For a turkey day change of pace, travel to Costa Rica and see the country in a rental car! Worried about having a traditional dinner? Don’t be; we’ve got you covered. 

If you’re planning on a vacation in Costa Rica, Thanksgiving is a good time to go. This year Thanksgiving falls at the end of the green season, meaning less rain and more sunshine, and yet can still green season rates on many vacation rentals, hotels, and tour operators. A rental car gives you the freedom to travel the country and still keep your date with that turkey dinner and pumpkin pie.

Even though the green season is winding down, there are still good deals to be had on accommodation and a rental car. Savings abound on places to stay, things to do and adventure to be had.

If you’re going to book a Costa Rica vacation rental through Airbnb, VRBO or Homeaway, you can prepare your Thanksgiving dinner right in your “own” kitchen, just as you would at home. There are plenty of major supermarkets throughout the country, such as the Automercado, which stock everything you need for a traditional dinner, including the turkey.

For those in the San Jose valley who don’t want to cook, but still want a traditional Thanksgiving, Don Fernando’s in Escazu will deliver a full turkey dinner and all the trimmings to your door.

Some who are traveling through Costa Rica may want something different for Thanksgiving; many hotels and restaurants honor the tradition every year, give the number of North Americans who live here or are visiting. In fact, quite a few Costa Ricans get in on the holiday themselves these days!

If you’re on the Central Pacific coast, consider Los Sueños Resort and Marina. Near Jacó on the Central Pacific Coast, HRG Vacations has luxury condos and vacation villas at Los Sueños that can serve as a base for exploration, and that will come with a fully equipped kitchen. In addition to excellent facilities at the resort, Jimmy T’s Provisions provides personal chef services. You can also order a meal for pick-up or delivery, or ask the HRG concierge team to set you up with a chef. You don’t have to stick with a traditional Thanksgiving meal, try the catch of the day: fresh seafood. 

The smallest of Costa Rica’s national parks, Manuel Antonio has 3 white sand beaches and incredible biodiversity packed into a few acres. The park, an hour south of Jacó, is very accessible with paved, level paths. Entrance to the park is capped at a daily maximum. To avoid having to wait for someone to leave, arrive early. And do take the guided tour, it’s worth every penny.

With your rental car, you have the freedom to explore the national parks, nearby beaches, and a host of attractions. Instead of a frosty tramp through the snow after dinner, you can ramble around the countryside while enjoying the sunshine.

Up in Guanacaste the dry tropical forests are at their greenest, and completely different from the rain and cloud forests of the more southern parts of Costa Rica. Playa Tamarindo bay’s calm waters are perfect for water sports. Plus, at nearby at Playa Grande, leatherbacks lay their eggs on the beach about every 10 nights beginning in October, which is always a thrilling sight to see.  

It takes a sense of adventure to hit the road for Thanksgiving. Contact us to book a rental car that can help you create that adventure (or wait for Christmas in Costa Rica).