Highlights
- Taste wine and cheese on a sunset cruise under a volcano on Lago Arenal
- Soak in the romantic hot springs around La Fortuna
- Snorkel the reefs and hike the jungles of Cahuita National Park
- Swim in crystal-clear pools below the dramatic Río Catarata Waterfall
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José, Transfer to La Fortuna, Lago Arenal Sunset Cruise | La Fortuna |
| Day 2 | Horseback Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall, Soak in Hot Springs | La Fortuna |
| Day 3 | Sky Tram & Hand of Arenal, Arenal Hanging Bridges | La Fortuna |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Caribbean Cooking Class | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 5 | Cahuita National Park Excursion, Free Afternoon in Puerto Viejo | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 6 | Chocolate Making in Bribri Reserve, Río Catarata Waterfall | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca |
| Day 7 | Transfer to San José, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San José, Transfer to La Fortuna, Lago Arenal Sunset Cruise
Welcome to Costa Rica! Upon arrival at the airport in San José, your driver will be waiting to whisk you off to your hotel in La Fortuna, which is around three hours away. Serving as a gateway to the volcanoes and cloud forests of Arenal Volcano National Park, this small town is ideal for honeymooners searching for romance and adventure, with its beautiful scenery, natural hot springs, luxury hotels, and volcano views.
Once you're settled into your hotel, head to Lago Arenal, Costa Rica's largest inland body of water, for a romantic sunset cruise. Sip wine and sample a selection of cheeses while taking in sunset views across the lake. A naturalist guide will provide an overview of the lake and its surroundings, including the nearby mountains and the Arenal volcano, as well as the late afternoon rays illuminating the volcano's details. As you cruise, you'll spot various birds, from flycatchers and kingfishers, and perhaps monkeys, coatis, and sloths near the lake's shores. After the sun goes down, you'll return to dry land and head back to the hotel.
Day 2: Horseback Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall, Soak in Hot Springs
After breakfast with a view of the volcano, meet your guide for a brief safety overview of horseback riding. You'll meet with your group, wear a helmet, and climb aboard a horse for the easy one-hour ride to the waterfalls (no experience required), taking in views of the Arenal volcano and the dormant Cerro Chato volcano in the distance.
You'll continue through the green countryside until you reach a ranch, where you'll dismount your horse. Follow your guide down to the La Fortuna Waterfall, descending approximately 500 steps to get to the base of the cascades. At the bottom, you can take pictures and swim in the cool waters of one of the largest waterfalls in Arenal.
Afterward, you'll ride back to the stables before heading to the dreamy waters of La Fortuna Hot Springs on the grounds of The Springs Hot Springs and Resort. Jump into one of the 25 pools on-site, all with various temperatures and environments, some in tranquil forest settings and others near waterfalls. After soaking and relaxing, enjoy a candlelit meal back at your hotel.
Day 3: Sky Tram & Hand of Arenal, Arenal Hanging Bridges
This morning, you'll glide high up into the mountains to see the views from the Hand of Arenal. Board the Sky Tram gondola with a guide for a 15-minute transfer to the monument and lookout point. From there, take in striking views over the Arenal volcano, Lago Arenal, and the surrounding scenery. If you wish, take a short hike around the Hand of Arenal on a 0.5-mile (800 m) circuit, snapping photos of the views, then hop back aboard the tram for your descent down the mountain.
Your next activity keeps you high in the sky for the thrilling 2-mile (3 km) trek at the Arenal Hanging Bridges. This elevated trail system within a 593-acre (240 ha) rainforest reserve features suspension bridges that take you into the treetops, giving you glimpses of Arenal's volcanic peak rising above the canopy.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Venturing along these spectacular elevated walkways hand-in-hand with your sweetie—some of which are hundreds of feet long and up to 180 feet (55 m) above the rainforest floor—you'll also get up close and personal with the incredible biodiversity of the reserve. Spot some of the over 350 avian species found here, including mammals, insects, and reptiles.
Day 4: Transfer to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Caribbean Cooking Class
Say adiós to the volcanoes and mountains of La Fortuna and head to the Caribbean beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Your driver will pick you up in an AC-equipped vehicle and transfer you five hours to the coast. Puerto Viejo is one of the best places in Costa Rica for a honeymoon, with its romantic white-sand beaches, intense jungles, and endless activities.
Settle into your hotel, sipping tropical drinks by the pool or beach, before heading out to an Afro-Caribbean cooking class. Led by local chefs who have inherited their culinary secrets from their ancestors, you'll learn to cook traditional dishes rich in flavor and history, such as spicy jerk chicken, coconut rice and beans, and chocolate desserts made from locally sourced cacao beans.
Not only will you learn to cook, but you'll also get a taste of the fascinating history and traditions of the Afro-Caribbean community. Your chefs will share stories and insights about their cultural heritage, and you'll have the opportunity to learn some of the dance moves and rhythms at the heart of the local culture.
Day 5: Cahuita National Park Excursion, Free Afternoon in Puerto Viejo
Discover the natural beauty of Cahuita National Park on this action-packed half-day excursion. After a quick transfer from your hotel, you'll start your adventure at the beach, climbing on a boat for a scenic 20-minute cruise to Cahuita Point. Snorkel just off the coast near the park's most extensive coral reefs, spotting marine life in the clear waters. Fuel up with a spread of tropical fruit on the beach before heading out on your one-hour guided hike through the coastal rainforest. As you trek, watch for the abundant local wildlife, including monkeys, tropical birds, sloths, iguanas, poisonous dart frogs, and more.
After the hike, you'll be transferred back to Puerto Viejo. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel or visiting picturesque beaches like Playa Cocles. Rent a bike to pedal along the coast, searching out pristine stretches of sand and jungle views, and stop in the town itself to explore the colorful streets. For more wildlife encounters, visit the Jaguar Rescue Center or meet the famous sloths on a tour of the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica.
Day 6: Chocolate Making in Bribri Reserve, Río Catarata Waterfall
A driver will pick you up at your hotel this morning, and you'll head to the Bribri Reserve to visit the Indigenous community of Watsi. Tour a local house and its land, where five generations live together under one roof. Learn about the family's lifestyle and tour their Costa Rican cacao finca (farm). Taste different chocolate types before grinding your own chocolate to discover the secrets behind this ancient process. After the chocolate demonstration, join the family for a home-cooked meal made with typical local staples, like maize and sweet manioc (yuca).
After lunch, the tour will take you to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area: the Río Catarata Waterfall. Enjoy the tranquility as you take in the views and swim in the refreshing pools under the cascades before returning to Puerto Viejo. Enjoy your last night in Costa Rica with a romantic seaside dinner, watching the stars come out over the Caribbean.
Day 7: Transfer to San José, Depart
More Great Costa Rica Itineraries
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