Costa Rica on a Budget Travel Guide
We spent two months in Costa Rica on a budget… and discovered ways to enjoy its stunning nature, lively cities, and rich culture all the while staying on budget. On this page you’ll find all our blog posts and videos from our real world experiences while in Costa Rica. From tips for budget-friendly activities to our experiences living here, we’re sharing it all with you to help guide your own Costa Rican adventure.
Quick Links
Our Short-list of Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in San Jose, Costa Rica
Our post about Budget-Friendly Things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica
Our National Theater of Costa Rica review
Our post about the hidden gem we found in Costa Rica
Our Puerto Viejo Accommodation Review: Brisas del Caribe
A 3-Day Itinerary for San Jose, Costa Rica
Central American Travel Guide
Budget-Friendly Places to Stay in San Jose, Costa Rica
Ever wonder how we snag comfy crashpads without blowing the budget? Research, research, RESEARCH (with a capital R!). Finding a decent, affordable places to stay in San Jose took some digging. “Affordable” is subjective, of course. This ain’t a list of bare-bones hostels, but a curated selection of budget-friendly accommodations we unearthed for our stay in San Jose. Our mission? Nightly rates under $50! And if it had a washer, it was an even better steal! We prioritized functionality and value. We sifted through listings, filtering for: And let’s not forget the golden rule: location, location, location! We’re walkin…
The #1 Reason You Should visit San Jose, Costa Rica
Our initial plan was to spend a month relaxing at the beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, but we soon realized that laying on a beach fulltime wasn’t right for us, so we cut our beachside stay short and headed inland to San Jose, Costa Rica, a little earlier than originally planned. We are so glad we did! The National Museum of Costa Rica is now our #1 top must-see attraction in San Jose Costa Rica! In this blog post, we detail our tour of the museum, including its architectural splendors and the fascinating insights we gained into Costa…
Dinosaurs to Butterflies: What to Expect at Costa Rica’s Natural Science Museum la Salle
Since we had a few extra days in San Jose, Costa Rica, we decided to venture off the beaten path and check out Costa Rica’s Natural Science Museum la Salle. This museum doesn’t make it onto most travel itineraries. Oh sure local families and schools love to take the kids there but it’s kind of hidden in an industrial-looking compound – behind a gate and there’s no sign for the museum near the gate. For nature lovers, this place is a goldmine. Did you know Costa Rica hosts nearly 6% of the world’s plant and animal species? The Natural…
Budget-Friendly San Jose Costa Rica 3 Day Itinerary
For those planning a trip, this San Jose Costa Rica 3 day itinerary will serve as a perfect guide for your visit. We didn’t have huge expectations for San José. Let’s be honest—most people pass through this city on their way to beaches, volcanoes, or jungles. But we found plenty to keep us busy while we were there, and even a few surprises that made us glad we stuck around. That’s why we crafted this three-day itinerary—it’s our way of distilling the highlights of our trip into a manageable timeline. Whether you’re passing through on your way to the…
Our Visit to the National Theater of Costa Rica
Our Visit to the National Theater of Costa Rica The National Theater of Costa Rica, located in the heart of San José, is a must-visit landmark for anyone interested in the country’s history and culture. Built in 1897, this neoclassical building showcases Costa Rica’s commitment to the arts and its European architectural influence. A guided tour offers a closer look at the theater’s history, design, and its role in Costa Rican culture. From detailed murals to marble statues, there’s much to appreciate, even if you’re not deeply familiar with theater or architecture. Whether you’re planning to see a performance…
11 Best Things to Do in San Jose Costa Rica [2025 Guide]
San Jose Costa Rica offers 11 incredible budget-friendly activities within walking distance of downtown—from world-class museums for under $15 to vibrant markets and peaceful parks that won’t cost you a cent. Travel rarely goes exactly according to plan, and that’s certainly the case for us. Our Costa Rica itinerary got a little shuffled around, leaving us with some unplanned downtime in downtown San Jose. No worries though, that’s just part of the nomadic life! We prefer to lace up our shoes and explore the city on foot, so here are some of the best things to do in San…
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