This year Holy Week begins Sunday, April 9th, normally for this celebration Costa Rica has two mandatory holidays, Maundry Thursday and Good Friday; this year however an additional holiday celebrated in Costa Rica falls precisely in that same week, Tuesday, April 11th, with the celebration of Juan Santamaría Day (national hero). With three mandatory holidays hoteliers expect to have very busy week.

Pablo Heriberto Abarca, President of the Costa Rica Tourism Chamber (CANATUR) stated they expect an occupation of at least 95%, “We are asking the different tourism companies to offer added value in their services; additional nights, no charge for children or free transportation services”.

“National tourists have been widening their destination preferences, now choosing non-traditional mountain destinations, but the beaches are still the preferred destination; international visitors certainly prefer the sun and beaches of Guanacaste where they can also practice water sports and visit different National Parks”, explained Priscila Solano, president of the Guanacaste Tourism Chamber.

National and foreign tourists that are considering vacationing in the Guanacaste beaches this time a year should make their hotel reservation ahead of time to secure available rooms at the hotel of their preference. For those that do not like crowds it is better to choose a mountain destination.