Dated cost examples
Six dated, itemised examples from 2027-01-19 to 2027-01-25: 6 nights and 7 days for two adults sharing one room, which is 14 person-days. Prices are as observed in October 2026, cover ground costs only, and are not multiplied out to other party sizes or trip lengths.
Dated planning example for two adults sharing one room, 19–25 January 2027: seven days and six nights. Flights excluded. Not a booking quote, a checkout price or an annual default; reprice your own dates, party and rooms.
Budget · Example A
Total for two adults
2,072.18 USD
Includes IVA planning amounts on park tickets; individual ticket checkout not verified.
148.01 USD per person per ground day
Link to this exampleShow itemised lines
La Fortuna Lodge room base
6 × 126 USD (room-night) = 756 USD ≈ 756.00 USD
Dated supplier observation for these dates; room, board and cancellation terms need confirmation. Not a booking quote.
Hotel tax reconstruction
6 × 16.38 USD (room-night) = 98.28 USD ≈ 98.28 USD
Tax reconstructed from the supplier's fields and counted once; not a checkout invoice.
SJO to La Fortuna vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Published starting price; the final address and vehicle need confirmation.
La Fortuna to SJO vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Return leg assumed at the same price as the published outbound fare; not a quote.
Local vehicle rides including park return
8 × 30 USD (vehicle leg) = 240 USD ≈ 240.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal National Park
2 × 15 USD (adult ticket) = 30 USD ≈ 30.00 USD
Official indexed tariff; whether tax is included was not confirmed.
Separately purchased breakfast
14 × 7 USD (person-meal) = 98 USD ≈ 98.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased lunch
14 × 11 USD (person-meal) = 154 USD ≈ 154.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased dinner
14 × 17 USD (person-meal) = 238 USD ≈ 238.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Nonalcoholic drinks and snacks
14 × 5 USD (person-day) = 70 USD ≈ 70.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal admission IVA planning provision (13% of USD15 per adult)
2 × 1.95 USD (adult ticket tax provision) = 3.9 USD ≈ 3.90 USD
IVA planning amount based on an indexed national-park VAT notice; the individual ticket checkout was not verified.
Budget hotel: La Fortuna Lodge. Basket A: Simpler separately purchased meals.
Budget · Example B
Total for two adults
2,422.18 USD
Includes IVA planning amounts on park tickets; individual ticket checkout not verified.
173.01 USD per person per ground day
Link to this exampleShow itemised lines
La Fortuna Lodge room base
6 × 126 USD (room-night) = 756 USD ≈ 756.00 USD
Dated supplier observation for these dates; room, board and cancellation terms need confirmation. Not a booking quote.
Hotel tax reconstruction
6 × 16.38 USD (room-night) = 98.28 USD ≈ 98.28 USD
Tax reconstructed from the supplier's fields and counted once; not a checkout invoice.
SJO to La Fortuna vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Published starting price; the final address and vehicle need confirmation.
La Fortuna to SJO vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Return leg assumed at the same price as the published outbound fare; not a quote.
Local vehicle rides including park return
8 × 30 USD (vehicle leg) = 240 USD ≈ 240.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal National Park
2 × 15 USD (adult ticket) = 30 USD ≈ 30.00 USD
Official indexed tariff; whether tax is included was not confirmed.
Separately purchased breakfast
14 × 10 USD (person-meal) = 140 USD ≈ 140.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased lunch
14 × 18 USD (person-meal) = 252 USD ≈ 252.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased dinner
14 × 29 USD (person-meal) = 406 USD ≈ 406.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Nonalcoholic drinks and snacks
14 × 8 USD (person-day) = 112 USD ≈ 112.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal admission IVA planning provision (13% of USD15 per adult)
2 × 1.95 USD (adult ticket tax provision) = 3.9 USD ≈ 3.90 USD
IVA planning amount based on an indexed national-park VAT notice; the individual ticket checkout was not verified.
Budget hotel: La Fortuna Lodge. Basket B: Higher restaurant spending; same hotel and transport.
Mid-range · Example A
Total for two adults
3,285.80 USD
Includes IVA planning amounts on park tickets; individual ticket checkout not verified.
234.70 USD per person per ground day
Link to this exampleShow itemised lines
Sangregado Lodge room base
6 × 305 USD (room-night) = 1,830 USD ≈ 1,830.00 USD
Dated supplier observation for these dates; room, board and cancellation terms need confirmation. Not a booking quote.
