Costa Rica Cheap Vacations

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Affordable Costa Rica vacation packages: Explore paradise without breaking the bank

Costa Rica is renowned for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for an affordable vacation. From its lush jungles and towering volcanoes to its pristine beaches and thrilling ziplining adventures, this vibrant country offers something for every nature enthusiast. Explore the rich biodiversity as you go birdwatching or encounter exotic wildlife while hiking through its national parks. And for those seeking a bit of excitement, Costa Rica's world-class surfing spots provide the perfect opportunity to catch some waves. With an array of affordable tours available, Costa Rica is a paradise waiting to be discovered.

Top Cheap vacation packages in Costa Rica

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Océano Boutique Hotel & Bistró
Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only
Occidental Papagayo - Adults Only - All inclusive
Studio Hotel Boutique
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3 Night Cheap vacations in Costa Rica

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Océano Boutique Hotel & Bistró
Volcano Lodge Hotel & Thermal Experience
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only
Don't see what you're looking for?
See all available trips from Columbus to Costa Rica
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Top reasons for your vacation to Costa Rica

  • Diverse and breathtaking landscapes: Costa Rica offers lush jungles, towering volcanoes, pristine beaches, and thrilling ziplining adventures.
  • Rich biodiversity: Explore national parks, go birdwatching, and encounter exotic wildlife while hiking.
  • World-class surfing spots: Catch some waves and enjoy the Pacific waves on Costa Rica's stunning beaches.
  • Affordable tours: With a range of affordable tours available, Costa Rica is a paradise waiting to be discovered.
  • Vibrant atmosphere: Immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty, engage in thrilling adventures, and create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

When it comes to planning a cheap vacation in Costa Rica, there are several exciting areas to consider. San Jose, the capital, offers a mix of history and culture. Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast is known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches. Monteverde is famous for its cloud forests, while La Fortuna is home to the impressive Arenal Volcano. Manuel Antonio is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

  • San José: Explore the rich culture and history of Costa Rica at its numerous museums in San José. Immerse yourself in nature and birdwatch in the beautiful surroundings. Don't miss the opportunity to visit volcanoes and natural parks. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of cafes, shopping, tours, and entertainment.
  • Manuel Antonio: Experience the wonders of nature and wildlife in Manuel Antonio. Relax on its stunning beaches, go hiking in the lush rainforest, and observe the diverse wildlife. Explore the natural parks, enjoy birdwatching, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the jungle and forests.
  • Papagayo: Unwind and enjoy the beach life in Papagayo. Indulge in delicious dining options and embrace the romantic atmosphere. Take part in thrilling activities like ziplining and dancing. Discover the underwater world while snorkeling. Immerse yourself in nature, enjoy entertaining tours, and create unforgettable memories.

FAQs for Costa Rica cheap vacation packages

When is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica on a budget?

You'll generally score some of the cheapest Costa Rica vacations traveling from May to November. This season is affectionately known as the “green season” thanks to short afternoon showers leaving the rainforest scenery even more verdant than usual. During these months, fewer crowds and lower hotel rates make for a budget-friendly escape to this popular Central American gem. On Expedia, you'll score some of the cheapest Costa Rica vacations that are all-inclusive through the green season.


How to find affordable vacation packages to Costa Rica on Expedia?

Play around with the easy-to-use search wizard to browse Expedia's cheap vacations to Costa Rica. Tap in your travel dates and use the maximum price filter to browse all the deals within your budget. It's a good idea to book early for travel during Costa Rica's peak season. This typically falls between December and April. If you're traveling outside of these dates, check out the last-minute deals page for Costa Rica cheap vacations on the fly.


How to book a budget-friendly trip to Costa Rica with Expedia?

To book Expedia's cheap vacations to Costa Rica, start with ordering the search results by price low to high. If you can be flexible, be sure to check different dates, too. You may find even tastier savings on different days. Don't forget, the handy search filters mean you can easily customize your trip before booking. There are filters for locations, property types, and star rating. Check out Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center and Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort for some budget-friendly lodging inspiration. Once you're happy with your Costa Rica vacation package, you can lock it in within a few easy clicks. There's even the option to spread the cost over 3, 6, or 12 months with Expedia's vacation payment plans.


Why should I choose Costa Rica for a budget-friendly vacation?

Choose a cheap vacation to Costa Rica for its diverse experiences, with everything from Caribbean beaches to volcanic hot springs and jungle zip lines. Thanks to its close proximity to the US, the flight time is short and airfare inexpensive. The country's compact size means you can visit its most popular attractions in less than a week, too. These include the hiking trails of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, sea turtle conservation at Tortuguero, and watersports on Lake Arenal. Consider booking cheap all-inclusive vacations to Costa Rica, too. These include all meals and drinks, meaning you won't need to worry about buying food when you're there.


How to find cheap last-minute deals to Costa Rica on Expedia?

Hop over to the last-minute deals page to find some late Costa Rica vacations for cheap. Remember, you're more likely to score last-minute offers when traveling between April and November. It's always a good idea to be flexible with your dates, too. Bundling together your flight is another way you could score juicy last-minute deals as you may unlock package savings. If you live close to different airports, it's worth checking departures from all of them—this may help you save on airfare.


Can I cancel my Costa Rica vacation booking easily?

Yes, many of Expedia's cheap vacations to Costa Rica are flexible so you can typically cancel for free. That said, every package has different booking conditions, so be sure to double-check the cancellation fee before confirming. Luckily, Expedia clearly displays this in the search results. If you think it's likely your plans for 2025 will change, you can use the free cancellation filter to view flexible cheap Costa Rica vacation packages. To cancel your booking, log in to the “Trips” page and follow the easy steps.


Why should I book my Costa Rica vacation with Expedia?

Booking on Expedia gives you access to some of the cheapest Costa Rica vacation packages available. Look out for the green savings label when searching for trips—this means you've unlocked an Expedia-only deal. One Key is another reason to book with Expedia. As a member, you'll earn reward points on eligible stays that you can use to save on future trips. There are also member-only discounts on thousands of hotels, too. Best of all, One Key is free to join.


What are some free or cheap things to do in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica vacations are cheap thanks to a plethora of free activities, including lazing on the beach. With 2 coastlines, you can choose between catching a tan on Caribbean sands and surfing the waves on the Pacific coast. Inexpensive entry fees make exploring Costa Rica's famed national parks a cheap activity, too. In the capital, San Jose, soak up the urban vibes as you stroll down the iconic Central Avenue, dotted with museums and fascinating architecture.

Top Cheap Costa Rica Hotels

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
3.5 out of 5
Sobre Autopista General Cañas, Ulloa, Heredia
  • 2 hours drive from Arenal Volcano National Park
$93 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$105 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Ulloa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,499 reviews)
"good"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
3.5 out of 5
6 km oeste del Parque Central, Área del Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna
  • 7 min drive from Arenal Volcano National Park
$239 nightly
The price is $270 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$270 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in La Fortuna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,165 reviews)
"The check-in was very professional a bit of a wait as there were a lot of other families checking in. The staff were very friendly. The grounds are clean."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
4 out of 5
Autopista General Canas, 3 Miles South of Intl Airport, La Asunción, Heredia
  • 2 hours drive from Arenal Volcano National Park
$93 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
$105 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in La Asunción. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,772 reviews)
"Me gusto mucjo la hanitacion y el desayuno"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.