How to experience the best of Costa Rica on a budget

Hike a national park, How to do it, Eat at the sodas, How to do it, Take the bus, How to do it, Stay somewhere off the beaten track, How to do it, Visit the free hot springs, How to do it, Look for cost-effective combo tours, How to do it, Hit the beach, Spot frogs and sloths by night, How to do it, Getting there

Don’t miss the sunrise at Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast - Getty

“Stop right there,” I say, as I spy a hand slowly reaching inside my rucksack. The thief – a small, white-faced capuchin monkey – looks up at me with wide brown eyes, which it proceeds to roll with a disappointed chatter before swinging up into a nearby palm tree (thankfully, without my wallet).

I’m on Espadilla Sur beach inside Costa Rica’s famous Manuel Antonio National Park, a wildlife-lover’s paradise home to 109 species of mammals and 184 bird species. Behind me is a tropical jungle that I have spent the morning exploring, spotting sloths, snakes and iguanas with the help of my eagle-eyed guide, Andrea. In front of me, impossibly turquoise waves crash against a pristine white sand shore.

This combination of incredible biodiversity and breathtaking natural landscapes makes Costa Rica a bucket-list destination for many travellers, but when planning a trip the costs can come as an unwelcome surprise. The country’s thriving tourism industry and strong economy position it as the most expensive destination in Central America, with big-ticket activities like canopy tours and white water rafting often costing hundreds of pounds – a stark contrast to its cheaper neighbours Nicaragua and Guatemala.

The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to explore Costa Rica on a budget, even if you’re visiting during high season. You might have to swap a hotel for a cabina, or a restaurant for a local market, but in doing so you’ll find yourself at the heart of the natural beauty and vibrant culture that define the country’s “pura vida” ethos – and your trip could be all the more special for it.

Here are eight tips for a Costa Rica holiday that leaves your wallet intact (monkey business aside).

Hike a national park

Hike a national park, How to do it, Eat at the sodas, How to do it, Take the bus, How to do it, Stay somewhere off the beaten track, How to do it, Visit the free hot springs, How to do it, Look for cost-effective combo tours, How to do it, Hit the beach, Spot frogs and sloths by night, How to do it, Getting there

Four species of monkey are native to the forests of Costa Rica, including the white-faced capuchin - Bradley Spence

Home to an estimated 5 per cent of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica is a nature-lover’s dream. The country’s 30 national parks and numerous reserves are an affordable way to observe the unique ecosystems found in its rainforests and beaches, from Corcovado’s scarlet macaws to nesting sea turtles at Tortuguero.

Admission fees start as low as £4, with the more popular parks costing around £12 for an adult – a bargain for the experiences they offer. Booking a guided walk is more expensive, with a two and-a-half hour tour of Manuel Antonio National Park costing an extra £22 per adult on top of the entry fee, but for wildlife-rich parks it’s worth the extra cost, as you’ll see and learn about more animals with a ranger and their equipment.

The parks have clearly-marked trails suitable for a mix of abilities, so others can be hiked independently to save some colones. Keep an eye out for playful coatis as you trek through ancient lava fields at Arenal Volcano National Park in La Fortuna, or watch toucans soar above the Rio Celeste waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park.

Tip

Merlin is a free bird-watching app that will help you distinguish between quetzals and motmots in the absence of a guide.

How to do it

National park tickets can be booked upon entrance or via the official government agency website SINAC. Guided tours can be booked through Viator or Get Your Guide.

Eat at the sodas

Hike a national park, How to do it, Eat at the sodas, How to do it, Take the bus, How to do it, Stay somewhere off the beaten track, How to do it, Visit the free hot springs, How to do it, Look for cost-effective combo tours, How to do it, Hit the beach, Spot frogs and sloths by night, How to do it, Getting there

Sodas are small family-run restaurants in Costa Rica that serve affordable local cuisine - Alamy

It’s easy to overspend when dining out on any holiday, and Costa Rica is no exception. Avoid the tourist-packed restaurants in popular destinations like Monteverde or La Fortuna, where the price of a main course can range from £10 to £30. For a cheap and authentic taste of local cuisine, find a soda.

