Your Perfect Costa Rica Honeymoon Guide

Planning a honeymoon while organizing your wedding might feel overwhelming. With so many decisions about cakes, venues, colors, and guest lists, adding another big task can seem like too much. But, planning your Costa Rica honeymoon doesn’t have to be stressful. This is your first big trip together as a married couple, and with a plan, a few helpful tips, and some guidance, you can make it simple. If you’d rather not handle it yourself, a Costa Rica honeymoon planner can take care of the details for you.

Costa Rica is blissfully beachy and romantic, with a wild, untamed edge. It's one of the most versatile, adventurous honeymoon destinations on the planet. With two coastlines, volcanoes, cloud forests, waterfalls, and jungles that hum and move, you can wake up in the rainforest with howler monkeys in the trees, soak in hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano, and end your day watching the sun set over the Pacific. Boutique hotels & charming jungle lodges, luxury adults-only resorts, eco-lodges, private villas with plunge pools, or even all-inclusive Costa Rica honeymoon resorts, if you want a more laid-back stay. Few places offer this much variety in such a small footprint.

The hardest part is often deciding where to begin. Picture where you want to start. Do you foresee a beach honeymoon, or are you drawn to rainforest adventures, waterfalls, wildlife, and remote jungle lodges? Many couples choose to do both, starting inland and ending their trip by the ocean.

This guide will help you choose where to stay for your Costa Rica honeymoon, understand the real costs, compare all-inclusive and boutique options, and bring all the details together.

Planning the perfect honeymoon in Costa Rica

Our best advice: start early. Timing matters. If you have your heart set on a specific room type, maybe a hidden-away bungalow with a private plunge pool, or an elegant ocean-view villa, planning at least six months in advance can help to ensure you get the honeymoon you want. Availability fluctuates, and with limited honeymoon suites at most hotels and resorts, you may be coveting the same two or three rooms that many others are. If you’re traveling in high season, from December through April, this is especially true.

Many of Costa Rica’s top honeymoon spots are small on purpose. Boutique lodges, eco-luxury hotels, and intimate resorts often have fewer than 30 rooms, and some have less than ten. This makes them feel romantic and personal, but it also means they fill up fast. During high season, holidays, and for popular room types, bookings can be snapped up almost a year in advance.

If your travel dates are set, which is common for honeymoons, planning early gives you more choices. It might feel like one more thing to manage in the midst of wedding planning, but booking ahead means you’ll have better room options, more flexibility, and more control over your trip.

We like to ask couples to pick their top two priorities. If you can only have choose two of three things, budget, time, and quality, what matters to you most? If saving money is most important and you’re flexible on the others, you can sometimes find Costa Rica honeymoon deals or last-minute packages. The downside? These packages can feel less like honeymoons, with no choice of rooms, destinations, and little privacy. For some, the savings are worth it; for others, they’re not.

When planning your route, keep it simple and realistic. Treat this as your first visit, instead of your only trip to Costa Rica. For a week-long honeymoon, stick to two destinations. If you have ten days, you can visit up to three regions. Try to spend at least three nights in each place, allow time to relax, and reduce travel days. Check a map and plan your route so it makes sense.

When to go

Costa Rica is great year-round honeymoon destination, but the weather and experiences change with the seasons. You may need to adjust your plans based on when you want to visit.

The dry season is from December to April. You’ll get lots of sunshine and classic beach weather, but it’s also the busiest time, with bigger crowds and higher prices as many people escape winter. If you want clear skies and long days at the beach, this is the best time to go.

The green season runs from May to November, with May and November as shoulder months. During this time, the landscape is lush, there are fewer tourists, wildlife is more active, and prices are often better. Most days, you’ll get rain in the afternoons or at night, but mornings are usually sunny and warm. Plan your activities for early in the day and relax later on. September and October are the rainiest months on the Pacific coast, but they’re the driest months on the Caribbean side.

Holiday weeks like Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter are much busier than most expect. Hotels often require minimum stays of three to five nights, prices go up, and rooms book out far in advance. If your honeymoon is during one of these times, try to book as early as possible (up to a year ahead) to save money and avoid missing out on the best rooms.

Getting to Costa Rica

Costa Rica has two main international airports, and picking the right one can make your honeymoon start off more smoothly.

San José (SJO) is where you should fly into to travel to Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, the Central Valley, Tortuguero, the Caribbean coast, and the Osa Peninsula. It’s central to the country, so a great jumping-off point for almost anywhere. Sansa, Costa Rica’s domestic airline, uses SJO as a hub, so connecting flights into more remote regions in the country usually need to go through San José, even if you’ve flown into Liberia.

Liberia (LIR) is ideal for Guanacaste, Papagayo, Tamarindo, and the Nicoya Peninsula. If your honeymoon is centered on a Costa Rica beach honeymoon or an all-inclusive Costa Rica honeymoon resort in the northwest, flying into Liberia can save you hours of driving and make your arrival day far more relaxed.

Flight routes and schedules change often, especially from North America and Europe. Always check for current nonstop flights and connection times before finalizing your plans. There are also domestic flights between San José and Liberia, so if your international flight doesn’t land where you need, you can take a short local flight.

How to get around

If you look at a map, Costa Rica is tiny! It’s generally easy to get around, but distances can be deceiving, and Google’s time predictions are often wrong. A short drive on the map can easily turn into a long day when roads are winding, slow, rough, or flooded. So, back to routing, smart decisions about where you’re going and how you’re going to get there can mean a lot more time to relax, settle in, and enjoy where you are.

Car rentals: Renting a car gives you freedom, but there are caveats. Advertised rental prices online are often low, but you may show up to find that they didn’t include Costa Rica’s mandatory insurance, which is added at pickup. Read Reddit for hundreds, maybe thousands, of gripes about this very scenario. A “cheap” rental can easily double or triple in price when you arrive at the counter.

Driving in Costa Rica is an adventure, whether in the city or not. Cities are busy and traffic rules are loosely followed. For example, drivers honk if they plan to blow through a stop sign. Outside of the city, it isn't much easier, with rural roads often narrow and winding. If you must drive, avoid driving after dark. Roads are not well-lit, and wildlife is common. In some areas, like Nicoya, the Central Pacific, and remote places like the Osa Peninsula, you’ll need a 4x4 for steep hills, unpaved roads, large potholes, and river crossings. Only experienced, confident drivers need apply.

Ground transportation: Cheap and cheerful, shared shuttles are a great way for couples to travel between destinations. They’re comfortable, reliable, and take the stress out of navigating. But, some routes might require you to switch buses, and multiple hotel pick-ups and drop-offs along the way, may mean it takes longer to get from A to B than it would otherwise. Often worth the upgrade, private transfers are the gold standard, offering door-to-door service, flexibility to stop when you want (for lunch, bio breaks, or a photo op on the crocodile bridge), and privacy. It’s often worth the splurge, particularly on routes three hours or longer.

