This central American country has it all: beautiful beaches, lush forests, great food, cordial locals, and a relaxed atmosphere. A Costa Rica honeymoon is the ultimate way to usher in your married life.
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Is Costa Rica a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Costa Rica is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Central America and around the globe. Beyond its amazing stretches of beaches (both on the Pacific and Caribbean), it boasts a diverse range of wildlife, such as monkeys, toucans, and, most notably, sloths.
In terms of size, the country is slightly smaller than West Virginia, but it’s bountifully blessed with various attraction spots, making it an exciting place for a no-frills post-wedding getaway.
This top-rated destination is also big on sustainability and is one of the most ecologically diverse countries.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in Costa Rica?
- Take advantage of its beaches. Costa Rica has a Caribbean and Pacific coast, so it’s a haven for those tourists who want to go swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, or cruising on a catamaran. The country’s best beaches include Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Conchal, and Playa Manzanillo.
- Relax in hot springs and spas. Around Arenal Volcano, the most recognized volcano in the country, you will find natural hot springs where you can soak and allow therapeutic waters to rejuvenate your senses.
- Do some adventure sports. Want to go whitewater rafting? Pacuare River is the best place to visit. If you want to try ziplining, biking, or hiking, Costa Rica’s largest national park — Corcovado National Park — is for you. You can also explore Manuel Antonio National Park for horseback riding or Marino Ballena National Park for whale watching.
- Enjoy quality time while wildlife watching. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the best spots to go bird-watching. If you want to meet friendly sloths, visit the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica in the Limon Province. When you book a boat tour at Terraba Mangrove Forest, you can also see monkeys, herons, and kingfishers.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Costa Rica?
Unlike the US, which experiences four seasons, Costa Rica only has two: the rainy and the dry season. The latter falls from December to April, making these months the peak travel season.
During peak summer, the Pacific coast’s famously lush mountainscapes turn dry and brown. This area is best to visit in November when the rainy season ends and the forests and mountains are verdant.
Is a Honeymoon in Costa Rica Expensive?
A weeklong honeymoon in Costa Rica costs around $2,000. If you’re going for a luxury vacation, set aside a budget of at least $5,000.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Costa Rica
- Travel outside the peak tourism season. You’ll find better deals on flights, lodging, and activities from May to November.
- Dine at sodas or eateries that serve traditional cuisine. Make sure to pack a reusable water bottle.
- Skip car rentals and get around the country via public bus. Opt for shared shuttle rides for longer trips.
- As a country brimming with free and low-cost activities (e.g., enjoying beach days, hiking, stargazing, strolling around towns), design an itinerary that makes the most of those.
7 Best Areas to Visit In Costa Rica
San Jose
San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica. It boasts stunning colonial architecture, museums, and a vibrant night scene. There are many parks and green spaces to relax and chat with locals.
If you’re looking for day trip excursions, one of the best places to visit is Manuel Antonio National Park (three hours away). Alternatively, Pacuare River is located two hours from San Jose.
Where to stay: Santa Ana, Escazu, San Pedro
Weather: San Jose is warm all year round, but its dry season can still be partly cloudy, while its wet months can be marked by humid and overcast weather conditions.
Liberia
Located in Guanacaste, Liberia is the largest city and capital of this province. It is a wonderful area to stay in if you want to visit historical attractions, including Ermita de la Agonia, Museo del Sabanero, and Museo de Guanacaste. You’ll also be a short ride away from some of the best beaches in the country.
It also has businesses that offer chocolate and craft brewery tours. Get in touch with nature by horseback riding in Rincon de la Vieja. Alternatively, drive an hour to reach the thriving beach town of Tamarindo.
Where to stay: If you’re a city person, stay in the city center. If you prefer to be near the beach, stay in Playas Del Coco, Las Catalinas, or Papagayo. If you want to be closer to nature, stay in or near Rincon de la Vieja.
Weather: Year in and year out, Libera is hot. It’s partly cloudy, windy, and muggy during the dry season. You will also experience overcast weather and heavy rainfall during the wet season.
Monteverde
When you think of Costa Rica, the breathtaking images of Monteverde’s cloud forests likely come to mind. It’s in the southwestern province of Puntarenas, and some of the best spots to visit are the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and Monteverde Butterfly Garden.
Located in the Tilaran mountain range, there are many outdoor activities. Try ziplining into the clouds, waterfall rappelling, bird-watching, or enjoying a thrilling ATV tour.
Where to stay: Near Monteverde Cloud Forest
Weather: Monteverde has a humid climate. It’s usually warm and rainy throughout the year.
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is most famous for the Arenal Volcano, where you can unwind and make the most of natural hot springs. Tabacon is a hotel and hot spring resort, while Kalambu is a waterpark with hot springs.
Visit various waterfalls, including the breathtaking Fortuna Waterfall, or do a chocolate and coffee tour. While swimming in Lake Arenal is not recommended, you can partake in various water activities, such as kayaking.
Where to stay: Town center
Weather: This part of Costa Rica has a tropical savanna climate. While dry months are humid, wet months are oppressive.
Santa Teresa
This is one of the most charming beach towns in the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s a paradise for surfing enthusiasts and home to some of the best beaches Costa Rica offers: Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Carmen.
If you want to indulge in local cuisine, its roads are laced with dining hubs where you can eat to your heart’s content. Various waterfalls are nearby, and the charming town of Montezuma (forty minutes away) is worth a day trip.
Where to stay: North Santa Teresa
Weather: Santa Teresa has a tropical climate. There is a lot of precipitation and high temperatures month after month.
