Costa Rica is the perfect place for a honeymoon. It has beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and plenty of adventures. It can be as adventurous or as luxurious as you want.
What we love about Costa Rica is that it can feel so exotic, yet it’s still close to home for American Visitors. Here is our guide on how to plan the perfect honeymoon in Costa Rica.
Best Costa Rica Honeymoon Resorts
The Peace Garden & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Located high in the mountains just an hour north of San Jose, La Paz is the perfect place to start or end a trip honeymoon to Costa Rica or even spend the entire trip.
If you want to spend your first trip as newlyweds tucked into the peaceful jungle, this is the place for you. Each of the 18 rooms comes with a private jacuzzi tub with your very own waterfall. On the property, there are five large waterfalls and extensive gardens. Book Now
Related Article: Waterfalls Worth Chasing In Costa Rica
*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels, check prices on Booking.com. We’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*
Best Costa Rica Honeymoon Packages
Traveling Costa Rica on your own independently is great, but if you’re looking for someone else to do all of the hard work of planning a honeymoon in Costa Rica, then a package might be right for you. We have scoured the internet looking for the best honeymoon packages in Costa Rica and put all of the best ones together on this list. Table of packages
Planning the Perfect Costa Rica Honeymoon
If you’d prefer to hand pick and plan your honeymoon, the rest of the guide is for you. We’ve traveled all the way from the north to south on multiple trips to Costa Rica and assembled this guide to show you how to plan the perfect trip.
Getting into Costa Rica
There are two airports in the country, and depending on where you are staying, you can either fly into the central main airport, SJO in San Jose, or the Libera airport, which services the North and Nicoya Peninsula.
Renting a car vs. private drivers vs. Tour operators for a trip to Costa Rica
Renting a car in Costa Rica for your honeymoon is one of the best ways to get around, especially if you want to visit multiple resorts. We’ve personally rented a car in Costa Rica on every visit and wouldn’t have it any other way. We truly believe the best way to see Costa Rica is by car. It gives you the ultimate freedom and will really make for a memorable honeymoon trip. Outside of San Jose, the roads are not very busy and generally easy to follow.
If you choose to drive yourself, a few things to know are that the rental prices are generally very low, but you are required by law to take insurance which will cost around $15 to $25 dollars per day. This is not negotiable, even if you have insurance through a credit card or at home. It’s the law.
Our car rental was literally $0 per day on Orbitz here, but after the third-party insurance, we ended up paying $210 for the week. We did have to present a letter from Chase stating we had collision damage waiver protection through our Chase Sapphire Rewards credit card. Call your credit card company in advance to get this document.
You should also have a GPS or maps on your cell phone if you have data in Costa Rica. We have T-Mobile, which covers us in Costa Rica. We also suggest picking up a local SIM card and data package at the airport. We suggest going with the company called Kolbi.
If driving in Costa Rica isn’t your idea of fun, there are plenty of options for transportation. For a honeymoon, we suggest hiring private drivers to take you between the destinations on your trip. It’s best to arrange this with a large reputable company or through your hotel directly. Also, if you plan to take taxis for day trips or shorter trips, make sure to use marked taxis that are insured and official.
Traveling Costa Rica by Tour/Tour Operator or Honeymoon Package
This can sometimes be a good lower-cost option. However, it can be less private/intimate a trip. This option requires very little planning. Generally, you are picked up at the airport, and the tour operator handles all of the logistics. You can pretty much just show up and enjoy your honeymoon. A few hours we suggest:
What To Do With Your Pets While You Travel
If you have pets at home, we highly suggest Rover.com. We found an amazing sitter who comes to our house daily to spend time with our cat and even spends the nights a few times a week.
Costa Rica Honeymoon Budget & Average Cost
The price of an average honeymoon really varies based on your travel style. Do you only stay in 5-star hotels and eat out three fancy meals a day, OR are you open to 3-star hotels and eating out twice a day? The biggest cost factor will be your hotel and how luxurious a hotel is. There are some amazing hotels in Costa Rica, and we suggest splurging for a few nights of luxury.
Flights To Costa Rica $800-$1,200 (2 people)
The flight price will vary based on where you’re flying to and from and the time of year you purchase your tickets. On our last trip, we booked our flights the week before and flew out of Milwaukee in September, and we paid $550 a person. We didn’t think this was bad at all because Milwaukee isn’t the biggest airport, and we booked last minute on our preferred airline Delta.
