35 Best Things To Do in Costa Rica on Honeymoon

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This bustling capital may sometimes get bypassed due to time constraints, but spending a day experiencing authentic Costa Rican culture in San José is one of the best things to in Costa Rica on honeymoon.

Take a stroll through the lively streets and historical buildings. Marvel at the vibrancy of Mercado Central, a kaleidoscope of colours and flavours. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Borbón Market.

Indulge in the traditional casado. Delight your taste buds with a coffee tasting session.

Visit one of the many bars, the perfect opportunity to mingle with friendly Ticos and embrace the vivacious Costa Rican spirit. Pura vida indeed!

Hacienda La Chimba is just 25 minutes from the city centre and not only can you experience the great coffee, but there is a lovely hike, the Mantra Trail, which leads to the sculpture of a hand overlooking the rainforest.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near San José, then Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm & Inn should be on your list.

Alternatively, you’ll most likely be travelling to or from La Fortuna and the Doka Coffee Estate is an absolute must if you want to learn about the secrets of coffee!

Uncover the secrets of traditional Costa Rican cuisine from skilled local cooks. Vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients define the country’s culinary heritage.

From preparing delectable ceviche to making authentic tortillas, each dish is a celebration of Costa Rican gastronomy.

The Mayas and Aztecs regarded chocolate as a potent aphrodisiac, after all!

There are many chocolate tours throughout Costa Rica but go with the OGs, Don Olivo Chocolate Tour from La Fortuna, who have been making chocolate for 70 years.

Learn how the cacao bean is turned into one of the world’s most delicious substances.

Nestled along the stunning Pacific coastline, this tiny town on the Nicoya Peninsula is one of the best places in the world for yogis, beginner or seasoned.

You’ll find a range of retreats, workshops, and classes for all levels. Plus, it’s a great town for surfing and healthy eateries.

We highly recommend a morning yoga class on Playa Guiones, one of the loveliest beaches at the edge of the town.

Explore the MesoAmerican heritage and traditions and their sacred connection to cacao. Learn about medicinal plant healing along with how they make chocolate.

Glimpse these fascinating creatures clinging effortlessly to tree branches. Sloths sleep for 15-18 hours a day and move at a slow pace, covering less than a mile in four hours because of their sluggish metabolism!

Learn more about these endearing creatures on a safari tour to spot them in the wild.

Discover the hidden waterfalls of Rincon de la Vieja on horseback! Follow the expert guides as they lead you through lush landscapes and winding trails.

Traverse the rugged terrain before arriving at the stunning Oropéndola Waterfall, where you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear pools.

While you can take part in whale watching in many destinations along the Pacific Coast, this is one of the best spots, with tours departing daily from Uvita.

Whales can be spotted most of the year as they migrate. The best time to see California Humpback Whales is from December to March and Humpback Whales arrive in August to November.

Whale and dolphin watching in the Marino Ballena National Park is one of our favourite things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon, as it’s the first national park created in Costa Rica to protect marine life.

If you have a drone, you can get a great shot of the whale’s tail sand bar, too.

There are also whales migrating on the northern Caribbean Coast near Tortuguero, but they’re not as easy to spot.

This small island, designated as a biological reserve, is a must if you’re visiting the southern Pacific Coast and want to snorkel or dive.

Take a day trip from Drake Bay or Uvita. Dive into its crystal-clear waters, teeming with an abundance of marine life.

The pristine natural sanctuary is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and you can encounter sharks, rays, and turtles.

This secluded sanctuary is inaccessible by road but can be reached by flying from San José or taking a boat from Puerto Limon.

You can also journey via river and canals, passing banana plantations and tropical rainforests.

Explore the quaint village, sustained by eco-tourism, and purchase locally made handicrafts and delectable banana treats.

Turtle season occurs from July to September, with the best viewing at night (remember to wear dark colors and be silent so you don’t disturb the turtles).

If you can’t make it to the Caribbean coast, turtle spotting is still one of the best things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon and you may also see them on the Pacific Coast at Playa Minas near Tamarindo from October to March.

The Jaguar Rescue Center is a haven for sick, injured, and orphaned animals, providing them with either temporary or permanent refuge.

You can take the daily tour of the rescue and meet the resident wildlife, learn about their unique stories, characteristics, and the challenges they face.

From monkeys and sloths to macaws and toucans, the tour encapsulates the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica and is one of our favourite things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon.