Hotel tax reconstruction
6 × 39.65 USD (room-night) = 237.9 USD ≈ 237.90 USD
Tax reconstructed from the supplier's fields and counted once; not a checkout invoice.
SJO to La Fortuna vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Published starting price; the final address and vehicle need confirmation.
La Fortuna to SJO vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Return leg assumed at the same price as the published outbound fare; not a quote.
Local vehicle rides including park return
8 × 30 USD (vehicle leg) = 240 USD ≈ 240.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal National Park
2 × 15 USD (adult ticket) = 30 USD ≈ 30.00 USD
Official indexed tariff; whether tax is included was not confirmed.
Separately purchased breakfast
14 × 7 USD (person-meal) = 98 USD ≈ 98.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased lunch
14 × 11 USD (person-meal) = 154 USD ≈ 154.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased dinner
14 × 17 USD (person-meal) = 238 USD ≈ 238.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Nonalcoholic drinks and snacks
14 × 5 USD (person-day) = 70 USD ≈ 70.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal admission IVA planning provision (13% of USD15 per adult)
2 × 1.95 USD (adult ticket tax provision) = 3.9 USD ≈ 3.90 USD
IVA planning amount based on an indexed national-park VAT notice; the individual ticket checkout was not verified.
Mid-range hotel: Sangregado Lodge. Basket A: Simpler separately purchased meals.
Mid-range · Example B
Total for two adults
3,635.80 USD
Includes IVA planning amounts on park tickets; individual ticket checkout not verified.
259.70 USD per person per ground day
Link to this exampleShow itemised lines
Sangregado Lodge room base
6 × 305 USD (room-night) = 1,830 USD ≈ 1,830.00 USD
Dated supplier observation for these dates; room, board and cancellation terms need confirmation. Not a booking quote.
Hotel tax reconstruction
6 × 39.65 USD (room-night) = 237.9 USD ≈ 237.90 USD
Tax reconstructed from the supplier's fields and counted once; not a checkout invoice.
SJO to La Fortuna vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Published starting price; the final address and vehicle need confirmation.
La Fortuna to SJO vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Return leg assumed at the same price as the published outbound fare; not a quote.
Local vehicle rides including park return
8 × 30 USD (vehicle leg) = 240 USD ≈ 240.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal National Park
2 × 15 USD (adult ticket) = 30 USD ≈ 30.00 USD
Official indexed tariff; whether tax is included was not confirmed.
Separately purchased breakfast
14 × 10 USD (person-meal) = 140 USD ≈ 140.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased lunch
14 × 18 USD (person-meal) = 252 USD ≈ 252.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased dinner
14 × 29 USD (person-meal) = 406 USD ≈ 406.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Nonalcoholic drinks and snacks
14 × 8 USD (person-day) = 112 USD ≈ 112.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal admission IVA planning provision (13% of USD15 per adult)
2 × 1.95 USD (adult ticket tax provision) = 3.9 USD ≈ 3.90 USD
IVA planning amount based on an indexed national-park VAT notice; the individual ticket checkout was not verified.
Mid-range hotel: Sangregado Lodge. Basket B: Higher restaurant spending; same hotel and transport.
Premium · Example A
Total for two adults
7,294.46 USD
Includes IVA planning amounts on park tickets; individual ticket checkout not verified.
521.03 USD per person per ground day
Link to this exampleShow itemised lines
The Springs Resort and Spa room base
6 × 896.25 USD (room-night) = 5,377.5 USD ≈ 5,377.50 USD
Dated supplier observation for these dates; room, board and cancellation terms need confirmation. Not a booking quote.
Hotel tax reconstruction
6 × 116.51 USD (room-night) = 699.06 USD ≈ 699.06 USD
Tax reconstructed from the supplier's fields and counted once; not a checkout invoice.
SJO to La Fortuna vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Published starting price; the final address and vehicle need confirmation.
La Fortuna to SJO vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Return leg assumed at the same price as the published outbound fare; not a quote.
Local vehicle rides including park return
8 × 30 USD (vehicle leg) = 240 USD ≈ 240.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal National Park
2 × 15 USD (adult ticket) = 30 USD ≈ 30.00 USD
Official indexed tariff; whether tax is included was not confirmed.
