Trip to Costa Rica: planning, budget, seasonality and unexpected events

Who among us has never dreamed of taking a trip to Costa Rica, a country that disbanded its army in 1948 to allocate funds to healthcare and education? In second place in the ranking of the richest states in Central America, Costa Rica is a jewel characterized by white beaches, rainforests and highly renowned national parks. However, as with any trip to exotic countries, careful and prudent planning is required from all points of view. In this guide we will discover together how to organize the trip well in advance, we will estimate the costs and we will reveal some relevant aspects, known only to those of us who have actually set foot in the Land of Pura Vida.

Where do you start when planning a Trip to Costa Rica?

Like all destinations, Costa Rica also requires careful and advance preparation, especially if your trip aims to discover as much as possible about this fantastic country. Before starting, however, it is best not to make the mistake of considering Costa Rica as a third world country, because this is not the case.

Second in wealth only to Guatemala (among the regions of Central America), the land of the green frogs enjoys strong socio-political stability and a rather solid economy. Despite only 5 million inhabitants (85 per km2), Costa Rica is a machine that runs perfectly and has little to envy of many European countries. Suffice it to say that the literacy level is one of the highest on the continent (95%) and the poverty rate is one of the lowest (21%).

When to plan a trip to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a very rainy country and it couldn’t be otherwise given the thick rainforest that covers much of the territory. For this reason, the best period for your trip to Costa Rica should be between the months of December and the end of March. In fact, in these months the season is considered dry and with a more stable climate, which will allow you to travel around the whole area without too many problems.

Keep in mind that the weather is still tropical and conditions can vary within the same day, even several times and at short intervals. In any case we advise you to pack a K-Way, it will be useful for visiting the rainforests, especially in the north (Tenorio National Park, Arenal, Monteverde)

How much does a trip to Costa Rica cost?

You may have read that for 5 dollars you can enjoy a complete meal. Well, you will be amazed on your trip to Costa Rica, because this is not true! At least not in the areas of greatest interest.

But let’s go in order, because first you will have to think about finding the cheapest plane ticket. Obviously the cost varies from your departure city, which is why we present a plan based on the major cities of the 5 continents. Prices generally range between $600.00 for the closest departures and $2,500 for the furthest ones. In any case you can calculate the costs for your trip to Costa Rica via our dedicated page.

Trip to Costa Rica: flight prices

Period 15 December – 30 December (prices based on the number of stopovers)

From Rome to San José: from $900.00 to $2,000
From Tokyo to San José: $2,200 to $4,200
From Sydney to San José: $2,000 to $7,000
From Johannesburg to San José: $1,750 to $3,653
From New York to San José: $640.00 to $2,338
From Rio De Janeiro to San José: from $566.00 to $952.00

Period 15 January – 30 January (prices based on the number of stopovers)

From Rome to San José: from $826.00 to $1,745

From Tokyo to San José: $1,846 to $13,225

From Sydney to San José: $2,269 to $4,100

From Johannesburg to San José: $1,386 to $4,314

From New York to San José: $688.00 to $2,338

From Rio De Janeiro to San José: from $616.00 to $873.00

A little tip: booking the flight at 2 am between Monday and Tuesday will allow you to save. If you book too close to the weekend, prices tend to rise.

How much does it cost to eat in Costa Rica?

In tourist areas the cost of food and restaurants is high. Obviously in less interesting areas it is possible to eat for $10 dollars, but this will be difficult in places like Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Manuel Antonio or Monteverde. From personal experience, some supermarkets in Costa Rica are much more expensive than those in the center of Rome. In some places a normal tomato can cost 835 Colones ($1.60) when in Italy you can get almost a kilo for the same price.

Food will be the largest cost item for your trip to Costa Rica, so consider a budget of at least $50 per day to eat in Soda (local diner) or in non-famous restaurants. In some fast food restaurants the cost of a Margherita pizza can reach up to 14,000 Colones ($28), when in Italy the price is between $6 and $10. Therefore I advise you not to underestimate your food expenses and to allocate a good part of your budget to them. In the photo above taken at the San Jose Market, as you can see, a single lemon costs 250 Colones, or 50 US cents.

Daily cost of food for 2 people (in tourist areas)

Breakfast (Desajuno Clasico): $7 – $10
Lunch and Dinner out: $50 – $70
Groceries and meals at home: $25 – $40

How much does fuel cost in Costa Rica?

While the cost may be high for food, this is not the case for fuel. Petrol prices are far lower than European prices and a full tank for a SUV can cost $40.00 (Toyota Corolla Cross).

How much does it cost to stay in Costa Rica?

Even in this case the costs are not at all prohibitive. You can stay in the famous Cabinas or rent an entire house, as well as opt for a hotel. Costs vary, but you can easily sleep in Costa Rica for $30/$40 a night (depends on your needs).

