It’s very well known that Costa Rica is not the cheapest of destinations, especially if we compare it to other Latin American countries. When I was researching where to stay and where to go, I could only find people complaining about how expensive it was. And I somehow understand the frustration, but I also thought that if it’s expensive for us, how expensive must it be for the local people? Probably very expensive. I won’t be simplistic and blame just tourists for it, as that is not entirely true. Many parties are involved in this very well-known problem that has started affecting so many countries around the world. And I am not here to protest about how expensive the country is. Instead, I took it as a challenge.
🌿 In a Rush?
Itemised expenses: £1,407. Total spent approximately £1,500. Affiliate links may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I know very well that my spending in this country is not much, but I intended to spend it locally whenever possible, benefiting local businesses as much as I could. It doesn’t make a big difference, but I follow my principles, which at least makes me feel good. It might be selfish, but we all are. Don’t want to get too philosophical here. Going back to my point, I took it as a challenge and found the best way that worked for me to spend less, explore a lot and, as I have mentioned, spend locally.
Where Most People Waste Money in Costa Rica
During my research, it became evident why travellers paid so much when travelling around Costa Rica. It is one of the greenest destinations, with so much biodiversity that it attracts not only tourists but also scientists and students like me. Of course, where there is demand, there is supply. Using Google, it was almost impossible to find something that suited my appetite. It was all resorts, expensive tours and tourist-trap restaurants. So, I closed the browser and opened Maps instead. I started scrolling around the map, looking for remote villages near the Caribbean coast, and I found one that I thought was a little green gem. And it was.
Parismina. It was so remote that I was the only foreigner there. Maybe I went too far. But I wanted more, and I stumbled upon Puerto Viejo. I Googled it, and it was such a beautiful place that I thought it was a must for my itinerary. So, I orchestrated an itinerary relying almost entirely on public transport, local knowledge and small local businesses. It took me a lot of research. Thanks to my native Spanish, I found it easier than I would have otherwise, as most websites were in Spanish.
Week One: Parismina, the Costa Rica Most Tourists Never See
As I said, Parismina is very small, and I could only find one accommodation available, April wasn't very busy. It gets a few more foreigners during turtle season, which runs from May to September. I did like being the only one. I did get that alien feeling, but I don’t mind it.
Parismina is also connected to Tortuguero through the river channels, which meant I just had to get a boat to visit the National Park without having to stay in the busy area. The village is also surrounded by almost virgin rainforest, so wild that the locals shut their doors tightly at night, not because of robbery (everyone knows each other), but because they say jaguars might roam through the village at night. Some dogs had apparently been found killed and eaten. Howler monkeys are also present, as well as crocodiles and many types of birds.
I remember finding a snake in one of the bushes surrounding the house I was staying in. I noticed it because the cat was trying to hunt it, and somehow the snake kind of jumped into the bush to take refuge. The cat waited patiently. I went to the beach afterwards, so I do not know the outcome. Those cats do hunt mice; I saw them. I found it beautiful and cute, to be fair.
Where I Stayed in Parismina
Parismina was a brilliant place to stay, and I have written an article about it, including the accommodation and how to visit Tortuguero National Park. You can experience the wildest and most isolated side of the country while still being able to visit a famous and incredible National Park. Even though it did feel like Parismina was an extension of El Tortuguero.
I spent £300, including accommodation, a day trip to Tortuguero National Park, beautiful and fresh meals, plus transport from San José to Parismina. (I took a bus from La Caribeña bus station San Jose to Siquirres, then another bus to Caño Blanco and a boat to Parismina. Cheap, easy and adventurous.)
Puerto Viejo: The Place That Nearly Made Me Forget My Return Flight
After being isolated, and what I mean by that is being the only foreigner in a remote place only reachable by boat, which is cute, arriving in Puerto Viejo and feeling its vibe made my chest open up, and probably loads of dopamine were released into my brain.
It is a strange place, though. It’s a long road, and as you go along it, you see restaurants scattered on both sides. The further you go, the fewer restaurants and buildings you see. It gets wilder and wilder. But even Puerto Viejo itself didn’t seem big; I could only see life along the road.
But it’s an illusion, because when I ventured through the vegetation, I discovered the sea, little beaches, wildlife and small stands selling coconuts and drinks. None of them were visible from the road.
Where I Stayed in Puerto Viejo
Because it’s a long strip, where you stay here is significant, and it can change your experience completely. Therefore, you must be careful when choosing where to stay. Do not worry too much, though. I have written an article comparing the different places so you can choose wisely. I will attach a map down here so you can browse accommodation along the main road.
I spent £90 on accommodation for three days and £50 on food, eating out a couple of times, maybe three. The rest was spent on supermarket groceries, and I cooked in my accommodation.
I also spent £97 on a full-day trip to the Jaguar Rescue Centre and Cahuita.
To get there from Parismina, I paid £35 for a boat journey through the jungle and a shared taxi. I have written about how to do it, as it is not a usual route.
My Favourite Day Cost Almost Nothing
The more I travel, the more I am convinced that the best experiences I have ever had cost me nothing or almost nothing. They're one of those things that happen but cannot be planned. And one of them was my jungle trek through Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.
I started my little adventure with very little preparation, and it ended up being an Odyssey: Jungle Edition. In case you’re wondering, yes, I have also written about my misfortune. I can assure you that if you go a little better prepared, you will have an amazing experience. After all the pain, I almost cried with joy. This activity is free.
The Tourist Attraction Worth Paying For
As I mentioned before, and as I also explained in an article I wrote, the Jaguar Rescue Centre is a must-visit, and it can be combined with Cahuita National Park. The price is reasonable, and the money goes towards conservation, which is very important, at least for me.
Riding along the road in search of beaches on a banana (bicycle) is almost free. I only paid £5 for a full-day rental, and it gave me more than I expected.
Most activities are almost free, but I will attach some more because some people like to have a guide in places they haven’t been before, which is fair.
What I Actually Spent
Flights: £600
Accommodation: £240
Food: £125
Activities: £172
Transport: £120 (including airport transfer and shuttle back to San José from Puerto Viejo)
Miscellaneous: £150 (Can’t remember exactly, but it wasn’t much.)
Total: £1,407
As for the leftover money, I can’t remember where I spent it. Maybe tips or whatever else, probably stupid things I didn’t need. I still made it. I knew I spent approximately £1,500, and I also made a breakdown of my fixed expenses.
Can You Travel Costa Rica on a Budget?
Of course you can. Anywhere in the world, it just requires planning and restraint. Asking locals, as I did, to find cheaper and more cinematic ways of travelling, choosing cheap or free activities, and buying groceries from supermarkets. I had a beautiful experience, and I believe I did much more than I thought I would without spending a fortune.
Take this as a guide or inspiration, but be mindful. Things change, and prices also change. And your bargaining skills? You must use them. Not too much, though. Some people work for survival.
Spend locally, make local friends, learn the language, do what they do, eat what they eat, and enjoy Pura Vida.
After some years, you’ll forget about the price but not the memories.