Domestic flights: Sansa, Costa Rica’s main domestic airline, operates out of their hub in SJO, and with quick puddle-jumper flights all over the country, can save you serious time getting to more remote locations, like Tortuguero or the Osa Peninsula. While they help mitigate long travel days, small planes mean strict weight limits and a greater likelihood of weather delays.

Charter flights & private helicopter rides: To up the luxury ante, small-plane charters and helicopter transfers are available in some regions, turning a long ride into a memorable adventure with aerial views of rainforest, coastline, and volcanoes.

Costa Rica honeymoon budget and average costs

Costa Rica often surprises people. Yes, it’s in Central America, but prices can quickly add up to rival parts of Europe. There’s good news, though. Smart choices can have a big impact on your spending. The biggest cost levers are hotels, the number of destinations, and transportation. Trade private transfers for shared ones, minimize the number of locations on your route, and make calculated decisions about where you’re staying and what your intent is. Many couples mix and match a few days in low-key accommodations (a charming boutique hotel, or an eco-lodge) with an indulgent splurge at the end of their trip. Always, always build to luxury. It’s much easier to step up into a five-star villa with a private plunge pool than it is to leave it behind and check into something more basic.

Flights to Costa Rica: wide range depending on season and departure city

Flight prices vary, depending on your departure country and city, the season in which you’re traveling, and your date flexibility. The highest prices are around Christmas, usually from December 15 to January 15, followed by Easter week, and United States school holiday periods (spring break).

Hotel cost for a one-week Costa Rica honeymoon: USD $1,200 to $8,500+

Accommodation is usually the largest expense on a honeymoon. Costa Rica has a wide range of options, from simple, rustic rooms to ultra-luxury jungle lodges on private reserves and sprawling beachfront resorts with private plunge pools and butler service.

If you’re watching your budget, don’t pay extra for a fancy room in places where you’ll be out exploring most of the time. Pick a basic room in a good hotel and save your splurge for the beach, where you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your stay.

Food and drink costs: USD $400 to $1,000 for two people for a week

Breakfast is included in the room rate at most hotels in Costa Rica. For lunches and dinners, local sodas are the best value, and the plato del día, or casado, is usually the most economical option: a tasty, filling meal with your choice of meat (fish, beef, or chicken), a small salad, rice, and beans. Restaurants that cater to tourists may be pricier, especially in beach towns, and at resorts, you can expect to pay American pricing.

Transportation costs: USD $200 to $1,000+ for two people for a week

Shared shuttles are a great option if you’re trying to keep costs manageable, but private transfers are more comfortable and offer more flexibility. In the interest of time, especially for shorter honeymoons, domestic flights can cut travel time by hours and are often priced similarly to private transfers.

Average budget for a week-long honeymoon in Costa Rica

Budget: $2,000 total
Mid-range: $3,800+ total
Luxury: $8,000+ total
Ultra-luxury: $25,000+ total

Costa Rica can be done on a shoestring or as a spendy, ultra-luxurious holiday. It works for many different travel styles, which is why these budget ranges are broad. Prioritize what matters to you, be realistic about what you can afford, then work to create a balanced honeymoon that lets you check off all your top wants while also respecting your needs.

Best luxury Costa Rica honeymoon resorts and hotels

One of the most important decisions to make for your Costa Rica honeymoon is where to stay. The right set of hotels helps to set the tone for everything else. Are you looking for a luxury resort with hot springs and lots of creature comforts? An ultra-luxe private villa with a plunge pool and butler service? How about a remote eco-lodge where the jungle feels close, and you're able to really unplug? Or a design-driven boutique hotel with personality? Maybe a mix of two or three or several of these?

This is where Costa Rica shines. You can stay in places that feel wildly different from each other within the same trip, and the contrast can help make your trip once-in-a-lifetime. A few nights deep in the rainforest, followed by a few nights by the sea. Early mornings in the cloud forest, then lazy sunset evenings laid out on the beach. Adventure first, exhale later.

Below are some of our favorite luxury and honeymoon-ready hotels in Costa Rica. These are properties we return to again and again for clients, because they deliver on atmosphere, service, and beautiful surroundings. They're grouped for vibe to help you decide which is the right fit for you.

Iconic Honeymoon Retreats in Costa Rica

These are the honeymoon resorts & stays that couples build their itineraries around

More than just beautiful hotels, these honeymoon hideaways define how your trip feels, from the moment you arrive. Romantic, immersive, and atmospheric, each property offers a different, yet quintessential, version of what a Costa Rica honeymoon can be. Some feature rainforest and hot springs, others promise dramatic design, and jaw-dropping views. The one thing they've all got in common? They're each unique, special, and the perfect base to create memories you'll return to for years to come.

If you're choosing one place to anchor your honeymoon, this is where to start.

Nayara (Gardens, Springs & Tented Camp), Arenal

Nayara is a honeymoon classic for a reason. Volcano views, plunge pools, hot springs, and that feeling that you’ve checked into a private world all your own. Nayara Gardens is their entry-level property, lush and beautiful. Nayara Springs is a step up, an adults-only property where each villa features a natural hot springs-fed private plunge pool. The third sister property, Nayara Tented Camp, adds drama with safari-style luxury high in the canopy.

Outdoor area with pool, lounge chairs, and restaurant overlooking a body of water with mountains in the background; Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas Costa Rica

Casa Chameleon, Las Catalinas

On a bluff high above the Pacific Ocean, and near the town of Las Catalinas, Casa Chameleon is a small, design-forward luxury boutique hotel. Private villas, each with an infinity pool and sweeping views, offer a sense of seclusion that most honeymooners dream of.

Makanda by the Sea, Manuel Antonio

Situated amidst jungle, yet not far from civilization, Makanda is adults-only, ultra-luxurious, and, in a word, romantic. Plunge pool and jacuzzi suites, candlelit paths, and wide-open Pacific views, make it one of Costa Rica’s most recognizable honeymoon stays. Every inch of this property is Instagrammable. An extra bonus is the proximity and convenience to Manuel Antonio. Still, once you’ve walked through the doors at Makanda, the hustle & bustle of town melts away almost instantly.

Pacuare Lodge, Pacuare River Gorge

The ideal destination for adventurous couples seeking unique honeymoon experiences, part of the magic lies in getting to Pacuare Lodge. You’ll arrive via whitewater raft on a river that snakes through a jungle gorge, or roll up in a 4x4 after lumbering down a rugged road, to a unique thatched-roof lodge in the heart of Costa Rica’s lowlands. Deep rainforest, guided excursions, candlelit evenings, and a chance to really unplug (there's no electricity at night).

Wooden cabins nestled among green trees; Amor Arenal La Fortuna Arenal

Amor Arenal, Arenal

Amor Arenal offers unique perspective in Arenal. It’s smaller and quieter, adults-focused (allowing kids over 14), and more intimate than many other resorts in the area. Each private casita has an outdoor volcano-view jacuzzi tub,and the warm wooden interiors evoke treehouse vibes. Add top-notch service, and you’ve found it. This is the perfect honeymoon resort for those who want Arenal’s adventure without a resort feel.

