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
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Manuel Antonio National Park, Self-drive
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
- Costa Rica: San José - Tortugas Island - 5 days
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Volcanoes, Nature and Caribbean, Self-drive
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 $289 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,207
10% Off- NZ$2,886You save $320
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
41 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a journey of self-discovery, of learning about the world, and meeting people you never would have met otherwise.”
Jacqueline, traveled in April
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 $112 Operator G Adventures From $1,279
30% Off- NZ$895You save $383
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 $264 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,929
10% Off- NZ$2,637You save $292
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 up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $333 Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$4,655
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 $374 Operator Green World Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$3,371
Basic Costa Rica: Coastlines & Cloud Forests
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everyday, waking up in a new environment with new activities and experiences to discover was incredible.”
Stuart, traveled in June
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 $107 Operator G Adventures From $1,999
25% Off- NZ$1,499You save $499
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The country is so diverse and beautiful. Together with our driver Erick, he formed the best team.”
Katharina, traveled in April
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 $302 Operator One Life Adventures From
25% Off- NZ$3,629
Costa Rica: San José - Tortugas Island - 5 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Pura Vida! Very organized with transport, food, hotels, and activities. San Jose is beautiful and people were great!”
Eduardo, traveled in December
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 $234 Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From
25% Off- NZ$1,172
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 $293 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,604
10% Off- NZ$2,344You save $260
Eight nights in Costa Rica cost approx. $150 per day at Holiday Inn Express Forum and Laguna Lodge. Package includes breakfasts, Tortuguero boat tours, and unlimited mileage car rental.
Duration 9 days Destinations San Jose, Arenal Volcano National Park, Guapiles, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $281 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,814
10% Off- NZ$2,533You save $281
Budget Tours & Trips to Costa Rica Reviews
- 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 of the rainforest and cloud forest followed by several days at the beach with optional excursions. I don’t think we would have seen and done all we did if we planned it on our own.
- 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
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
The trip was amazing ! All staff from tourradar has been very helpful.
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."