You’ll find surfers riding the waves, bustling shops, restaurants, bars and, one of the best things to do in Costa Rica for honeymoon, hanging out at a beach club.

Head for Pangas Beach Club for the loveliest Pacific Ocean sunsets.

While Tamarindo draws crowds, the southern part of the beach offers a quieter escape. You can also take a sail boat tour to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Catching the waves in this laid back bohemian town is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon.

It’s a haven for surfers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. The warm Pacific waters and pristine sandy beaches create an idyllic setting for surf enthusiasts.

You’ll also find yoga retreats and a thriving foodie scene with delicious and abundant organic and vegan options.

Discover the heavenly sandy beach with palm trees and clear waters.

You can hike to the summit of the island and go scuba diving and snorkelling amongst the colourful fish and shipwrecks.

Or if you just want to kick back in paradise, enjoy the beach and feast on a barbecue lunch!

Just outside of the town, you’ll find one of the most unique things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon (plus, it’s free!).

Hike to the ruins of a derelict mansion perched high on a hillside, overlooking Playa Jaco. Believed to have belonged to an individual who passed away before its completion, these ruins now attract inquisitive hikers.

The eerie backdrop has panoramic views with some cool graffiti. There are two viewpoints, so after the first, keep walking for about 10 minutes. Go before dusk for one of the most unique sunset views in Costa Rica.

Another great option for adventure lovers and one of the best things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon is to go paragliding at sunset, take to the skies with an instructor for an unmissable experience!

Part of Manuel Antonio National Park, which is a haven for rainforest wildlife with stunning hiking trails.

Hike Punta Catedral and see white face monkeys in their natural habitat with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

There’s other beaches nearby, like Playa Espadilla, the main public beach. Playa Biesanz is worth checking out, too!

There is a cap on the number of people allowed in the park each day so it’s worth prebooking a tour to guarantee access.

Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon. Many of the locals are descendants of Jamaicans who arrived in the 1800s to build a railway, bringing a unique flavour to this corner of the country.

Calypso and Reggae, Rastafarian culture, coconut drinks and the best beaches in Costa Rica – pure Caribbean vibes.

You can do a whole lot of nothing, although there are plenty of activities like whitewater rafting, surfing and nightlife to keep you occupied, too.

The park was established to protect the coral reefs found offshore.

It’s one of the best things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon for couples seeking the best snorkelling and diving. You can hire bikes, go hiking or take a glass-bottom boat ride.

One of the best beaches in Costa Rica is the pristine white sand beach, Playa Blanca with its clear blue waters, soft sand, and lush green surroundings.

You can also go surfing at the darker sanded Playa Negra and discover the intriguing pirate history of the area.

You’ll find heavenly lesser explored beaches as you bike via Punta Cocles and Punta Uva to Playa Grande.

This is probably the closest you’ll get to Panama. Explore the shipwreck and just enjoy your newly wedded bliss!

This marvel is one of the essential things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon. It has one of the largest craters on earth. 

As you venture towards the volcano, prepare for an extraordinary experience. The imposing main crater, adorned with sulfur fumaroles, is a sight to behold.

Take the scenic trail leading to the Botos Lagoon, a crater lake nestled within the Poás Volcano National Park.

Poás last erupted in April 2017, which resulted in the establishment of a safety perimeter. However, the trails and viewpoints are currently open.

This sanctuary has the largest wildlife collection in Costa Rica, housing over 100 species.

Visit the butterfly observatory. Spot hummingbirds, pumas, sloths, snakes, frogs, and Costa Rican wild cats. There are also 3kms of rainforest hiking trails.

Located just 45 minutes from the San Jose Airport and a short 20-minute drive from Poas Volcano National Park, it serves as an ideal day tour or a stop for a few hours en route to La Fortuna.

You can also stay at the heavenly Peace Lodge. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon. 

Surrounded by vibrant tropical rainforest, the awe-inspiring dormant Arenal volcano may have stopped spewing out lava, but it’s still standing tall and commanding attention.

It’s often covered in cloud, but one of the best ways to see it up close and one of the best things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon is hiking the 1968 Arenal Trail.

The loop comes in at just under 5kms and takes about 90 minutes taking you past, rainforest, lakes, wildlife and old lava flows.

A literal hotbed of geothermal activity, there’s around 12 to choose from.