Outdoor pool area with chairs, table, and scenic view of hills; Hacienda Altagracia Perez Zeledon Costa Rica private plunge pool

Hacienda AltaGracia, Talamanca Mountains

An expansive, elegant property in the mountains south of the Central Valley, AltaGracia is a wellness-focused Auberge resort with refined service, delicious food, and an extensive spa menu featuring everything from massage (with adaptogenic herbs from the garden) to healing circles and river bathing. For a transformative honeymoon in Costa Rica, look no further.

Relaxing outdoor scene with a hot tub, fireplace, and people on a wooden deck overlooking a scenic landscape; Origins Lodge Upala Costa Rica

Origins Lodge, Northern Highlands

Origins is bold, architectural, and visually striking. Boasting sweeping views that stretch all the way to Lake Nicaragua on a clear day, Origins Lodge feels like an artistic, soulful hideaway, with fire-heated outdoor soaking tubs and unusual architecture that blends into the landscape.

Tropical resort with a building on stilts surrounded by lush greenery and trees; Tierra Magnifica, Nosara, Costa Rica

Tierra Magnifica, Nosara

Adults-only and perched up high on a hill overlooking the Nosara coastline, Tierra Magnifica is calm, wellness-forward, and charming in a deeply Costa Rican way. Our favorite touches? Evening bonfires and a quiet cocktail and bite to eat at their restaurant (a local fav, with a top-notch sunset panorama), Huacas.

Scenic view of a village nestled in a lush green valley with mountains in the background. El Silencio, Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica.

El Silencio Lodge, Bajos del Toro

El Silencio is cloud forest romance. Misty trails, waterfalls, and cool mountain air give it a tranquil, tucked-away feeling. Hummingbirds and waterfalls abound on the property and in the surrounding hills. If you're picturing a quiet, nature-filled, restorative honeymoon.

Two people sitting on a rock by a waterfall in a lush green forest. Tabacon Hot Springs couple, La Fortuna, Arenal, Costa Rica.

Volcano, Cloud Forest & Thermal Escapes

Steam, mist, waterfalls & slow mornings in the mountains

Cool mountain air, warm mineral pools, mist-shrouded trails, and wellness-focused stays. Slow down, put your feet up, and indulge in soaking, spa time and forest walks in places where you let nature set the pace. Ideally, we recommend pairing these locations with a beach stay for a well-rounded honeymoon experience.

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, Arenal

Tabacón sits at the base of Arenal Volcano, built around a lazy volcano-heated river that flows through a series of natural hot springs pools and waterfalls in various sizes and temperatures. Evenings here are notably romantic, and almost mystical. Steam rises up from the pools, and the pathways that wind through the garden glow with torch light.

Modern bedroom with wooden ceiling, bed, and large windows. Rio Perdido, Bagaces, Costa Rica.

Rio Perdido, Bagaces

Built into a geothermal canyon, Rio Perdido’s striking architecture mixes modern simplicity with rainforest adventure: hanging bridges, well-kept pathways and trails, and naturally-heated thermal pools tucked into the landscape. It’s a unique choice if you're all about an off-the-beaten path experience, discovery by day, and quiet, starry nights.

Hotel Belmar, Monteverde

Belmar celebrates Monteverde’s Quaker roots with alpine architecture set upon a mountaintop perch. Expect cool cloud forest breezes and sweeping green views. A perfect locale for intrepid honeymooners who want to set out on early, misty morning hikes, savor delicious coffee, and spend afternoons on a heart-stopping zipline track.

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens, Monteverde

Tucked away in the hills outside town, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens has a cozy mountain lodge atmosphere set amongst a private reserve. Think birdsong in the mornings, and long guided naturalist walks before you retreat into the lodge for a warm drink and to curl up with a good book.

Treehouses nestled in a lush green forest. Lapa Rios, Puerto Jimenez, Cabo Matapalo, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.

Wild & Remote Eco-Luxury

Where the jungle closes in and the rest of the world falls away

These are the places you choose when you want your honeymoon to feel genuinely removed from everyday life. Not just quiet, but elsewhere. Unplugged. Remote. Reached by boat, small plane, or long winding roads, these lodges and resorts are set deep in the rainforest, along river canals, or on far-away stretches of virgin coastline where your only neighbors are monkeys and toucans.

Wildlife sightings, jungle trails, river journeys, and ocean horizons create perfect, memorable days. Imagine candlelit dinners and the unforgettable sounds of the jungle each night. Places so far into nature that you come back into yourself. You unplug without trying.

Lapa Rios, Cabo Matapalo, Osa Peninsula

Remote, romantic, and surrounded by more biodiversity than almost anywhere else on the planet, Lapa Rios is located on the southernmost point of Cabo Matapalo. Wake to the sounds of scarlet macaws and toucans, then at night, fall asleep to the hum and buzz of a rainforest coming alive after dark. This is the honeymoon for couples who like creature comforts, and enjoy luxe, but with a little dirt on their boots, and a lot of stories to bring home.

Two wooden cabins nestled in a dense forest; El Remanso, Cabo Matapalo, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

El Remanso, Cabo Matapalo, Osa Peninsula

Just down the road from Lapa Rios, El Remanso is a more intimate version of the Osa, a little smaller and less "managed" than its neighbor. Tucked deep into the hillside with wide ocean views and plunge pool villas, this is one of our favorite stays in Costa Rica. Spend an afternoon in the pool watching howler and spider monkeys cross the canopy overhead, and talk to us after. Guided nature walks, hidden waterfalls, and thoughtful luxury design enhance the natural experience rather than distracting from it.

Tortuga Lodge & Gardens, Tortuguero

Set on the banks of jungle canals near Tortuguero National Park, Tortuga Lodge is reached only by boat or small plane, and the whole experience feels like you've floated off into a different world. Canoe trips at dawn, wildlife sightings from your deck, and long quiet afternoons. Plus, delicious food.

Copa de Arbol, Drake Bay

On the northern side of the Osa Peninsula, Copa de Arbol is refined luxury on Corcovado's northern edge. You arrive by boat to jungle hills, the Pacific stretching endlessly in front of you. Spacious villas and a calm, coastal (yet, rainforest) vibe, provide an elevated experience in one of nature's wildest settings. Remote yes, but not at all rough around the edges.

Sunset over a scenic landscape with buildings and greenery; Hotel Three Sixty, Ojochal, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Boutique, Design-Forward Stays

Let mood, style & atmosphere do the talking

Small, intimate and full of character, these are honeymoon hotels we choose for how they feel. They're perfect for couples who notice design, appreciate thoughtful spaces, and who want their first trip as a married couple to take place somewhere that feels curated rather than cookie-cutter.

At each of these properties, architecture, light, texture and atmosphere quietly work together to create unforgettable experiences. Forget about mass-produced, grand resort energy, and over-the-top spectacle. These are pared-down, beautifully designed, intentional hideaways that reflect their surroundings and bring Costa Rica's pura vida inside.

