Top Costa Rica Budget Trips & Packages In 2025/2026

Our 173 most popular Costa Rica Budget Trips & Packages trips. Compare tour itineraries from 54 tour companies. 396 reviews.

173 Trips match your criteria (45 - 66 shown)

Costa Rica Volcano Adventure 4D/3N
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By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

La Fortuna, San José

Highlights

  • Soak in the Baldi natural hot springs Explore the charming village of La Fortuna Hike to the lava flows of Arenal Volcano

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Quest for Pura Vida
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore the cloud forests of Monteverde and the Arenal Volcano
  • A personal journey to find your own Pura Vida
  • Visit Tortuguero National Park

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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Costa Rica Family Adventure
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore this geologic wonder of Costa Rica
  • Hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
  • Visit the town of Santa Elena

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, Birding, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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Tropical Volcano & Cloud Forest
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Costa Rica
  • Visit Arenal Volcano
  • Explore this geologic wonder and the rich surrounding rainforests filled with waterfalls, wildlife and opportunities for exploration
  • Explore Cloud Forest cruise

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, Birding, National Parks, High Adventure, Small Ship Cruise, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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Uncharted Isthmus! Sloths, Monkeys & Mangroves
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4.9/5 Excellent
39 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Transit the 48-mile-long Panama Canal connecting the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean
  • Search for untamed wildlife including two- and three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, squirrel monkeys, and white-faced capuchins
  • Discover Costa Rica’s magnificent, abundant biological diversity at two national parks and one wildlife refuge including the country’s largest park, Corcovado National Park
  • Snorkel and explore the crystalline waters and marine life at Panama’s Granito de Oro, in Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Stroll a butterfly- and flower-rich tropical botanical reserve
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Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Hiking & Walking, Birding, National Parks, High Adventure, Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I love your tour program. I may think of visiting other locations you offer, but I'm really invested into Ukraine for a lifestyle. I want to make additional trips to Ukraine as roles beyond tourism."

Trip dates & details
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Costa Rica Blt
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4.7/5 Excellent
88 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Boat trip through the Tortuguero National Park and Canals
  • Mountain water slide at Rincon de la Vieja
  • Guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Sunrise boat trip through the rainforest
  • Informal Spanish lessons from your tour leader
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Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Hiking & Walking, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"my 3 favorite holidays where all with Trek America! loved the trips... the groups, the trekleaders and ofcourse the beautiful nature! I can recommend this for everybody!"

Trip dates & details
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Walks & Treks – Costa Rica Walking
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4.2/5 Great
15 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Enjoy walking through the lush rainforests at Monte de Barva
  • Chance to take a dip and relax in the Arenal Volcano’s thermal waters atEcotermales Hot Spring
  • Hike past boiling mud springsin Rio Celeste National Park
  • Enjoy a hike along the suspension bridges trail at the Heliconias Lodge

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Singles Travel

What travelers are saying

"Met all my expectations, and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. The tour manager, Gary, was the best I have come across - very hard working, making sure everyone in the group was getting what they wanted from the holiday. The hotel was very well appointed, comfortable and clean, and the food was very good."

Trip dates & details
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Wonders of Central America - 22 days
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Antigua, Boquete, Copan, Granada, Monteverde, Panama City

Highlights

  • Panama City - Visit the famous Panama Canal and explore Central America's most cosmopolitan and wealthy capital
  • Boquete - Explore the heart of Panama's coffee growing region
  • Sarapiqui - Visit some of the wonderful national parks in the area or the Sarapiqui River
  • Monteverde National Park - Hike through the beautiful cloud forest, shrouded in a canopy of cloud and home to a wonderful array of flora and fauna
  • Leon - Explore this charming old Colonial town
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Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"Completely unethical booking situation. I requested a tour, submitted my CC info to hold the tour and tried to cancel it the following day. (My daughter broke her foot thus we couldn’t go). We were told the tour was not ‘confirmed’ but they still had to reach out to their local team prior to cancelling. The charge on credit card read pending. The intermediary company, Tour Radar, assured me that On the Go Travel would drop the pending charge. After a week or so, I got a generic email saying congratulations your tour has been booked. The full charge appeared on my credit card. I am livid. I am currently working with Tour Radar to drop the charge. Regardless of how this turns out, I will never ever travel with On the Go Travel."

Trip dates & details
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Costa Rica Budget Trips & Packages Reviews

G

Gloria DawnFowler

Mar 2025

Written on

Costa Rica Adventure

The itinerary was perfect. We enjoyed everything offered!. We really enjoyed getting to know the local people on the river . Our driver, *Personal details remove...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

One for the lover of birds

It is a long flight going out, 11 hours. British Airways were the airline chosen because of the direct flight, but the standard of service on the plane had much t...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Fantastic, very well organised tour. Would highly recommend

Breathtaking sights. Very knowledgable guide. Friendly yet not over bearing. Great variety of wildlife and flora and fauna seen. A very intense few days. Probably ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Natural highlights of Costa Rica.

This was a fabulous trip, giving you a slice of Costa Rica. There is a lot of driving between locations, ( at times 4-5 hours) some of the roads were still unmade,...

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