Budget Tours & Trips to Costa Rica
Picture yourself zip-lining through cloud forests before soaking in Arenal's hot springs. Try white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, spotting sloths in Manuel Antonio Park, and surfing Santa Teresa's breaks. Take a boat ride through Tortuguero's rivers, walk across Monteverde's hanging bridges, and snorkel in Isla Tortuga's volcanic reefs. Bioluminescent kayaking and watching quetzals in the misty highlands are both part of the pura vida lifestyle.
10 best cheap Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- 7 Days Beautiful Highlights of Costa Rica
- 8 days North and Caribbean in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Nature Explorer 8D/7N
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
“Fun tour, awesome activities.”
Caleb, traveled in February
Costa Rica's natural wonders cost approx. $150 per day with eco-lodge stays and essential experiences. Package includes 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners, entry to Manuel Antonio National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest. Surfing and bioluminescent kayaking available.
Duration 12 days Destinations Alajuela, San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 18-59 Price Per Day $165 Operator One Life Adventures From $2,475
20% off- US$1,980
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
“Very efficient in seeing and experiencing a lot of the country in a little amount of time.”
Jerronaka, traveled in July
Budget-friendly Costa Rica costs approx. $110 per day with transportation and mixed accommodations. Activities range from $20 La Fortuna waterfall visits to $99 canyoning. Multi-share hostels and simple hotels provided.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Caño Negro, Pacuare River, Playa Santa Teresa, Mal Pais, Montezuma, Tortuga Island Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $84 Operator G Adventures From $899
25% off- US$674
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
“This tour was the best balance of activities at the start to make the most of the natural beauty and wildlife.”
Denise, traveled in August
This value-packed tour runs approx. $240 per day, covering 10 nights accommodation, breakfasts, and guided activities. Wildlife viewing in Manuel Antonio National Park, thermal springs near Arenal, and night walks in Monteverde Cloud Forest included.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Tarcoles, Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $209 Operator Explore! From $2,510
17% off- US$2,090
Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
“Costa Rica was paradise and such a great birthday getaway. I have nothing to complain about my experience.”
Mia, traveled in March
San Jose serves as your base at approx. $140 per day, including 4 nights' accommodation with breakfast, Tortuga Island cruise with meals, and guided tours. Pacuare River rafting available as an optional activity.
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $77 Operator Aborigen Tours From $599
10% off- US$539
Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
“The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay.”
Gary, traveled in December
Natural retreats like Celeste Mountain Lodge and Monteverde Country Lodge cost approx. $160 per day. Self-guided national park visits and coffee tours available throughout Costa Rica.
Duration 8 days Destinations Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Bijagua, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $175 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,553
10% off- US$1,398
Costa Rican adventure costs approx. $270 per day with 8 nights in 2-3 star hotels, daily breakfast, and 3 additional meals. Package includes entry to Arenal, Poas, and Rincón de la Vieja National Parks, guided activities and private transfers.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Cartago, Orosi, Irazu Volcano National Park, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $230 Operator Green World Adventures From
10% off- US$2,073
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
“Great guides and we especially loved the boat ride out to Tortuguero.”
Ingrid, traveled in January
Costa Rica's highlights cost approx. $140 per day, including stays at Turtle Beach Lodge, 9 breakfasts, and 5 meals. Self-drive portion includes unlimited mileage, with optional entry to Arenal and Monteverde.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa Elena, Playa Tamarindo Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $157 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,747
10% off- US$1,572
Duration 7 days Destinations San Jose, La Fortuna, Santa Elena, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $504 Operator Responsible Travel South America From $3,675
4% off- US$3,528
Duration 8 days Destinations La Fortuna, Pacuare River, Cocles, Alajuela, San Jose Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $388 Operator Responsible Travel South America From
4% off- US$3,100
Week-long Costa Rica costs approx. $150 per day with accommodation and daily breakfast. Shuttle transfers between San Jose, Puerto Viejo, and La Fortuna included. Beach time at Playa Chiquita and Manzanillo nature trails available.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $154 Operator Bamba Travel From
4% off- US$1,233
Budget Tours & Trips to Costa Rica Reviews
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
It’s been an amazing experience getting to know both the nature and culture of Costa Rica! Especially the ziplining over the rainforest, the beaches in Manuel Antonio & swimming in the waterfall were one of the activities I enjoyed most. For only a 12 day stay there really was a lot to do/see without the days being to full. Also, our group was very lucky to have an amazing tour guide! Val’s effort in making everyone have fun was greatly appreciated :)
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
The tour was amazing!
Amazing organization. Fully covered. The hotels chosen by Aborigen were perfect, just what we wanted.
Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
What our customers ask about Budget Tours & Trips to Costa Rica
Are entrance fees to national parks included in budget tours?
Budget tours typically require separate payment for national park entries. The main parks charge varying fees: Manuel Antonio costs 18 USD while Arenal Volcano charges 15 USD and Tortuguero runs 17 USD. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Budget about 15-20 USD per park entrance but they're worth every penny for the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities."
When is the most affordable time to visit Costa Rica?
May through November known as the "green season" offers the best deals with September and October being particularly cost-effective. Hotels like the Arenal Montechiari in La Fortuna lower their rates during this period. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Traveling in October meant fewer crowds and lower prices plus the afternoon rains actually added to the rainforest experience."
Which regions of Costa Rica offer the best value for budget travelers?
Budget travelers find good value in the Central Valley near San José and the Arenal area while the Caribbean coast around Puerto Viejo tends to be more affordable than Pacific beach destinations. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "La Fortuna had great budget-friendly options for both activities and food while still seeing amazing wildlife."
How much should I budget for optional activities?
Optional activities typically cost between 200-300 USD for a full trip. Common experiences include zip-lining in Monteverde for 50-75 USD or surfing lessons in Tamarindo at 45-60 USD. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "I spent about 250 USD on additional activities like white water rafting and a night walk in Monteverde - all worth the extra expense."
What type of accommodation can I expect on budget tours in Costa Rica?
Budget accommodations range from 3-star hotels to eco-lodges and hostels. You might stay at places like the Monteverde Country Lodge or Turtle Beach Lodge in Tortuguero. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The accommodations were simple but clean and comfortable and the eco-lodges in Tortuguero gave us an authentic jungle experience without breaking the bank."
How much should I budget for meals not included in the tour?
Daily meal costs average 25-35 USD when not included in tours. Local sodas offer traditional Costa Rican dishes for 5-10 USD while mid-range restaurants charge 15-20 USD per meal. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Eating at local sodas saved us lots of money - we had delicious typical Costa Rican meals for around 7 USD each."