Esh Hotel, Nosara

Esh is cool without trying to be. Brutalist architecture, clean lines, warm woods, contrast of dark and light. It’s modern without feeling cold, incorporating Costa Rican elements like a thatched-roof restaurant alongside concrete structures and black volcanic-stone soaker tubs. The pool is a highlight, with three curved tiers set amongst shady palms.

Oxygen Jungle Villas, Uvita

Oxygen Jungle Villas offers an experience you'd never expect to find set amongst rainforest: glass walls that open straight into the jungle, allowing the surrounding forest to become part of your room. Some villas feature ocean-view soaker tubs on the patio. Dramatic and bold, with a cinematic setting (look for the famous Whale's Tail on the horizon), Oxygen Jungle Villas is one of the most unique stays on our list.

Aguas Claras, Puerto Viejo

Aguas Claras feels like sunshine in a bottle. Colorful, creative, and full of life, it blends Caribbean rhythm with bold design and lush tropical gardens. Joyful rather than formal, romantic without being traditional. With inspiration rooted in the owners’ long connection to Puerto Viejo and its community, this one feels really special.

Cala Luna, Tamarindo

Cala Luna is an oasis within the heart of lively Tamarindo. Lush gardens cocoon winding pathways between the pool, restaurant, beach, and rooms. It’s an ideal home base for couples who want intimacy and seclusion without feeling cut off from the outside world. Extra points for the proximity to Tamarindo's vibrant nightlife.

Aerial view of a large building surrounded by dense green forest; Hotel Three Sixty, Ojochal, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Hotel Three Sixty, Ojochal

Here, the view does most of the talking. Set high above the jungle in the hills of Ojochal, the ocean on the horizon feels endless, especially at sunset. Everything is designed to draw your eyes outward and slow your pace. With its big, sweeping sense of romance, Three Sixty is for couples who fall hard for scenery and atmosphere.

Modern house nestled among tropical plants with a pathway leading up to it; awa, Puerto Viejo, South Caribbean, Costa Rica

awa Beachfront Hotel, Puerto Viejo

awa feels like a reset. No excess, no distractions, just clean architecture, contemporary design, and open indoor/outdoor space that invites rest and relaxation. It’s the type of place where you wake up naturally, wander barefoot, and go about your day without a plan. Perfect for those who find romance in calm, in restraint.

Ocean-View Hideaways

Clifftop mornings, salt air & show-stealing sunsets

Some honeymoons are built around adventure. Others just want a spectacular view. These resorts are for the latter. Instead of the ocean being something you glimpse between activities, here, it's the centerpiece. Sip and savor your morning coffee while you watch the waves, or the surfers, put on a show. Take an afternoon dip, or stretch out on the sand. Let each day grind to a stop when the sky starts to turn technicolor orange, yellow, pink and purple.

These are hillside retreats, clifftop villas and beachfront escapes where sun, sand, sea and sky do the heavy lifting. Places that lean into the natural romance that comes with watching the horizon all day long. Fewer plans, more time reconnecting. Where your entertainment is the scenic vista beyond.

Indoor hot tub with scenic ocean view through large windows. Arenas del Mar suite, Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Costa Rica.

Arenas del Mar, Manuel Antonio

Rainforest-meets-beach done right. Arenas del Mar sits above the Pacific with the only direct beach access in the region, beautiful rooms, and plenty of privacy. You get a luxe stay, top-notch dining, jungle, wildlife, and ocean views, just far enough away for you to forget the crowds in Manuel Antonio town.

Two people sitting on a couch overlooking a scenic ocean view with a clear sky; Kura, Uvita, Costa Rica

Kura Design Villas, Uvita

Kura is dramatic, romantic, sleek, and adults-only with open-air architecture, sweeping views, and a saltwater infinity pool that turns sunset into a nightly event. If you want privacy and a big wow factor the moment you step out of the car you've pulled up in, this one is hard to beat.

Modern house with a pool and ocean view surrounded by lush greenery; Rancho Pacifico, Uvita, Costa Rica

Rancho Pacifico, Uvita

Quiet, and elevated above the ocean, Rancho Pacifico is relaxation, embodied. Set high in the hills with panoramic Pacific views, it feels removed from everything, but is still within a few minutes drive of the town of Uvita. If you're into slow mornings, long swims, and evenings that revolve around the changing light, this is the one for you. Refined without being flashy, and naturally romantic.

Modern bedroom with ocean view and outdoor seating area; Vista Celestial Costa Rica private plunge pool resort

Vista Celestial, Uvita

An adults-only sister property to Rancho Pacifico, Vista Celestial takes things to the next level. It's built for honeymoon privacy. Each individual villa has a plunge pool and wide-open ocean views create a stay that feels secluded and peaceful. Perfectly designed for couples who want their own little piece of paradise overlooking the Whale's Tail coastline.

Aerial view of a luxurious house surrounded by lush greenery; Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Manuel Antonio

In the heart of Manuel Antonio's busiest zone, turn at the gates and follow a winding road through Gaia's private reserve. Roll up to a Grecian-style whitewashed structure surrounded by forest, and you'll know you've arrived. Big scenery with wide open sky and Pacific horizon, attentive service. Close to all that Manuel Antonio has to offer, yet removed from the hustle and bustle.

Aerial view of a tropical resort with a pool surrounded by lush greenery and ocean at sunset; Nantipa Resort Santa Teresa Costa Rica

Nantipa Resort, Santa Teresa

We love Nantipa. Along Santa Teresa's sandy shores on the edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, Nantipa's beachfront bungalows offer private patios with plunge pools, and sunsets right beyond your door. Relaxed and intimate in a wild end-of-the-world location that seeps romance. Perfect for ocean-loving couples who like to explore a little.

Silvestre Nosara, Nosara

Just steps from Playa Guiones, Silvestre is a luxe new location in Nosara. With raw, yet modern, construction (concrete and warm hardwoods), nine apartment-style suites are the perfect home base for more autonomous honeymooners who want the choice to cook their own meals.

Luxury Honeymoon Resorts & Polished Escapes

Ease, indulgence & beautifully seamless stays

Boutique resorts might be our thing at Osaviva, but they're not for everyone! You're in luck if you're looking for something a little more resort-like, though. Costa Rica has some great options in that category as well!

Attentive service, standout dining, spa days, multiple pools, you get the gist. While larger resorts like these don’t offer as intimate a vibe as some of the others on our list, they do promise consistent luxury and convenience.

Aerial view of a coastal area with houses, greenery, and clear blue water. Four Seasons, Nevis, Caribbean.

Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, Papagayo Peninsula

Impeccable service, flawless design, and a beachfront setting you just can't beat on the Peninsula Papagayo. Start your day off with ocean views, while away your afternoons poolside or exploring beach coves, and wrap it all up with cocktails beneath pink-purple skies. Sleep, then start over again tomorrow. Predictable, laid-back luxury.