Separately purchased breakfast
14 × 7 USD (person-meal) = 98 USD ≈ 98.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased lunch
14 × 11 USD (person-meal) = 154 USD ≈ 154.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased dinner
14 × 17 USD (person-meal) = 238 USD ≈ 238.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Nonalcoholic drinks and snacks
14 × 5 USD (person-day) = 70 USD ≈ 70.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal admission IVA planning provision (13% of USD15 per adult)
2 × 1.95 USD (adult ticket tax provision) = 3.9 USD ≈ 3.90 USD
IVA planning amount based on an indexed national-park VAT notice; the individual ticket checkout was not verified.
Luxury hotel: The Springs Resort and Spa. Basket A: Simpler separately purchased meals.
Premium · Example B
Total for two adults
7,644.46 USD
Includes IVA planning amounts on park tickets; individual ticket checkout not verified.
546.03 USD per person per ground day
Link to this exampleShow itemised lines
The Springs Resort and Spa room base
6 × 896.25 USD (room-night) = 5,377.5 USD ≈ 5,377.50 USD
Dated supplier observation for these dates; room, board and cancellation terms need confirmation. Not a booking quote.
Hotel tax reconstruction
6 × 116.51 USD (room-night) = 699.06 USD ≈ 699.06 USD
Tax reconstructed from the supplier's fields and counted once; not a checkout invoice.
SJO to La Fortuna vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Published starting price; the final address and vehicle need confirmation.
La Fortuna to SJO vehicle
1 × 192 USD (vehicle leg) = 192 USD ≈ 192.00 USD
Return leg assumed at the same price as the published outbound fare; not a quote.
Local vehicle rides including park return
8 × 30 USD (vehicle leg) = 240 USD ≈ 240.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal National Park
2 × 15 USD (adult ticket) = 30 USD ≈ 30.00 USD
Official indexed tariff; whether tax is included was not confirmed.
Separately purchased breakfast
14 × 10 USD (person-meal) = 140 USD ≈ 140.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased lunch
14 × 18 USD (person-meal) = 252 USD ≈ 252.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Separately purchased dinner
14 × 29 USD (person-meal) = 406 USD ≈ 406.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Nonalcoholic drinks and snacks
14 × 8 USD (person-day) = 112 USD ≈ 112.00 USD
Editorial planning allowance, not a supplier quote.
Arenal admission IVA planning provision (13% of USD15 per adult)
2 × 1.95 USD (adult ticket tax provision) = 3.9 USD ≈ 3.90 USD
IVA planning amount based on an indexed national-park VAT notice; the individual ticket checkout was not verified.
Luxury hotel: The Springs Resort and Spa. Basket B: Higher restaurant spending; same hotel and transport.
Not included: International and domestic flights, Visas and insurance, Shopping and personal equipment, Unlisted excursions and premium admissions, Late-arrival disruption, Private guides unless explicitly listed
Practical notes
SJO is in the San José/Alajuela area, not beside Arenal. Allow about three to four hours of driving plus stops and flight-arrival formalities. The published inbound transfer benchmark is reused as an explicitly labelled reverse-direction estimate. Confirm the remote lodge address, luggage capacity and timing; late arrivals and road disruption need separate arrangements.
Limits of these examples
Dated editorial estimate for two adults sharing one room, 19–25 January 2027: six nights, seven calendar days, fourteen person-days. Hotel rates are observations, not booked inventory. Room category and cancellation terms were not fully exposed. Tax fields are reconstructed and must be reconciled with the final invoice. Published tariffs and editorial allowances are distinguished line by line. Flights, visas, insurance, shopping, personal equipment and unlisted excursions are excluded. No booking was made. No arbitrary buffer is added. Reprice different dates, party sizes, rooms and durations; do not activate these as unqualified annual calculator defaults. Hotel tax fields counted once. Arenal admission uses the retained USD15 base tariff plus an explicit 13% IVA planning provision, supported by SINAC’s indexed 2020 VAT notice. The individual ticket checkout was unavailable; confirm the applicable tax and tariff before purchase. This replaces the earlier unresolved-tax exclusion and is not a generic contingency. Remotehotel local rides are allowances. No paid hot-spring, bridge, rafting or zip-line product assumed included. Meals are deliberately purchased separately, including hotel restaurants if chosen; no room-only or included-breakfast claim is made. No meal credit is deducted without confirmed board.
Read the full cost guide: what each basket includes and what changes between A and B
Estimate the whole country with the trip cost calculator (different, annual country model)
Cost sources (7)
