8 ways to explore Costa Rica on a budget

Black sand beaches, abundant wildlife, idyllic weather. When it comes to tropical summer getaways, Costa Rica is an obvious choice. But don’t let the travel guides fool you. You can get a quality vacation on a backpacker’s budget.

Tamarindo Beach

Located on the Pacific side of this tiny country, Tamarindo boasts a long coast with a pristine beach. The beach is peppered with surf schools that are perfect for novice surfers who want to try out their sea legs in the warm, calm waves. Spend your days working on your tan, renting a board for around $25/day, and munching on filling casados, the local fare. (Hint: The less flashy the restaurant, the better the food!) When you’re ready to go out at night, this party city has dozens of competing bars that all host drink specials for different nights of the week.

Cerro Chato Volcano

From Tamarindo, make your way inland to La Fortuna, home to the popular Arenal volcano. This touristy city will bombard you with pamphlets and tour guides for local attractions. But don’t be fooled. Many of these outings can be done safely, enjoyably, and affordably on your own. For stellar views of the Arenal Volcano, do the Cerro Chato hike. Make a few friends in the city and split the cab fare to Cerro Chato’s base. This 6 kilometer hike will take you through the misty jungle up to the summit of the now dormant volcano where you will be rewarded with the serene lagoon that now fills the crater. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, and Arenal’s summit.

La Fortuna Hot Springs

After summiting Cerro Chato, rest your weary bones (and yes, they will be weary) in the local hot springs. Your hotel’s concierge will strongly encourage you to shell out the $40 to enter the Baldi or Tabacon hot springs. Instead, opt for an adventure. Take a $9 cab down to the “free hot springs”– the driver will know what you mean. When you arrive, walk across the road, under a railing, through a bridge, over a wall, and arrive at a hidden oasis. What appears to be a cool flowing river, is actually crystal clear water, warmed by the volcano. Wade in and nab a seat in one of the natural pools. For a truly perfect afternoon, bring along a six-pack of Imperial, the local brew. This will be one of the highlights of your trip.

The Cloud Forest

The famed Cloud Forest in Monteverde is perfect for travelers who want to hike, want to see animals in the wild, or both. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers hikes that will keep you busy for days. The guided night hikes will take you through with flashlights to spot the abundant nocturnal wildlife. The small city just outside the reserve only offers a few options for overnight accommodation. Save your pennies, and stay at the Sloth Backpackers hostel. The warm blankets, friendly clientele, and free breakfasts will keep you happy.

Canopy Tours

Part of budget traveling is knowing when to splurge. If you’re looking for adventure sports, do one of Monteverde’s zipline tours. You will soar over the trees, through the clouds, and alongside monkeys! The $45 price tag may scare you, but this expense will be money well spent. Bring along your own camera instead of shelling out for the professional pictures. Canopy guides will be more than happy to snap a few shots for you.

Getting Around

One of the major expenses when traveling is shelling out the cash for tourist trams to take you around the country. But Costa Rican public transportation is surprisingly easy, safe, and dependable. It will take a bit more planning and patience on your part, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, you will be rewarded with a unique insight to local living, as well as major savings. The only exception? When commuting from La Fortuna to Monteverde, splurge on the jeep-boat-jeep for $25. Instead of taking the local bus all the way around the massive lake that divides the two, this fun commute will take you straight through.

Where to Sleep

While Costa Rica is packed with with luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts, your best bet is to give hostels a try. Tamarindo, La Fortuna, and Monteverde are packed with dorm-style accommodations that are safe, clean, and an awesome way to meet new friends. Use Trip Advisor and HostelWorld to research and book your rooms and you could spend as little as $10/night. If you head out to the black sand beaches of Puerto Viejo, you can rent a cozy hammock for only $5/night.

Border Hopping

One major advantage to traveling in Central America is the ease of traversing the small countries. Don’t be lured into flight-hopping. From Puerto Viejo, you can take a bus south to Panama’s Sixaola-Guabito border. The border crossing is easy, although it does require crossing a rickety old wooden bridge over the river on foot. From Tamarindo, grab a bus up to the Penas Blancas border to Nicaragua.

Janna Karel is a tour guide in Las Vegas and a seasoned international solo traveler. Contact her on twitter @jannainprogress.