Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica on a Budget
Explore rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and sun-kissed beaches on this immersive 15-day budget adventure through Costa Rica's natural wonders.
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in Costa Rica's rainforests, volcanic landscapes and picture-perfect beaches on this budget-friendly 15-day tour.
Start in San José, where you wander bustling street markets, soak up local culture and fuel up for your journey. Then hop on a bus to head across to the Caribbean lowlands. The route passes through Braulio Carrillo National Park to Puerto Viejo de Limón. Once there, enjoy time on the beach or take a visit to the nearby national park.
Next, visit Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, where you may catch a glimpse of the lively monkeys, sloths and coatis. You may also see the numerous species of birds. In La Fortuna, the Arenal Volcano had its last eruption in 1968 and has been active ever since! After that, travel to Monteverde and the always impressive cloud forest. You may even get to see the elusive Quetzal.
Finally, we end the journey on the Pacific coast at the stunningly beautiful Manuel Antonio. This is the smallest national park in Costa Rica. However, you can see Capuchin, Howler, and Squirrel Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, agoutis, and hundreds of species of birds. Afterwards, hit one of the park's beautiful beaches.
This private tour of Costa Rica is great value for money. However, it also manages to pack a great deal into the 15 days.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Costa Rica!
After your arrival at the airport, complete the migration process and proceed through baggage claim and customs. Our airport guide will already be waiting for you at the airport exit. They will provide you with your travel documents and answer any of your questions. Finally, a collective transfer will bring you to your city hotel. Afterwards, the rest of the day is at your leisure to unwind. Get a good night's rest before tomorrow's adventure begins.
Overnight in Hotel Colonial
DAY 2
Puerto Viejo de Limón
This morning you have the opportunity to get to know the capital San José on your own. The Ticos affectionately call it Chepe. First, stroll through the lively central market and watch the Ticos do their daily shopping. They buy tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs here. Then walk along the lively Avenida 2 to the Plaza de la Cultura and the National Theatre. After that, continue to the National Museum and the modern Parliament building, finishing at Parque España and Parque Nacional. In the afternoon, a collective transfer picks you up and takes you through Braulio Carrillo National Park. You then head towards the Caribbean lowlands. In the late afternoon, you arrive at a small hotel in the centre of Puerto Viejo. It is only a few minutes' walk from the beach.
Overnight in Posada Nena · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Puerto Viejo de Limón
Enjoy a pleasant day at the beach. Savour the smell of the salty water, the wind caressing your hair and the gentle sound of the waves. Together, they create full relaxation and a Caribbean feeling. You'll also have plenty of time to enjoy local activities, such as beach hopping by bike. Alternatively, visit the nearby national park, the aboriginal reserve or an animal rescue centre.
Overnight in Posada Nena · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
Puerto Viejo de Limón
Another free day to spend in Puerto Viejo, the land of the stress and hassle-free holiday.
Overnight in Posada Nena · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
Before midday, a collective transfer will pick you up at the hotel. Then, within 4 hours, it will bring you to your next destination. The area around Sarapiquí is well known for its authentic Costa Rican lifestyle. Visitors also enjoy numerous activities here. For example, there are horseback riding, rafting tours, chocolate tours, bat tours, pineapple tours and much more.
Overnight in Tirimbina Lodge · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí
An epic day off to enjoy doing whatever you feel like doing. For example, become a keen observer of nature while strolling around this magical place. With a bit of luck, you may also catch a glimpse of the lively monkeys, sloths and coatis. In addition, look out for the numerous species of birds.
Overnight in Tirimbina Lodge · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7
La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano
After 1½ hours, you will arrive at the region known as La Fortuna. It is one of the most visited areas in Costa Rica, thanks to the cone-shaped Arenal Volcano. Several other attractions also draw visitors, including hot springs, waterfalls, and nature trails. The small town of La Fortuna offers good facilities. Therefore, it serves as an excellent starting point for visiting the attractions in the Arenal region. The Arenal Volcano had its last eruption in 1968 and has been active ever since. However, activity varies from day to day and year to year.
Overnight in Hotel Las Colinas del Arenal · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8
La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano
There are plenty of optional activities available for you today. For example, visit the national park, the thermal springs, nature reserves or the waterfall. Alternatively, take a bike or kayak tour.
