The Best Affordable Budget Tours to Costa Rica

Costa Rica Costa Rica

These top rated budget tours in Costa Rica prove that affordability and adventure really can go hand in hand. We've done the research, analyzing a wide range of tours from highly reviewed companies, ensuring that you get the best deals without compromising on quality. With pocket-friendly prices, stellar guest ratings, impeccable service, enticing destinations, and thrilling activities, these curated affordable tours to Costa Rica offer an unbeatable travel experience without the hefty price tag.


The Top 3:

  • 12 Days, $1899.00

  • 13 Days, $1819.21

  • 16 Days, $1949.00

What are budget and low-cost tours like in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica

Here are the important factors:

  • 44 trip options analyzed
  • $117 average price per day (USD)
  • 3 to 16 days in length
  • 4.63 of 5 average rating
  • 24 people or less on average

You'll be surprised at the array of budget tours in Costa Rica, as there is something for everyone. It's no wonder that visitors can't get enough of these tours, boasting an impressive average guest rating of 4.63 out of 5 stars. Picture yourself joining a group of like-minded adventurers, with an average maximum size of 24 people, ensuring a fantastic blend of social and personalized experiences. The average tour length spans 10 days, with tours ranging from 3 to 16 days long. For physical activity, you'll find tours classified as easy, moderate, and serious, with most of them being easy. And for transportation, you can choose between self drive and coach / bus, with most of them being self drive. With our thorough analysis of 44 budget tours, we've found the best. So rest assured that Costa Rica has something to captivate every kind of traveler.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best Budget Tours in Costa Rica
  • On Sale: 25% Off
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by G Adventures



12 Days Start/End in San Jose 5 Destinations 16 People at Most Ages 12 to 90 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional journey that has garnered a 5 out of 5 rating. On this amazing journey, you'll experience hiking and jungle trekking. With a duration of 12 days, this jouney will have 16 participants, and it warmly welcomes guests age 12 to 90. Expertly organized by G Adventures, this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $119 per day. It's also on sale right now!

  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Jungle Trekking
$1,899 $1,424
TourRadar
  • On Sale: 15% Off
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Destination Services Costa Rica



13 Days Start/End in San Jose 5 Destinations 30 People at Most Ages 10 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars

This memorable trip is offered by Destination Services Costa Rica which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $119 per day. Discover a journey that spans 5 destinations, with notable stops in Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, and Monteverde. Your adventure starts and ends in San Jose. You'll love the emphasis on wildlife, beaches, and family-friendly activities, too. The maximum group size is 30 people, welcoming guests age 10 and older. Take advantage of the current sale and secure your spot today!

  • Coach / Bus
  • Wildlife
  • Surfing
  • Beach
  • Family
$1,819 $1,546
TourRadar
  • On Sale: 25% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by G Adventures



16 Days Start/End in San Jose 8 Destinations 16 People at Most Ages 12 to 90 Guest Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Set off on an extraordinary journey that has been awarded a 4.9 out of 5 stars by previous guests. With a duration of 16 days, this journey offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 16 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to guests age 12 to 90. This trip takes you on an adventure to 8 destinations, including Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Tortuguero National Park, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, and La Fortuna. San Jose will be the beginning and end of your trip. Brought to you by G Adventures, this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $91 per day. Act fast to take advantage of the current sale.

  • In-depth Cultural
$1,949 $1,462
TourRadar
  • On Sale: 15% Off
by Destination Services Costa Rica



10 Days Start/End in San Jose 5 Destinations 30 People at Most Ages 10 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

With this option you can experience an unparalleled voyage for 10 unforgettable days. It ensures an intimate group setting with 30 participants at most. With 5 destinations to explore, you'll get the chance to see Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, and Monteverde, and more. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of San Jose. Destination Services Costa Rica, the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests guests age 10 and older. And since the priority is on wildlife and family-friendly activities, this tour is a great choice. Guests are treated to unforgettable hiking and jungle trekking experiences. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $139 per day. Don't miss out on this limited-time sale.

  • Wildlife
  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Boat
  • Family
  • Jungle Trekking
$1,635 $1,390
TourRadar
  • On Sale: 15% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours.
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Destination Services Costa Rica



15 Days Start/End in Liberia 9 Destinations 20 People at Most Ages 10 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

This fantastic journey has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Along the way, this journey encompasses 9 destinations, including Arenal Volcano National Park, Playa Tamarindo, Samara, and Playa Santa Teresa. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Liberia. Rest assured, this trip is all about wildlife, local culture, beaches, and family-friendly activities, guaranteeing an unforgettable adventure. Lasting 15 days, the maximum group size is 20 people, and it's good for guests age 10 and older. Organized by Destination Services Costa Rica, this is a great deal because it's only $114 per day. It's also on sale right now!

