Ultimate Costa Rica Honeymoon Itinerary & Guide

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Overall, the best time to visit Costa Rica for honeymoon is December to April. This is the dry season in the centre and west coast of the country.

May to November is the rainy season. The weather can be a mixed bag but the rain gets heavier in the south west of the country. The wettest months are September and October.

The Caribbean Coast has a different climate pattern and it gets steady tropical rain throughout the year (although don’t let that put you off). The driest months on the east coast are February to March and September to October.

Discover the best time to visit Costa Rica with our month-by-month guide!

Many couples opt for hiring a local private driver. This allows you to relax and enjoy the impressive scenery and is one of the best ways to plan a stress-free Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

Many hotels will help you organise transport, too.

There is an extensive local bus network, but if you’re short on time, it will take you longer to get from A to B. If you’re considering local transport, opt for private tourist shuttle buses instead.

Couples who have experience driving on the right may want to add car hire to a Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

Proceed with a some caution, as the rules of the road may not be the same as at home, and Costa Rican drivers may be more combative.

Plus, all the signs are in Spanish, so a little knowledge of the language is helpful. Having your own vehicle will give you more freedom and flexibility.

However, in rural areas, the roads can be treacherous during the wet season. Book a 4 x 4 and don’t drive at night (and remember that it gets dark earlier in Costa Rica). You can check prices and book on RentalCars.com.

It might be easier to fly from A to B sometimes. San José has connections to regional airports like Puerto Jiménez, Quepos and Tortuguero with local airline Sansa.

Remember that if you’re short on time and only have a week you can base yourself somewhere like the Papagayo Peninsula which has many fun activities nearby.

But if you have more time, we highly recommend spending some time in La Fortuna or another area.

Use this Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary as a basis to craft your own dream trip! Let’s go…

San Jose is small enough to navigate by foot and grand enough to keep you entertained. Explore some beautiful 19th century architecture, coffee shops brewing local beans, parks, museums and authentic Costa Rican culture. 

If you arrive early, take a stroll through the colourful Mercado Centra. Feast on casado (traditional plate of rice and beans, beef or fish, plantain and salad) or freshly brewed coffee and soak up the atmosphere of the market.

Salsa music is something Ticos (Costa Ricans) are serious about! Head to a local salsa bar where you can practice your steps. It’s a great way to meet locals and is an important part of Costa Rican culture.

If you rather leave your feet to rest, indulge yourself in another typical Costa Rican pastime – visiting a local bar for beers & bocas (traditional small plates)!.

Have an authentic coffee experience, see an active volcano, discover hidden waterfalls and get up close with the Costa Rican wildlife.

If you are coffee lovers, stop at the Doka Coffee Estate to learn about the secrets of coffee production.

Then, explore the diverse cloud forest that surrounds the Poas Volcano. The Poas Volcano is the largest active crater in the world, about 1.5kms wide and 320m deep, with frequent geyser-like eruptions.

Get close to the edge and witness the bubbling lake at the bottom, surrounded by billowing smoke and the hiss of sulphur. 

Head to the lush Caribbean side of the volcano and take a couple of hours at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Discover scenic hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls like the majestic White Magic Waterfall. Visit the butterfly observatory and marvel at the wildlife, hummingbirds, snakes, frogs, and Costa Rican wild cats.

This is the perfect introduction to your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary!

You can fly from San José (or if you stay on the Caribbean coast, you can take a boat for Puerto Limon). A fun way to get there is by river / canal boats, reminiscent of the Amazon River.

Start early and pass by banana plantations and tropical rainforest to arrive in Tortuguero in the afternoon. Visit the small village that relies on eco tourism and shop for handicrafts and sweet banana treats. 

The following day, marvel at the birdlife, monkeys, and other wildlife on a jungle boat tour through the creeks and lagoons of Tortuguero National Park.

Learn about the fascinating flora and fauna and the medicinal uses of the plants and trees. There are plenty of other activities, like hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

The turtle season is from July to September. The best time to see them is at night (and bring some dark colours and stay silent)!

Early in the season, you might even see the larger Leatherback Turtle nesting, too. Plus, from November to January, you might be lucky enough to witness the unforgettable sight of baby turtles make their first dash into the waves!

Side note: While turtle nesting happens from July to September, there is plenty of other wildlife to see in Tortuguero at other times of the year.

However, if you are travelling outside nesting months, you might decide to explore another destination for your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary. For example, spend more time in La Fortuna, the next stop.

You can also book a 3-day tour with GetYourGuide.com

La Fortuna is the main town sitting under the Arenal Volcano, which is awe-inspiring as you approach (if it’s not covered in cloud!).

This is one of the most popular areas to visit on a Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary, and it’s easy to see why. Lush jungle, waterfalls, incredible wildlife and, of course, a volcano!