Hotel Cost For A One Week Costa Rica Honeymoon: $700-$2,800+
The biggest expense on your honeymoon budget will be the hotel. There are hotels in Costa Rica for everyone’s budget. If you know you will be out exploring most of the day, maybe consider a midrange hotel since you won’t be in the room that much.
If you want a few days just relaxing at the hotel and not even leaving, consider using these days for a luxurious hotel like the Peace Lodge. We only stayed here one night, but I wish we had stayed three nights.
Food & Drink Costs (2 people): $700-$1,000
Most hotels in Costa Rica include breakfast, so you’ll be left on your own for lunch & dinner. Depending on what part of the country you’re in, you’ll either have several options in various price ranges OR you’ll only have the hotel restaurant as an option (usually pricier).
On average, a nice sit-down restaurant will be $50-75 for two people with a drink each. Local restaurants are much cheaper, typically $20 for two people. If you like trying local restaurants and don’t need three meals a day, your food prices will be cheaper.
Transportation Costs in Costa Rica: $200+
As we mentioned above, we highly suggest renting a car and driving yourself everywhere. On our last trip, we had a 4-wheel drive SUV for a week for $200. This price includes all the taxes, fees, and required Costa Rica car rental insurance. If you choose to hire private drivers, the price will vary based on the distance and how many places you visit.
Activities For a Honeymoon in Costa Rica (2 people): $400+
You could easily spend more or less on things to do in Costa Rica. It really depends on how active you want to be. Some people prefer to relax at the hotel instead, and others would love whitewater rafting in Costa Rica or ziplining.
Average Budget For A One Week Costa Rica Honeymoon: $2,800+
Costa Rica Honeymoon Suggested Itinerary
The majority of honeymooners in Costa Rica spend a week to 10 days on their honeymoon, so we have based our guide to fit. If you have more or less time, you could add or subtract a destination. However, we suggest not visiting more than three destinations on a week-long trip. Packing/unpacking and moving hotels will cut into the time when you could be enjoying your honeymoon. If you want to see a lot of the country, we suggest basing yourself somewhere central and taking day trips or tours rather than changing hotels every other night.
Day 1 Arrive at San Jose Airport to La Paz, Costa Rica. When you arrive in Costa Rica, one of the best nearby destinations is La Paz, which is only an hour away from the airport, but it feels like another planet. The quiet and peaceful gardens are the perfect place to kick off your honeymoon. This destination works especially well if you are arriving in the country later in the day. San Jose doesn’t have a lot to offer tourists, and it is best to get out right away or stay a night close to the airport if arriving very late.
Alternatively, if you arrive early in the day, you could go further and make La Paz your final stop on your honeymoon, too. Either way, La Paz and the Peace Lodge should not be missed on any good Costa Rica Honeymoon Itinerary.
Day 1-3 La Paz, Costa Rica
We suggest at least two nights at the Peace Lodge in La Paz to enjoy everything this place offers. You may also visit the beautiful gardens if you don’t stay here. You can buy a day pass, which gives you access to the park from 8 am to 4 pm, for $44 per person. If you love waterfalls, you shouldn’t miss La Paz waterfall.
If you have time, a day trip to Paos Volcano is a great way to spend an afternoon. This is best done in the dry season, mid-November to April, to have the best chance of seeing the volcano and the lake in the crater. It can often hide in the clouds.
Day 3-6 La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The drive from La Paz to La Fortuna is around 2 hours. We’d suggest leaving before lunch so you can take your time driving but still make it to La Fortuna by dark. We personally wouldn’t suggest driving those roads at night in the dark. Several parts are all gravel with tons of potholes. Once in La Fortuna, you’ll literally be waking up in the clouds. Make time for a day trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest (not really a day trip)
Day 6-10 Manuel Antonio -or- Puerto Viejo -or- Tamarindo
Nature & Beaches: If you are looking for some quintessential Costa Rica, then head to Manuel Antonio. Home to one of the country’s most famous national parks. Home to stunning scenery and cute capuchin monkeys, you can go wrong with a trip to Manuel Antonio. There are pros and cons in this area. It’s one of the top tourist areas, which means lots of good accommodation options, but it can be rather busy.
Surf & Nature: For those looking to escape the crowds, head to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. This low-key beach town has a unique atmosphere and makes a great honeymoon option. Here you’ll have your choice of 5 very unique beaches to lay your towel. Behind the beaches are lush jungles with many boutique resorts mixed in between. Don’t miss the Cahuita National Park to get your nature fill while visiting this side of Costa Rica during your honeymoon.