Aerial view of a resort with multiple pools and cabanas surrounded by lush greenery Andaz Papagayo Costa Rica

Andaz Resort, Papagayo Peninsula

Also on the Papagayo Peninsula in northwestern Guanacaste, Andaz sits atop a hillside overlooking Culebra Bay. It's got a cool, relaxed vibe, with access to several beaches along the bay, various pools (including an adults-only option), tennis courts, bike rentals, and multiple onsite restaurants. It’s playful, but polished, and at a more moderate price point, it’s a good choice for more “accessible” luxury.

W Costa Rica, Conchal

The W is lively and stylish, without being overwhelming or formal. Think beachfront luxury with a creative edge, strong architecture and bold interiors. A great fit for couples who love contemporary design, great food and drinks, and a resort ambiance that is social and energetic.

Luxury resort with pool and lounge chairs overlooking a serene beach and ocean; Nekajui Ritz Carlton, Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica

Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Papagayo Peninsula

Nekajui is a typical Ritz-Carlton property. Powerful, cinematic. Carved into the cliffs dramatic tented architecture looking out over sweeping views of jungle and sea, few resorts can match the sense of scale and exclusivity in Costa Rica. Every choice here feels intentional, from the arrival experience to the service, to the setting itself. This is for couples who want their honeymoon to feel extraordinary, not just luxurious.

Secrets Papagayo, Papagayo Peninsula

Adults-only, all-inclusive, and designed for pure relaxation, Secrets offers a classic resort vibe that's easy, romantic and uncomplicated. It's all-inclusive, so you don't even need to leave the property if you don't want to. This is the closest option on our list to a typical beach honeymoon: drinks, sun, pools, sand, sea. Yes, please,

Top honeymoon destinations in Costa Rica

Putting together a Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary might feel like trying to pick a single dessert from a Parisian patisserie. If you're feeling overwhelmed, here are some guidelines. In general, we recommend a split between the jungle and the beach so you get a bit of adventure and a bit of downtime. For a 10-day honeymoon in Costa Rica, two to three regions is the sweet spot. For a week, stick with two. Any more than that and you'll spend your whole honeymoon packing and unpacking.

Mountain landscape with a rainbow and colorful sky over a forested area. Arenal at sunset, Costa Rica.

1. La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano

La Fortuna started as a quiet agricultural town beneath Arenal’s perfect cone. The volcano’s major eruption in 1968 changed everything. Even though Arenal stopped its regular lava activity years ago, the region remains one of Costa Rica’s biggest hits thanks to hot springs, rainforest adventures, and that ever-present volcano backdrop.

La Fortuna itself is practical and easy, with restaurants, bars, shops, and everything you need. Most people trade nightlife for hot springs, but you can absolutely find a fun evening out if you want one.

Colorful toucan bird perched on a branch with a blurred green background; Costa Rica

Arenal may be known for adventure, but romance sneaks up on you here. After a day of waterfalls and zip lines, it’s hard to beat a cocktail with volcano views followed by a soak in steamy thermal water. Arenal makes an excellent first destination on a Costa Rica honeymoon, especially if you plan to pair jungle with beach.

Where to stay in Arenal (updated for 2026, pricing in USD)

Pricing can vary dramatically by season and room type, but these are ranges you can expect for 2026 travel when booking 4-8+ months in advance.

Budget/Value:

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs (typically $150 to $280)
Comfortable, relaxed, and excellent value with on-site thermal pools and wide open views of Arenal.

Mid-Range

Arenal Observatory Lodge (typically $250 to $450)
A classic Volcano National Park lodge with hiking trails starting on the property and stunning volcano views right from your room.

Hotel El Silencio del Campo (typically $300 to $450)
Quiet bungalow-style accommodation with jungle surroundings and easy access to nearby hot springs and waterfalls.

Lomas del Volcán (typically $280 to $520)
A peaceful, well-kept property known for beautiful volcano views, strong service, and a calm, romantic atmosphere.

Chachagua Rainforest Eco Lodge (typically $260 to $500)
An eco-luxe jungle retreat with wildlife, open spaces, and a slower, nature-first rhythm just outside of La Fortuna.

Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa (typically $400 to $800)
Famous for massive volcano views and private hot spring tubs in many rooms, great for scenery and value.

Luxury:

Amor Arenal (typically $650 to $1,200+)
Private casitas tucked into the rainforest with outdoor soaking tubs and a quiet, intimate honeymoon feel.

Nayara Gardens (typically $900 to $1,500+)
Lush gardens, volcano views, and classic honeymoon energy with impeccable service.

Nayara Springs (typically $1,200 to $2,000+)
Adults-only luxury with hot spring-fed plunge pools and one of the most romantic settings in Costa Rica.

Nayara Tented Camp (typically $1,300 to $2,300+)
Safari-style luxury high in the canopy with dramatic design and unforgettable rainforest immersion.

Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa (typically $850 to $1,400+)
Natural hot spring rivers winding through the jungle and some of the most beautiful soaking pools in the country.

2. Dominical

Dominical is beachy, surfy, and a little gritty, but in a fun way. It has always attracted travelers who want something more local and less polished than the big resort towns. Even as the area becomes easier to reach, it still holds onto that laid-back, sand-on-your-feet vibe.

The beach stretches for about four kilometers, and the farther you walk, the quieter it gets. It may not be the white-sand postcard version of Costa Rica, but the sunsets are the kind that make conversations stop mid-sentence. For honeymooners, Dominical works well if you like nature, surf culture, and wide open space, with just enough boutique comfort.

It pairs especially well with Arenal or Monteverde. Start with jungle and waterfalls, end with salt air and slow evenings.

Where to stay in Dominical (2026 pricing in USD)

Budget:

Hotel Diuwak (typically $90 to $150)
Simple, friendly, and right in town. A good option if you want to be close to the beach and restaurants without paying for extras you will not use much.

Cool Vibes Beach Hostel Private Rooms (typically $80 to $140)
Private rooms in a social, casual setting. Great for couples who are more about location and vibe than luxury.

Tree of Life Cabinas (typically $85 to $140)
Basic but charming, surrounded by greenery, and known for warm hospitality. A true “local” Dominical stay.

Mid-Range:

Costa Paraiso (typically $150 to $280)
A longtime favorite with jungle surroundings, pool, and a calm atmosphere. Comfortable, romantic, and quietly reliable.

Villas Río Mar (typically $160 to $300)
Set along the river with spacious grounds, pools, and easy access to town. It feels relaxed and easy without being too rustic.

Tribu Boutique Hotel (typically $180 to $320)
Design-forward and intimate, with a stylish, modern feel that works well for honeymooners who want something a little more curated.

Luxury:

Hotel Cuna del Angel (typically $280 to $520)
Boutique, romantic, and perched above the coast with ocean views. Infinity pool, spa services, and a refined atmosphere that still feels connected to nature.

Villas Alturas (typically $300 to $650, depending on view category)
Known for dramatic sunset views and peaceful hillside setting. It has a “honeymoon energy” that comes from scenery, privacy, and space.

