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
- Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
- Volcanoes Adventure in Costa Rica
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
- Essential Costa Rica - Package with Guanacaste, Self-drive
- Exotic Costa Rica, Self-drive
- Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
- 9 Days Unique Costa Rican Adventure
- Full Costa Rica Explorer 14D/13N
- Costa Rica: San José with optional Tortugas Island - 7 days
- Costa Rica Nature Explorer 8D/7N
Costa Rica Classic 12 Day - One Life Adventures
48 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour has been an incredible experience to see animals in the wild and learn about the ways in which Costa Rica are helping to preserve this natural environment.”
thia, traveled in August
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 Ages 18-59 Price Per Day $288 Operator One Life Adventures From $4,068
15% Off- NZ$3,458You save $610
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 $335 Operator Green World Adventures From $3,544
15% Off- NZ$3,012You save $532
Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The white water rafting was amazing and the waterfall at the end was a nice touch.”
Kristina, traveled in February
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 $140 Operator G Adventures From $1,599
30% Off- NZ$1,119You save $480
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 All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $262 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $3,080
15% Off- NZ$2,618You save $462
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 $291 Operator Destination Services Costa Rica From $2,738
15% Off- NZ$2,328You save $411
Highlights of Costa Rica + Beach Extension
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The other people in my group were lovely. The highlight of the trip for me was the night trek in the rainforest.”
Omolola, traveled in January
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 $329 Operator Explore! From $3,990
18% Off- NZ$3,290You save $700
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 $593 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
18% Off- NZ$5,342
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 $350 Operator Bamba Travel From
18% Off- NZ$4,895
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 $129 Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From $1,003
10% Off- NZ$903You save $100
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 $270 Operator Bamba Travel From
10% Off- NZ$2,158
Budget Tours & Trips to Costa Rica Reviews
- 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.
- Costa Rica: Ocean Waves & Sunsets
Esteban was an amazingly patient, knowledgeable, caring and accommodating person. This trip was 10/10 because of him! Would recommend it to everyone!
- 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.
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."