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: Beaches, Wildlife & Wild Times
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Caribbean to Pacific, Self-drive
- Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Costa Rica Nature Explorer 8D/7N
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip was fantastic! Would definitey recommend for anybody interested in exploring this beautiful country on a smaller budget!”
Caleb, traveled in June
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 $94 Operator G Adventures From $999
25% Off- US$749You save $250
Costa Rica: Beaches, Wildlife & Wild Times
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was enjoyable to have a guide native to Costa Rica. I don't think we could have had a better guide!”
Emily, traveled in February
Guanacaste's treasures cost approx. $110 per day, including 5 breakfasts and accommodations. Beach time at Playa Guiones and pottery demonstrations in Guaitil included. Stays in hostels and one hotel night.
Duration 6 days Destinations Liberia, Nosara, Playa Tamarindo Age Range Ages 18-35 Price Per Day $85 Operator G Adventures From $599
15% Off- US$509You 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, Orosi, Irazu Volcano National Park, Cartago, Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park, Poas Volcano National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $207 Operator Green World Adventures From $2,073
10% Off- US$1,866You save $207
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, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $175 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,553
10% Off- US$1,398You save $155
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, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $316 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $3,228
12% Off- US$2,840You save $387
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a great holiday and I'd highly recommend it.”
Elaine, traveled in December
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 $232 Operator Explore! From
12% Off- US$2,320
Nine nights in Costa Rica cost approx. $150 per day including accommodation and breakfasts. Stays include Holiday Inn Express Forum in San Jose and Villa Bosque in Manuel Antonio.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita, Turrialba, Los Quetzales National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $167 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,850
10% Off- US$1,665You save $185
Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $599
10% Off- US$539You save $60
Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $218 Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- US$3,052
Costa Rica Nature Explorer 8D/7N
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Pura vida, really nice experience.”
daniela, traveled in February
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, La Fortuna, Monteverde Age Range Ages 10+ Price Per Day $154 Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- US$1,233
Budget Tours & Trips to Costa Rica Reviews
It was a fantastic experience! We saw some of the most beautiful places! It was so nice to just relax and be shuffled from one beautiful place to another! Bernie our tour guide is a fantastic man! He never stops smiling!
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
The packaged tour saved us a lot of time deciding where to travel to and where to stay with the limited time we had. Service by Tour Radar was excellent, answering questions quickly and professionally. The lodges we stayed at were superb and driving around Costa Rica (about 600 miles) was no more difficult than driving in Vermont (I drive on plenty of dirt roads with potholes, and the paved roads in CR are good). We recommend that you book ahead national park registrations during the busier months.
- Costa Rica Nature Explorer 8D/7N
Pura vida, really nice experience
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."