Who says adventure and romance can’t share the same itinerary? In Costa Rica, you can sip cocktails on a pristine beach, then chase waterfalls through a misty jungle—all before dinner. Think boutique villas, five-star resorts tucked into tropical forests, and sunsets that make your Instagram jealous. Whether you’re relaxing in a hammock or hiking to hidden hot springs, Costa Rica is the honeymoon destination that makes saying “I do” feel just a little more epic.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica for Honeymoon
Costa Rica has two main seasons: dry season and green season—and both can be fabulous for a honeymoon, depending on your vibe.
Dry season (December–April)
is the classic honeymoon favorite: sunshine, calm seas, and perfect beach days. It’s also peak luxury-resort season, so expect higher prices (and book early unless you enjoy last-minute adrenaline!).
Green season (May–November)
sounds dramatic, but it’s more like “sunny mornings with a moody afternoon shower.” The rainforest looks extra lush, wildlife is more active, and luxury resorts often drop their rates—your infinity pool suddenly becomes a bargain.
How Long to Stay in Costa Rica for Honeymoon
Most couples find that 7–10 days is the sweet spot for a Costa Rica honeymoon. It gives you enough time to split your stay between the jungle and the beach—without spending your whole trip in transit. If you’re short on time, even 5 nights can give you a trip to remember with the right location. If you want something ultra-relaxed and indulgent, 10–12 days lets you slow down and savor it all.
Below are a few sample itineraries you can drop straight into your planning:
5-Night Mini-Moon (Relax + a Little Adventure)
Best for: Couples who want a quick escape with luxury and light activities.
- 3 nights – Arenal: Hot springs, couples spa, gentle adventure (hanging bridges or waterfall hike).
- 2 nights – Papagayo Peninsula: Beach time, sunset cocktails, private catamaran.
7-Night Classic Honeymoon (Jungle + Beach Split)
Best for: Your most popular setup—romantic, balanced, and easy.
- 3 nights – Arenal: Volcano views, rainforest zip-line, romantic hot springs dinner.
- 4 nights – Manuel Antonio or Papagayo: Beach days, wildlife, sunset sail, luxury resort time.
10-Night Luxury Adventure (The Indulgent One)
Best for: Couples who want variety—lush rainforest, chic beaches, and high-end stays.
- 3 nights – Arenal: Private plunge pool villa, spa day, white-water rafting or canyoning.
- 4 nights – Santa Teresa / Nicoya Peninsula: Boutique beachfront villas, surfing lessons, boho-luxe dining.
- 3 nights – Papagayo Peninsula: Finish with a 5-star resort, private beach cabanas, and full relaxation.
Three Luxury Resorts, Three Different Honeymoon Vibes
Choosing a honeymoon resort in Costa Rica is basically choosing your mood—rainforest romance, mountaintop calm, or full-on coastal luxury. So instead of giving you a list of places that all feel the same, I picked three high-end resorts with completely different vibes. Whether you want to hide away in the jungle, wake up above the clouds, or sip cocktails overlooking a private cove, each of these stays delivers a unique version of paradise.
Nayara Springs
This one feels like a private hideaway built just for two. Each villa is tucked into rainforest greenery and comes with its own private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs — so you and your partner can soak under the stars in total privacy.
The architecture and vibe are lush but tasteful — think wooden/stone villas, canopy-style beds, indoor + outdoor showers, and terraces opening to the jungle.
Gourmet dining, a serene spa, and the chance to drift off in the gentle rainforest hum make this an adults-only paradise. It’s perfect if your honeymoon vision is “escape from the world.”
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection
If you want a slower, more tranquil pace — away from beaches and volcanoes — Hacienda AltaGracia offers that “mountain-hideaway meets upscale ranch” feel. It’s set among rolling hills and coffee plantations, for a backdrop of peaceful greenery and wide-open skies.
The vibe here is more about wellness, calm mornings, and quiet luxury: yoga, spa, farm-fresh meals, and maybe a horseback ride through the property.
It feels intimate even though the property is large — the “casitas” (private cottages) provide that sense of seclusion. Great if you want a honeymoon that’s not just “beach or jungle,” but something a little different, slower, and grounded.
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
This is one of the freshest luxury experiences in Costa Rica — a newly opened “Reserve-class” property — so there’s still a sense of novelty and first-class excitement. The location is a cliffside on a biodiverse peninsula, with dramatic ocean views and a resort design that blends luxury with nature.
Accommodations range from ocean-facing suites to “treetop tents” — yes, tree-house meets five-star suite — giving you options depending on whether you want glamour, nature immersion, or somewhere in between.
There’s a spa with sweeping ocean views, curated fine dining (think chef-driven menus, cocktails made with local flavors), and activities organized by the resort for exploring beaches, forest trails, or private coves. If you and your partner want a honeymoon that feels like a luxe retreat + adventure base, this might hit the sweet spot.
Packing Tips for Costa Rica
Packing for Costa Rica means prepping for beaches and jungle adventures.
Here’s what you actually need:
Breathable clothing
Light fabrics for humid days—linen, cotton, quick-dry pieces you can re-wear.
Cute + practical outfits
A mix of resortwear for dinners and activewear for hikes, hot springs, and jungle days.
Comfortable shoes
One sturdy walking shoe and one pair of sandals you can move in.
Light rain jacket
Showers happen year-round, even in dry season.
Multiple swimsuits
They never fully dry in the humidity—bring at least two.
Sunscreen + bug spray
Reef-safe sunscreen and mosquito protection are musts.
Waterproof pouch or dry bag
Useful for boats, waterfalls, and unexpected splashes.
Portable charger
Great for long excursions and photo-heavy days.
Light sweater or wrap
For cooler evenings or higher elevations.
Your Costa Rica Honeymoon Awaits
Costa Rica is the ultimate mix of adventure and romance—think zip-lining through lush rainforests by day, and toasting with cocktails as the sun sets over the Pacific by night. From private beachfront villas to hidden jungle waterfalls, every moment feels like a story you’ll tell for years. Pack smart, embrace the Pura Vida spirit, and leave space for spontaneous adventures—because the best memories are often the unplanned ones. Your Costa Rica honeymoon isn’t just a trip; it’s the start of a lifetime of adventures together.
