Costa Rica Holiday Deals

Holiday In Costa Rica

Wouldn’t you rather wake up to the sounds of monkeys and parrots than your flatmate’s way-too-loud alarm clock?

Of course you would! Make it a reality with a holiday in Costa Rica, where you can hike volcanoes, chow down on tasty tropical bites and then listen to the lullabies of the rainforest—or the bumping bass of the capital’s best clubs.

Things to Do in Costa Rica

Thrillseekers will want Costa Rica packages near Arenal Volcano National Park in the north, whose whitewater rafting, horseback tours and rainforest hikes can keep you busy for days. You can always soothe those weary muscles in the natural hot springs—many have swim up bars and waterslides! Looking to impress your Facebook followers even more? Take a hike on Costa Rica’s highest mountain, Cerro Chirripo, where you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea at the same time.

Once you get tired out, our Costa Rica car hire options have you covered hop in and tour the museums and architecture. In San Jose, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum has more bling than Yeezy, while lepidoptera lovers (that’s butterflies) will be all a-flutter at the National Museum’s butterfly garden. Then pay a visit to Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, 30 km east of San Jose, to see its famous “immovable” Madonna.

Shopping, Dining & Nightlife

You’ll want wheels to do another kind of exploring, too: shopping! There are a few things savvy travellers should keep an eye out for on holidays to Costa Rica. On the outskirts of San Jose, Guaitil is the place to buy pottery (or make your own!). Search for traditional Boruca carved wooden masks for a unique souvenir—and a way to freak out your friends when you put it on. Finally, your office mates will love you forever when you bring back tons of fresh Costa Rican coffee.

Some people travel for history, architecture or nature—and some people travel for food! If you’re one of those, Costa Rica doesn’t disappoint. On the Caribbean side, try tropical-influenced dishes like coconut milk rice with snook (the fish, not the Jersey Shore character) and fried plantains. On the Pacific coast, you’ll find plenty of super-fresh ceviche. And no matter where your Costa Rica holiday takes you, you can always find the national dishes: gallo pinto and casado. Yum!

Next step: Think about your party style! To go loco at a beach party, you want accommodation on the Nicoya Peninsula, in the northwest. If loud beats and high heels are more your style, the clubs of downtown San Jose have your name on them (not literally—you still need to get on the guest list for that). For the exact opposite experience, spend a night camping in the wilderness. The spooky sounds of mysterious jungle creatures will give you a better story than any nightclub.

What’s Next?

It’s time to learn the true meaning of “pura vida” (pure life). Check out lastminute.co.nz’s Costa Rica package deals and you can mix and match your hotels and airfares to really choose your own adventure. Then pack your hiking boots and high heels and get ready to live it up with the local ticos and ticas.