TikiVillas Rainforest Lodge (typically $320 to $600)
Jungle luxury just outside of Dominical with spa services, privacy, and sweeping views. A strong choice if you want rainforest romance near the sea.

3. Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is famous for a reason. Yes, it can be busy, especially in peak season, but the mix of jungle wildlife and picture-perfect coves is hard to beat. Inside the national park, calm, protected coves of turquoise water sit against dense rainforest. Sloths hang in the trees above the sand, and monkeys cross the trails overhead. Insider tip: book your tickets well in advance (the park fills up), and go early in the morning when wildlife is at its most active, and most families with kids are still in their hotel rooms.

Two black monkeys in a tree with green foliage; Howler monkeys looking at camera Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio honeymoons are special because here, it's easy to balance adventure and relaxation. You can hike and explore in the morning, spend the afternoon by the pool, and end the day watching the sunset at an ocean-view bar. Yes, peak season brings crowds, but when you stay in the hills outside town and plan your days smartly, it can still feel very romantic.

Where to stay in Manuel Antonio (pricing updated for 2026)

Budget/Value:

Hotel Costa Verde (typically $180 to $260)
Jungle views, quirky character, and one of the most unique settings in Costa Rica. Slightly Disney-esque. Simple, comfortable, and close to everything.

Hotel San Bada (typically $180 to $300)
Clean, modern, and right near the park entrance. A practical, easy base with a surprisingly peaceful pool area.

Mid-Range:

Hotel Plaza Yara (typically $200 to $350)
Spacious, modern suites with jungle views. Comfortable, quiet, and well located for exploring.

La Vela Boutique Hotel (typically $220 to $380)
Relaxed, boutique feel just outside the busiest area. Calm, understated, and easygoing.

Shana by the Beach (typically $240 to $420)
One of the few true beachfront options. Wake up to the sound of the ocean and walk straight onto the sand.

Luxury:

Arenas del Mar (typically $650 to $1,400+)
Rainforest and beach in perfect balance. Private coves, wildlife everywhere, and a feeling of rare seclusion. Plus, we love the house-bottled passionfruit basil juice. Try it. You'll thank us later.

Gaia Hotel & Reserve (typically $500 to $1,000+)
High above the coast with wide ocean views. Polished, peaceful, and surrounded by nature.

Tulemar Bungalows & Villas (typically $700 to $2,500+)
Private villas in a jungle setting with their own beach. Spacious, flexible, and wonderfully secluded.

Makanda by the Sea (typically $850 to $1,800+)
Adults-only and deeply romantic. Plunge pools, candlelit paths, and dramatic Pacific views.

4. Monteverde

Monteverde is misty, romantic, and slightly surreal. Cloud forest drips with moss and orchids, and the air feels cooler, quieter, and a little dramatic. Giant ferns stretch into the sky. Trails, hanging bridges, and canopy walks let you move through the forest together, high above the ground, wrapped in green.

This is Costa Rica's moody, mysterious country. It's cozy. Think sweaters at night, coffee in the fog, and still, soft mornings alive with birdsong.

For fewer crowds, the end of the dry season (April-May) is calmer while still offering great conditions for exploring.

Where to stay in Monteverde (updated for 2026)

Budget/Value:

Los Pinos Cabañas & Gardens (typically $120 to $220)
Simple, peaceful cabins tucked into lush gardens with forest and volcano views. Quiet, romantic, and wonderfully unpretentious.

Mid-Range:

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens (typically $180 to $320)
A classic cloud forest lodge surrounded by gardens and wildlife. Cozy, atmospheric, and perfectly in tune with Monteverde’s misty mood.

Hotel Poco a Poco (typically $220 to $380)
Warm, welcoming, and easy to settle into. A relaxed mountain-lodge feel with a spa and a great location near town.

Hidden Canopy Treehouse Boutique Hotel (typically $280 to $450)
Treehouse-style suites suspended in the forest. Intimate, playful, and ideal if you want your stay to feel a little bit magical.

Sibu Boutique Hotel (typically $250 to $420)
A modern hideaway wrapped in cloud forest. Clean design, quiet patios, and a calm, elevated atmosphere that feels intimate and naturally connected to its surroundings.

Luxury:

Hotel Belmar (typically $260 to $500)
Sustainable, design-forward, and deeply rooted in Monteverde’s character. Thoughtful luxury with a strong sense of place.

Senda Monteverde (typically $280 to $550)
Polished, modern, and quietly stylish. One of the most refined stays in the region without losing the forest lodge soul.

5. The Osa Peninsula

If you want wild, the Osa is the answer. Puerto Jiménez is the main gateway, set between the calm Golfo Dulce and the deep green pull of the rainforest. The region leans into small eco-lodges and private reserves instead of big development, and that’s exactly why it stays special.

Corcovado National Park is legendary for biodiversity and wildlife viewing. It holds some of the highest biodiversity in the Americas, and it's where Costa Rica feels the most raw and alive. Tapirs, monkeys, scarlet macaws, and empty beaches are part of daily life. Go with a naturalist guide. It changes everything.

Beach scene with sand, water, and trees under a clear sky; Osa Peninsula, Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica

Tropical landscape with lush green forest and turquoise ocean waves' Osa Peninsula, Corcovado, Costa Rica

Cabo Matapalo, at the southern tip, is remote honeymoon magic. It’s beach, jungle, and that “we are very far from real life” feeling. Getting there takes effort, but it’s the kind of effort you’ll be smug about afterward.

Where to stay on the Osa Peninsula (pricing updated for 2026)

Budget/Value:

Osa Wild (typically $150 to $280)
A newer, highly rated small lodge with comfortable rooms, good food, and an emphasis on nature and local experiences. Great intermediate budget choice that still feels special.

Mid-Range:

Ojo del Mar, Cabo Matapalo (typically $160 to $300)
Simple, intimate, and right where jungle meets ocean. Quiet cabins, strong nature connection, and a true unplugged feel.

Finca Exotica Ecolodge, Carate (typically $180 to $350 per person, meal-inclusive)
Wild, creative, and completely unique. Think jungle art, ocean views, and barefoot living in its purest form.

Luxury:

Bosque del Cabo, Cabo Matapalo (typically $350 to $650 per person, meal-inclusive)
Classic Osa luxury. Elevated rainforest bungalows, incredible wildlife sightings, and guided adventures right from your doorstep.

El Remanso, Cabo Matapalo (typically $400 to $750 per person, meal-inclusive)
Private villas with plunge pools tucked deep into the jungle. Refined, immersive, and one of the most romantic ways to experience the Osa.

Lapa Rios, Cabo Matapalo (typically $900 to $1,700+ per night, often meal-inclusive)
The gold standard of eco-luxury in Costa Rica. Primary rainforest, scarlet macaws overhead, and a stay that feels more like joining the wild than visiting it.

6. Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is barefoot beach life with a surfboard under your arm and just enough polish to feel honeymoon-ready. It’s grown quickly in recent years, but the coastline still feels wide and open, backed by jungle-covered hills instead of towers. It’s a place where days blend into waves, sand, and evenings under big skies.

