Honeymoon In Costa RicaThe ultimate Costa Rica guide! We took our honeymoon, but this trip itinerary is perfect for just about anyone! We did a combo of splurge and save! Authors_annalindley
DestinationsCosta RicaItinerary

Nayara Gardens Hotel and Spa

One of the best resorts we have ever stayed at! The service was unmatched and truly luxury. When I started thinking of my honeymoon, this was exactly what I envisioned. I LOVE that Nayara has multiple sister properties you can visit. They are all walkable, but they have shuttles that run all day to transport you wherever you want to go within the resort. You could easily spend an entire trip exploring just around the resort. Breakfast is included each day at their main check-in area. It is HUGE and there are so many options. My favorite part was the fresh coconut water upon entry. There are several pools and restaurants on the property and our favorites are Asia Luna and La Terraza. Spa: what an experience! 10/10! We booked a beautiful couple's massage in their luxury spa. We were in a tiki hut surrounded by nature where we heard birds and trees the entire time. Afterward, we had smoothies, truffles, and fresh fruit! I will be dreaming about this for the rest of my life.

Outback ATV Tours and Rentals, Nature and Adventure Tours, Samara Beach

My husband is a big off-road type of guy and of course, we had to do an ATV tour! I recommend the 3-hour tour as opposed to the 2-hour tour because you ride up the mountain for amazing volcano views. Unless you have a desire to drive, doubling up was fun and the more affordable option. All the staff were so nice and knowledgeable!

Tabacon Hot Springs

Reserve a day for this beautiful place! What is cool about Tabacon is the hot springs are directly in the river (HOW COOL). All other resorts are using water that is being pumped from the river into the pools (still cool). They offer towels, lockers, and restaurants on the property. Costa Rica is very hot so why on earth would I want to get in a "hot" pool? There are so many benefits to hot springs and it's a way to connect with nature in a different way. It was amazing!

Don Rufino

This came highly recommended by our travel expert. The service was amazing and the food was unique and delicious.

Casas Clusia Monteverde

We stayed here while in Monteverde. This is a great affordable option and centrally located. I don't think this stay had A/C so if that bothers you, I added another option a little further down. Monteverde has a higher elevation in the mountains and the temperature isn't that hot. You don't necessarily need *need* A/C and can always open a window.

San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience

This is the most expensive dinner we've ever been to and it was well worth it if you are a foodie. If you are not an adventurous eater or have many allergies, I don't recommend this to you. They can accommodate allergies though and were able to work around my tomato allergy. The views are breathtaking! I highly recommend booking far in advance or on an "off" day (weekday or Sunday) and the 5 pm timeslot to watch the sunset. You won't regret it.

Cataratas El Tigre

One of my favorite things we did on the entire trip! Allow 3ish hours for this hike. Wear water shoes (I love my Chacos) or something you can get wet because some of the hiking trails run through the base of waterfalls. Bring your swimsuit if you want to get in the waterfalls. There is an additional waterfall off the path that is all uphill. It is 100% worth it to detour. I recommend booking their hike and lunch option. The lunch is a traditional Costa Rican meal and is delicious with a nice view. That ticket option also includes a ride back to the top in an off-road Landrover (of course we picked that option for my car-loving husband, Matt).

Wildlife Refuge Monteverde

A night walk is a MUST if you love animals. It is exactly what it sounds like. You go on a night hike in the jungle to search for animals. Many wildlife are nocturnal and active at night. Your guide will walk around with you and point out animals and explain their habits, behaviors, and any cool facts about them. I recommend wearing long pants and a long-sleeve shirt. I forgot my hike pants at home and regretted it big time! Bring bug spray as well.

Monteverde Brewing Company

A cool stop for beer lovers!

Hotel Belmar | Luxury Hotel in Monteverde Costa Rica

This is another option if you are looking for a resort in the Monteverde area. They also have a "Breakfast In The Canopy" tour. This was so cool because we did a small hike to a platform suspended in the middle of the jungle. It felt surreal! We had a beautiful healthy breakfast and then climbed to the top for AMAZING views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the sea! I am extremely afraid of heights, but was still able to do this with no problem. The way you are situated in the trees makes it feel like it isn't as high (oh but it is, haha).

Playa Potrero, Costa Rica

When we left Monteverde, we traveled to the coast. Our first stop was Playa Potrero where we stayed in an Airbnb (linked below). https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/680318310662601149?source_impression_id=p3_1724001934_P3eyHCLn6m1Y-a3x Playa Potrero is a small and local beach town. We shopped around Playa Flamingo for the day! My favorite part about this airbnb is it had an orange cat hanging out the pool with us.

Tamarindo Beach Costa Rica

After Potrero, we headed to Tamarindo. Tamarindo is a very touristy place in Costa Rica, but very cool! There are tons of shops and places to eat along the streets. Allow half to a full day or more to explore.

Sueño del Mar B&B

My sweet Sueno Del Mar! This B&B is exceptional and we already want to go back. It is a smaller hotel with personalized food and service. We loved that it was right on the beach with ample seating for a nice little sun and reading. They make breakfast every day! The staff were wonderful and so helpful! We booked the Luna Suite and it was very spacious and had a hammock in the room. I am not sure if other rooms are like this (I assume so), but all the bathrooms/showers are open-air. You are immersed in nature in a luxury and beautiful way. There is a door you shut to room that has A/C. Parking is on the street.

Venezia Gelati & Caffe

Cute ice cream spot in the heart of Tamarindo.

Panache Sailing

Seeing Costa Rica on the water is a completely different experience. I highly recommend Panache for their hospitality and fun. We did a half day on the water with plenty of water activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming! They serve lunch with an open bar all day which is included in your ticket price. This was a fun way to meet some other people who are also visiting.

General Store Mentha & Limón

Always our weakness: an organic and natural grocery store! We stopped here for some snacks and ended up buying lots of souvenirs for our family. Costa Rica is known for their chocolate and coffee. They also had some amazing beef tallow soap (of course it came home with us).

Breaking Bread

Family owned bakery in the heart of Tamarindo and a cute take on the hit tv show Breaking Bad. The best smoothie I had on the entire trip was from this quaint spot! The owners are so sweet and we chatted for awhile about how precious life is and to relish in the sweet, simple moments!

Green Papaya Taco Bar

The swings as seats caught my eye for this fun dinner spot. And the tacos definitely lived up to the hype and overall vibes! You MUST try the guac! Lots of gluten free options as well.

Volcano Brewing Company

VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS! Beer lovers, this one is for you! Right on the beach, this spot is a great place to watch the sunset.