Sodas are family-run restaurants that serve traditional “Tico” (Costa Rican) food, famously casado – a dish consisting of rice, beans, plantain and a choice of meat or fish, typically costing between £5 and £9. Arroz con pollo is another soda staple; fried rice with chicken.

This is comfort food at its finest, and after a long day hiking through rainforest it hits the spot. Ask for some chilera for a chance to sample the home-made hot sauce of spicy fermented vegetables, but be warned: this can be seriously picante.

How to do it

Soda Tapia in San José central market, Ticos Restaurante in Monteverde and Lidia’s Place in Puerto Viejo are all excellent options.

Take the bus

Hike a national park, How to do it, Eat at the sodas, How to do it, Take the bus, How to do it, Stay somewhere off the beaten track, How to do it, Visit the free hot springs, How to do it, Look for cost-effective combo tours, How to do it, Hit the beach, Spot frogs and sloths by night, How to do it, Getting there

Buses and tourist shuttles are cheaper alternatives to hiring a car – and allow passengers to sit back and enjoy the view - Alamy

Car hire in Costa Rica is expensive due to the mandatory liability insurance, which can increase the overall price of a rental car by hundreds of pounds. This is a common complaint amongst tourists, who often don’t discover these extra costs until they’re picking up the keys.

If you’re prepared to sacrifice on convenience, the country’s bus network provides a cheaper alternative. Local buses cost between £1 and £20 (depending on the journey length) and unlike the brightly painted “chicken buses” that are widespread throughout the rest of Central America, many are modern with air conditioning and luggage space.

For longer and more complicated journeys, take a tourist shuttle. These minibuses seat 10-15 passengers and offer direct transportation to and from your accommodation, with prices ranging from £25 to £100. Some routes include boat transfers which are a great way to experience Costa Rica’s canals and lakes – Monteverde Shuttle Bus offers a van and ferry transfer from Monteverde to La Fortuna from £25 per person, including a scenic boat ride across Lake Arenal with beautiful views of the volcano. Book tickets in advance as prices will climb.

How to do it

Local buses: Costa Rica’s buses are owned by private companies with each one deciding its own routes, fares and times. Rome to Rio is a useful website for looking up schedules.

Stay somewhere off the beaten track

Hike a national park, How to do it, Eat at the sodas, How to do it, Take the bus, How to do it, Stay somewhere off the beaten track, How to do it, Visit the free hot springs, How to do it, Look for cost-effective combo tours, How to do it, Hit the beach, Spot frogs and sloths by night, How to do it, Getting there

Cabinas are Costa Rica’s traditional form of budget accommodation - ABD

Costa Rica’s popularity as a honeymoon destination means there’s no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts, but cost-friendly options can be found if you know what to look for. Cabinas are a traditional form of budget accommodation; single-room rustic cabins with basic amenities, typically located near national parks or beaches.

Rooms are simple, with a focus on nature and relaxation rather than luxury, so don’t expect the comforts of a hotel – instead, enjoy waking up in the middle of the nature you’ve come to experience. Prices vary depending on location, size and the time of year, but are generally affordable.

Guesthouses and smaller locally owned hotels are two other affordable alternatives to high-end chains and offer a more personal experience. Try Apartamento ArteSana, a peaceful sanctuary in Monteverde’s cloud forest near the popular Orchid Garden, where you can watch turquoise-browed motmots nesting in the trees whilst enjoying a delicious homemade breakfast of fresh fruit, pancakes or empanadas.

Tip

Cabinas and guesthouses are often cash-only or charge a fee for card payments, so bring colones with you.

How to do it

Apartamento ArteSana in Monteverde has double rooms for £61 per night, Caribbean View in Tortuguero offers a four-bed cabin for £38 per night.

Visit the free hot springs

Hike a national park, How to do it, Eat at the sodas, How to do it, Take the bus, How to do it, Stay somewhere off the beaten track, How to do it, Visit the free hot springs, How to do it, Look for cost-effective combo tours, How to do it, Hit the beach, Spot frogs and sloths by night, How to do it, Getting there

El Choyin, a natural hot spring in La Fortuna, is a free alternative to pricey nearby resorts - Abi McDonald

A visit to La Fortuna’s stunning hot springs is a must for any Costa Rica itinerary. These naturally warm pools are a result of geothermal activity from the nearby Arenal Volcano, which heats the water and infuses it with minerals believed to have healing properties.

