Last Minute Holidays to Costa Rica
Central America has plenty of sunshine, but for true tranquility it’s got to be Costa Rica every time. This holiday destination has all the heat, laid-back living you need for a last minute break free from fuss, with the added benefit of fun activities like jungle zipline nature trails or horse-riding on the sand.
Last Minute Costa Rica Deals
Costa Rica is the last minute holiday in the sun you deserve
It takes just shy of 11 hours to fly direct to Costa Rica from UK airports, yet what it offers makes it well worth the trip.
This is a tiny country with a massive heart. Its central sleepy capital, San Jose, is among the more laid-back of city breaks you could imagine, full of colonial architecture and broad smiles. With the Pacific to the west and the Atlantic and Caribbean to the east, it’s the natural beaches of Costa Rica that tend to entice.
You can meet the leatherback turtles by the marina of the crescent-shaped coastline of Playa Flamingo, or get back to nature on the secluded shore of Playa de Matapalo by the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. For beach life with a touch of shopping and dining, check out Playa Tamarindo. And when you’re ready you can take part in a forest tour to go wildlife-spotting, after all Costa Rica is one of the eco-tourism leaders of the world. These are only a few of the reasons you should explore Costa Rica, but there are so many more!
The best time of year to book your last minute holiday
Costa Rica is lovely and hot all year round, yet as a Central American nation, it has two distinct seasons. High season, the country’s summertime, is hot and dry, stretching from January to April. The rest of the months are the rainy season for this tropical treasure, and you’ll find most holidaymakers head to Costa Rica around May, June and July for a happy compromise. There’s no right or wrong answer here though, and remember that a last minute break is classified as one up to eight weeks ahead of the departure date. Keep that in mind for some wiggle room as you make your plans to dash to the sun.
Other last minute holiday destinations
While Costa Rica always impresses, the regions surrounding it are similarly basked in smiles and sunshine that make for sublime last minute holidays. For one thing, you’ve got the sumptuous Caribbean beckoning you over, as well as the larger than life Latin spirit of Mexico. Last minute breaks to the action and activities of Florida also prove consistently popular.
That said, the serenity of Costa Rica is unlike anywhere else surrounding it, and for a last minute holiday it’s hard to beat. Find out more in our travel guide, and browse our recommended hotels below while you plan your escape.
Riu Palace Costa Rica
This stylish resort has classic domes and towers on the outside and oodles of chic charm within. With the beach just a two-minute walk away, this resort offers everything from hot tubs to tennis courts, with beach volleyball, international restaurants and lounge bars aplenty to boot. Lose yourself in the luxuries while keeping the freedom of your last minute holiday intact, taking each day as it comes.
Westin Playa Conchal Hotel
Before you is the sprawl of the beach of Playa Conchal, two minutes’ stroll from the hotel forecourt, and behind you are swathes of rainforest trees and bushes. Even the pool takes on the appearance of a natural lagoon, cradled on every curve by sunloungers. There’s also an adults-only pool too, promising you some peace. If you really want to get away from it all, take advantage of the free bike hire and get out into the sumptuous Costa Rican countryside.
Dreams Las Mareas
A more personal escape that promises pampering is what you’ll find at this hotspot, tucked away as it is in the heart of coastal El Jobo. In fact, you’ve a stretch of private beach on your doorstep, as well as exclusivity offered by two pools and restaurants where Spanish flavours sing. Scuba diving and kite surfing can be enjoyed from this location, while those seeking self-improvement can take classes in cooking, dancing and Spanish.