Itinerary
Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary: 7 nights, day by day
Costa Rica is the rare honeymoon destination that delivers adventure and serenity in equal measure. You can wake up to howler monkeys at dawn, soak in volcanic hot springs by sunset, and fall asleep to the sound of Pacific surf, all without ever feeling rushed. This small Central American country protects 25% of its land as national parks and reserves. The Arenal region delivers the iconic volcano-and-hot-springs fantasy, with properties like Nayara Tented Camp offering steaming thermal pools fed by the volcano itself. Monteverde's cloud forest is otherworldly. Down on the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios sits on the edge of Corcovado, the most biologically intense place on earth. The Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's five Blue Zones, blends surf with yoga and wellness. The Papagayo Peninsula offers polished beach-resort luxury at Four Seasons and Andaz. The Pura Vida ethos: days unfold without urgency.
Where to stay
- Nayara Springs — 5★, score 95/100, from $700/night. Nayara Springs has been voted TripAdvisor's #1 Most Romantic Hotel in the World multiple years running — and it absolutely earns the title. Every one of the 35
- Pacuare Lodge — 5★, score 90/100, from $500/night. Pacuare Lodge is the most adventurous and isolated luxury honeymoon in Costa Rica — accessible only by a thrilling whitewater raft journey down the Pacuare Rive
The 7-night day-by-day plan
Day 1
Morning. Arrive. Fly into San José (SJO) for Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, or Liberia (LIR) for Papagayo, Nicoya.
Afternoon. 🌋 Arenal Volcano hot springs: Soak in mineral-rich thermal pools at the base of a near-perfect cone volcano.
Evening. Sunset Champagne. Light dinner — let jetlag pass.
Day 2
Morning. Sunrise from the room. Breakfast in the open air. Slow start — pool or beach.
Afternoon. 🦥 Manuel Antonio wildlife walk: A guided morning walk almost guarantees sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, iguanas, and toucans within the first hour.
Evening. In-villa or in-suite private dinner.
Day 3
Morning. Sunrise from the room. Breakfast in the open air. Active start — kayak, walk, or local market.
Afternoon. 🌿 Monteverde cloud forest hanging bridges: Walk above the canopy on a network of suspension bridges through misty cloud forest.
Evening. Signature dinner at the property — order what the chef recommends.
Day 4
Morning. Sunrise from the room. Breakfast in the open air. Slow start — pool or beach.
Afternoon. 🐢 Tortuguero turtle nesting (July-October): Watch green sea turtles haul themselves up Caribbean beaches at night to lay eggs.
Evening. Long dinner. Sit outside if you can.
Day 5
Morning. Sunrise from the room. Breakfast in the open air. Active start — kayak, walk, or local market.
Afternoon. 🏄 Santa Teresa surf and sunset: Take a private surf lesson on Playa Carmen, then post up on the sand with a cold Imperial.
Evening. In-villa or in-suite private dinner.
Day 6
Morning. Sunrise from the room. Breakfast in the open air. Slow start — pool or beach.
Afternoon. 🌋 Arenal Volcano hot springs: Soak in mineral-rich thermal pools at the base of a near-perfect cone volcano.
Evening. Signature dinner at the property — order what the chef recommends.
Day 7
Morning. Slow morning. Final breakfast on the terrace. Pack at leisure.
Afternoon. 🦥 Manuel Antonio wildlife walk: A guided morning walk almost guarantees sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, iguanas, and toucans within the first hour.
Evening. Depart for transfer / flight.
When to go
Mid-December through April is peak. May, June, and November are the smartest value windows. Avoid September and October on the Pacific.
Full destination guide: Costa Rica honeymoon guide
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 nights enough for Costa Rica?
Yes — 7 nights is the standard Costa Rica honeymoon length and what most properties design their experience around. Shorter (5 nights) works at a pinch; longer (10) usually means a second-stop trip.
Best time to follow this itinerary?
Mid-December to April (dry season); May-June and November are sweet spots. Mid-December through April is peak. May, June, and November are the smartest value windows. Avoid September and October on the Pacific.
How much does this itinerary cost per couple?
Rough math at the recommended hotel: 7 nights × $700/night = $4,900 for the room, plus flights ($1,500), transfers and meals ($1,500-3,000 depending on dining). Total all-in: $7,900 or so.
Can I swap a day for something else?
Yes — the itinerary is editorial, not a tour package. The structure (active day / spa day / sandbank or signature day / departure-soft day) is what to preserve; the specific activities are interchangeable.