Daily cost of accommodation in Costa Rica for 2 people

Cabinas: $25-40$

Homes: $50 – $100

Hotel: $40 – $100

How much are Costa Rica’s national parks? Here are all the prices for 2024

To the cost items in your budget you will necessarily have to add the entrance fees for the numerous national parks scattered throughout the territory. Depending on the length of your trip to Costa Rica, you can choose which and how many to visit, but basically a ticket without a tour guide can cost between $12 and $26 per person.

The matter changes if you want to take special tours such as boat excursions to see humpback whales, or the suspension bridges and the famous Canopy Tours. We present a non-exhaustive list of the main attractions, but you can learn more in the pages dedicated to each individual event. This list does not include private tours but only public and private national parks, prices are exclusive of 13% VAT.

Poas Volcano National Park

Adults: $15.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Carara National Park

Adults: $10.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Rincon De La Vieja National Park

Las Pailas sector
Adults: $15.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Santa Maria sector (you can also set up camp here)
Adults: $15.00 (+ $4.00 for camping)
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00 (+ $4.00 for camping)
Infants: free

Tenorio Volcano National Park

Adults: $12.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Tortuguero National Park

Canali sector
Adults: $15.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Cerro Tortuguero sector
Adults: $2.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $2.00
Infants: free

Braulio Carrillo National Park

Vulcano Barva sector
Adults: $12.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Chirripò Volcano National Park*

San Gerardo sector
Adults: $18.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

San Jerònimo sector (Requires mandatory guide)
Adults: $18.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Herradura sector (Requires mandatory guide)
Adults: $18.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

*Booking only the day before entry

Irazù Volcano National Park

Cratere sector
Adults: $15.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Prusia sector
Adults: $5.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Manuel Antonio National Park

Adults: $16.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Isla San Lucas National Park

Adults: $12.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Tapantì Macizo De La Muerte National Park

Adults: $10.00
Children 2 to 12 years old: $5.00
Infants: free

Monteverde Biological Reserve

Adults: $26.00
Children ages 6 to 12: $13.00
Infants: free

How to get around during a trip to Costa Rica and how much does it cost?

Costa Rica’s road network is very particular, as there is a large presence of hills and forests in the territory. For this reason, to the great credit of the government, connections between the various towns are almost mandatory to avoid deforestation and changes to the territory. You can decide to travel by public transport (bus) or rent a car. I recommend this last option if you want to experience even the most remote areas of Costa Rica. Bus costs vary based on the routes and the company (there are so many) but if we consider a route from San Josè to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca the cost should not be more than $60 dollars with a private line.

Of course, if your goal is to visit multiple places and travel often, consider renting a car. You will be less tied to timetables and mandatory stops. Furthermore, to reach some places it is necessary to travel on rather steep and sometimes bumpy roads, which is why a car with some resistance is strictly recommended during your trip to Costa Rica. Taxis remain a good option for short journeys, but be careful only take the official red ones, sometimes yellow.

Cost of transportation in Costa Rica

Public Buses: $5.00 – $15.00

Private Buses: $10.00 – $60.00 (depending on the route)

Car Rental: $200.00 – $300.00 per week

How long to stay in Costa Rica?

The needs of every tourist are different. To tour all of Costa Rica it would take at least a month, but a 14-day stay can be enough to admire the best beaches and the most interesting national parks, without leaving aside a bit of mountains, fauna and Costa Rican culture. You can consult our ideas for a trip to Costa Rica in the appropriate section.

What to do with the internet during your trip to Costa Rica?

In a foreign country it is always good to be connected to the network. You will undoubtedly need to consult maps or contact friends and relatives via Whatsapp or other social networks. For your trip to Costa Rica we advise you to rely on an eSim, thanks to which you will be able to take advantage of a data plan for a duration established by you. Since we have tested it first hand we recommend you take a look at this technical sheet, with a cost of around $3.50 per day you can easily surf the internet.

Is a trip to Costa Rica dangerous?

A trip to Costa Rica has no more dangers than those found in a European metropolis. Even though the Central American country has abolished the army since 1948, there is a good presence of police forces. The only very annoying aspect that we have detected is the assault of the parking attendants in the most touristy places, but during the Trip Around Costa Rica trips no malicious intent has ever been detected. Certainly on the outskirts of San Josè it is good to keep your eyes wide open, as in all the most common suburbs. Read the article we have prepared in this regard.

Finally, how much does a trip to Costa Rica cost?

Making a brief budget hypothesis for two European citizens who want to visit Costa Rica, with a stay of 14 days, the cost is between $2500 and $3000 per person. This type of trip to Costa Rica includes:

• Flight
• Accommodation
• Food
• Entrance to 5 national parks
• 2 special tours (e.g. whales and suspension bridges)
• Visit to San Jose, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Santa Elena, Monteverde, Quepos, Manuel Antonio, Uvita

Feel free to contact us to better plan your trip to Costa Rica. Those of us who have been there can give useful advice on the area and local customs.