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How to Book a Costa Rica Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book a Costa Rica Trip

Head to the rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica during the shoulder season and pay it off over 18 months with zero interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $155.56/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,800 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Costa Rica in May and June is a secret spot for smart travelers. The green season is just starting, which means the rainforests are incredibly lush, the beaches are less crowded, and prices for flights and lodging plummet. You might get an afternoon shower, but you save hundreds of dollars just by timing your trip right.

A solid trip for two usually runs about $2,800. Instead of draining your savings account all at once, we can map out a way to break that cost down into manageable monthly chunks without paying extra in interest.

Remember, this 0% interest window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance on your card after those 18 months are up, the regular variable APR will kick in on whatever is left, and that will quickly eat into the savings you scored on your trip.

The steps

  1. 01

    Time your booking right

    Target late May or early June for your departure. This is when the transition to the rainy season begins, so hotels drop their rates significantly. You get the same beaches and zip-line tours for a fraction of the dry-season cost.

  2. 02

    Lock in mid-week flights

    Start tracking flights to San Jose or Liberia early. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually shaves even more off the price. Aim to book at least six weeks out to catch the best deals.

  3. 03

    Choose your base camps

    Split your time between a cloud forest lodge in Monteverde and a beach bungalow in Manuel Antonio. Booking directly with smaller, local spots often gets you better service and lower rates than big booking engines.

  4. 04

    Spread the cost with your card

    If you put the $2,800 trip on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card, you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That breaks down to exactly $155.56 per month to pay it off before any interest kicks in.

  5. 05

    Pack for the wet weather

    You do not need expensive gear, but a lightweight waterproof jacket and quick-dry trail shoes are non-negotiable. Buy these online a few weeks before you go so you can break the shoes in.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is Costa Rica too rainy in May and June?

Not at all. It usually rains for an hour or two in the afternoon, leaving the mornings clear for hiking and the evenings cool for dinner. Plus, the rainforests look incredibly vibrant during this time.

What happens if I do not pay off the balance in 18 months?

Once the 18-month promotional period ends, the standard interest rate applies to your remaining balance. To avoid this, divide your total trip cost by 18 and pay that exact amount every single month.

Do I need to rent a car in Costa Rica?

It depends on your plan, but group shuttles are often cheaper and less stressful than navigating mountain roads yourself. If you do rent, make sure to factor in mandatory local insurance costs.

How does the 0% interest purchase window work?

It means the bank won't charge you interest on new purchases for the first 18 months your account is open. You still have to make the minimum monthly payments, but every dollar you pay goes directly toward your actual trip balance.