Where to stay in Santa Teresa (updated 2026 pricing)

Budget/Value:

Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach (typically $120 to $220)
Bright, modern, and just steps from Playa Carmen. A great no-fuss base that feels open and breezy without sacrificing comfort.

Hotel Tropico Latino (typically $150 to $300)
An intimate beachfront boutique stay with a pool and spa feel, just a short walk from sand and surf.

Mid-Range:

Nautilus Boutique Hotel (typically $180 to $340)
Classic beachside bungalows with a calm, understated style and a location that keeps both town and surf within easy reach.

Blooma Boutique Hotel (typically $240 to $450)
Just steps from Playa Carmen, Blooma blends tropical design with intimate vibes. Clean lines, warm woods, and relaxed elegance make this feel like a personal hideaway. Blooma Boutique Hotel

Mint Santa Teresa (typically $260 to $480)
A small, adults-only boutique stay with ocean views from its hilltop perch. Modern design meets cozy details for a polished escape.

Casa Cecilia Beach Front (typically $240 to $400)
Simple, elegant, and directly on the beach, with great views and an easygoing spirit that feels right for honeymooners who want ocean without fuss.

Luxury:

Ocio Villas (typically $250 to $1,300+)
Private plunge pools, lush landscaping, and a laid-back luxe feel just a short walk from Playa Mal País. Peaceful and beautiful without feeling distant.

Nantipa (typically $550 to $1,100+)
Boutique beachfront bungalows that put the surf and sunset right at your doorstep. Stylish, serene, and made for slow mornings by the sea.

LALoon Luxury Suites (typically $600 to $1,200+)
Panoramic ocean views, elegant design, and an adults-only vibe with thoughtful details throughout. Positioned on a hill above Santa Teresa, it feels private and elevated.

7. South Caribbean and Puerto Viejo

Puerto Viejo is Caribbean Costa Rica: vibrant, relaxed, and full of flavor. Afro-Caribbean and indigenous influences shape the culture, the food, and the way days unfold here. Rent bikes, roam between beaches, and claim a quiet stretch of sand for yourselves. Surf is strong in parts of the coast, nightlife can be playful, and the overall vibe is easy and alive. It's the kind of place where dinner naturally turns into “let’s stay out a little longer.”

Where to stay in Puerto Viejo (upated 2026 pricing)

Budget/Value:

Villas Del Caribe (typically $100 to $180)
Simple, well-located rooms a short ride from town and beaches. Clean, comfortable, and perfect if you want a base that feels local.

Hotel Casitas Mar y Luz (typically $60 to $120)
Self-catering bungalows just off Playa Chiquita. Unpretentious, breezy, and a great choice if you want beach access on a budget.

Physis Caribbean Bed & Breakfast Hotel (typically $110 to $220)
Bright, colorful Caribbean-style B&B with charm and personality. It feels like staying with friends, but with excellent design and vibes.

Mid-Range:

Hotel Banana Azul (typically $170 to $320)
Beachfront, adults-oriented, and soaked in Caribbean charm. Hammocks in the gardens, breezy rooms, and a laid-back atmosphere that just works.

Geckoes Lodge (typically $220 to $420)
A little boutique hideaway with lush landscaping and quiet bungalows. Well reviewed for service and comfort with an easy walk to beach and restaurants.

Terrazas del Caribe Hotel (typically $190 to $350)
Classic Caribbean stay with a strong local feel, pool spaces, and close access to town and beaches, ideal if you want location and laid-back style.

Tree House Lodge (typically $150 to $280)
Quirky, jungle-edged lodging with a playful, immersive feel and easy beach access. Not luxury, but memorable in all the right ways.

Luxury:

Le Caméléon Hotel Puerto Viejo (typically $280 to $600+)
Sleek, modern, and unmistakably boutique, Le Caméléon is the most design-forward stay on the South Caribbean coast. Crisp white architecture, a strong food and cocktail scene, and direct beach access give it a polished feel without losing the relaxed Caribbean rhythm. It’s a great choice if you want style, energy, and a little buzz with your honeymoon stay.

Hotel Aguas Claras (typically $280 to $550+)
Aguas Claras feels like a love letter to Caribbean color and creativity. Bold design, lush gardens, and a location right on Playa Chiquita make it playful and romantic at the same time. It’s vibrant without being chaotic, and full of personality in a way that feels deeply tied to the local culture.

awa Beach Hotel (typically $350 to $700+)
awa is modern Caribbean done right. Clean lines, open spaces, and a beachfront setting create a calm, elevated atmosphere that feels grown-up and refined. It’s not flashy, but it’s confident. Think barefoot luxury, ocean breezes, and a setting that encourages you to slow everything down.

Numu Hotel (typically $300 to $650+)
Numu strikes a beautiful balance between playful and polished. Contemporary design, thoughtful details, and strong service give it a boutique feel that’s fresh and relaxed rather than formal. It’s ideal if you want your honeymoon stay to feel stylish, social, and effortlessly cool.

8. Tortuguero

Tortuguero feels like slipping into a different world. A maze of jungle canals, slow-moving rivers, and dense rainforest where wildlife shows up constantly and life unfolds on the water. You reach it by boat or small plane, which is part of the experience and part of the magic. It’s one of the most important nesting regions in the Western Hemisphere for green sea turtles, and biodiversity here is off the charts. Here, nature is the main event.

Boat, canoe, and kayak tours are the best ways to explore. Gliding through narrow canals together at dawn or sunset is a highlight for a lot of honeymooners. Imagine this: quiet water, rainforest closing in on both sides, and the sense that you’ve gone somewhere few people truly see.

Where to stay in Tortuguero (pricing updated for 2026)

Mid-Range:

Laguna Lodge (typically $350 to $650)
Right on the main canal with easy access to wildlife and boat tours. Comfortable, well-run, and one of the most established lodges in Tortuguero. A great introduction to the region.

Mawamba Lodge (typically $380 to $700)
Classic Tortuguero style with spacious grounds, a relaxed atmosphere, and strong guiding. Feels friendly and immersive without being over-polished.

Evergreen Lodge (typically $330 to $600)
A solid value option with large gardens, a pool, and good wildlife activity right on the property. Ideal if you want the Tortuguero experience without luxury pricing.

Luxury:

Tortuga Lodge & Gardens (typically $750 to $1,400)
The most refined stay in Tortuguero. Elegant rooms, exceptional service, and one of the best culinary programs in the region. Wildlife-rich surroundings paired with thoughtful luxury make this the top honeymoon choice here.

Beach scene with sunset, palm trees, and people in the distance; Uvita, Costa Rica

9. Uvita

Uvita is mellow, scenic, and an excellent place to slow things down. Hillside lodges overlook the Pacific, jungle hums in the background, and days have a softer pace here. If your honeymoon goal is equal parts adventure and deep exhale, Uvita is a top contender.

Marino Ballena National Park is the star. Wild, wide beaches, dramatic headlands, and the famous whale-tail sandbar define the coastline. Depending on the season, humpback whales migrate right past shore, making this one of the best places in Costa Rica for whale watching.

