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
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- 8 days North and Caribbean in Costa Rica
- 7 Days Beautiful Highlights of Costa Rica
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accomodations were hostels but they were nice hostels! I love my time spent in Costa Rica!”
Maria, traveled in January
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 $101 Operator G Adventures From $899
10% Off- US$809You save $90
Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Green World was awesome!”
James, traveled in April
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
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a lovely country to visit and the beach extension hotel was well located.”
Steven, traveled in November
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, Sarchi, Grecia, Poas Volcano National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $209 Operator Explore! From $2,370
12% Off- US$2,090You save $280
Premium Costa Rica costs approx. $320 per day, featuring Paradise Hot Springs and Monteverde ziplines. Package includes 8 breakfasts, 3-star hotels, transfers between San Jose, Monteverde, and Playa Santa Teresa, plus Curu Wildlife Refuge tours.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Curú Wildlife Refuge Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $384 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,761
8% Off- US$3,460You save $301
Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 $165 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,553
15% Off- US$1,320You save $233
Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Costa Rica is beautiful! La Paz Waterfalls is a great option for one of these days!”
Renee, traveled in June
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$539You save $60
Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had an amazing time in Costa Rica! So glad we booked this tour with Bamba Experience.”
Aashfaria, traveled in June
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, Braulio Carillo National Park, Tortuguero, Guapiles, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita, Cocles, Manzanillo, La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $218 Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- US$3,052
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 $148 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,747
15% Off- US$1,485You save $262
Duration 8 days Destinations La Fortuna, Pacuare River, Cocles, Alajuela, San Jose Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $366 Operator Responsible Travel South America From
15% Off- US$2,925
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 $479 Operator Responsible Travel South America From $3,425
2% Off- US$3,350You save $75
Budget Tours & Trips to Costa Rica Reviews
We received a good amount of free time to plan our own activities but there were a lot of opportunities to eat dinner with our group and go out after we ate together in the evening. The accomodations were hostels but they were nice hostels! I love my time spent in Costa Rica! Our guide was really great too.
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
Everything was right on schedule. Great guides and we especially loved Juan Carlos who brought us from San Jose to the boat ride out to Tortuguero and picked us up and drove us back to Guapile. A+ from us
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
For me personally, it was the perfect mix of pure nature, beach vibes, and adventure!
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."