Although it is no longer spewing out hot lava, your first sighting of the sleeping giant will always be the most memorable as it rises high above the surrounding landscape.

Spend the afternoon exploring the town and have a delicious Costa Rican dinner.

It’s hard to pick a favourite of all the things to do on a Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary at La Fortuna. There is so much to see and do from La Fortuna that you could easily spend a week on your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary right here!

Zipline over the forest canopy, whizz along cable slung between canopies and get your heart racing.

If you prefer to keep your feet grounded, you could do the Arenal 1968 hike for the best views of Arenal.

Visit the famous hanging bridges, the most popular is Mistico. Spend an afternoon soaking in the warm mineral water of the hot springs. The perfect way to relax on your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

Go whitewater rafting on the Sarapiqui River. Taste delicious chocolate. Pick up a boat trip to the serene Arenal Lake. Go horse riding and kayaking.

Take a day trip to see the Rio Celeste waterfall. It’s 2 hours away, so needs a full day.

We think this iconic sight is a must for your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

Side note: Choosing what to leave out in at La Fortuna & Arenal is without a doubt the tough part of planning a Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary! So we’d highly recommend deciding on what you want to see and do here and booking in advance so you don’t waste any time.

Remember, you don’t have to follow this Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary to the letter. If you want to fit in more things to do in La Fortuna, you can cut out somewhere else and spend more days here, too.

Santa Elena is reminiscent of a tropical Switzerland, with its charming wooden houses and alpine climate (so pack some layers, as this area is cooler than other parts of Costa Rica!).

The constant mix of drizzle and warm sunshine creates an interesting climate. It is called a cloud forest rather than a rain forest because of its altitude.

In the afternoon, you could visit the Monteverde Cheese Factory. Opened in 1953 by Quaker settlers, you can taste some nice cheese and ice-cream, including Monte Rico, which is famous throughout Costa Rica.

There are plenty of places in Monteverde to add to your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary for a wildlife fix, including a Butterfly Garden, Serpentarium, Frog Pond and Bat Jungle. 

The next morning visit the Cloud Forest. There are actually a few cloud forests but the Monteverde Reserve and Santa Elena Reserve are the most popular. You could also visit Curi Cancha Reserve, too.

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

There are 2,500 species of plants in Monteverde, including 420 kinds of orchid, as well as monkeys, sloths and over 400 bird species including 30 types of hummingbird.

In the afternoon, opt for a second could cloud forest or do sky zip line, take a gondola ride over the green landscape or explore the Sky Walk and explore the flora and fauna of the forest canopy, along trails and suspension bridges.

While you can lie by a gorgeous hotel pool or relax on the beach, Costa Rica’s coasts are also a haven for adventure, too!

We’ve got a breakdown below of the key Costa Rica beach areas so you can choose the perfect one (or two) for your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

Most are within an hour’s drive from Liberia Airport, so very convenient to add to your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

You can find some of the best international Costa Rica honeymoon resorts, such as the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo and Andaz Costa Rica Resort, on the Papagayo Peninsula.

Luxury and natural beauty coexist in harmony. It’s one of the few places you’ll find a ‘private’ beach on your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary

All the beaches are public in Costa Rica, but some resorts and hotel circumvent this naturally because of their location. Papagayo Peninsula is ideal for a more resort based stay or addition to your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

Further south along the coast discover fun coastal towns with pristine shorelines ideal for beach stays.

From the car-free vibes of Las Catalinas to the laid back surfing idylls like Tamarindo to lesser visited villages like Playa Flamingo and nearby beaches like Playa Conchal. You’ll find expansive shorelines, magical waves and you might even catch turtles nesting at Las Baulas National Marine Park.

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Side note: If you have more time on your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary and are travelling from La Fortuna or Monteverde Cloud Forest, it’s worth considering a detour to Rincon de la Vieja National Park in the north, home to two volcanoes.

This relatively remote area is home to a beautiful array of flora and fauna, like butterflies, monkeys and iguanas. Plus, it has with the highest density of Costa Rica’s rare national flower, the purple orchid.

Discover the dry tropical forest canopy on a zip line tour and go river tubing down the Rio Negro. Join up with Costa Rica’s cowboys aka sabaneros and go horse riding.

Find hidden waterfalls, bubbling mud pots and hot springs. The accommodation around Rincon can be more rustic, but Hacienda Guachipelin is worth considering for your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

Nicoya is famed for being one of the 5 Blue Zones on the planet, where people live the longest and healthiest.

For couples seeking wellness, this is the destination to add to your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

Discover surfing and yoga around Nosara. Embrace the carefree, tranquil spirit of Santa Teresa or laid-back Montezuma

Spot dolphins on a sailing tour to Tortuga island and discover turquoise waters, swaying palm trees and the kaleidoscope of colourful fish under the crystal-clear lagoons.

