10 Cheap Ways To Visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica is seemingly the land where all paths lead to majestic beaches, serene waters, and incredible jungles. You’ll find awesome urban scenes even when you get away from the marvelous natural settings. The capital city, San José, with its Spanish colonial architecture, cultural sites, and nighttime entertainment, dazzles and delights year round.

If you’re looking to visit Costa Rica but are concerned about the costs, don’t freak out! Here are 10 ways you can get to Costa Rica without breaking the bank.

A Quick Note

For volunteer, teaching, and internship programs in Costa Rica, like the ones discussed in this article, fees usually get cheaper the longer you stay (i.e. it’s much cheaper on a per-week basis if you stay 10 weeks instead of two). Additionally, the vast majority provide free accommodations, and many provide meals.

1. Volunteer For Nature

Costa Rica consistently ranks among the top in the world when it comes to environmental sustainability, according to the World Energy Council index. You can volunteer to help preserve the wonderful ecosystem–and save money on your trip. From protecting endangered jaguars to helping out with rainforest conservation, there are many ways to experience nature here. 

Join IVHQ’s Eco-Agriculture Conservation Volunteer Project in Costa Rica to promote sustainable coffee farming. Work with local families on tasks like harvesting and planting, while immersing yourself in Costa Rican culture through homestays. Programs start every Monday, last 2 to 24 weeks, and are ideal for those interested in sustainability and coffee production.

If you want to volunteer with sea turtles in Costa Rica, Global Vision International (GVI) hosts a sea turtle conservation program at Tortuguero National Park.

2. Do A Medical Internship

Costa Rica requires assistance in ensuring healthcare facilities for low-income citizens are properly staffed and funded. If you’re currently studying to be a healthcare practitioner (in medical or nursing school), you can gain valuable experience for your career while helping and getting to know the local people.

Additionally, many medical volunteer programs offer affordable ways to visit Costa Rica. These include Maximo Nivel’s medical and healthcare volunteer programs in San Jose. You can assist with medical campaigns, vaccine administration, emergency care, and more.

3. Teach English

Costa Rica’s booming trade and tourism industries make learning English a necessity for many children and adults. You can get a short- or long-term position in the country, making your travel much cheaper.

Join GoEco’s Child Care and Teaching program in San José, Costa Rica, to support underprivileged children while improving your Spanish. Volunteer 3 to 4 hours daily on tasks like teaching English and organizing activities. Live with a host family, enjoy cultural experiences, and explore Costa Rica during your free time.

4. Volunteer For Children

Many organizations in Costa Rica need help providing disadvantaged children with the care and attention they deserve. Volunteering for children is not only a great way to improve lives but also an investment in the future of Costa Rica, all possible while enjoying an inexpensive vacation.

Volunteer with children with Projects Abroad in Costa Rica by supporting early childhood development in Heredia’s kindergartens and care centers. Assist local teachers with basic education, fun activities, and daily tasks to help improve children’s literacy and numeracy. Live with a host family, immerse yourself in local culture, and explore Costa Rica during your free time.

5. Go During Non-Peak Season

As a Central American nation, weather in Costa Rica is typically most pleasant when it’s cold and snowing in other areas. That’s why tourists flock here from December through April.

But, as the U.S. News Costa Rica Travel Guide notes, May through November is the cheapest time to visit the country, as long as you’re willing to deal with rain. (It’s the wet season!) Go during this time, and flights, lodging, tours, and more will be cheaper.

6. Stay At Budget Hotels

Chances are you’re going to spend most of your time exploring the sites and sounds of Costa Rica. Why spend more than you have to on lodging?

Though hotels in Costa Rica aren’t known for being cheap, you can still find great deals. According to recent data, you can stay in a dorm room for $8-$15 per night or book a basic private room at a guesthouse for anywhere from $20-$50. This is much cheaper than mid-range hotels ($50+) or upscale hotels (which easily exceed $100).

7. Help in Construction

Why not get your hands dirty? You’ll be doing a lot of good for folks, and you’ll get to immerse yourself in local culture–all for a bargain price!

Join IVI’s Community Construction project in Costa Rica to learn traditional and modern building methods while working on impactful projects like building schools and clinics. You’ll perform tasks such as mixing cement and painting. Stay with a host family in San José and contribute to the community alongside fellow volunteers.

8. Find A Cheap Flight

Chances are the flight will be a significant portion of your expenses.

Here are a few ways to snag a cheap flight to Costa Rica:

• Book well in advance: Data from flight analyses suggest that international flights are often cheapest when booked about 70 to 75 days before departure for destinations in Central America, including Costa Rica. For flights from Canada specifically, the recommended booking window is typically around 66 days ahead, although it can vary slightly based on the destination).
• Be flexible on dates: Flight prices tend to vary depending on the day of the week and the time of year. Generally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheaper days to fly, while weekends tend to be more expensive. Flexibility allows travelers to take advantage of lower fares on less popular travel days
• Search low-cost airlines:  Costa Rica is served by several budget-friendly carriers like JetBlue and Southwest, which often provide competitive fares, especially compared to legacy airlines. Other low-cost options like Spirit Airlines and Volaris are also popular choices for flights to Costa Rica. Pack light for maximum savings on checked luggage! 
• Use miles: Accumulating miles through frequent flyer programs or credit card offers can indeed reduce the cost of flights to Costa Rica. Many travelers use their miles to cover part or all of their airfare, making this a valid strategy for saving money.

9. Find A Package Deal

Vacation packages to Costa Rica offer great savings. In addition to checking bundle deals on sites like Kayak and Costco (yes, Costco), check organizations that actually host their own programs.

Volunteering Solutions offers a 2-week volunteer program in Costa Rica that combines work and travel. Participants engage in childcare, beach cleaning, and reforestation projects. The program includes excursions to Poás Volcano and zip-lining in the rainforest. Accommodation, meals, and airport pickup are provided, making it ideal for those seeking meaningful experiences while exploring the country.

10. Study Spanish

Travel is about having fun and expanding your mind. During your trip, learn Spanish and all about the culture in Costa Rica. 

Maximo Nivel offers intensive Spanish immersion programs in Costa Rica with professional native instructors. Students can choose from small group or private classes, including specialized courses like Medical Spanish. The campuses in Manuel Antonio and San Jose provide modern facilities in vibrant settings. 

Classes start every Monday, and programs range from 1 to 52 weeks, offering an authentic cultural experience.

Making Your Costa Rican Adventure A Reality

Now you know all the affordable ways to have a valuable volunteer or vacation experience in Costa Rica. By establishing a budget and sticking to a plan, you can enjoy Costa Rica on the cheap.

To make your volunteer trip a reality, consider crowdfunding on Volunteer Forever’s platform. Here, you can get the funds you need to reach Costa Rica, make a difference, and have the time of your life.