Highlights
- Spend your first afternoon at a white-sand beach, followed by a couple's massage
- Look for monkeys on a guided hike in one of the country's best national parks
- Part ways with your horseback riding guide and swim at a secluded waterfall
- Take a boat trip to two islands near Dominical for snorkeling and sunbathing
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José, Transfer to Manuel Antonio, Free Time | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 2 | Private Guided Rainforest Hike, Romantic Dinner Experience | Manuel Antonio |
| Day 3 | Horseback Ride to Nauyaca Waterfalls, Transfer to Dominical | Dominical |
| Day 4 | Snorkel Adventure at Isla Caño | Dominical |
| Day 5 | Transfer to San José, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San José, Transfer to Manuel Antonio, Free Time
Welcome to your romantic honeymoon in Costa Rica! Upon arrival in San José, the country's capital and largest city, a private driver will be waiting for you and your new spouse at the airport, holding a sign with your names on it. From there, you'll be taken to a private, air-conditioned minivan and driven to your luxury hotel in Manuel Antonio—a journey of around three hours. This small coastal town is a honeymooners' paradise with a gorgeous coastline that juts up against a lush rainforest filled with exotic wildlife.
Today is all about relaxing, with nothing scheduled, so take your pick and chill out on one of Manuel Antonio's beautiful beaches—some of the best in Costa Rica. Spend as much time as you please beachcombing, swimming, and enjoying the beauty all around you. You might also want to arrange a couple's spa treatment at your hotel. Make sure to save time for predinner drinks and watch the sun inch closer to the horizon.
Day 2: Private Guided Rainforest Hike, Romantic Dinner Experience
Sleep in this morning and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel that includes fresh tropical fruits and Costa Rican coffee. Later in the morning, you'll discover the natural beauty of the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park on a private half-day hike with an expert guide. While trekking the 2-mile (3.2 km) trail, keep your eyes open for the park's 300 species of mammals and birds, like monkeys, sloths, and toucans, in the wild. Private guides are equipped with Pentax and Swarovski telescopes to help make your views (and photographs) even sharper.
Your hiking path will eventually end up at one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Enjoy a break to cool off with a dip in the water, if you wish, or relax in the sun. If that's not enough beach time for your liking, don't worry, as you'll have the entire afternoon to enjoy the coast once you conclude the hike and part ways with your guide
After a chill afternoon, change for dinner and take part in a romantic, slightly hands-on, private dining experience. The fun of being in a small coastal town like Manuel Antonio is that locals have access to some of the country's best produce and seafood. During your private dinner, you'll have a chance to meet a chef and ask any or all questions related to Costa Rican cuisine, which is steeped in rich Latin American history. You can also learn a new cooking technique or discover a recipe to take home as a souvenir if you so choose (or simply sit back and relax).Day 3: Horseback Ride to Nauyaca Waterfalls, Transfer to Dominical
After a lovely breakfast at your hotel, partake in another famous Costa Rican adventure: horseback riding! Your guide will lead the way along a 5-mile (8 km) journey that follows nature trails surrounded by rainforests. Keep your camera close and be on the lookout for capuchin monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, as you trot your way to the Nauyaca Waterfalls, an impressive grouping of falls that plunges 147 feet (45 m) into a pristine lagoon.
Upon arrival at the falls, you and your loved one will have a couple of hours of free time to enjoy the area and the lagoon on your own. There are also rock outcroppings that make ideal diving spots! Afterward, dine on a traditional lunch before heading back to your hotel.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Snorkel Adventure at Isla Caño
Today, you'll take a full-day snorkeling adventure to Caño Island Biological Reserve, a magnificent marine biological reserve located just over 30 miles (48 km) off the shores of Playa Sámara. You'll depart early in the morning from Uvita Beach by boat, with a good chance of spotting dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales depending on the season.
Your captain will choose two eco-friendly snorkeling and/or diving spots for you, depending on the conditions of the day. Either way, you'll spend approximately 2.5 hours exploring the stunning underwater world while spotting a great variety of marine species, many of which are in danger of extinction. After your snorkeling adventure, you'll boat to Isla Violin for a picnic lunch and free time to relax on the beach or hike around the island.
Day 5: Transfer to San José, Depart
It's time to say goodbye to Costa Rica! Take advantage of your last morning on the coast with a sunrise beach walk and perhaps a refreshing swim before breakfast. If time allows, the two of you can also book a beginner surfing lesson. An expert will teach you the basics of this popular activity on the sand first, and once you are ready, he or she will help you conquer the first waves on your own. What a memorable way to end the trip!
At the appointed hour, a driver will pick you up in a private, air-conditioned minivan and drive you directly to the airport in San José. The drive takes around four hours, depending on traffic. Safe travels, and may the honeymoon continue!
More Great Costa Rica Itineraries
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