Costa Rica · Central Valley

San José

Rainforests, volcanoes, and wildlife on an adventurer's budget

Costa Rica punches above its weight for biodiversity — with 5% of the world's species on 0.03% of the land. San José is the gateway to cloud forests, active volcanoes, Pacific surf towns, and Caribbean beaches. The country's ecotourism infrastructure is excellent, and costs have remained lower than you'd expect for a destination with this much variety.

Budget/day

$70–$130

Best time

December, January, February, March +1 more

Currency

CRC

US Visa

Visa-free

Top things to do in San José

Hike to the Arenal Volcano viewpoint and soak in the natural hot springs below
Zip-line through the Monteverde Cloud Forest canopy
Spot sloths, toucans, and monkeys at Manuel Antonio National Park
Surf beginner waves at Tamarindo or Jacó
White-water raft the Pacuare River — one of the world's best rafting runs

What a San José trip actually costs

Estimates for a 7-night trip for 2 people from a major US hub, all-in.

Round-trip flights (2 people)Varies by origin — see our search

Hotel (7 nights, 1 room)~$501 mid-range

Food & daily spending (per person)$70–$130/day

Rental car (optional, 7 days)$45–$80/day depending on availability

Entry fees & activitiesBudget $20–$80/person/day

TripBudget calculates your all-in number. Enter your budget and origin airport and we'll show you exactly what you can afford in San José — flights, hotel, food, and car together.

Search San José trips in your budget

Best time to visit San José

Jan

Best

Feb

Best

Mar

Best

Apr

Best

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Avoid

Oct

Avoid

Nov

Dec

Best

San José travel tips for US visitors

Visa: No visa required for stays up to 90 days.

1Rent a 4WD SUV — many roads to lodges are unpaved.
2The 'green season' (May–Nov) has lower prices and fewer tourists with rain mostly in afternoons.
3Eat at 'sodas' — local diners with generous casados (rice, beans, protein) for $5–8.

BiodiversityEcotourismVolcanoesZip-liningSloths