Costa Rica on a Budget
(5 Ways to Travel Well in Costa Rica on a Budget)
Costa Rica, located in tropical Central America, has the best of all worlds. From the Pacific Ocean through mountains of both cloud forest and rainforest, Costa Rica extends across to the Caribbean Sea just 200 miles away. With one-quarter of it containing amazingly diverse plant and animal life in jungles, the place awaits the outdoor adventurer. From beaches to bird-watching, Costa Rica is a great location for your next vacation. Plan ahead and you can travel Costa Rica on the cheap.
Nestled between Nicaragua to the North, and the isthmus of Panama to the South, Costa Rica is a popular stop for backpackers trekking from Ecuador, Colombia and Panama. The capital city, San Jose, is the jump-off point into the countryside, but it’s worth spending some in the city as well. There are so many things to do in San Jose alone. What’s more, even if your budget’s limited, you won’t want to miss out on what the rest of the country has to offer. Here are five ways to travel well while in Costa Rica.
1) Planning Your Trip To Costa Rica With Those Who Know Before You Go
Central & South America is often shrouded in mystery. Latin America seems vast, with much of it misunderstood through news headlines and silly stereotypes. For that reason, certainly for first-timers, it may be best to consult with a travel agent to find out the best deal for your wallet. Talking to the people who know and understand the country is always your best bet.
If you talk to the right people, they can help to tailor the best deal on fun things to do for your budget. Some even offer special discounts if you contact them or book tours through their services. If you can find someone that offers live chat or Whatsapp, they can be a kind of remote travel agent in real time. Asking questions never hurts, so giving it a try is definitely worth your time. That’s what businesses like ours are here for after all.
Of course, you could always join some of the bigger travel groups on Facebook. There’s nothing like experience when it comes to asking for guidance on a trip to Costa Rica, or anywhere, for that matter. Plus, most countries come with well set out and detailed information about what to expect and where to go. Tourism information websites can be gold as well, for pointers and tips.
2) Hostels, Hotels & Accommodations in Costa Rica on a Budget
Budget hostels, Airbnb rentals and hotels in San Jose abound. Of course, for travelers today, free WiFi and security is at the top of our list. Most hostels and hotels come with secure facilities, keys, and lock boxes so not to worry. If you are only in San Jose for a day, you can also opt for a accommodations near the SJO airport. However, several hostels and hotels in the San Jose offer shuttles in many cases. Many times they do not list the shuttles as an included amenity, so be sure to check with your host in advance. If not, airport transfers are relatively cheap for the 40 minute drive into the city.
One thing you will notice about San Jose is the beauty of the place. Even those budget hostels are usually set amidst lovely gardens and shady trees. However, you’ll want to pack lightly as there’s no way you’ll stay in the city the whole of your vacation. There’s loads of things to do and exciting places to explore in Costa Rica.
If your budget is geared more towards camping and backpacking, you’ll discover that the Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste near to the LIR airport offers a place to pitch your tent. Meanwhile, a little more isolated, but a whole lot more fun if you like wild animals is the Corcovado National Park. If you’ve got a bit more cash to play with, there are plenty of other options. From quirky hotels on the side of Poas Volcano to all-inclusive beach resorts, there are lots of options to fit your personal vacation budget.
3) Inexpensive or Free Things to do in Costa Rica on a Budget
Even if you aren’t that interested in birds, you soon will be. The country has nearly 900 species of birds, and some are unique. The beauty of the birds is awesome for those Instagram memories as well. To make the most of it, you can speak to your travel agent, or even ask at your hotel or hostel about tours in your area. Of course, if you’re into bird watching, you’ve come to the right place. You can view several species of birds right from the balcony or garden of your hotel.
Some of the most visited tourist attractions are located close to areas you’ll want to visit anyway, like Playa Blanca on the Pacific or the Sloth Sanctuary on the Caribbean coast. Costa Rica is bursting at the seams with free or inexpensive activities. Walk the beaches and trails or just lounge on the glistening sand. Take a mountain hike, or visit one of the nature parks. Stroll around the markets, attend a local festival or tour a museum. If fact, San Jose has an Art Walk, Ride or Bus Tour that is free to the public that is a fantastic!