Where to stay in Uvita (pricing updated for 2026)

Budget/Value:

Hotel Nido del Halcón (typically $90 to $160)
Simple cabins surrounded by jungle with ocean breezes and a quiet, local feel. Honest, peaceful, and great value.

La Cusinga Eco Lodge (typically $150 to $280)
Rustic eco-lodge perched above the coast. Big views, wildlife everywhere, and a strong sense of being close to nature without luxury pricing.

Mid-Range:

TikiVillas Rainforest Lodge (typically $220 to $420)
Private bungalows set high in the jungle with ocean views and a quiet, romantic atmosphere. A strong blend of comfort, privacy, and scenery.

Oxygen Jungle Villas (typically $350 to $650)
Glass-walled villas that open straight into the forest. Dramatic, cinematic, and unforgettable. Jungle becomes part of your room here.

Luxury:

Kurà Design Villas (typically $900 to $1,800+)
Architectural, adults-only, and unapologetically romantic. Open-air design, infinity pool, and sunsets that feel like a private event.

Rancho Pacifico (typically $650 to $1,300+)
Elegant hillside villas with sweeping views and a refined, tranquil atmosphere. Ideal if you want luxury that feels calm rather than flashy.

Vista Celestial (typically $900 to $2,000+)
Ultra-private villas with plunge pools, panoramic ocean views, and a sense of total seclusion. This is where you go to disappear together in style.

Things to do on a honeymoon in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is perfect for honeymoon days that feel full without being rushed. Adventure mornings, chilled out afternoons. Repeat as needed. With two coastlines, active volcanoes, cloud forests, and wildlife-packed rainforests, it's one of the best places to go for your honeymoon if you want to mix adventure, romance and downtime without overplanning. These are the moments you'll remember long after you head home.

Catch a wave in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica’s best surf towns, with consistent breaks and long, sandy beaches, waves that accommodate all levels of surf experience. Rent boards if you already surf, or take a lesson and laugh your way through the learning curve together. Mornings are glassy. Evenings belong to sunsets and salt-tangled hair.

Explore beach and jungle on horseback

Ride at golden hour for peak romance, or early morning when the air is cool and the trails are quiet. Routes can wind through jungle, cross shallow rivers, and open onto wide beaches where hoofprints disappear with the tide.

Spot wild sloths in Cahuita

Cahuita National Park is one of the easiest places to see sloths in the wild. With a naturalist guide, you will spot what most people walk right past. Exploring solo, scan slowly and look for cecropia trees. They are sloth magnets.

Savor a sunset in Dominical

Dominical sunsets shut everything down. Grab a drink, walk until the beach empties, and watch the sky stretch itself into color. Phones stay in pockets. The ocean does the talking.

Road trip the Central Pacific

Drive the Costanera Sur. Ocean on one side, jungle and palms on the other. Windows down. Playlist up. One of Costa Rica’s best scenic drives and an easy way to connect multiple honeymoon destinations.

Waterfall cascading into a blue pool surrounded by lush greenery; Rio Celeste, Costa Rica

Witness the unreal blues of Río Celeste

Hike Tenorio Volcano National Park to see Río Celeste change color where two rivers meet. The blue comes from a mineral reaction, not magic. It still looks like magic.

Two rafts with people navigating a narrow river surrounded by lush greenery; Pacuare River canyon whitewater rafting Costa Rica

Whitewater raft the Pacuare River

The Pacuare is one of the most beautiful rafting rivers in Central America. Jungle canyon walls, hanging vines, and serious rapids. It is equal parts adrenaline and bragging rights.

Person zip-lining through a lush green forest; Costa Rica Arenal La Fortuna

Zip line near a volcano

Arenal’s canopy tours run high above rivers and lava-sculpted landscapes. Fast lines, wide views, and a shared scream when one of you goes first.

Waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff into a pool surrounded by greenery; Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica

Hike to hidden waterfalls

Bajos del Toro is a lush mountain region filled with dramatic cascades and fewer crowds. Trails lead to waterfalls plunging into volcanic craters and deep green pools.

Taste coffee from bean to brew

Tour a working coffee farm, walk the processing stations, step into the roastery, and end with a tasting. It is slow, sensory, and quietly intimate.

Two people sitting by a waterfall in a lush, green forest setting; Tabacon hot springs, Arenal, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Soak in volcanic hot springs

Hot springs are part of Costa Rica’s honeymoon DNA. Arenal is the classic base, with naturally heated rivers and thermal pools woven through jungle gardens.

Rappel a waterfall in the rainforest

Hike jungle trails, clip into harnesses, and lower yourselves down rushing cascades. Wet, wild, and unforgettable.

Kayak jungle canals in Tortuguero

Slip into narrow waterways where wildlife feels close. Monkeys in the canopy, caimans on the banks, birds moving through the mist. Quiet does most of the work.

Colorful bird perched on a branch with a blurred green forest background. Monteverde quetzal, Costa Rica.

Spot quetzals in the cloud forest

The resplendent quetzal is one of Costa Rica’s most coveted bird sightings. February through June offers the best chances in many regions, especially in Monteverde and San Gerardo de Dota.

Turtle on a sandy beach with greenery in the background; Tortuguero, Costa Rica

Play a part in sea turtle conservation

In Tortuguero, guided night walks during nesting season allow you to witness sea turtles laying eggs. Tours are regulated and timing varies by species and year. Plan with a local expert.

Red parrot perched on a branch with a nest in the background; Costa Rica Corcovado National Park scarlet macaws in a palm

Go where the wild things are

Corcovado National Park is one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. Tapirs, scarlet macaws, monkeys, and jaguars all share the same forest. Boat access to remote ranger stations adds another layer of adventure.

Manta ray swimming in clear blue water; Cano Island, Costa Rica

Snorkel Caño Island

Caño Island is a protected marine reserve off the Osa Peninsula. When conditions are right, visibility is clear and sea life is everywhere. Reef fish, rays, turtles, and the occasional shark glide past quietly.

Humpback whale breaching out of the water in a clear blue sky; Uvita, Costa Rica

Spot humpback whales near Uvita

Humpback whales migrate through Marino Ballena National Park twice a year. Late summer to early fall and again during the winter months are the prime windows, though timing shifts slightly each season.

Dance until the sun comes up in Tamarindo

Beach town by day, nightlife by night. If one honeymoon evening is meant to run long, Tamarindo is where it happens.

Relax on pristine beaches in Manuel Antonio

White sand, turquoise water, and jungle at your back. Go early to avoid crowds and check park entry rules ahead of time.

Costa Rica rewards couples who plan thoughtfully and then let go a little. Jungle and beach. Adventure and stillness. A few unforgettable splurges mixed with simple pleasures that cost nothing at all.

If you want help shaping a honeymoon that feels effortless, personal, and well-paced, Osaviva designs custom journeys that balance adventure, romance, and quiet moments. We handle the details so you can focus on the experience.