10 Ways to Cut Costs While Traveling in Costa Rica

Travel to Costa Rica during the “Green Season”(May through November). Costa Rica Hotels, Car Rentals are cheaper. You can often save as much as 30% on Costa Rica hotel accommodations, car rentals and even tours. Example.. car rental for $55 a day drop to $35 a day during Green Season

1• Travel during the “Green Season” (May through November).
Hotels, Car Rentals are cheaper. You can often save as much as 30% on accommodations, car rentals and even tours. Example.. car rental for $55 a day drop to $35 a day during Green Season..

2• Carry cash. Many hotels and stores offer discounts if you pay cash.

3• Take buses or taxis instead of renting a car if you plan to stay in one place for a few days. Taxis are cheaper in Costa Rica than they are in the United States (about 60 cents U.S. per kilometer)

4• Eat at sodas -- small local restaurants that serve typical Costa Rican fare. For a few bucks, you'll get a “casada”, a large plate of chicken, beef, pork or seafood, served with rice, beans, mashed potatoes or veggies and other sides. (Note: If you're staying at a resort, it's sometimes cheaper to take a taxi into town and eat at a soda, than it is to dine at the onsite restaurant. This way you also get to explore the town.

5• If you're with a group, hire a taxi to take you on a tour. For instance, a tour to Poas Volcano usually costs $35 per person. A taxi to the volcano costs $50 for up to four people. The driver will wait for you and drive you back to your hotel.

6• Buy a long-distance phone card called ''199 Viajera'' or rent a cellular telephone once you arrive in Costa Rica. Using your card from home will end up costing you much more and roaming with "your" cell phone won't work unless it's pre-arranged and then can get very expensive.

7• Most of the inexpensive hotels and cabinas aren't listed in Internet Directories. Consult a good guidebook to find the real bargains, such as Lonely Planet or Frommers. Search through Explore Costa Rica’s official website for up to date lodging, things to do and places to eat.

8• For adventure and nature, and a chance to be with and learn from Costa Ricans, try rural community ecotourism. Many of these lodges cost $25-$45 per person per day, including three meals.

9• Volunteer. There are research programs to choose from. Volunteers usually have to pay little for room and board.

10• 'Be friendly and engage in conversation’ -- don't just ask for what you need. You can usually get a lot of helpful suggestions, where to find the best Costa Rica adventure tours, bargains and tasty food.