If you love beaches, then Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste & the shores of the Gulf of Nicoya will delight you. Not to mention provide more opportunities for cost-efficient activities. Beachcombing is free after all, and the full shoreline runs for 100 miles! If you love to just chill at the beach, Guanacaste is definitely a recommended destination for your Costa Rica bucket list. Forget the beach resorts, the local culture in these traditional beach towns is definitely worth exploring. And did we mention exploring miles upon miles of beaches? You’ll find plenty of hotels and restaurants on the western side of the peninsula, and can meet and make friends with fellow travelers who love the golden beaches.
4) Do Your Homework & Prepare For Your Costa Rica Vacation Properly
Rainforest is Aptly Named For the Amount of Rain: Good old fashioned research and proper packing can make the difference between the perfect vacation and a nightmare of unexpected expenses. Life in Costa Rica does not stop because it rains. In fact the rain is what makes Costa Rica’s flora and fauna so special. Some months it gets very wet daily, so make sure you pack a rain poncho with you. If you’re on a budget, the rainy months would suit your wallet better, as accommodation tends to be cheaper. Of course, if you’re in a small town or village, being stuck under the cover of a Palapa restaurant with some locals provides the opportunity try out your Spanish and learn a thing or two about the local scene. Soon the rain will pass, and you can continue your adventure with some extra Tico knowledge.
Ocean Awareness & Safety: As with anywhere in the world, you should never swim alone, Costa Rica included. The seas may be beautiful, but the rip tides are sometimes dangerous. Few beaches in the remote areas have any lifeguards. Please don’t assume the ocean is safe to swim in, just because there are no signs warning you about the rip tides. Our advice, find a surfer and ask them. They enjoy using the rip tides for their sport. If there is nobody swimming…well, take that as a sign it is not the safest swimming spot. It is probably best to stick to the tide pools iff you want to jump in the water in a secluded spot.
Welcome To The Jungle: So we highly recommend guided tours of the rainforest to get the best experience, but we understand that many peeps prefer to explore on their own. Good for you! But we still worry about you. If you go off and explore the jungle trails, be sure to pack properly. Regardless, if you do go off on a jungle adventure, please remember to stay on the trails. The monkeys might be fascinating, and those attractive birds as well, but don’t be tempted to follow their paths. Where there is jungle, it’s thick and you could lose your bearings easily.
Make Friends, Explore Safely: We recommend you tell someone like your hostel or hotel where you are going and when you intend to be back. Better yet, socialize and find someone else who would prefer a traveling partner to explore off the beaten path. Whether with a traveling partner or solo, make sure you carry a small day pack with ample supplies. A simple first aid kit, matches, spare food and water, and a change of dry clothing will be your best friend in a pinch.
5). Eat Like a Local: Best Economical Meals in Costa Rica on a Budget
Part of the fun when traveling is the opportunity to eat delicious and different types of food. Costa Rica definitely has its own signature cuisine that is most definitely locally sourced. Some of the meals are best purchased from the stalls or small restaurants that are often family-run. You’ll find that Costa Rican Casados, made with protein, rice, and beans is commonly available. This delicious meal will surely stick to your ribs. If you are on the Caribbean side of the country, try the version that comes with super delicious rice made with coconut milk. The spicy version with bell peppers makes for an affordable and delicious breakfast.
The Costa Ricans are rather fond of an alcoholic beverage brewed from sugar cane called Guaro. Think of it like the Tequila of Costa Rica….except made of surgar cane and not Agave. There is no doubt you’ll be offered Casique, the nations most popular Guaro, anywhere you go in Costa Rica. Wisely, the locals also know that you may awaken with a hangover. The best way to cure that? Order a seafood cocktail. Known as the “Vuelve a la Vida,” it has that name as it actually means, “Returning to Life.” Usually, it contains about three types of seafood, along with citrus and bell peppers.
Look out for the Gallitos on offer at stalls and even in the bigger hotels. These corn tortillas come with different types of toppings. You can choose beef and onions or peppers, or whatever else is on the menu. A little bit like choosing pizza toppings, there are usually several to choose from. Even vegetarian options are available, like squash or beans. Sometimes, you can opt for a fried egg or locally made spicy salsas.
Costa Rica, travel safe and enjoy your vacation in paradise
As you can imagine, there are many different places to go and things to try than we have room for in this article. We have not yet mentioned the famous zip lines, white water rafting, the fabulous waterfalls, the cruises, and more. However, hopefully, these five ways to travel well in Costa Rica can assist you in planning your next vacation. Looking for more? Check out Trip101, your source for destination guides around the world.
