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: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Costa Rica Nature Explorer 8D/7N
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- 11 Days Essential Costa Rica: Jungle, Volcanoes, and Beaches
- 8 days North and Caribbean in Costa Rica
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, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $112 Operator G Adventures From
- US$899
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
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
“A brilliant trip - thank you Explore.”
Julie, traveled in January
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
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 $194 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From
17% Off- US$1,553
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
17% 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 $175 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From
17% Off- US$1,747
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
17% Off- US$1,233
Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
“The trip was amazing! All staff from tourradar has been very helpful.”
Stavros, traveled in August
Comprehensive Costa Rica tour costs approx. $200 per day, featuring 13 nights' accommodation, 13 breakfasts, all transfers, and guided tours in Tortuguero National Park. Puerto Viejo and Santa Teresa offer time for beach activities.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Guapiles, Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Manzanillo, Cahuita, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Santa ElenaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $218 Operator Bamba Travel From
17% Off- US$3,052
Duration 11 days Destinations San Jose, Caño Negro, La Fortuna, Arenal, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $414 Operator Responsible Travel South America From
17% Off- US$4,550
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
17% Off- US$3,100
Budget Tours & Trips to Costa Rica Reviews
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
The tour was amazing!
Great communication immediately after booking (I did it maybe two months prior to departure date, last minute) and a month prior making sure all required documents were in and choosing optional excursions. I was really anxious 1-2 weeks before departure date as I hadn’t received my vouchers or hotel stay and they assured me it was coming soon. They kept telling me it was coming soon and told me about a power outage which didn’t help my anxiety as it led me to reading reviews about TourRadar but i voiced my concern since it was my first time solo traveling (early 20s woman). They sent me vouchers two days before departure date for all my excursions, hotel stay, and point of contact. In reality I should probably knock off a point off as they said it would be sent to me a lot earlier, but my stay was such a good experience that I can’t give it anything but 5 stars. Costa Rica was paradise and such a great birthday getaway. I have nothing to complain about my experience. I chose the basic 5-day stay in Costa Rica solo because I wasn’t sure how the group travel would be organized. My flight was delayed two hours no fault to TourRadar of course but it was a chill day planned anyways. My organized pick-up by TourRadar was waiting for me the two hours i was supposed to be in originally and I felt so bad, I made sure to tip him because he was so welcoming and taught me about Costa Rica on the way to the hotel. I did buy some tours and excursions on Viator for the built-in chill days on the first day but wasn’t able to go to the San Jose city bites tour due to the long lines in customs and late arrival. My TourRadar guides messaged me on WhatsApp all the itinerary for Isla tortuga, Rafting, and pick ups that were included with the package. Super accurate and on time pick-up for all excursions, never missed one. All guides and drivers were super friendly and I ended up chatting and getting to know them by speaking Spanish throughout the drive and asking questions. Never once did i feel unsafe and all the people on the excursion that I met were super friendly and welcoming. Isla Tortuga and Rio Pacuares rafting were super super fun and beautiful. I have nothing to complaints at all. All food was delicious and included and we were all taken care of by the crew and guides. Super organized and people knowledgeable about where they live and the beautiful country they live in. I did an excursion the built-in free day the day before departure as it was my birthday, so ultimately glad I had the choice in what I wanted to do. I ended up going to Adventure Park and riding an ATV and horse and after coming back went out to San José clubs on a Viator Bar Crawl. First time using TourRadar and it was a great traveling experience not having to worry about transportation. Would do it again and have already recommended to cousins! Thank you for a great experience :)
Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
It was a great holiday and I'd highly recommend it, apart from the last resort. I also think you shouldn't make the same people share and same person on their own if we've all paid for room share.
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."