Costa Rica is a country renowned for its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and rich traditions. One of the best ways to experience the authentic Costa Rican lifestyle is by celebrating Costa Rican New Years Eve on the stunning beaches of Guanacaste. Las Tortugas Hotel, located directly on Playa Grande, offers the perfect setting for this festive time, combining relaxation, nature, and traditional Costa Rican culture.
Playa Grande: A Serene New Year Destination
Playa Grande, in northwestern Guanacaste, is one of Costa Rica’s most pristine beaches. Unlike the busier beaches of Tamarindo or Jacó, Playa Grande provides peace and tranquility, making it an ideal spot to welcome the New Year. Its long stretches of beige sand, lush surroundings, and gentle-to-moderate surf make it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and evening celebrations.
During the New Year period, families and friends often gather here, whether they are staying at small boutique hotels like Las Tortugas or renting private beachfront homes. The absence of high-rises and commercialized resorts allows guests to immerse themselves fully in the natural beauty and local culture.
What Do Costa Ricans Do for New Year’s?
New Year’s in Costa Rica is more than just fireworks and countdowns. It is a time for family, food, tradition, and celebration.
Family Gatherings
For many Costa Ricans, New Year’s is a family-centric holiday. People often travel long distances to be with relatives they may only see once a year. Families gather in their homes or rent a beachfront house where they can celebrate together in comfort and style.
Women typically take charge in the kitchen, preparing traditional dishes such as:
- Arroz con pollo (rice with chicken)
- Roast pork
- Salads and side dishes made with local ingredients
Men, on the other hand, often gather outside, enjoying stories, laughter, and a traditional alcoholic drink made from sugar cane called guaro. Guaro is a clear, sweet liquor that is typically mixed with fruit juice for a refreshing cocktail, perfect for the warm Costa Rican evenings.
Food and Drinks
Food plays a central role in New Year’s celebrations. Costa Ricans love rich, flavorful meals that can be shared with many. Typical dishes include:
- Rice dishes: Arroz con pollo, arroz con camarones (rice with shrimp)
- Roasted meats: Pork or beef, seasoned with local herbs and spices
- Vegetables and salads: Freshly picked from local farms
- Desserts: Traditional sweets and tropical fruits
Drinks are equally important. While guaro is a favorite, it is often combined with juices like pineapple, orange, or guava to create festive cocktails. Rum-based drinks are also popular, providing a tropical flair to the celebrations.
Timing and Relaxation
Costa Ricans traditionally take time off starting December 5th through January 1st. This extended holiday period allows for rest, travel, family gatherings, and partying. Many people use this time to unwind from work, travel to the beach, and enjoy the beautiful Costa Rican climate.
The weather during this period is typically sunny and warm, ideal for beach activities, late afternoon walks, and evening celebrations by the ocean. Las Tortugas Hotel, with its prime beachfront location, provides guests the perfect environment to soak in the sun by day and enjoy festive celebrations by night.
Las Tortugas Hotel: The Perfect New Year’s Stay
Las Tortugas Hotel Playa Grande Costa Rica is a small, boutique hotel that provides a more intimate and authentic experience compared to larger resorts.
Why Las Tortugas is Ideal for New Year’s
- Beachfront Location: Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy direct access to the sand. Playa Grande’s long stretches allow for private walks and beach games during the day.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Unlike tourist-heavy areas, Las Tortugas provides a quiet and serene environment, perfect for families or couples looking to enjoy the holiday season in tranquility.
- Personal Service: The hotel is not part of a chain, meaning you receive friendly, personalized service that makes you feel at home.
- Comfortable Rooms: Rooms are equipped with comfortable beds, hot water, and easy access to the beach. Some rooms even allow guests to fall asleep to the sound of the ocean, adding to the relaxation.
- On-Site Restaurant: Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Costa Rican dishes without leaving the property. The restaurant serves meals made from locally sourced ingredients, ideal for a festive holiday dinner.
Beach Celebrations at Las Tortugas
On New Year’s Eve, guests can enjoy the sound of crashing waves as the backdrop for their celebrations. Small bonfires, beach games, and family gatherings are common. The hotel’s proximity to the sand means guests can step outside and watch the sky light up with fireworks over the ocean, a spectacular experience unique to Costa Rican beaches.
Many families also enjoy evening walks along the shoreline, reflecting on the past year and welcoming the new one. Playa Grande’s long, uncrowded beach ensures that these moments are peaceful, private, and unforgettable.
Activities Around Playa Grande
While Las Tortugas Hotel offers relaxation and comfort, there are also plenty of activities to enjoy:
- Surfing and boogie boarding: The waves at Playa Grande cater to both beginners and experienced surfers.
- Turtle watching (seasonal): From November through March, visitors can witness leatherback turtles coming ashore to nest.
- Beach walks and jogging: The long stretches of sand are perfect for exercise or peaceful reflection.
- Nearby towns: Tamarindo is just a short drive away for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
These activities make Las Tortugas a versatile option for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a balance of relaxation and adventure.
New Year’s Traditions on the Beach
Celebrating New Year’s at Las Tortugas allows guests to immerse themselves in authentic Costa Rican traditions:
- Families gather for a special dinner
- Adults enjoy cocktails and guaro drinks
- Children participate in beach games and festivities
- Fireworks and sparklers light up the sky
- The warm tropical climate encourages late-night celebrations without discomfort
The experience is enhanced by Costa Rica’s friendly and welcoming culture, where strangers often become friends, and everyone joins in the spirit of celebration.
Why Choose Las Tortugas Hotel for New Year’s?
- Authentic Experience: Small hotel with personalized service and local culture
- Beachfront Access: Enjoy Playa Grande’s beauty and serenity
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for families, with safe beach access and peaceful surroundings
- Traditional Costa Rican Cuisine: Celebrate with rice, chicken, pork, and tropical cocktails
- Proximity to Wildlife and Nature: Experience leatherback turtle nesting and local fauna
Las Tortugas Hotel combines comfort, nature, and tradition, making it the perfect place to celebrate the New Year Costa Rican style.
Tips for a Memorable New Year’s Stay
- Book early: The hotel is small, and rooms fill quickly during the holiday season.
- Plan for meals: Enjoy the on-site restaurant for dinner, but consider stocking snacks and drinks for beachside picnics.
- Pack light, breathable clothing: The weather is warm, and light clothes are perfect for beach activities.
- Bring beach essentials: Sunscreen, hats, swimsuits, and beach towels are a must.
- Respect nature: If you visit during turtle season, follow guidelines and avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Final Thoughts
Las Tortugas Hotel Playa Grande Costa Rica is more than a hotel—it is an experience. Staying here during New Year’s allows travelers to:
- Celebrate Costa Rican traditions
- Enjoy pristine beaches
- Relax in a peaceful, natural environment
- Participate in family-style celebrations with authentic local food and drinks
For anyone looking to escape the crowds, immerse themselves in nature, and experience a genuine Costa Rican holiday, Las Tortugas is the perfect destination.
Whether you are sipping a guaro cocktail at sunset, watching the waves roll in, or enjoying a traditional arroz con pollo dinner with family and friends, New Year’s at Las Tortugas Hotel is an unforgettable experience.
Celebrate the start of the year with sun, sand, and Costa Rican warmth—you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime. 🌊🎉🇨🇷