How to go backpacking in Costa Rica on a budget

Backpacking in Costa Rica on a shoestring is possible if you watch your daily budget

Costa Rica is a budget traveller's paradise, and offers backpackers a wonderful range of tropical experiences. From lush sandy beaches to rainforests, mountains, volcanoes and vibrant cities, Costa Rica has everything a backpacker could ever hope for.

The country is a year-round destination, with a dry season from November to April and a gentle wet season from May to October. As one of the 'greenest' countries on earth, Costa Rica is also a brilliant place for conservationist travellers.

Image by Jerry Dohnal (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Adventure travellers will be in heaven as you can go surfing, white-water rafting, nature trekking and hiking in Costa Rica everyday.

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best places for trekking and white-water rafting. If you travel here, then you will see the country's best wildlife, including sloths, igananas and howler monkeys.

Always a remarkable experience with its breathtaking scenery, Costa Rica is not called the 'Rich Coast' for nothing. If you're travelling on a budget, then here are a few tips on how to save money on your travels.

Budget tips in Costa Rica

Image by Armando Maynez (Flickr/Creative Commons)

#1 Go during the 'green season'

If you're on a budget, and don't mind some rain, then you might want to go during the 'green' season, which is May to November. If you enjoy hiking, then the best time is during the wet season, where prices are lower and the rain forests are blossoming. Also it's unsurprisingly the best time to go white-water rafting.

#2 Sleep in hostels

Hostels are incredibly cheap in Costa Rica and you can stay in the country's capital San Jose for under €10 per night. If you have a shoestring budget then check out your accomodation options here. If you keep your accommodation costs down, then you'll have more cash for sightseeing. Also many hostels will allow you to rent a tent off them when you go trekking, so don't be afraid to ask!

#3 Change your currency to colones

Changing your currency to colones is recommended to avoid overpaying for things in euros, pounds or dollars. Budget travelers can survive on around €25 – €45 euros per day.

#4 Eat local food

If you're running short on cash, then we recommend you stick to rice and beans. If that's too boring then a money-saving option is eating out at sodas. They are family-run canteens serving traditional Costa Rican cuisine for around €4 – €7 per meal. They are much cheaper than tourist restaurants, so if you want to eat cheap then go where the locals go!

#5 Take the bus

Buses aren't luxurious in Costa Rica, but if you want to save money then you will only pay €2 to go from one city to the next. If you're wanting to go further afield, then it's under €20 to travel across the entire country.

Good luck planning your trip to Costa Rica! If you want to sleep cheap on holiday then book with us and make big savings on your future travels.

*Header image by Arturo Sotillo (Flickr/Creative Commons)