Summary
Two weeks in Costa Rica, two people, in March 2020. Road trip by rental car from San José via Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, Corcovado, and Cocles back to San José. Mid-range accommodations (hotel + Airbnbs).
Cost breakdown (for 2 people)
- Flight: approx. 2,600 CHF (Zurich → San José, scheduled flight)
- Rental car + insurance: approx. 1,200 CHF (14 days, 4WD, comprehensive coverage)
- Gas + tolls: approx. 200 CHF
- Accommodation: 1,235 CHF total
- Arenal Lodge (3 nights): 474 CHF
- Tityra Lodge Monteverde (3 nights): 134 CHF
- Corcovado Dream House (4 nights): 197 CHF
- Quaint Cabin Quetzals (1 night): 73 CHF
- Casa Lina Cocles (3 nights): 246 CHF
- Treehouse San José (1 night): 89 CHF
- Activities: approx. 400 CHF (Sky Trek, wildlife safari, mangrove tour, Jaguar Rescue)
- Meals: approx. 700 CHF (restaurants + soda stands)
- Souvenirs: approx. 1,300 CHF
Total: approx. 8,000 CHF
for two people, or about 4,000 CHF per person
for two weeks.
Money-saving tips
- Soda restaurants (local eateries) are half the price of tourist spots and better.
- Airbnb instead of a hotel — cheaper and often with a kitchen.
- Book activities directly on-site, not through GetYourGuide or Viator.
