Budget Traveling in Costa Rica: 5 of our Favorite Tips and Tricks
Traveling in Costa Rica on a budget can seem like a daunting task, especially since it's known to be an expensive destination. However, with some careful planning and smart choices, it's possible to explore this beautiful country without breaking the bank. In this blog, we'll cover some tips and tricks for traveling in Costa Rica on a budget.
Choose the right time to travel Choosing the right time to travel can make a big difference in your budget. The high season in Costa Rica is from December to April, which means prices for flights, accommodations, and activities are at their highest. Traveling during the low season from May to November can save you a lot of money on your trip. Additionally, flights and accommodations are generally cheaper during weekdays, so try to avoid traveling during weekends or plan your stay at less-popular places on the weekends
Use public or shared-ride transportation Public transportation in Costa Rica can be inexpensive, but rather unreliable — for some, it's a great way to save money on transportation costs. Buses are the most common form of public transportation, and they run between all major cities and towns, but they make frequent stops and rarely have functioning air conditioning making the onboard experience rather uncomfortable. Fares usually cost a little more than US$10 per trip. Alternatively, you can book a shared-ride shuttle or in some cases, a private transfer may cost you a little more, but the driver can stop along the way and make the journey more of an adventure and you get to explore places that you may not be able to see if on public transportation. Once you arrive to your destination, you can rent a bike or a scooter to explore your surroundings, which is also a fun and affordable option. In addition, most destinations are also walkable and if you do tours, most companies include transportation.
Stay in locally-owned hotels, hostels or guesthouses (Airbnbs) Accommodation can be expensive in Costa Rica, especially if you're looking for luxury chain-style hotels. Instead, consider staying in smaller hotels, hostels or guesthouses, which offer a different style of accommodation at a lower price. Hostels are a great option for solo travelers, as they often offer dorm-style accommodation and communal areas where you can meet other travelers. Guesthouses or Airbnbs are a good option for couples or families, as they offer private rooms at a fraction of the cost of a hotel. If you’re interested in booking Airbnbs directly with the owners, we have some great properties you might be interested in La Fortuna, Playa Samara, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio.
Eat local food Eating out can be expensive in Costa Rica, especially if you're eating at tourist-oriented restaurants. Instead, try to eat local food at sodas, which are small restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican food at a lower price. You can also buy groceries and cook your own meals, especially if you're staying in a hostel or a guesthouse that has a kitchen.
Choose free activities (or tours/activities offered by local families) Costa Rica has plenty of free activities that you can enjoy, such as hiking, swimming, and exploring national parks. In fact, our headquarters is located next to the free and very beautiful, popular local hang out called El Salto swimming hole and you are welcome to come visit us! And El Choyin hot springs in La Fortuna is also a free option. Plus many of the country's national parks and nature reserves offer affordable admission to visitors, and they're a great way to experience Costa Rica's natural beauty without spending a lot of money and we can arrange a guide and transport to make it an interesting way to learn about the local environment and culture. You can also visit local markets and festivals, which are often free to attend and offer a great way to experience Costa Rican culture. Be sure to ask us what’s going on in the area if you’d like updated information.
In conclusion, traveling in Costa Rica on a budget is possible if you're willing to make some smart choices and plan ahead. By choosing the right time to travel, using public or shared-ride transportation, staying in hostels or guesthouses (Airbnbs), eating local food, and choosing free or low-cost community activities, you can have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful country without breaking the bank.