If you’re going to stay in a hot springs resort, then choose Tabacón Hot Springs. You could also stay at Kardashian-favourite The Springs Resort and Spa, too. Plus, you can also purchase a day ticket too to the hot springs such as Baldi hot springs.

If you’re heading to the lesser visited and remarkable Rincón de la Vieja Volcano area in the north, there are hot springs in this area too.

The expansion of Lake Arenal in 1979 led the old town to be eerily submerged at the bottom of the lake, while the new town of Arenal was built northeast of the lake.

You can kayak or paddle board on the serene water and around its islands in search of exotic wildlife, including monkeys and tropical birds.

This is one of our favourite unusual things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon.

If you’re travelling to the Nicoya Peninsula, then a Bioluminescent Kayak Tour near Santa Teresa is an essential addition to your list of things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon!

La Fortuna’s rapids have various levels from beginner onwards, but adventurous paddlers will love the Sarapiqui River.

Experience over 30 exciting rapids like the Pipeline and Terminator along 10 km of lush, vibrant rainforest.

Couples who want multiple whitewater rafting opportunities will enjoy the town Turrialba, which is to the east of San José, and a great detour if you’re heading to the Caribbean Coast.

You can also find rapids around the Pacific Coast, too.

Set amidst the enchanting rainforest, this experience allows you to traverse a series of suspended bridges with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding natural wonders.

Discover the diverse ecosystem as you walk among the treetops.

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is our top pick. Mistico is a relatively easy hike and it’s a must for couples seeking the best things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon.

It’s one of the most photographed places in Costa Rica! The vibrant waters that cascade into a picturesque turquoise pool below are beautiful and ethereal.

Tenorio Volcano National Park is relatively remote, but visitors can reach it on a day trip from La Fortuna.

The waterfall gets its celestial hue because of the convergence of two mineral-rich rivers. Swimming is prohibited but you can swim in the waters of the ‘free pool’ in a serene part of the river, outside of the national park.

A day trip is great, if you’re short on time, but you could stay nearby at Origins Lodge.

There is so much more to this area including other waterfalls, whitewater rafting, paddle boarding and sugarcane wine tours.

Channel your inner Tarzan (or Jane?) as you grab the rope and plunge into the air, suspended high above a natural pool with a small waterfall.

Fly over the forest canopy, whizzing along a cable, and marvel at the rainforest views.

Sky Adventures Arenal Park or Arenal Mundo Aventura Park is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica when it comes to zip lining.

Ride 7 cables that go up to 200m in height and 750m in length with speeds over 70km per hour.

There are actually 3 cloud forests to choose from: Monteverde Reserve, Santa Elena Reserve and Curi Cancha Reserve.

Any of them will be a fun addition to your list of fun things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon. Plus, Monteverde has plenty of other fun things to do if you have time.

The Monteverde Reserve is the most popular. Book a guided hike, so you can learn about the different species of flora and fauna in this unique ecosystem.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is less visited than Monteverde but just as striking.

If you’ve time, discover the lesser-known Curi-Cancha Reserve, home to an abundance of wildlife. The cloud forests are a haven for biodiversity. Hike along misty trails, zip line over the canopy and spot elusive creatures. We’d recommend a night tour, too!

You can soak in mud pools and hot springs but one of the best things to do in Costa Rica on honeymoon is to discover the most beautiful hidden waterfalls on earth.

Hike to Las Chorreras Waterfall and La Oropéndola Rio Negro Waterfall, two highlights of Costa Rica.

Hop onto an inflatable tube and let the river currents carry you through the pristine rainforest.

Navigate thrilling rapids and gentle stretches of the river, surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife.

National Geographic called it “the most biologically intense place on Earth“. Although reaching Corcovado is more challenging, couples who make the journey are rewarded with unspoiled natural wonders.

Meet jaguar, anteaters, tapirs, deer and monkeys. Take exhilarating hikes through the jungle, and at night, marvel at the unfolding galaxy.

Corcovado is one of the best stargazing spots in Costa Rica. Depart from Drake Bay or the even more remote Puerto Jimenez, both accessible by air from San José.

Nestled amidst the lush greenery, a jungle or rainforest lodge is the ultimate in Costa Rican romance.

Wake up to the sounds of exotic birds, breathe in the scent of the forest, and marvel at the thriving wildlife. Some of our favourites are Nayara Springs, Nayara Tented Camps, Oxygen Jungle Villas & Spa and Lapa Rios Lodge.