National Park, then a private visit to Hacienda El Viejo, tortilla making, the ox-powered trapiche sugar mill, and traditional Guanacaste cuisine. Lunch and National Park fee included.

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La Leona Waterfall — Zip Line & Tubing
Experience

La Leona Waterfall — Zip Line & Tubing

Private La Leona Waterfall experience, a 3-hour hike through 5 river pools in a stone canyon. The Classic option adds zip line, The Plus option adds tubing. Available November to April only.

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Sloth Adventure Tour Costa Rica
Wildlife

Sloth Adventure Tour Costa Rica

Private sloth wildlife encounter in the Costa Rica rainforest. Full-day private tour with certified bilingual guide. Book via WhatsApp with Wild Papagayo.

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Borinque 4 Senses Tour — Horseback, Zip Line, Waterfall & Hot Springs
Experience

Borinque 4 Senses Tour — Horseback, Zip Line, Waterfall & Hot Springs

Private Borinque 4 Senses Tour, horseback riding with Pacific coast panoramas, forest hike to Misterio Waterfall, adrenaline zip line and volcanic hot springs with mud and sauna. Lunch included.

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Monteverde Treetop Walk
Experience

Monteverde Treetop Walk

Private full-day Monteverde Cloud Forest treetop walk, suspension bridges at canopy level with zip line (Classic option) or reptiles exhibition, butterfly garden and sloth sanctuary (Plus option). Breakfast and lunch included.

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Costa Rica Highlights Tour — Sloths, Waterfall, Coffee, Hot Springs & Hanging Bridges
Signature Journey

Costa Rica Highlights Tour — Sloths, Waterfall, Coffee, Hot Springs & Hanging Bridges

The ultimate one-day Costa Rica experience, sloth observation, waterfall, hands-on coffee and cacao workshop, natural mineral hot springs and two hanging bridges. Everything that makes Costa Rica extraordinary, in one private day.

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August travel guides

Costa Rica in September: Will Rain Ruin Your Tours?
Weather & Seasons

Costa Rica in September: Will Rain Ruin Your Tours?

September rain rarely cancels tours in Guanacaste and Arenal. Here's how the green season actually works and how to plan around it.

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Green Season Packing List: Guanacaste & Arenal
Safety & Practical Tips

Green Season Packing List: Guanacaste & Arenal

A practical, locally-informed packing guide for Costa Rica's Green Season, separating beach, rainforest, and transfer-day essentials for Guanacaste and Arenal.

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Rustic Costa Rican hotel surrounded by lush tropical greenery
Trip Planning

Should You Book Flights and Hotels Together?

It's the question every first-time visitor asks. The honest answer might surprise you — and it depends on one thing most booking sites won't tell you.

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Private transportation van for travel between Liberia, Arenal and Papagayo in Costa Rica
Trip Planning

Liberia Airport to Arenal & Papagayo: Drive Times & Stops

A practical guide to connecting Liberia Airport, Amor Arenal, and the Waldorf Astoria Papagayo, with drive times, worthwhile stops, activities near Arenal, and honest advice about September's green-season rain.

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Tropical waterfall surrounded by rainforest on a day trip from Papagayo, Costa Rica
Tours & Experiences

Best Waterfalls Near Papagayo: Which Day Trip to Pick

A local look at the best waterfall day trips from Papagayo, comparing drive time, walking difficulty, swimming access and how each changes between green and dry season.

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Volcanic landscape and tropical forest along a hiking trail in Rincón de la Vieja, Costa Rica
Tours & Experiences

How to Find Small-Group Volcano and Rainforest Tours in Costa Rica

Looking for a more personal Costa Rica adventure? Learn how to choose local guides, smaller tour groups and authentic volcano and rainforest experiences.

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Arenal Volcano rising above lush green rainforest and farmland near La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Trip Planning & Transportation

La Fortuna to Playa Flamingo Without the Monkey Trail

Driving from La Fortuna to Playa Flamingo? Learn how to avoid Route 911, choose the paved route through Guanacaste and decide between driving or hiring a private transfer.

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Sea turtle resting in shallow coastal water in Costa Rica.
Nature & Conservation

Sea Turtles in Costa Rica: How to See Them Responsibly

Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean beaches provide critical nesting habitat for sea turtles. Learn where they nest and how to observe them responsibly.

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LOCAL PLANNING SUPPORT

Plan your Costa Rica in August experience with a local expert.

Private transportation, personalized tours and practical advice in one conversation.