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How much does a trip to Costa Rica cost? It is often the first question travelers ask us. The honest answer: it depends mostly on the season, the type of lodging and the way you get around. This guide gives you the main expenses, typical ranges and our advice for spreading your budget well.
Please note: the amounts below are typical ranges, in US dollars (the reference currency for tourism in Costa Rica). They vary with the season and demand. For an exact price, each of our tours shows a “from” price per person, and we prepare a quote for every tailor-made trip.
The main expenses
A trip is made up of six main items: flights, lodging, getting around, meals, park entrance fees and activities. The first two usually account for the largest share of the budget.
Flights
Costa Rica has two international airports: Juan Santamaría, near San José, and Liberia, in the northwest. From the United States and Canada, many direct flights serve both airports; from the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe, you fly direct or with one stop (Madrid, Amsterdam, Miami, Panama…).
- Fares are highest during school holidays, at Christmas and in July and August.
- Booking early and staying flexible by a few days often saves money.
- Flying into San José and out of Liberia (or the reverse) can save you a day of backtracking.
Lodging
| Type | Typical price per night (double room) | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Lodge, small family hotel | USD 100 to 125 | Simple, curious travelers |
| Boutique hotel | USD 100 to 250 | Most of our travelers |
| Upscale eco-lodge | USD 250 and up | Honeymoons, nature stays |
Check whether the prices shown include the 13% tax: you will often see impuestos incluidos or not. In high season, the most sought-after places (Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Tortuguero) are booked several months ahead. See also our guide to eco-lodges in Costa Rica.
Getting around
Rental car
It is the most flexible option. The price depends on the type of vehicle, the season and above all the insurance: always compare the final price, insurance included. An SUV is enough for most itineraries. See our car rental page. On a motorcycle, the daily rates of our bikes are on our Costa Rica motorcycle tour page.
Shared shuttles
Shuttles (Interbus, among others) link the main stops from hotel to hotel. Allow about USD 60 to 95 per person per ride. This is the basis of our trips without a car.
Private driver-guide
More expensive, a tour with a private driver-guide includes the vehicle, fuel, tolls and a guide who travels with you from one region to the next. With several travelers, the cost per person drops considerably.
Meals
| Where | Typical price | Try |
|---|---|---|
| Soda (small local restaurant) | USD 6 to 12 per dish | Casado, gallo pinto |
| Restaurant in a tourist area | USD 15 to 30 | Grilled fish, Caribbean cooking |
| More refined restaurant | USD 30 and up | Cooking with local produce |
The casado, with rice, black beans, meat or fish, salad and plantains, remains the cheapest meal and one of the tastiest.
National parks
Entrance to a national park usually costs between USD 10 and 20 per adult; private reserves, such as those in Monteverde, are a little more expensive. Several parks, including Manuel Antonio, require booking online in advance (Manuel Antonio is closed on Tuesdays), and Corcovado can only be visited with a certified guide. Everywhere, a naturalist guide makes a big difference: they spot animals you would never see on your own. See our guide to Costa Rica’s national parks.
Activities
Ziplining, rafting, whale-watching boat trips, turtle watching, hot springs: most activities cost from a few tens of dollars to about a hundred dollars per person. It is better to choose three or four that really matter to you than to fill every day.
How to spread your budget
- Travel in the green season (May to November, except July): lodging is cheaper.
- Eat at sodas at lunchtime: good, generous and inexpensive.
- Book early for the high season.
- Limit the number of stops: at least two nights per stop means less driving and less fatigue.
- Combine options: a few days by car, a few stages by shuttle.
- Buy park tickets on the official website when possible.
- Travel with others: a car, a driver-guide and family rooms cost less per person.
Frequently asked questions
Is Costa Rica expensive?
More than its Central American neighbors. Prices reflect the quality of the infrastructure and a policy of nature protection: about a quarter of the country is protected. You can still travel comfortably by choosing the right season and lodging.
Dollars or colones?
The dollar is accepted almost everywhere in tourist areas; colones are useful in sodas, markets and small shops. Bank cards are widely accepted. Preferably withdraw cash from bank ATMs.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, in most regions. A reusable bottle saves buying plastic ones.
Which insurance should I take?
Travel insurance with medical and repatriation cover is essential. Check that it covers the activities you plan (rafting, ziplining).
How much does a trip organized by your agency cost?
Each of our tours shows a “from” price per person, excluding flights: you will find them below and on our self-drive tour and private driver-guide pages. For a tailor-made trip, tell us about your plans: the quote is free and with no obligation.
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