![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wintersunexpert.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Top-3-MiddleSouth-America-Winter-Sun-Destinations-in-December.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nRead on to learn why each of these countries makes the cut in today\u2019s roundup of the top three winter sun getaways in December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>1. Costa Rica<\/h2>\n\n\n\nMy top pick for the best winter sun destination in South and Central America for people looking to travel in December is Costa Rica, a small country sandwiched between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This country is brimming with biodiversity, scenic landscapes, lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While other countries in Central America have plenty of natural attractions, Costa Rica stands out due to its commitment to eco-tourism and the conservation of natural ecosystems. That, along with its investment in safety and tourism infrastructure geared toward both older and young travelers, is why it snags up the top position in today\u2019s round-up post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s dig deeper into why I think Costa Rica is the perfect winter sun destination in December, especially for snowbirds and 50+ visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Costa Rica Has Pleasant Weather in December<\/h3>\n\n\n\nWeather is a critical consideration when choosing a winter sun destination. After all, it\u2019s the main reason why many people travel from colder climates to warmer parts of the world in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
December marks the start of the dry season in Costa Rica. Days in most parts of the country are warm and sunny with minimal showers. They\u2019re pretty humid too, but that\u2019s usually not a problem given the kind of weather many of us have back at home around this time of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s worth noting that temperatures may vary slightly from one part of the country to the next due to topographical differences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- The coastal areas are the warmest, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 80\u00b0F (27\u00b0C) to 90\u00b0F (32\u00b0C) and nighttime temperatures of about 70\u00b0F (21\u00b0C).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Central Valley region (where the country\u2019s capital city is located) is slightly cooler, with average daytime and nighttime temperatures of 70\u00b0F (21\u00b0C) to 80\u00b0F (27\u00b0C) and 60\u00b0F (16\u00b0C), respectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Caribbean region experiences average daytime temperatures of 75\u00b0F (24\u00b0C)\u30fc85\u00b0F (29\u00b0C) and nighttime temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s\u00b0F range (around 24\u00b0C to 28\u00b0C).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Even with these variations, it\u2019s safe to say that Costa Rica\u2019s favorable conditions allow for all kinds of outdoor fun activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Seniors Get Discounts in Costa Rica<\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis might not be too big of a deal for some people. But if you\u2019re an older person on a restrictive travel budget, it can swing the odds in this country\u2019s favor when you\u2019re choosing a winter sun travel destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Costa Rica\u2019s senior discounts are better compared to many parts of Central America (Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, just to name a few), and I can tell you from experience that the little sums they save you can add up over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few examples of places that offer senior discounts in the country include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- National Parks, such as Manuel Antonio National Park and Arenal Volcano National Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The local bus system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Museums and Cultural Sites such as the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica or the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hotels and Resorts, particularly those catering to older travelers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Certain tour operators and excursion providers, especially during senior-specific promotions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The size of the discount and eligibility terms and conditions may vary depending on the location and service provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking to save some money through these discounts, you might want to check ahead of time with the specific service provider you\u2019re going to be dealing with. This way, you\u2019ll know in advance whether you qualify for a senior discount and what documents you need to have with you to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Costa Rica is a Natural Beauty Haven<\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you love nature, you\u2019ll be hard-pressed to find a better location in Central America than Costa Rica. The country\u2019s conservation and sustainability efforts have transformed it into the region\u2019s hub of ecotourism and biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than half of the country is covered in lush forests, most of which are virgin and primary rainforests. That\u2019s not to mention its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (which are part of its 28 national parks), a coastline stretching over 800 miles (1287), and up to 300 beautiful beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of Costa Rica\u2019s top natural attractions<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Cahuita national park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- La Fortuna waterfall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manuel Antonio National Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tortuguero national park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Monteverde cloud forest biodiversity reserve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ecotermales Fortuna.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Arenal Volcano National Park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s worth noting that the above list doesn\u2019t begin to scratch the surface of the country\u2019s long list of natural wonders. Rather, it\u2019s meant to serve as a starting point when you\u2019re trying to figure out what natural attractions make your must-visit list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Costa Rica is Safe For Tourists<\/h3>\n\n\n\nCosta Rica\u2019s long-standing reputation as one of Central America\u2019s safest countries is one of its main selling points as a tourist destination. According to the latest Global Peace Index rankings<\/a>, it\u2019s the most peaceful country in Latin America and the Caribbean. The other two destinations in today\u2019s roundup, Uruguay and Chile, grabbed the 2nd and 3rd positions in the same rankings, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKeep in mind that some parts of the country are safer than others. And while the country\u2019s crime rate<\/a> may be lower than many parts of Latin America, you still need to take precautions to avoid falling prey to minor crimes like petty theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>December is the Festive Season in Costa Rica<\/h3>\n\n\n\nOne of the main benefits of visiting Costa Rica in December is that you get to experience its holiday season. Costa Ricans are known for their hospitality and laid-back, positive outlook on life, and they\u2019re always open to letting visitors indulge in their festivities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christmas in Costa Rica is celebrated with a unique blend of religious traditions and cultural customs. Nativity scenes and fireworks are standard, and many towns host parades and street festivals leading up to Christmas. These celebrations usually involve dancing, dressing up in traditional costumes, and processions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once Christmas is over, many Costa Ricans turn their attention to the end-of-year Fiestas de Zapote. This week-long festival is held in the last week of December in Zapote, a town not too far east of San Jose (the capital city). It\u2019s packed with all kinds of entertainment and unique experiences. Some of the highlights to look forward to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Traditional Tico bullfighting, locally known as\u201cToros a la Tica."<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The carnival.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The country\u2019s largest equestrian parade.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other festivals to look forward to include Festival de la Luz, Festival de la Yeguita, Fiesta de los Diablitos, and Festival de los Negritos. These are all held in December, but the exact day may vary from year to year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weather is a critical consideration when choosing a winter sun destination. After all, it\u2019s the main reason why many people travel from colder climates to warmer parts of the world in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