Numerous spa resorts surround the springs, with popular tourist hangouts including the luxurious Tabacon Grand Spa, where a day pass will set you back £130.

For budget-seekers, a more authentic experience can be found close by for no cost at all. Head to El Choyin, a free hot spring located a five minutes’ walk from Tabacon that’s formed from the same river that flows through the resort. This secluded spot is popular with Tico families at weekends but relatively empty midweek, and if you go in the evening you may spot a few fireflies.

Tip

Keep an eye on your valuables – this is a natural spot so you won’t find changing rooms or lockers. Water shoes are recommended as the rocks can be slippery.

How to do it

The easiest way to get to El Choyin from La Fortuna centre by public transport is to take a taxi, but make sure to pre-book one for the return journey as there’s no phone signal by the springs.

Look for cost-effective combo tours

Hike a national park, How to do it, Eat at the sodas, How to do it, Take the bus, How to do it, Stay somewhere off the beaten track, How to do it, Visit the free hot springs, How to do it, Look for cost-effective combo tours, How to do it, Hit the beach, Spot frogs and sloths by night, How to do it, Getting there

Abi at the hanging bridges in Selvatura Park, Monteverde - Abi McDonald

For big-ticket adventures, “combo” day tours can be a cost-effective way to tick off multiple activities. One tour I booked was a day pass to Selvatura Park in Monteverde, including a canopy zipline tour, hanging bridges walk and butterfly sanctuary pass, along with transport to and from the park.

This package was cheaper and easier than booking the individual activities and paying for public transport. Do your research – not all tours will be good value, so it’s worth taking the time to investigate. Viator and Get Your Guide are good websites to compare prices.

How to do it

Hit the beach

Hike a national park, How to do it, Eat at the sodas, How to do it, Take the bus, How to do it, Stay somewhere off the beaten track, How to do it, Visit the free hot springs, How to do it, Look for cost-effective combo tours, How to do it, Hit the beach, Spot frogs and sloths by night, How to do it, Getting there

Snorkelling gear and kayaks are available to rent for affordable prices up and down the coast - Abi McDonald

From the dramatic black sands of Playa Negra to surfing hotspot Tamarindo, Costa Rica’s diverse beaches are free to visit. Two sun loungers and an umbrella will set you back around £10 for the day (be prepared to haggle), whilst snorkelling gear and kayaks can be rented reasonably cheaply up and down the coast.

Swing by the local supermarket for a picnic to avoid paying tourist prices at the beachfront restaurants. Most bars have happy-hour deals between 4pm and 6pm so you can enjoy the sunset with a cocktail – Salsa Brava in Puerto Viejo is a great option for live music and two-for-one caipirinhas.

Spot frogs and sloths by night

Hike a national park, How to do it, Eat at the sodas, How to do it, Take the bus, How to do it, Stay somewhere off the beaten track, How to do it, Visit the free hot springs, How to do it, Look for cost-effective combo tours, How to do it, Hit the beach, Spot frogs and sloths by night, How to do it, Getting there

Guided night walks offer a cost-friendly way to observe nocturnal animals like sloths in their natural habitat - Getty

After sunset Costa Rica’s teeming rainforest comes alive with sloths, tree frogs, kinkajous and howler monkeys. Night walks are a popular budget-friendly activity, with a two-hour guided trail costing between £20 and £30.

Some take place inside national parks, but a cheaper option is to book a walk outside of a park to avoid the additional entrance fee. Ficus Trails in Monteverde offers a two-hour night tour of the mysterious cloud forest including transport there and back, or book with Tuanis Tours for a guided walk through Tortuguero’s lowland rainforest for the chance to see three-fingered sloths and Jesus Christ lizards.

How to do it

Book a Monteverde night walk for £23pp at Ficus Trails or a small-group Tortuguero National Park night walk from £22pp with Tuanis Tours via Viator.

Getting there

Delta Air Lines, Air France and American Airlines fly to San José from London Heathrow via connecting flights.

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