Budget Tours & Trips to Costa Rica
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10 best cheap Costa Rica tour packages
Compiled by
SteffCosta Rica travel expert at TourRadar
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park, Self-drive
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
- Basic Costa Rica - 5 days
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
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 16 to 85 year olds Price Per Day $203 Operator Explore! From $2,490
18% Off- US$2,030You save $460
Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park, Self-drive
131 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Cozy accommodations across Costa Rica cost approx. $160 per day, including eco-lodges in Tortuguero, hotels near Arenal Volcano, and beachside stays in Manuel Antonio. Package includes most breakfasts and guided tours.
Duration 10 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $172 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,912
10% Off- US$1,721You save $191
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
41 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 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $80 Operator G Adventures From $849
25% Off- US$637You save $212
Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
11 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 up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $175 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,553
10% Off- US$1,398You save $155
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, Tortuguero National Park, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $198 Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- US$2,776
Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The country has every activity you could want from from chill beach time to white water rafting.”
Jennifer, traveled in May
Costa Rica awaits at approx. $100 per day, featuring simple hotels and hostels across 5 destinations. Coope San Juan homestay provides dinner and activities for one night. Puerto Viejo and Santa Teresa offer budget-friendly beach days and optional adventures.
Duration 14 days Destinations San Jose, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $74 Operator G Adventures From $1,299
20% Off- US$1,039You save $259
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 up to 75 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $256 Operator Green World Adventures From
20% Off- US$2,305
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The unique activities really stood out, such as the cooking class with a local family, staying in the National Park in Monteverde, and kayaking whilst collecting ocean rubbish.”
Maya, 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 San Jose, Poas Volcano National Park, Sarapiquí, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Playa Santa Teresa, Manuel Antonio National Park Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $139 Operator One Life Adventures From $1,754
5% Off- US$1,667You save $87
Basic Costa Rica - 5 days
3 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 5 days Destinations San Jose, Tortuga Island Age Range 3 to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $220 Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From
5% Off- US$1,099
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 National Park, Guapiles, Arenal Volcano National Park, Santa Elena, Monteverde, Playa Tamarindo Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $157 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $1,746
10% Off- US$1,572You save $174
Budget Tours & Trips to Costa Rica Reviews
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
It was one of the best trip I ever done so amazing I recommend it to everyone you have some free time to do what you feel like doing , my guide was a sweet heart! Costa Rica is so [expletives removed] amazing
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
The Costa Rica trip was amazing! I left Costa Rica with the feeling that I’ve really have discovered the country in so many different ways. From the cloud forest in Monteverdi to the stunning beaches in Santa Teresa and Manuel Antonio. I saw way more wildlife than I thought I would, thanks to Josue’s brilliant knowledge of Costa Rica’s nature and wildlife. He had so much knowledge about not only the wildlife aspects, but also Costa Rica’s culture and how the society works. What brought me the most is that we was able to do activities that the average tourist might not been able to experience. For example cooking with a local family in their house, or making chocolate and coffee with at a farm. Not only was the activities fun, but also gave us the opportunity for wholesome interactions with lovely locals. Our tour guides Amber and Josue made a great fundament for our group to have a nice chemistry. They were very caring and helpful the whole trip. Thanks for a beautiful trip. I hope to join a new one life adventure soon.
- 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
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."