Costa Rica on a Budget: Free and Low-Cost Stops from the Pacific Coast to the Carribean Coast

Jordan Norman
Aug 4
6 min read

I hold deep respect for Costa Rica and its people. It's one of the most biodiverse, spiritually rich places I've visited, and I’m mindful that high tourism can be a double-edged sword. While it brings economic support, it can also strain resources and shift local rhythms. I don’t often write travel blogs about Costa Rica for that reason. But the experiences shared here felt aligned with a slower, more respectful approach. Costa Rica is expensive — for locals and for travelers. So, if you're feeling called to visit and want to stay rooted in wellness without overspending, this post is for you.

Iguana on sandy ground amidst dry leaves and small green plants, blending with the earthy tones of the natural environment. — A spiny-tailed iguana blends into its sandy surroundings in Manuel Antonio, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region.

Travel can be restorative and affordable. On our Costa Rica road trip from Uvita through Dominical, Quepos, San José and ending with a drift to the Caribbean, we focused on free or low-cost experiences that felt grounding, wild and wellness centered.

Uvita & Whale’s Tail at Marino Ballena

Person standing on wet sand, facing the horizon under cloudy sky. Wearing a t-shirt and shorts, with visible tattoos. Peaceful mood. — Standing on the sands of Uvita's Whale Tail during low tide, a person admires the expansive ocean horizon under a dramatic cloudy sky.

We aligned our visit to the Whale’s Tail at Marino Ballena National Park with a low tide early morning to avoid the entrance fee. If you arrive before the park opens (usually around 7 AM), you can walk the iconic sandbar freely and still make it back before rangers start checking tickets.

Precaution: always check tide charts and give yourself plenty of time to return. When the tide comes in, water can rise fast and strand visitors out at the tail. Plan conservatively, especially if you're not familiar with coastal terrain.

This walk was worth the planning. Water on both sides, early sun filtering through the mist, and nothing but ocean and sky ahead. One of the most meditative walks I’ve ever taken.

Dominicalito & Azul Polo / Pozo Azul Waterfall

Two smiling people with face paint in earthy tones, sitting in a lush forest setting. Sunlight filters through green leaves. — Embracing nature with clay masks at Azul Waterfall.

Just behind Dominicalito lies Pozo Azul Waterfall, also called Azul Polo by locals. It’s free and a short jungle hike away. There’s no formal signage, but the trail is well-used. Here you'll also likely spot many wild animals from toucans to small jungle cats.

Nearby, Playa Hermosa stretches out wide and wild. It's the kind of beach where you can be totally alone in the early hours. I rolled out my mat here one morning and did sun salutations to the sound of crashing waves. This beach can also become very popular depending on time of day and proximity to parking lot, though. So, taking a stroll down the beach to find a quieter and more tranquil spot is recommended.

We packed light for this stretch of the trip, and my Almond Oak travel backpack kept everything organized for hiking, beach days, and town wandering without ever feeling bulky. I love how much I can fit in this backpack, and I love its water resistant feature (Costa Rica is rainy & HUMID!)

Playa Playitas near Quepos

Two monkeys sit on angled tree branches in a lush green forest. The scene is calm and natural, with vibrant foliage and sunlight filtering through. — Monkeys perch on the twisted branches of Playa Playitas, surrounded by lush green foliage.

We skipped the fee-heavy crowds at Manuel Antonio National Park and found a quiet alternative just outside it: Playa Playitas. This small cove has a rough road, so if you’re not in a 4x4, park above and walk down.

This ended up being one of our best wildlife encounters. A slow walk under the trees revealed monkeys, sloths, and bright birds all in the wild and without any tour. It’s quieter than the park and no one charges to access the beach.

Tattooed legs on sandy beach with ocean view. People walk by water, islands in distance, cloudy blue sky above. Relaxed, serene mood. — Relaxing on the sandy shores of Playa Playitas, Manuel Antonio, with a view of the azure waters and distant islands under a dramatic sky.

Many beach areas like this have small parking lots or informal dirt spaces where you'll see a local Tico attendant nearby. They're not officially hired by the government or beach, but they help keep an eye on parked cars and offer a sense of safety. A small tip goes a long way. They’re respectful and helpful, and we always appreciated their presence.

