10 places to visit in Costa Rica on a budget
Visiting Costa Rica for tourism is definitely one of the must-do experiences in your lifetime. Whatever your travel style, this incredible country has exactly what you need to embark on an unforgettable adventure, filled with adrenaline, outdoor activities, and urban landscapes. This guide will offer you some places to visit in Costa Rica on a budget!
Although there are many places to visit and that you must visit, this specific article is based for people that would like to do tourism on a budget.
Take in consideration that all these places have different type of accommodations or even you can plan your visit only for the day.
1. Manuel Antonio National Park
If you’re wondering what to do in Costa Rica, one of the best experiences you can have is visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. Famous for its incredible biodiversity, white-sand beaches, and stunning jungle hikes, this park is one of the most popular in Costa Rica for good reason: it’s essentially a tropical paradise.
Though it’s one of the smallest national parks in the country, nothing compares to the rich wildlife and lush landscapes that call it home. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, howler monkeys, deer, and a variety of reptiles roaming freely through the vibrant nature.
To make the most of your visit, I highly recommend joining a guided tour that will lead you to the park’s most beautiful spots and help you spot its native inhabitants with ease.
- Entry Fee: $3.12USD (Free for children under 13)
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 7 AM – 4 PM
- Best Time to Visit: January-February, to avoid the rainy season
- How to Get There: By bus from Quepos or by car
- Perfect for: Nature lovers and animal enthusiasts.
2. Arenal Volcano
Costa Rica is not only beaches, that’s why here are some options for mountains and volcanoes to visit. Costa Rica is home to 60 inactive volcanoes and 6 active ones scattered throughout the country, with Arenal Volcano being the most famous. Reaching the summit requires just a comfortable hike, and the view from the top is breathtaking.
A visit to Arenal Volcano is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Costa Rica for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Not to mention all the natural hot waters you can try and swim in.
- Entry Fee: $2USD for adults, $1USD for children
- Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 4 PM
- Best Time to Visit: December-April, when the weather is drier
- How to Get There: By bus from La Fortuna or by car
- Perfect for: Adventurers and nature lovers
3. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
One of only 12 in the world, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a must-see destination in Costa Rica. Covering over 10,500 hectares, the reserve is home to rich biodiversity that changes depending on the landscape and climate.
With four distinct ecological zones, each offering a unique ecosystem, there’s always something new to discover. Visitors can enjoy various walking trails to explore the stunning cloud forest and its wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
Just be sure to bring a waterproof jacket, as the climate is often quite humid year-round. For the best wildlife sightings, hiring a guide is highly recommended—they’re experts at spotting even the most elusive animals.
- Entry Fee: $10USD for Costa Rican adults, free for children under 6
- Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 4 PM
- Best Time to Visit: Avoid holiday weekends to steer clear of large crowds
- How to Get There: By bus from Monteverde or by car
- Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers
4. Nosara Beaches
One of the best ways to enjoy your Costa Rican vacation is by hitting the beach for a day of surfing in Nosara. The waves at Playa Guiones are perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers, so you won’t feel out of your depth if it’s your first time on a surfboard.
With clean left- and right-hand waves and consistent swell year-round, Nosara is one of the best spots in Costa Rica to surf no matter the season. What’s even better is that Playa Guiones is protected by locals from any wastewater pollution, making the water crystal-clear.
Plus, with no buildings in sight, surfing in Nosara feels like a truly authentic, natural experience.
- Surf Lessons and Rentals: Group lessons start at $65 USD, and board rentals are available near the beach for $20 USD
- Best Time to Visit: December-April
- How to Get There: Plenty of accommodation options just a short walk from the beach
- Perfect for: Surfers of all levels
5. Ujarrás Viewpoint
Located just 2 km east of the Iglesia de Paraíso in Cartago, Ujarrás Viewpoint is surrounded by lush green areas and offers a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious lunch, breathe in the fresh air, and spend quality time with loved ones.
- Entry: Free
- Hours: Daily, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Parking: Available
- Facilities: Green areas, restrooms, picnic shelters with grills, drinking water, and security
6. Orosi Viewpoint
Just 35 km from San José, Orosi Viewpoint is another perfect spot to enjoy quality time with friends or a special someone. With its stunning panoramic views, it’s an unmissable destination.
- Entry: Free
- Hours: Daily, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Parking: Available
- Facilities: Green areas, restrooms, picnic shelters with grills, drinking water, and security
7. La Fortuna Waterfall
The town of La Fortuna may be small, but there’s no doubt it’s one of the best destinations in Costa Rica for nature lovers seeking adventure. Located just outside the town, La Fortuna Waterfall is the perfect place to make your adventure dreams come true.
With activities like zip-lining and the opportunity to swim in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall, this stunning location attracts both local and international travelers year-round. To reach the bottom of the falls, you’ll need to climb down about 500 steps, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the trail can get quite wet.
- Entry Fee: $10USD for adults and children over 12 years
- Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: For swimming, it’s best to go between December and April
- How to Get There: By bus, private taxi, or your own car from La Fortuna
- Perfect for: Nature enthusiasts
8. Tenorio Volcano National Park & Río Celeste
Legend has it that the striking turquoise color of the Río Celeste, located within Tenorio Volcano National Park, was created when God dipped his paintbrush into the water while painting the sky.
There are several trails to explore in the park, with the hike to the waterfall typically taking about an hour, during which you’ll be surrounded by lush rainforest and the wildlife that calls it home. Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys swinging overhead!
The Río Celeste is certainly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Costa Rica, but the adventure doesn’t stop there. After visiting the waterfall, continue on the trail to discover the Laguna Azul and the bubbling thermal springs.
Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed within the national park, so you’ll have to admire the crystal-clear water from a distance.
- Entry Fee: $1.5USD for adults and children over 12, $1USD colones for children under 12
- Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: June-July, when rainfall is lower
- How to Get There: By private taxi from Tamarindo or your own car
- Perfect for: Nature lovers
9. Bosque del Niño
Located in San Isidro de Grecia, Bosque del Niño is a beautiful spot to escape the daily grind and enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.
It’s perfect for a family picnic, or if you prefer, you can even stay overnight and camp out. For sports enthusiasts, there’s a soccer field, making it a great option for a fun day with friends or family.
- Entry Fee: $1USD for children (ages 3-11), $1.2USD for Costa Rican nationals or residents
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Parking: Free
- Facilities: Restrooms, trails, waterfall (private property), picnic shelters
10. El Paraíso Waterfall
About 3 km east of the San Miguel de Grecia Catholic church, you’ll find the entrance to a 3-hectare estate that holds a true treasure: El Paraíso Waterfall.
This stunning 65-meter waterfall offers a refreshing escape, making it a great destination for those seeking a cool retreat. It’s another fantastic option for a day trip with family and friends.
- Entry Fee: $6USD per person, $4USD for children (ages 3-5)
- Camping Fee: $10USD per person
- Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (It’s recommended to call ahead to confirm hours)
- Parking: Available
Your dental visit to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is not only a stunning destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and beach enthusiasts, but it’s also a top choice for those looking to combine travel with quality dental care at a fraction of the cost.
When planning your dental visit with Lamicq Dental Care, we’ll make sure to have the best possible options for your visit and world-class dental professionals and an affordable healthcare treatment at your disposal.
Whether you’re seeking routine treatments, cosmetic procedures, or major dental work, you can expect excellent service, the latest technology, and personalized care.
And when your dental work is complete, you can explore the country’s lush jungles, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture—making it the perfect place to restore your smile and rejuvenate your spirit all in one trip.
If you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate to contact us here.