Costa Rica is an exemplary honeymoon location for adventurous, fun-loving, outdoor couples looking to share an unforgettable honeymoon experience in a uniquely beautiful country.
With an endless amount of exciting activities, surreal national parks, incredible biodiversity, secluded beaches, romantic hot springs, and lively nightlife, Costa Rica is an idyllic destination for couples looking to create the most memorable honeymoon experiences possible.
The newlyweds are sure to leave this country sharing an incredibly special bond during their many breath-taking moments in Costa Rica.
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About Costa Rica
“Costa Rica,” which means “rich coast” in Spanish, is a small, lively Central American country bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Although it covers only about 0.03% of the earth’s surface, it is home to more than 5% of the world’s species, making it the most biodiverse place on the planet. Costa Rica is also one of the safest and happiest places in the world.
The small Central American country has a stable government, no military, and a low crime rate, making it an ideal location for travelers. The country’s motto is “Pura Vida,” which means “pure life” in Spanish and is a phrase you’ll hear a lot when you visit. When a local tells you “Pura Vida”, they are altruistically wishing you happiness and prosperity in your life.
Best time to visit Costa Rica
One of the most favorable aspects of planning your honeymoon in Costa Rica is that it really is not a bad time to go. Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is delightfully tropical year-round. There are two seasons in Costa Rica: summer and winter. The summer season, often referred to as the “high season,” will be the drier of the two, running from December through April. High season is the best time to be there for those who want to spend most of their honeymoon relaxing on sunny beaches or sipping cocktails by the pool.
Winter, which is often referred to as the “green season,” will be the rainiest season and runs from May to December. The green season is the most ideal season to be in Costa Rica for those who want to spend more time exploring the lush rainforests. October is possibly the only adverse month for a honeymoon in Costa Rica, since it is the rainiest month of the year. However, you can still participate in most popular outdoor activities, even in a torrential downpour. Costa Rica’s busiest tourist season will be during the summer months, so if you want a more secluded and quiet honeymoon, it’s best to plan your trip during the rainier months to avoid the crowds.
The best things to do in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a leader in ecotourism and outdoor adventures, so there is a huge list of incredible places and exciting activities to choose from on your Costa Rica honeymoon.
Among the most popular activities are horseback riding along the beach, zip lining through the lush rainforest, surfing incredible waves, spotting rare wildlife on a hike, relaxing in a geothermal hot spring, rappelling down waterfalls and snorkel in the warm turquoise waters. Rain or shine (and you’ll usually see a bit of both every day no matter the season), Costa Rica is sure to be an action-packed and incredibly relaxing destination for couples to travel together.
An unmissable destination during your honeymoon in Costa Rica is the Arenal Volcano National Park. This national park is approximately 50% covered in rainforest, and the view of the surreal Arenal Volcano makes it one of the most mystical places in all of Costa Rica. The Arenal Volcano is also the most active volcano in Costa Rica. Its peak is usually covered by clouds, but it can be seen in its entirety most often in February, March, and April. There are many exciting activities to choose from in this national park, including a suspension bridge tour through the rainforest, zip lining, cliff jumping, and horseback riding. You can spend days here exploring this spectacular national park and spotting all the amazing and rare wildlife including hundreds of species of birds, white-faced capuchins, jaguars, sloths, howler monkeys, snakes, and coatis. There are also many beautiful waterfalls and hot springs to visit while in the park. Arenal Volcano National Park is truly a wildlife lover’s paradise and will certainly be a very memorable part of your honeymoon.
La Fortuna, which means “the fortune” in Spanish, is the gateway to the Arenal Volcano National Park. This small town is best known for the magnificent La Fortuna Waterfall. Deservedly, this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, so if you’re planning your honeymoon during peak season, it’s best to go as early in the day as possible to avoid the crowds. While in La Fortuna, you can also hire a guide and rent equipment to rappel down the waterfall for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Honeymooners will especially love the beautiful and relaxing geothermal hot springs around the base of the volcano on the Tabacon River. Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa is recognized as the most magnificent place to experience Costa Rica’s hot springs and is a must-see in the country.
Another place to add to your Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary is Monteverde, the cool, humid, luscious, and mountainous area of the country. Located at the center point of Costa Rica’s continental divide, Monteverde is best known for the mystically dense, low clouds that hover around the jungle. There are many unique ways to experience Monteverde. You can book a canopy tour on a suspension bridge, hike the many well-maintained hiking trails, or float among the clouds on an aerial tramway. For those seeking excitement, perhaps the most exhilarating way to see part of this beautiful forest is through an exhilarating 770-meter long zip-line course. Other activities to enjoy in Monteverde include an orchid garden tour, canyoning, tree climbing tour, horseback riding tour, coffee and chocolate tour, bird watching tour, and even Spanish lessons. There is something fun for every type of honeymoon couple to enjoy in Monteverde.
Another beautiful Costa Rican destination to visit on your honeymoon is the Manuel Antonio beach and national park. On the Pacific coast, the Manuel Antonio area is famous for its secluded beaches, exotic wildlife, and excellent surfing. The most popular trail in this park is the Perezoso trail, where you will have spectacular views of the islands and the Pacific coast. As you walk through the park, you are likely to see toucans, parakeets, monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and many more fantastic wildlife creatures. There are also four beaches within this national park, so there is plenty of space for everyone to feel like they have a little private beach to themselves, making it a very romantic spot for honeymooners. The list of adventures to choose from in Manuel Antonio National Park includes catamaran tours, jet skis, ATV tours, mangrove boat tours, and scuba diving. Whether you and your partner want a full day of adventures or just want some alone time on the beach, Manuel Antonio National Park will make a fascinating stop on your Costa Rica honeymoon.
On the Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park, often referred to as the “mini-Amazon,” is another must-see on your list of Costa Rica honeymoon adventures. This secluded park is only accessible by plane or boat. It is best known for its impressive variety of wildlife that can be seen on tours of the river, including frogs, birds, freshwater fish, crocodiles, manatees, monkeys, and most famously, sea turtles. The most popular time for tourists to visit Tortuguero is from July to October because this is the nesting season for sea turtles. Four of the seven known species of turtles on earth choose to nest their eggs on Tortuguero beach, making it an incredibly important beach for sea turtle conservation. Because sea turtles nest their eggs at night, visitors must hire a guide after 6:00 pm to see these turtles up close and personal. The experience is promised to be nothing short of magical.
For couples looking for a fun night out on their Costa Rica honeymoon, Jaco Beach is the place to be. Located just a couple of hours from Costa Rica’s capital city, San José, this vibrant and energetic little beach town is packed with fun activities by day and a lively party scene by night. Jaco Blu is the most famous nightclub in Jaco; It sits right on the beach and is often described as having the vibe of a glamorous pool party at a fancy Las Vegas hotel. Some other notable clubs include ManCave, XTC, and Le Loft. There are so many fun bars and nightclubs to experience that you and your partner will probably end up tossing and turning all night and having a hard time stopping the party and going to bed.