We brought snacks and a small blanket and stayed a while. There are also vendors for fresh coconut water and ceviche that walk the beach and sell their goods for a good price.

Local Flavors: Caldosas and Markets

Speaking of food, in Dominicalito, a roadside food truck served hot caldosas, Costa Rica’s comforting chip and ceviche or meat staple. They’re affordable, filling, and perfect after a swim. Sitting barefoot on driftwood, spooning caldo from a to-go container, watching the waves come in.

Man in floral shorts at a beach holding a pouch with diced fruit and a plastic spoon. Colorful purse and patterned cloth visible. — Fresh caldosa served in a vibrant beach setting, capturing the essence of a tropical snack break.

We also found the Dominical Eco-Feria, a farmers’ market with fresh fruit, herbal teas, handmade snacks, and plant-based treats. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth a walk-through just for the atmosphere and the chance to talk to local artisans.

San José: Free Parks and Quiet Corners

We broke up the coast-to-coast drive with a stop in San José and were surprised by how calming the city can be if you know where to go. La Sabana Metropolitan Park is the city’s green heart. Locals were practicing tai chi, jogging, or relaxing under palms when we arrived.

Nearby museums sometimes offer free admission on Sundays. We visited the national art museum inside the park and wandered through sculpture gardens and public murals. Downtown has several plazas where you can sip a cheap coffee and journal in the shade.

Be careful when navigating San Jose. It is a big city with heavy crime in some areas, and driving here was a little scary, I'll be honest! Think 4 lane round-a-bouts, quick lane changes, etc. But, we did it!

Caribbean Coast: Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles & Cahuita

Woman and dog sit on a colorful bench near "Welcome to Wolaba Puerto Viejo" sign. Background: ocean, small pier, trees, cloudy sky. — Exploring the vibrant shores of Puerto Viejo with my furry travel companion.

The Caribbean side was warmer, sleepier, and a little more rugged. In Puerto Viejo, we found the black sand beach on the town’s edge, where the sand shimmered like volcanic glass.

We swam at Playa Cocles, which is free and beautiful but comes with strong currents. Always check for rip current warnings. Typically, there are "lifeguards" who will warn you where it is safe to swim, as well as color coded flags. When in doubt, stay waist-deep and close to shore.

A woman walks on a wooden path through a lush green forest. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a tranquil, natural setting.

We walked through Cahuita National Park the next day. There’s a small fee, but it’s worth it. The trail runs through the jungle, right along the coast, through rainforest and past tidepools. We saw capuchins, raccoons, pizotes, and iguanas and ended the hike with seashell hunting.

Travel Staples I Actually Use

Packing light helps me stay flexible and grounded while moving between beaches, parks, and towns. A few things I always bring:

Almond Oak travel backpack: comfortable enough for hiking, compact enough for city days. I almost always recommended leaving valuables at home in Costa Rica (never in car, never unattended at the beach.) Keep in mind, however, you're technically supposed to carry your passport with you at all times as a tourist...
TalkPal AI language app: super helpful for learning Spanish in real ways through video calls, texting, role play, stories & more.
Going flight deals: I almost always use Going when I book flights. It has a great algorithm that searches for flight deals and emails you options. You can also add "watch lists" for specific destinations you want to be notified of.

These tools help keep the trip easy and affordable without losing what makes it intentional.

This Is What Wellness Looks Like

Tattooed legs on a beach towel with ocean view. People walk near shore; islands in distance. Sky is partly cloudy, creating a serene mood. — Relaxing on the sandy shores of Playa Playitas, taking in the serene ocean view and distant islands under a partly cloudy sky.

Wellness doesn't have to be an hour-long yoga asana practice every morning. Wildlife in the trees instead of in a zoo. Stretching under waterfalls instead of in a studio. Walking slowly instead of checking off sights. Wellness isn’t always luxury. It can be presence, movement, and a connection to land and rhythm.

Follow Along

If you want more Costa Rica tips, yoga in wild places, or simple ways to travel with intention, follow along on Instagram @adventuresofjordannorman. I share real-time scenes from the road, packing ideas, sunrise meditations, and everything in between.

Let me know if you want this as a downloadable itinerary, or if you're planning a similar route and have questions. I’d love to help.

Xoxo,

Jordan of Ivy Wild Wellness

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links