August carries two of Costa Rica's most significant cultural events. The first is the pilgrimage to Cartago's Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles on August 2 — hundreds of thousands walking from across the country in a ritual of quiet, collective devotion. The second is Costa Rica's Mother's Day on August 15, observed with a warmth that goes deeper than most commercial versions of the holiday.
Highlights this month
- ✓Pilgrimage to Cartago's Basílica on August 2 — one of the most significant cultural events in the country
- ✓Costa Rica Mother's Day on August 15 — family gatherings and long lunches
- ✓Waterfalls and rivers at sustained peak — full flow without the turbidity of early-season floods
- ✓Whale watching season building toward peak on both coasts
Best for
Photography
The sustained green season light of August — overcast but not stormy — is ideal for waterfall photography. Long exposures without harsh shadows. Wildlife photography benefits from animals being more active in cooler conditions.
Worth knowing
The week around the Cartago pilgrimage (early August) brings significant road congestion on routes to the Central Valley. Factor extra travel time.
Event note — The Cartago pilgrimage on August 2 is one of the most moving cultural experiences in Costa Rica — worth witnessing even if you're not participating. Devotion at the Basílica during the early morning hours is extraordinary.
Places that shine in August
🌊 Waterfalls
Catarata La Fortuna
A dramatic 70-metre waterfall, tropical rainforest, wildlife, and swimming
La Fortuna
🌊 Waterfalls
Cataratas Llanos de Cortez
The most accessible major waterfall in Costa Rica — and the most generous
Bagaces
🌊 Waterfalls
Cataratas Nauyaca
Two-tier 45-metre falls, three hours deep in the jungle south of Dominical
Dominical
🏊 Swimming
Tabacón Thermal Region
Volcanic-heated rivers on the flank of Arenal — the free access is at the public river bend
La Fortuna
🦜 Wildlife
Uvita
The whale-tail sandbar at low tide — humpback nursery from August to October
Uvita
🦜 Wildlife
Golfo Dulce
One of Costa Rica's most spectacular natural regions and one of only a few tropical fjord-like gulfs in the world
Golfito
🌊 Waterfalls
Catarata Aquiares
A stunning waterfall cascades into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush rainforest and the historic Aquiares Coffee Estate.
Turrialba
💎 Hidden Gems
Río Perdido
One of Costa Rica’s most unique luxury nature retreats
Bagaces
🌊 Waterfalls
Catarata del Toro
Ninety metres straight down into an extinct volcanic crater — visible from the rim above
Bajos del Toro
🥾 Hiking
San Gerardo de Rivas
The last village before the summit — Chirripó starts here at 3am
San Gerardo de Rivas
🥾 Hiking
Volcán Miravalles
Famous for its extensive geothermal activity, hot springs, mud pots, fumaroles, and renewable energy production
Bagaces
🌊 Waterfalls
Catarata Bijagual
Witness one of Costa Rica’s tallest waterfalls, where four spectacular cascades plunge through a lush mountain canyon.
Turrubares