Overnight in Hotel Las Colinas del Arenal · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9
Rincón de la Vieja
Your journey continues to the northwest of Costa Rica to the Rincón de la Vieja volcano. The landscape and climate of this rural area are very different from those of La Fortuna. As a result, they further demonstrate the diversity of Costa Rica's microclimates.
Overnight in Casa Rural Aroma del Campo · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
Rincón de la Vieja
Enjoy the paradisiacal nature and breathtaking views of the Guanacaste region and the Pacific coast. Tropical fairytale forests cover the slopes of the massive volcano. They are also part of the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Popular activities in the area include white-water rafting in kayaks, hiking, outdoor spas and bubbling mud pits. In addition, there are waterfalls, canopy tours and horseback riding.
Overnight in Casa Rural Aroma del Campo · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11
Monteverde
Today, the next collective transfer takes you up into the cloud forest of Monteverde. Enjoy the drive, with magnificent views over the Gulf of Nicoya. Finally, you reach your rustic but quite cosy hotel near the village of Santa Elena in Monteverde.
Overnight in Hotel Cala Lodge · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12
Monteverde
Enjoy relaxing walks under the jungle canopy. Meanwhile, try to spot as many of the 400 native bird species as possible. Recharge your batteries amidst the fairytale cloud forest and enjoy the magical sight of the evergreen mountains. There are also many activities to choose from, including hiking, suspension bridges and butterfly gardens. Alternatively, visit the snake museum or the hummingbird gallery. Finally, there are four-wheel drive tours, coffee tours and much more!
Overnight in Hotel Cala Lodge · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13
Quepos & Manuel Antonio
As a highlight at the end of your roundtrip, we will take you to the Central Pacific. Here you enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the country and its national park. Manuel Antonio is one of the smallest parks in Costa Rica. However, it is also one of the most popular destinations for both tourists and nationals. The park protects 1,938 hectares of rainforest and some beautiful bordering beaches. Here you may spot exotic birds, other tropical animals, and even the rare squirrel monkey.
Overnight in Hotel Manuel Antonio Park · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 14
Quepos & Manuel Antonio
The day is at your leisure, and location is everything here. Therefore, we have booked a simple but perfectly located hotel for you. It is only 100m from the entrance to the national park. From there, both the park's beaches and those in front of it are a few minutes away on foot. Please note the National Park is closed on Tuesdays. In addition, you must book the entrance ticket in advance via the park's own website.
Overnight in Hotel Manuel Antonio Park · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 15
Manuel Antonio to San José
Optionally, you may extend your stay on the beach or drive back to the Central Valley. The trip ends around noon at the international airport.
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Tour Map
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Dates & Prices
We can schedule this itinerary to depart at any time of year. We can also tailor-make it to your exact requirements.
From £1,260 per person (based on two people sharing), excluding international flights
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Costa Rica.
Citizens of the UK, US, Canada and most EU countries need no visa for a stay up to 90 days. Similarly, citizens of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland need no visa for stays up to 30 days. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. In addition, you should confirm all visa-related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
There are no compulsory vaccinations for this tour. However, we recommend protection against typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Also take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites, including repellent and long trousers/sleeves when necessary. Many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This applies if you are travelling from infected areas. Therefore, please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
It is a condition of booking with Our Local Tour that you have adequate valid travel insurance. This must fully cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including medical emergency helicopter evacuation. It must also cover the entire duration of your holiday. In addition, it must cover all activities you intend to undertake, including optional activities.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing is essential in midsummer. However, a warmer jumper is advisable for cooler evenings in the highlands. A good waterproof is also essential, and you should consider waterproof trousers. The jungle lowlands are hot and muggy, and it can rain at any time of year. Therefore, we recommend long trousers and long-sleeved shirts on jungle walks. Lightweight trail/walking boots are ideal for jungle walks, alongside comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals. In addition, we recommend waterproof footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent, a water bottle, and binoculars for bird and animal spotting. Finally, we suggest a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure our local guides all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a job well done with a tip. As a guideline, we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week. Your guide may also organise a voluntary group tips kitty for included activities and meals. For this, we'd suggest allowing around US$30 (approx. 18,000 Colones).
The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is the local currency. You can change money in advance or on arrival at the airport. There you will find both ATMs and a Bureau de Change. USD are also accepted in some shops and restaurants. In addition, we recommend taking some emergency cash in USD because the GBP exchange rate isn't very good. However, notes should be in good condition or they may not be accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants, although some may add a service charge.
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