🇨🇷 One Week in Costa Rica: The Ultimate Budget Itinerary

If you’ve got one week in Costa Rica and want to see volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, and wildlife — without breaking the bank — this guide is for you.

Costa Rica can be expensive, but with a few smart choices, you can explore the best of the country on $40–60 USD a day, including accommodation, food, and transportation.

Here’s the perfect 7-day budget itinerary for backpackers, solo travelers, or anyone chasing adventure on a budget.

🗓️ Day 1: Arrive in San José

Most travelers arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Spend your first night in San José, the capital — it’s safe, central, and a good base to start your journey.

What to Do:

• Explore Barrio Escalante — trendy cafés, craft beer, and street art.

• Visit the National Museum or Mercado Central for local food.

• Chill at Chillout Hostel San José (budget-friendly, social, and cozy).

💸 Budget Tip: Eat at local “sodas” — meals are around $5–7 USD.

🚌 Getting there: From the airport, take an official taxi ($20 USD) or local bus ($1 USD) to the city center.

🌋 Day 2–3: La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano)

Early morning, take the bus from San José to La Fortuna (about 5 hours, $8–10 USD).

This lush town is famous for Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and waterfalls — but it can be done on a budget.

What to Do:

• Arenal Volcano National Park – Entrance $15 USD, great hiking trails.

• La Fortuna Waterfall – $18 USD entry; bring swimwear!

• Free Hot Springs – Head to El Choyin or Tabaconcito (locals’ favorite).

• Bike or walk around town – Safe, scenic, and relaxed.

💤 Where to Stay: Budget hostels like Selina La Fortuna or Arenal Backpackers Resort ($12–15 USD dorms).

🍽️ Eat: Local sodas like Soda La Hormiga serve great meals under $6 USD.

🌿 Day 4–5: Monteverde Cloud Forest

Take a boat–jeep–boat transfer to Monteverde (3–4 hours, around $25 USD). This highland area is famous for misty jungles, hanging bridges, and zip-lining.

What to Do:

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – Entrance $25 USD; incredible wildlife.

• Night Walk Tour – Spot frogs, snakes, and sloths after dark ($20 USD).

• Zipline Adventure – Around $40 USD; some of the longest lines in the world.

• Visit Santa Elena Town – Cozy cafés and local chocolate shops.

💤 Stay: Cabinas Eddy or Monteverde Backpackers ($10–15 USD dorms).

💸 Budget Tip: Buy groceries and cook in hostel kitchens — saves you $10+ per day.

🏖️ Day 6–7: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (Caribbean Coast)

From Monteverde, head back through San José and continue to Puerto Viejo, on the Caribbean side (long day of travel, total ~8 hours, $14–16 USD).

This colorful surf town is perfect for relaxing at the end of your trip.

What to Do:

• Surf or swim at Playa Cocles

• Bike to Punta Uva or Manzanillo

• Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center ($18 USD guided tour)

• Enjoy local nightlife — reggae, beach bars, and live music

💤 Stay: Rocking J’s (iconic budget hostel with hammocks) or Pagalú Hostel for a quieter stay.

🍽️ Eat: Soda Lidia’s Place for coconut rice & beans — $6 USD meal.

💸 Budget Tip: Rent a bike for $7/day — cheapest way to explore all the beaches.

✈️ Departure Day (Day 8)

Take the MEPE bus from Puerto Viejo to San José (about 5 hours, $12 USD). If your flight leaves early, spend the previous night back in the capital.

Stay near Barrio Escalante again for good restaurants and easy airport access.