How many to visit: Aim for
8 to 12 attractions over a week to ten days, which means about one main stop a day with a lighter extra on some days. Past that, drives, heat and afternoon rain eat the time, and you end up seeing things from a car window.
Choosing by travel style: If you like history and food, put
colonial sites and museums first, since they are compact and easy without a car. If you want nature, prioritize
rainforest, reserves and bays, and reserve the ones that need timed entry first. If money is tight, mix in free
public beaches (balnearios), town plazas and mountain viewpoints. If you have limited days, skip the far corners and stay in two regions.
Budget: Count on roughly
US$70 to 120 a day for a backpacker with a shared car, hostel or guesthouse and self-catered meals. Lodging …
read more 👉 How many to visit: Aim for
8 to 12 attractions over a week to ten days, which means about one main stop a day with a lighter extra on some days. Past that, drives, heat and afternoon rain eat the time, and you end up seeing things from a car window.
Choosing by travel style: If you like history and food, put
colonial sites and museums first, since they are compact and easy without a car. If you want nature, prioritize
rainforest, reserves and bays, and reserve the ones that need timed entry first. If money is tight, mix in free
public beaches (balnearios), town plazas and mountain viewpoints. If you have limited days, skip the far corners and stay in two regions.
Budget: Count on roughly
US$70 to 120 a day for a backpacker with a shared car, hostel or guesthouse and self-catered meals. Lodging is the big cost, since dorm beds run about US$30 to 60 and private rooms often exceed US$100. Typical
entry fees run from free to about US$10 to 20 for reserves, forts and caves, and some require advance reservations. Guided kayak or snorkel tours, including the bioluminescent bay trips, cost roughly
US$40 to 70. Car rental runs about US$40 to 80 a day, with parking US$10 to 25 in the old city. Ferries to the offshore islands cost about US$2 to 5 each way for the public one, with higher prices for private catamarans.
Safety: Petty theft from
parked cars at beaches and trailheads is the main risk, so leave nothing visible and bring only what you need.
Rip currents are serious on the north and west coasts, so swim where lifeguards are posted and heed red flags. River and waterfall areas can
flash flood after heavy rain even when your spot is dry. Roads in the mountains are narrow, with sharp curves and few guardrails, so avoid driving unfamiliar routes after dark. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, because several protected waters restrict harmful products.
Cultural notes: Greet people with a
“buenos días” or “buenas” when entering shops and small restaurants, which goes a long way. Follow posted rules in protected areas, including no touching coral or taking shells. Many local spots are
cash-friendly, so keep US$20 to 40 in small bills for roadside kiosks and small fees. Sundays can be quiet in smaller towns, with some places closed.