Costa Rica on a budget

Cheapest months to go

Peak is December, January, February, March, April. The weeks either side of that window usually carry most of the weather with much less of the price.

Getting around for less

Realistic options in Costa Rica:

• Buses are an affordable way to reach most popular destinations, run by multiple private operators rather than one national service
• Shared tourist shuttles connect the main towns more directly
• A rental car — 4x4 for remote beaches and mountain roads — gives the most flexibility
• Domestic flights and regional airports save long drive days between distant regions

Where to base yourself

Fewer bases means fewer paid transfers. San José, Guanacaste, La Fortuna cover a lot between them.