Surf & Beach: For a more adventurous surf-inspired honeymoon, make your way to Tamarindo. Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, this beach town is one of the best-known surf spots in the country. Another advantage to ending your trip in Tamarindo is that the town has easy access to the country’s other major airports in Liberia. The Nicoya Penisula has much to offer nature lovers, and there’s no shortage of day trips you could take while staying in Tamarindo.
Costa Rica Honeymoon Destinations
La Paz
One of our top picks for honeymooners in Costa Rica is the mountain town of La Paz. It has most of the quintessential Costa Rican things all packed into one destination. The waterfalls and the gardens are the main draws here, but you also have lush jungles and cloud forests. To top it off, you have excellent honeymoon-level resorts and accommodation.
Romantic La Paz Hotels:
- Luxury $ 200+: Peace Lodge has gorgeous rooms with indoor waterfalls & fireplaces Check Rates Now
- Mid-Range under $150: Poas Volcano Lodge Check Rates Now
Monteverde
Nestled under a blanket of clouds, Monteverde is the picture-perfect jungle and cloud forest everyone imagines when dreaming about Costa Rica. The town itself has restaurants and nice accommodation options. Monteverde is a must on an adventurous Costa Rican honeymoon.
Romantic Monteverde Hotels:
- Luxury $150: Chira Glamping stay in a honeymoon luxury tent with a private hot tub Book Now
- Under $100: El Establo Mountain Hotel Book Now
La Fortuna (Arenal)
Wake up with gorgeous views of the perfectly shaped Arenal Volcano. Spend the day relaxing in the natural hot springs right at many of the hotels, or get your adrenaline pumping as you zip line 600+ feet above the rainforest. There are tons of hotels and restaurants for everyone’s budget and taste.
Honeymoon La Fortuna Hotel:
- Luxury $500+: Nayara Springs – Adults-only
- Luxury $250-$500: The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal Check Rates
- Affordable Luxury $150-$250: The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort Check Rates
Tamarindo
A popular spot on the Pacific has some of the best beaches for surfing in Costa Rica. If you aren’t a surfer, don’t worry. There are still a ton of reasons to stay in Tamarindo.
Honeymoon Tamarindo Hotels:
- Luxury Beachfront $300+: Ocho Artisan Bungalows Beachfront 3-star bungalows Book Now
- Luxury 4 star $250: Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas Book Now
- Adults Only $150+: Jardín del Edén Boutique Hotel – Adults Only Book Now
- All-Inclusive Resort $150-$200: Occidental Tamarindo – All-Inclusive Book Now
Manuel Antonio
On Costa Rica’s Pacific coast sits Manuel Antonio National Park, which is 680+ hectares. There are gorgeous white sandy beaches, great snorkeling & surfing, tons of hiking trails, and rainforests full of animals & birds. It’s a great place for a few days of outdoor adventures.
Recommended Manuel Antonio Hotels:
- Luxury 5-star $250+: Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort Check Rates
- Luxury under $200: Hotel La Mariposa Check Rates
- Under $100: Tico Tico Villas- Adults Only Check Rates
The Guanacaste Peninsula
Only an hour away from Liberia airport is one of Costa Rica’s most popular shorelines. Gorgeous beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, diving, surfing, wildlife, and mountain ranges are all in the area. Here you’ll find some of the best honeymoon resorts in Costa Rica geared just for couples.
Honeymoon Guanacaste Peninsula Hotels:
- Luxury All-Inclusive $400: Secrets Papagayo Adults Only Book Now
- All-Inclusive under $250: Occidental Papagayo – Adults Only Book Now
Dominical
A short drive south of Manuel Antonio is the cute little surf town of Dominical. If you’re looking for a quiet place to escape during your honeymoon with some waves, Dominical might be your place.
Recommended Dominical Honeymoon Hotels:
- Luxury $300: Oxygen Jungle Villas Adults Only Check Rates Now
- Under $150: Vista Ballena Check Rates Now
Puerto Viejo
Our favorite spot in Costa Rica is Puerto Viejo, which is on the Caribbean side. If you’re looking for a chilled-out spot and a fun little beach town, Puerto Viejo is it. Rent a beach cruiser bike and visit some of the best beaches in Costa Rica.
Recommended Puerto Viejo Hotels:
- Le Cameleon Boutique 5-star Hotel Check Online Specials
- Unique $200: Tree House Lodge Check Online Specials
Things to do on a Honeymoon in Costa Rica
Hanging Bridges in Monteverde
There are several hanging bridges in Monteverde. One gorgeous one is in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. However, to visit the famous Skywalk, a 984-foot hanging bridge, you’ll need to purchase tickets here.
