Costa Rica is one of the most popular Central American destinations for honeymooners, and it’s easy to see why. With beautiful beaches and spectacular rainforests, it’s a fabulous fit for couples looking for relaxation and lots of activity.
What to See and Where to Stay
If you’re planning a beach vacation, head to the Central Pacific Coast. It’s a 90-minute drive from San Jose, Costa Rica’s landlocked capital, to numerous coastal towns, including Dominical and Punta Uvita, which are both known for their relaxing atmosphere. In Dominical, stay at the Cuna del Angel (CunaDelAngel.com), a boutique resort boasting fabulous amenities, lushly landscaped grounds, and a top-notch spa. Their Las Palapa Restaurant is also one of the best in the region. When you’re not busy sunning yourselves, head to Ballena Marine National Park (MarinoBallena.org) to try to spot some whales and dolphins, or take a horseback ride into the mountains to check out hidden waterfalls. Bella Vista Lodge (BellaVistaLodge.com) offers regular horseback trips to Baru Falls.
Traveling to Costa Rica to see the jungle? Hop a plane to San Jose International Airport and make the Northern Zone your destination, and focus on the city of Monteverde (MonteverdeInfo.net), where the main attraction is the mountaintop “cloud forest” at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve (CCT.or.cr/english/). It offers mysterious mists filled with tropical birds, monkeys, and more -- book a guided tour to make the most of your time there. If you’re feeling really adventurous, go on a zipline canopy tour for a quetzal’s-eye-view of the rainforest. Sky Trek (SkyTrek.com) has appealing options for both the bold and the faint of heart. On the road between Santa Elena (the main town) and Monteverde, book a room at the Hotel El Sapo Dorado (SapoDorado.com). Separate cabins offer amenities like fireplaces, private terraces, and views of the Gulf of Nicoya; they even have self-guided trails at the hotel exclusively for use by guests. (Note: Check with your travel agent before you decide on the Northern Zone. During the rainy season, certain roads are impassable, especially near Monteverde, where the road connects with the main highway.)
The Best Time to Go
Most tour guides recommend that you travel to Costa Rica between December and mid-April. The busiest times of the year are Christmas and Spring Break. Going in the slower seasons -- late spring and fall -- you’ll find lower rates and fewer crowds. In the low season, don’t be afraid to try a bit of bargaining, especially with hotel rates.
Keep in mind some parts of Costa Rica do have their own “microclimates” that create different weather patterns than the rest of the country. For example, if you’re traveling to the Caribbean side, September and October are ideal travel times, but for the rest the country, September and October generally see the heaviest rains.
The Best Ways to Save
Though generally less costly than the US, some of the major tourist excursions in Costa Rica can get expensive, so budget the bigger items on your agenda carefully before you go. Unless you’re staying at a top-of-the-line luxury resort, airfare’s going to be your biggest expense. Prices nearly double during the high season, so if you’re planning on honeymooning during those months, book early. Traveling from a city that’s a major airline hub can also help you save.
Similarly, when you’re comparing prices on hotels, be sure to find out whether taxes are included. Costa Rican hotel bills include substantial sales (13 percent) and tourism (3 percent) taxes which can put a serious dent in your budget if you’re not prepared for it.
-- Kate Wood
See More: Honeymoons , Planning