Visit waterfalls. Swim in tide pools. Meander through vibrant local markets, where artisans display their woven textiles and handmade jewelery. Indulge in fresh seafood.

The sunsets on the Nicoya Peninsula are stunning and you’ll find ramshackle beachfront clubs where you can sip on a cocktail and relax.

The roads are a bit more rudimentary on the Nicoya Peninsula, which means the crowds stay away!

Quepos is a vibrant tourist town with amazing seafood (try Runaway Grill). You’ll find some of our favourite hotels and the most amazing sunsets which you can kick back and watch with an Imperial beer. What a way to complete your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

It’s also the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. Find pristine, white-sand tropical beaches, hidden coves ideal for snorkeling and trails through tropical forest filled with wildlife.

Hike to Punta Catedral, one of Costa Rica’s most photographed areas where forest-topped cliffs tower above the deep blue Pacific Ocean.

Marvel at the stunning beaches, Playa Espadilla and Playa Manuel Antonio, the best in Costa Rica.

Encounter toucans, sloths, raccoons, snakes and various species of monkeys and birdlife.

There is so much adventure to be found here, too; horse riding, surfing, sea kayaking, fishing and canopy tours. Go whitewater rafting on the Savegre River.

Take a sailing cruise and go snorkelling along the beautiful coastline. You might even spot some dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles and migrating whales. Snorkel in hidden coves like Playa Biesanz.

There’s also a spot an hour or two north that is worth considering, Jaco Beach, which is popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s famous for its golden sand, surfing and nightlife and just a short drive back to San Jose.

Just an hour further south, you’ll find the laid back town of Uvita, which is almost halfway between Manuel Antonio National Park and Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula (see the next section) and worth considering for your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

Wander along the shores of Playa Uvita, where golden sand meets rolling waves, perfect for surfing and sunsets.

It’s also a gateway to Marino Ballena National Park, which is one of the best places to go whale watching in the world and the location of the ‘Whale’s Tail‘, a unique natural formation on the coast (bring your drone!).

The optimal time for observing whales at Marino Ballena National Park is January to March and July to October. You can also discover hidden coves like Playa Ventanas and some of the most beautiful waterfalls, like Nauyaca Waterfall.

Puerto Jimenez or Drake Bay serve as the perfect gateway to explore the wonders of Corcovado National Park.

Corcovado is a paradise where nature and reigns supreme and is a worthy addition to your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

National Geographic described it as ‘the most biologically intense place on Earth‘ as it’s home to 2.5% of the planet’s biodiversity.

Embark on a hike through lush rainforests, where colourful macaws swoop, monkeys playfully swing, and elusive jaguars tread.

If you’re looking for even more adventure on your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary, you can go zip lining. Surfers will love Matapalo Beach and Pavones Beach.

Discover an underwater world of sea turtles, dolphins, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. Take a whale watching trip to see these magnificent creatures and a trip to Caño Island for crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.

As the sun sets, a nocturnal adventure unveils itself, revealing the mesmerising glow of bioluminescent creatures at Golfo Dulce Bay. This is where the rainforest meets the ocean.

It has its own unique vibe and its laid back beachside towns are the perfect addition to your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary.

Limon is the major city, but most couples head for Cahuita National Park with its pristine beaches and lush rainforest. Explore the park’s coral reefs, a kaleidoscope of colourful fish.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a cute coastal town with a typical Caribbean party scene and great surfing spots.

Embrace the reggae and rasta culture, discover local art and crafts, and Caribbean cuisine. Visit the Jaguar Rehabilitation Centre. Take a bike ride along the coast with the azure sea glistening on one side and dense jungle on the other.

Discover hidden gems like Cocles, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo. Dive into the turquoise waters. Paddle through tranquil mangrove forests, spotting colorful birds and curious monkeys along the way.

Visit the nearby Bribri indigenous community. Engage in a cacao ceremony and savor the rich flavors of artisanal chocolate.

• Weather: Costa Rica’s rainy season can be a wash out so pick your season carefully.
  
  
• Distances: Costa Rica’s best tourist areas are quite spread out so careful itinerary planning is needed. Plus, outside of the main tourist areas, infrastructure can be more challenging so more time is needed to really explore the country.
  
  
• Beach Honeymoon: Costa Rica is great for a beach honeymoon but it’s best if you want also want added dose of adventure!
  
  If you’re the type of couple to just lie by the pool or on the beach the whole time, the type of couple who want a purely beach honeymoon, there are probably better destinations to pick in the Caribbean.
  
  
• Bugs: We celebrate Costa Rica’s considerable biodiversity! But…with that comes a lot of bugs. If you don’t like bugs or at best tolerate them, be warned!
  
  
• Food: While Costa Rica offers a unique culinary landscape, with great coffee, chocolate tours and fruits,  the traditional cuisine lacks the spice and memorable flavours of other international gastronomic experiences.