December marks the start of the dry season in Costa Rica. Days in most parts of the country are warm and sunny with minimal showers. They\u2019re pretty humid too, but that\u2019s usually not a problem given the kind of weather many of us have back at home around this time of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s worth noting that temperatures may vary slightly from one part of the country to the next due to topographical differences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The coastal areas are the warmest, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 80\u00b0F (27\u00b0C) to 90\u00b0F (32\u00b0C) and nighttime temperatures of about 70\u00b0F (21\u00b0C).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Central Valley region (where the country\u2019s capital city is located) is slightly cooler, with average daytime and nighttime temperatures of 70\u00b0F (21\u00b0C) to 80\u00b0F (27\u00b0C) and 60\u00b0F (16\u00b0C), respectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Caribbean region experiences average daytime temperatures of 75\u00b0F (24\u00b0C)\u30fc85\u00b0F (29\u00b0C) and nighttime temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s\u00b0F range (around 24\u00b0C to 28\u00b0C).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Even with these variations, it\u2019s safe to say that Costa Rica\u2019s favorable conditions allow for all kinds of outdoor fun activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Seniors Get Discounts in Costa Rica<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This might not be too big of a deal for some people. But if you\u2019re an older person on a restrictive travel budget, it can swing the odds in this country\u2019s favor when you\u2019re choosing a winter sun travel destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Costa Rica\u2019s senior discounts are better compared to many parts of Central America (Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, just to name a few), and I can tell you from experience that the little sums they save you can add up over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A few examples of places that offer senior discounts in the country include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- National Parks, such as Manuel Antonio National Park and Arenal Volcano National Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The local bus system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Museums and Cultural Sites such as the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica or the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hotels and Resorts, particularly those catering to older travelers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Certain tour operators and excursion providers, especially during senior-specific promotions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The size of the discount and eligibility terms and conditions may vary depending on the location and service provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking to save some money through these discounts, you might want to check ahead of time with the specific service provider you\u2019re going to be dealing with. This way, you\u2019ll know in advance whether you qualify for a senior discount and what documents you need to have with you to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Costa Rica is a Natural Beauty Haven<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you love nature, you\u2019ll be hard-pressed to find a better location in Central America than Costa Rica. The country\u2019s conservation and sustainability efforts have transformed it into the region\u2019s hub of ecotourism and biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than half of the country is covered in lush forests, most of which are virgin and primary rainforests. That\u2019s not to mention its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (which are part of its 28 national parks), a coastline stretching over 800 miles (1287), and up to 300 beautiful beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of Costa Rica\u2019s top natural attractions<\/a> include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cahuita national park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- La Fortuna waterfall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Manuel Antonio National Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tortuguero national park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Monteverde cloud forest biodiversity reserve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ecotermales Fortuna.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Arenal Volcano National Park.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s worth noting that the above list doesn\u2019t begin to scratch the surface of the country\u2019s long list of natural wonders. Rather, it\u2019s meant to serve as a starting point when you\u2019re trying to figure out what natural attractions make your must-visit list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Costa Rica is Safe For Tourists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Costa Rica\u2019s long-standing reputation as one of Central America\u2019s safest countries is one of its main selling points as a tourist destination. According to the latest Global Peace Index rankings<\/a>, it\u2019s the most peaceful country in Latin America and the Caribbean. The other two destinations in today\u2019s roundup, Uruguay and Chile, grabbed the 2nd and 3rd positions in the same rankings, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind that some parts of the country are safer than others. And while the country\u2019s crime rate<\/a> may be lower than many parts of Latin America, you still need to take precautions to avoid falling prey to minor crimes like petty theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>December is the Festive Season in Costa Rica<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the main benefits of visiting Costa Rica in December is that you get to experience its holiday season. Costa Ricans are known for their hospitality and laid-back, positive outlook on life, and they\u2019re always open to letting visitors indulge in their festivities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christmas in Costa Rica is celebrated with a unique blend of religious traditions and cultural customs. Nativity scenes and fireworks are standard, and many towns host parades and street festivals leading up to Christmas. These celebrations usually involve dancing, dressing up in traditional costumes, and processions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once Christmas is over, many Costa Ricans turn their attention to the end-of-year Fiestas de Zapote. This week-long festival is held in the last week of December in Zapote, a town not too far east of San Jose (the capital city). It\u2019s packed with all kinds of entertainment and unique experiences. Some of the highlights to look forward to include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Traditional Tico bullfighting, locally known as\u201cToros a la Tica."<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The carnival.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The country\u2019s largest equestrian parade.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Other festivals to look forward to include Festival de la Luz, Festival de la Yeguita, Fiesta de los Diablitos, and Festival de los Negritos. These are all held in December, but the exact day may vary from year to year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n