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Beach
  • Family
  • Self Drive
$2,015 $1,712
TourRadar
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Bamba Travel



8 Days Start/End in San Jose 3 Destinations 20 People at Most Ages 10 to 99 Guest Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

With a stellar 5 out of 5 rating, this extraordinary journey is the perfect choice. This extraordinary adventure also revolves around beaches and family-friendly activities. San Jose kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. Spanning across 8 days, the journey accommodates 20 individuals, and is suitable for guests age 10 and older. Offered by Bamba Travel, this remarkable journey is priced at just $123 per day. Don't miss out on this incredible experience.

  • Beach
  • Family
$983
TourRadar
  • On Sale: 40% Off
  • High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.
by Green World Adventures



9 Days Start/End in San Jose 4 Destinations 20 People at Most Ages 12 to 65 Guest Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

This exceptional trip offering by Green World Adventures has received a 4.8 out of 5 rating. On this 9-day journey you can unwind while also making new memories. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 4 destinations, featuring Arenal Volcano National Park and Monteverde. You'll start and end this amazing trip in San Jose. With a group size of 20 people, it's suitable for guests age 12 to 65. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $123 per day. Act fast to take advantage of the current sale.

  • Family
  • Sport
$1,840 $1,104
TourRadar
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours.
by Intrepid Travel



12 Days San Jose to Panama City 6 Destinations through Costa Rica, Panama 16 People at Most Ages 15 to 99 Guest Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 3.9 out of 5 rating, visiting Costa Rica and Panama. Uncover the beauty of 6 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Boquete, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Bocas Del Toro, and Colon. Your journey will begin in San Jose and end in Panama City. Spanning across 12 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 16 participants, and it's great for guests age 15 and older. Brought to you by the renowned Intrepid Travel, this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $101 per day - an unbeatable value.

  • Beach
  • Attraction-Based Hikes
$1,211
TourRadar
  • On Sale: 15% Off
by Destination Services Costa Rica



10 Days Start/End in San Jose 5 Destinations 30 People at Most Ages 10 to 99 Guest Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

This 10-day journey is ideal for guests age 10 and older. And priced at only $126 per day, it's a great value, too. You'll love the emphasis on wildlife, local culture, and family-friendly activities, too. Traverse through 5 enchanting destinations, with Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, and Monteverde among the must-see stops along the route. Your adventure starts and ends in San Jose. It's offered by Destination Services Costa Rica, a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides. It's also on sale right now!

  • Wildlife
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Family
  • Self Drive
  • Local Living
$1,478 $1,256
TourRadar
  • On Sale: 40% Off
  • Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for budget tours.
by Green World Adventures



5 Days Start/End in San Jose 3 Destinations 30 People at Most Ages 2 to 75 Guest Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars

Priced at just $114 per day, this terrific 5-day trip is ideal for guests age 2 to 75. San Jose will be the beginning and end of your trip. Organized by the reputable Green World Adventures, this is one of the best tours on this list. Take advantage of the current sale and secure your spot today!

  • Hiking & Trekking
  • Family
$954 $572
TourRadar

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica, The Best 10-Day Tours in Costa Rica, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica, The Best 3-Day Tours in Costa Rica, The Best 2-Week Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Bicycle Tours in Costa Rica, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Costa Rica, The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Adventure Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Eco Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Cultural Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Costa Rica, The Best Self Drive Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Safaris in Costa Rica, The Best Jungle Trekking Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Tours Under $1000 in Costa Rica, The Best Luxury Tours to Costa Rica, The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica, or The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from San Jose, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from San Jose, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Liberia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from San José, The Best 10-Day Tours from San Jose, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Jose, The Best 2-Week Tours from San José, or The Best 2-Week Tours from Liberia for more package tour options.

How much do budget tours cost in Costa Rica?

Average Daily Price Budget Tours
$117

After analyzing 44 budget tours in Costa Rica, we found the average price to be a remarkably economical $117 per day. Naturally, this region has many fantastic options for budget tours with a variety of prices. The individual costs will vary by the destinations, travel style, available dates, and other factors. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Costa Rica.

And for more information on Costa Rica, see Costa Rica Travel Costs and Costa Rica Hotel Costs.


Budget Your Trip
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. On this website you can also find travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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