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Budget Destinations

Budget Destinations

Bases where free beaches, walkable towns and buses keep costs down.

Updated: November 5, 2026. Schedules, prices and conditions change; always confirm on the booking page.

Palm-shaded beach with rocky headland
Palm-shaded beach with rocky headland · Photo: Original image
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BaseWhy it can be cheaperWatch out for
La FortunaMany tours include town pickup; free river spots nearbyPopular, books up in dry season
Puerto ViejoBike to beaches; Cahuita NP is entry by donation at the Kelly Creek (Cahuita) entranceLong bus from San José
JacóClosest beach to San José, frequent busesBusy weekends
SámaraCalm swimming beach, walkableFewer bus connections
QueposMore budget rooms than the Manuel Antonio hill roadBus or taxi to the park

Hostels and dorm beds: see our sister guide HostelCostaRica.com.

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