Costa Rica is a stunning destination with beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and a vibrant culture. However, it can also be a pricey destination for travelers. But with some careful planning and budgeting, you can travel to Costa Rica without breaking the bank. In this blog, let us learn a comprehensive guide to traveling to Costa Rica on a budget.
What to know to travel to Costa Rica on a budget?
- Choose the Right Time to Travel
- Consider Your Accommodation
- Explore Costa Rica by Public Transportation
- Eat Like a Local
- Enjoy Free and Low-Cost Activities
- Consider Alternative Destinations
- Travel in a Group
Choose the Right Time to Travel
The best time to travel to Costa Rica on a budget is during the low season, which runs from May to November. During this time, prices for accommodations and activities tend to be lower, and there are fewer crowds to contend with. Keep in mind that this is also the rainy season, but the rains tend to be brief and usually occur in the late afternoon or evening.
Consider Your Accommodations
When it comes to accommodations, Costa Rica offers a wide range of options to suit any budget. You can find everything from hostels and budget hotels to luxury resorts and private villas. If you are traveling in a group, consider renting a house or villa. This can be a cost-effective option, as you can split the cost of the rental among the group.
If you are looking to save money, consider staying in a hostel or budget hotel. These options can cost as little as USD 10 to USD 20 per night, depending on the location. For a mid-range option, consider staying in an Airbnb or guesthouse, which can cost anywhere from USD 30 to USD 70 per night.
Explore Costa Rica by Public Transportation
Costa Rica has an extensive public transportation system that is both affordable and efficient. Buses are the most popular mode of transportation for locals and tourists alike, and they can take you just about anywhere in the country. For example, a bus ride from San Jose to La Fortuna (home to the Arenal Volcano) costs around USD 5 and takes approximately 3.5 hours. A bus ride from San Jose to Manuel Antonio (home to a beautiful national park and beaches) costs around USD 10 and takes approximately 4 hours.
Additionally, if you want to travel to Costa Rica on a budget when you are looking to travel between destinations quickly, consider taking a shared shuttle. These shuttles are comfortable and air-conditioned and can be booked through companies like Interbus and Gray Line.
Eat Like a Local
Eating out in Costa Rica can be expensive, especially in tourist areas. But there are ways to eat well and save money. One option is to eat at local “sodas,” which are small family-owned restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican cuisine. You can find these sodas all over the country during your travel to Costa Rica, and they offer hearty meals for a fraction of the cost of a restaurant.
Another option is to cook your own meals. If you are staying in an Airbnb or guesthouse, you can save money by buying groceries and cooking your own meals. Supermarkets like Walmart, Mas x Menos, and Auto Mercado are located throughout the country.
Enjoy Free and Low-Cost Activities
Costa Rica is known for its beautiful natural attractions, many of which are free or low-cost to visit. For example, you can hike in national parks like Manuel Antonio and Arenal Volcano for a small entrance fee. Beaches are also free to access and offer a variety of activities like surfing, snorkeling, and swimming.
If you are looking for more organized activities during your travel to Costa Rica, consider booking a tour through a local operator. You can find tours for activities like ziplining, whitewater rafting, and horseback riding, among others. However, be sure to compare prices from different operators to find the best deal. You can also save money by booking tours in advance online or through your accommodation.
Consider Alternative Destinations
While Costa Rica is known for its popular tourist destinations, there are also many off-the-beaten-path destinations that are worth exploring. These destinations may offer more budget-friendly options for accommodations, food, and activities for your next travel to Costa Rica.
Bijagua: Bijagua is a small town located near Tenorio Volcano National Park. The town offers affordable accommodations and access to beautiful waterfalls, hot springs, and hiking trails. You can explore the Rio Celeste waterfall and the Tenorio Volcano, which offers hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.
San Gerardo de Dota: San Gerardo de Dota is a charming mountain town surrounded by cloud forests. The town offers affordable cabins, birdwatching, and hiking trails. You can explore the Los Quetzales National Park, which offers hiking trails and the chance to see the rare Resplendent Quetzal bird.
Tortuguero: Tortuguero is a remote town located on the Caribbean coast, accessible only by boat or plane. The town offers affordable guesthouses and tours to see sea turtles, monkeys, and other wildlife in Tortuguero National Park. You can also explore the canals and waterways of the park, which offer stunning views of the rainforest and its wildlife.
Playa Junquillal: Playa Junquillal is a quiet beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula. The beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, with several affordable accommodations and dining options available. Nearby Las Baulas National Marine Park offers the chance to see nesting sea turtles, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Turrialba: Turrialba is a small town located in the Central Valley, known for its whitewater rafting and affordable accommodations. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is a great base for exploring nearby Irazu Volcano National Park and Guayabo National Monument, both of which offer hiking trails and stunning views.
Travel in a Group
Traveling in a group is a great way to save money when traveling to Costa Rica. By splitting the cost of everything, you can stretch your budget further and potentially save hundreds of dollars. Consider joining a group tour to save on transportation and activities and share the cost of accommodations.
Traveling in a group also has other benefits, such as safety and companionship. You will have someone to share the experience with and potentially make new friends along the way. JoinMyTrip has a lot of group trips to Costa Rica, in which you can join in and make new friends! Our dedicated TripLeaders will guide you through the best places in Costa Rica and make sure you will have the best time of your life. So start planning your budget-friendly Costa Rican adventure today!