Learn to Surf in Tamarindo
Tamarindo has some of the best surfing in Costa Rica. You can pick up a board and catch a wave, or you can take a surfing lesson.
Zip Line down a volcano in Arenal
Buckel on your helmet and get ready for a ride of a lifetime. One of the best zip lines in the world is in Arenal, Costa Rica. Fly down zip line cables reaching speeds up to 60 mph and 656 feet above the ground. This one sells out. This is the one we’ve personally done.
Lounge on the Beaches of Puerto Viejo
Every day you could explore a new beach in Puerto Viejo, and you should! We suggest renting a car or a bike to check out the best beaches in Puerto Viejo.
Visit La Fortuna Waterfalls
Just outside the town of La Fortuna is the most beautiful waterfall in Costa Rica, La Fortuna waterfall. To get to this magnificent 230-foot cascading waterfall, you’ll have to take the 500 steps down. We suggest going right when it opens to get photos with very few people in them. Purchase admission ticket here in advance.
Visit La Paz Waterfall Garden
Only an hour away from San Jose is the most amazing waterfall. Walking around the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, you’ll feel like you’re on the set of Jurassic Park. There are several day tours from San Jose, Jaco, click here for tours. If you’re staying at the Peace Lodge, admission to the La Paz Waterfall Garden is included in your stay.
Soak in the hot springs around the Arenal Volcano
Several hotels around Arenal have hot springs pools, but the most famous hot springs in Costa Rica to visit at Tabacon Hot Springs and Baldi Springs. You can buy day passes here. Several Arenal tours include a stop at a hot spring.
Hike in Arenal National Park
There are some amazing day hikes in Arenal National Park. Make sure to go with a licensed tour guide that knows the area. For the best price click here, you’ll have an amazing view & workout.
See the cute capuchin monkeys in Manuel Antonio
Recently named by Forbes magazine as one of the world’s most beautiful parks, Manuel Antonio National Park is a must when in Costa Rica. To ensure your chances of seeing wildlife join a Manuel Antonia National Park hiking tour. The guides know exactly what to look & listen for in the rainforest.
Check out the laid-back surf town of Dominical
South of Manuel Antonio is the fun little surf town of Dominical. Over the years, the town has seen a bump in tourism from adventure-spun reality TV shows hosted on its shores. Dependable, easy breaks keep surfers coming back to this little gem.
Look down into the Poas Volcano
If the weather looks clear on the way to or from San Jose, head to the Poas Volcano. Often referred to as one of the world’s most accessible volcanoes. You can literally almost touch the rim of this active volcano.
Whitewater rafting in Costa Rica
Another adrenaline-fueled activity in Costa Rica is to make your way through class 5 rapids in one of the country’s many raging rivers. One of the best places to go rafting is the Pacuare River. This is the rafting tour we went on, and we highly recommend it.
Don’t Forget to pin me for later!
Shivali
Thursday 2nd of February 2023
Thank you for sharing your insights! We are planning a 10-day trip in December and this was very helpful.
Lola
Wednesday 5th of September 2018
What are your thoughts on travelling to Cost Rica in October or November for our Honeymoon? Vacation days are limited for us and so is the budget and know this time of year is cheaper. Do you think it will be sunny part of the time? I know its the rainy season but does that mean rain for a few hours a day with sun or rain could be the full week we are there? I know you cannot predict the weather but just want to know if we can expect some sun... god forbid there are no hurricanes!
Adam
Monday 10th of September 2018
Hi Lola, November might be a good option for you, it is outside the heavy rainy season in Costa Rica, but still not the peak winter season. Generally, even during the main rainy season it only rains for part of the day, usually afternoons. November is pretty late for a Hurricane, while technically possible the chances are pretty low. Another great time we find to travel to Costa Rica and the Caribbean is early December. By then the weather is generally dry and prices are some of the lowest they get. Happy honeymoon planning, hope you have a great trip!
Rene Mercado
Tuesday 22nd of May 2018
How much are we looking at for like 7 nights? We love hiking, views, nature, zipline and river rafting
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Sunday 27th of May 2018
We have a price breakdown in the article that should help answer your question. It will really depend on the hotel types you stay in and how many activities you plan on doing. We would estimate $2800-3500 for two people. Safe travels and have a great honeymoon in Costa Rica.