Costa Rica For Honeymooners: A 10-Day Itinerary

Start your trip by traveling to La Fortuna from San Jose Airport (SJO). I recommend renting a car if you plan on visiting multiple regions of the country (tip: you must jump on a 5-min shuttle from the terminal to the rental car company). The drive to the volcano region is about 3–3.5 hours. If driving is not your thing, there are plenty of shuttle companies for hire.

After the long drive to La Fortuna, I recommend relaxing and enjoying dinner at your resort. If staying at The Springs, you will be greeted with a complimentary drink. You won’t find yourself bored as you and your spouse explore the dozens of natural hot springs on site.

The next morning, you will wake up and throw your tennis shoes on for a morning hike! Hiking is a great way to experience the Costa Rican rainforest and take in all its beauty. While the La Fortuna waterfall is the most popular hike, I highly recommend exploring the waterfall at Arenal Volcano National Park for a more private experience. My husband and I did this hike at 9 am, and we were the only people on the trail! Rain or shine, it’s a lovely hike (yes, bring a raincoat).

After your hike, you can spend a well-deserved afternoon/evening drinking and lounging by the hot springs. Most resorts have natural springs on site that range from 85–104 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are anything like me, you will have to drag yourself out of this mineral-rich water, so eating at the resort may be the way to go. If you are interested in eating in town, I recommend...

• Restaurante Fortuneño

• SelvaRustica By Perla

The third day is a great time to visit Club Rio at The Springs Resort & Spa! This secluded adventure park offers a wide variety of activities for couples. You have free access to Club Rio if staying at the resort but can purchase a day-pass if you are staying elsewhere.

I highly recommend horseback riding! Our guide took my husband and I on our own trail away from the rest of the group. It was intimate and perfect for honeymooners. We crossed a large river, and he even let us gallop with our horses! I would also recommend river tubing for a high-energy activity that cools you off.

Treat yourself to a nice dinner in town for your last night in La Fortuna at one of these locations...

• El Chante Verde

• Organico Fortuna

The 4th day of your honeymoon will take you to Monteverde. The drive from La Fortuna to Monteverde is about three hours. This town is part of the region known as the “Cloud Forest” as the clouds appear below the rainforest canopy. This environment sets a sexy, cozy vibe for honeymooners.

I highly recommend choosing this location for ziplining and exploring the hanging bridges. We booked our tour with Selvatura Park, and we would recommend using this company! They offer multiple packages that include various ziplines and canopy walks. No doubt you will see beautiful views and rare wildlife! There are also multiple animal exhibits and a butterfly garden on site.

When in Monteverde, I recommend taking time to explore the biological reserve. The best way to appreciate the wildlife is to hire an expert tour guide through the reserve’s website (tip: the earlier the tour the better as this is when the animals are most active). They are incredible at pointing out wildlife that would be hard to find as someone unfamiliar with the area. Private and group tours are offered.

Wind down after an adventure packed two days with a dinner in town. Here are some dining recommendations...

• Restaurante Monteverde

• Tree House Restaurante

• Farm to Table Escondido

Now, it is time for the final leg of your journey as you drive to Manuel Antonio. This will be your longest drive as it is about 5 hours. Yes, it is long, but the trip is well worth the ocean views and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife. If staying at a hotel near the national park, such as Tulemar, you will be surrounded by animals (specifically monkeys). Tulemar itself is a sloth sanctuary. Once you arrive at your hotel, I recommend taking time to walk the property.

Since you will likely be arriving in the afternoon, this would be a great night to take a nocturnal safari. Our tour was booked through the Tulemar concierge. We saw so many interesting insects and critters. This ranged from the most poisonous snake in the country to the infamous tree frog. The tour guides have an abundance of knowledge about the wildlife, including how to safely observe it.

After a week of adventure, you will be ready for a chill pool/beach day. You can start the day with a delicious breakfast at the Monarch Cafe. This cafe is located inside a butterfly sanctuary!

If staying at Tulemar, you have direct access to the beach (beach chairs & food/beverage service). There are also multiple pools on the property. If your hotel does not offer beach access or a pool, you may drive to one of the many public beaches. This includes Manuel Antonio Beach at the park (there is an entry fee). I recommend avoiding bringing valuables to the beach as the monkeys will try to steal things!

Wake up the next morning for a fun-packed day exploring Manuel Antonio on an ATV tour! This is a great way to explore the back roads, old banana plantations, and hidden waterfalls. Most ATV tours are 2.5–6 hours. Many include an authentic Costa Rican lunch cooked by locals. Wear old clothes as you are guaranteed to get dirty!

There are various restaurants in Manuel Antonio that offer a wide variety of cuisine. Here are a few recommendations…

• Victoria’s Gourmet Italian Restaurant

• Emilio’s Cafe

For your last full day, I recommend waking up early to hike in Manuel Antonio National Park. I don’t necessarily recommend a guided tour if your main interests are the beaches and monkeys. The trails are well-marked, and the monkeys are out and about! In fact, it would be difficult to miss them! I recommend taking “The Cathedral” hike for the best views (plus lots of monkey time). Remember, there is a small entry fee into the park and you must show your passport upon entry.

Once back at the hotel, spend the rest of the day soaking in the sun by the pool/beach with your significant other. If you opt for accommodations with a kitchen, I highly recommend hiring a private chef for an intimate dinner on your final night. Chefs are very popular while vacationing in Costa Rica. They offer a wide variety of cuisines that can be personalized to match you and your spouse’s tastes.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, so it is now time to travel back to your home! The drive from Manuel Antonio to San Jose Airport is 3.5 hours. Remember, you must drop your car back off at the rental company and take the shuttle to the terminal.

I hope you enjoy your Costa Rican honeymoon as much as we did!