How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Costa Rica?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Most tourist businesses operate seven days a week, but banks close on weekends and Semana Santa (Holy Week) causes widespread closures across the country.
2What You Need to Know
Tourist-oriented restaurants, tour operators, and attractions generally stay open seven days a week year-round. Banks and many government offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays; ATMs remain accessible 24 hours. Semana Santa (Holy Week, the week before Easter) is the most important national holiday period — many businesses close, beaches fill with domestic tourists, and alcohol sales are prohibited on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Local farmers' markets (ferias del agricultor) are liveliest on Saturday mornings and are an excellent cultural experience.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Book accommodation well in advance for Semana Santa — beaches fill with Costa Rican families and prices spike.
- 2Visit ferias del agricultor on Saturday mornings for fresh local produce and authentic food at local prices.
- 3Plan banking and official paperwork for weekdays — no banking services are available on weekends.
Important Warning
During Semana Santa, alcohol sales are legally prohibited on Holy Thursday and Good Friday — stock up beforehand if needed.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
OXXO and 7-Eleven convenience stores are open 24/7 every day; government offices and banks close on public holidays.
Shopping malls open seven days a week, banks are closed on weekends, and Carnival (February or March) shuts down most of the country for approximately five days.
Most retail is open 7 days a week, but statutory holidays cause significant closures — Boxing Day (December 26) is a major shopping event.
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