Uvita
Uvita may be a tiny village, but the great memories you will create here will be unmatchable. It has two miles of white-sand beaches where you can swim or go whale-watching (the above-stated Marino Ballena National Park is located here).
You can also explore its waterfalls and biological reserves. Some of the waterfalls have Tarzan swings and jumping platforms for adventurous travelers. If you time your trip right, you might coincide with Envision Festival, an annual electronic festival situated between the ocean and the jungle.
Where to stay: Near the beach
Weather: Year-round, Uvita experiences high temperatures, and summer months can be difficult to define.
Puerto Jimenez
This city in the Osa Peninsula is your gateway to the Corcovado National Park, so you’ll never run out of adventures to try if you choose this as your base for your post-wedding trip. You can also go beach hopping as it offers quiet beaches with calm waters, such as Playa Platanares.
This small town is ideal for nature enthusiasts. You can enjoy its waters through kayaking, sports fishing, and dolphin and whale watching.
Where to stay: Near the beach
Weather: This Costa Rican city has a tropical rainforest climate: warm, humid, and rainy throughout the year.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Costa Rica?
There are two international airports in Costa Rica. You can book a flight to the Liberia International Airport or Juan Santamaria International Airport (in Alajuela). You can hire car rentals from the airport or ride a shuttle to your final destination.
Traveling Within Costa Rica
When traveling around the country, taking the public bus is the most cost-effective method. The buses are affordable and reliable but don’t always have air conditioning. You can also rent cars, take taxis, or use ride-sharing apps. Note that ride-sharing apps are only available in big cities.
For longer trips, consider shared shuttles or booking a domestic flight for a faster travel time. Nature Air and SANSA Air offer daily local flights.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Costa Rica?
Do you want to stay in a beachfront luxury resort with great ocean views or a honeymoon resort hidden in a rainforest? Costa Rica has it all. These lodgings typically come with decadent amenities such as an infinity pool, plunge pool, jacuzzi, golf course, honeymoon packages (e.g., couple’s massage and spa treatments), and activities such as snorkeling or ATV rides.
Pura Vida Retreat and Spa is a lush mountaintop resort, while Four Seasons Costa Rica and Andaz Papagayo Resort are set along the stunning Papagayo Peninsula. ORIGINS Lodge and Spa is a popular open-air ecolodge, while Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is near the iconic Arenal Volcano National Park.
If you’re looking for adults-only properties, Nayara Springs, Makanda by the Sea, and the charming boutique hotel Rancho Pacifico are your choices.
You can also try vacation rentals such as bungalows and apartments. You can rent a tree house or a glamping pod if you want something unique.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Costa Rica?
- Gallo pinto. Made with rice, beans, and spices such as cilantro, peppers, and onions, gallo pinto is one of the most popular Costa Rican breakfast dishes.
- Picadillos. A celebration of Costa Rica’s gift of agriculture, picadillo refers to vegetable hashes sauteed in fat and seasoned with onions, herbs, and stock. It comes in various versions, depending on the main vegetable used: squash, chayote, or potato.
- Ceviche. This popular seafood dish is made with raw fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice. Locals usually also incorporate a splash of ketchup.
- Coffee. Costa Rica produces some of the best-tasting coffee beans on the planet. Enjoying a cup of coffee with your loved one is a must-experience.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Costa Rican Honeymoon?
You can add depth and richness to your Costa Rica honeymoon by dipping your toes into the country’s culture and heritage. You can visit a traditional coffee plantation, take cooking classes to learn how to prepare some of the dishes mentioned above or participate in Spanish language classes.
You can also explore historic sites, such as the National Museum of Costa Rica and the Guayabo National Monument, where you can find pre-Columbian city ruins. Visit indigenous villages (Costa Rica is home to Huetar, Maleku, Bribri, and other indigenous communities) to learn more about their lifestyle.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a laid-back atmosphere; you’ll find locals and tourists alike donning casual clothes.
Apart from that attire, bring some fancier clothes for more formal engagements and long-sleeved shirts, pants, hiking shoes, and whistles for hiking. You’ll need swimwear and cover-ups when hitting the beach or the pool.
Pack sunscreen, insect repellant, lightweight rain jackets, and reusable thermal water bottles.
Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit?
Costa Rica is generally considered safe to visit, but as tourists, you must take common-sense precautions to ensure a hassle-free vacation. Here are some tips to follow:
- Don’t go to isolated and poorly lit areas.
- As petty theft can occur in touristy areas, always keep your bag in front of you. Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
- Do not leave your suitcases in the car while you explore.
- When driving, always lock your doors and roll up the windows.
- Always follow your tour guide and only book tours and excursions from reputable companies. Whether you’re swimming or hiking, only explore designated areas.
- Before doing any activity, check weather forecasts.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Costa Rica?
US nationals do not need to apply for a visa beforehand. Upon entry, you will be granted a visa stamp valid for up to 90 days (or less, depending on the length of your trip). Immigration officers will ask for proof of exit and the address of your accommodation.
Bonus Costa Rica Honeymoon Travel Tips
- Tap water in Costa Rica is safe to drink in most areas, so bring reusable water bottles.
- In Costa Rica, tipping is optional. A 10% service charge is typically included in your bill. If you want to leave more, consider another 10%.
- Generally, establishments accept US dollars. But don’t be surprised if you will get Costa Rican colones in exchange.
- As of writing, $1 is about ₡540. You can withdraw money from ATMs, but only during the day. The machines generally aren’t available from 10 PM to 5 AM for security reasons.
- While their national language is Spanish, many Costa Ricans speak English, especially in areas that attract tourists.