Part of our Costa Rica guide.
2 places and guides from our Costa Rica coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Things To Do In Costa Rica.
How Much Does A Vacation To Costa Rica Cost
A vacation to Costa Rica typically costs between $70 and $300 per person per day, depending on your travel style and choices. Budget travelers can get by on $70–$100 per day, mid-range travelers spend $100–$200 per day, and luxury travelers should budget $200–$300 or more per day. These figures cover accommodation, meals, local transport, and basic activities, but do not include international flights. The time of year affects prices significantly: high season (December to April) and holidays like Christmas and Easter see peak rates, while green season (May to November) offers lower prices and fewer crowds. The duration of your stay, your preferred level of comfort, and the activities you wish to participate in also shape the final cost.
How Expensive Is A Trip To Costa Rica
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón (CRC) as its official currency, although U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Accommodation ranges from $15–$30 per night for a hostel dorm bed, $50–$120 for a mid-range hotel room, and $150–$500 for a luxury resort or eco-lodge. Meals cost $5–$10 for a typical casado (rice, beans, meat, and salad) at a local soda, $10–$20 for a mid-range restaurant dinner, and $30–$60 for a fine-dining experience. Transportation expenses vary: a local bus ride within a city is about $0.50–$1, an intercity bus like San José to Manuel Antonio costs around $10–$15, a shared shuttle between popular destinations runs $30–$60 per person, and renting a car starts at $40–$70 per day plus gas (about $1.10 per liter). Domestic flights, such as San José to Quepos, cost $60–$100 one way. For trip planning and inspiration in Costa Rica, consider how these daily costs add up over a week or two.
Activities are a major expense. National park entrance fees are $10–$16 for foreigners (e.g., Manuel Antonio $16, Arenal Volcano $15). Guided tours cost $40–$100 per person: white-water rafting on the Pacuare River runs $80–$120, a full-day guided hike in Corcovado National Park is $100–$150, and a coffee plantation tour near Monteverde is $35–$50. Surf lessons average $40–$60 for a two-hour session. For those interested in hiking and the outdoors in Costa Rica, many trails in national parks are free after the entrance fee. A complete guide to La Fortuna, Costa Rica, includes the hot springs: entry to Tabacón Hot Springs is $75–$100, while free river-fed pools are available along the Arenal River. The article "how much to tip a tour guide in" Costa Rica suggests 10–20% of the tour cost, or $5–$10 per person for a half-day trip and $10–$20 for a full day. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.
