Honeymoon Adventure in Northwest Costa Rica - 5 Days

Highlights

• Experience Costa Rica's lush rainforest on horseback and a zipline tour
• Hike to hidden thermal pools and waterfalls in remote nature reserves
• Relax on the Pacific coast with hiking trails and remote stretches of sand
• Take a private catamaran cruise and snorkel among sea turtles

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rincón de la Vieja, Hiking & Horseback Riding

Welcome to Costa Rica! Don't let this country's small size fool you—it's a wonder of biodiversity. Almost a third of its total land is comprised of national parks and reserves that protect tropical ecosystems and animal species. You'll see much of this natural beauty on an unforgettable honeymoon in the northern Guanacaste province. Upon arrival in the city of Liberia, a driver will pick you up at the airport for the one-hour drive to Rincón de la Vieja National Park. This 24,800 acre (14,090 ha) park is named after the eponymous volcano, which at 6,286 feet (1,916 m), is the tallest in Guanacaste. 

After checking into the hotel, you'll head out on a combined hiking and horseback riding excursion. You and your partner will mount horses and embark on a pleasant 45-minute ride to the Las Pailas entrance of the park. Along the way, you'll pass fumaroles and natural steam vents created by the volcano. At the entrance, continue on foot on a 2.5-mile (3.5 km) loop trail to lookout points offering the best views of the volcano. Throughout, your naturalist guide will point out the exotic flora and fauna of the region, including howler monkeys, iguanas, coatis, and birds like motmots, parrots, and the spectacled owl.

Day 2: Full-Day Sensoria Adventure

After breakfast, a driver will pick you up for the ride to the north side of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, where the dry rolling plains give way to a flourishing rainforest. Upon arrival, fortify yourself with fresh tropical juice and then embark on a jungle hike along the famous Sensoria trail. Christened the "Land of Senses," this section of Ricón de la Vieja is a veritable rainforest oasis. It's filled with sky-blue springs, thermal pools, thundering waterfalls, and a wide array of flora and fauna. At the end of the half-day hike, your reward will be a nice long soak in one such volcanic spring.

Day 3: Canyon Canopy Tour, Transfer to Sámara

You're in for an exciting treat today! In the morning, you'll transfer to the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin for a half day of adventure activities in the nearby Río Blanco Canyon. First, you'll strap into a harness and soar over the treetops on a canopy tour. Then you and your partner will do a little rock climbing and rappel 65 feet (20 m) down the canyon cliffs. For a bonus, you'll hike across hanging bridges and even fly from one side of the canyon to the other on the famous "Tarzan swing."

Afterward, you'll hop back in the car and continue west to Costa Rica's gorgeous Pacific Coast and the laidback surf village of Sámara. Located on the southern coast of the famous Nicoya Peninsula, Sámara is a small and sunny town with pristine beaches that have become popular among laid-back travelers and surfers. After checking into your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day free to relax with your feet in the sand at the main beach, Playa Sámara. 

Day 4: Coastal Hiking, Beach Relaxation, Catamaran Cruising & Snorkeling

Wake up early and embark on a nature hike that begins right on Sámara Beach. Along with your guide, you'll follow a path through the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve, a biome comprised of tropical dry forests. As you hike, your guide will impart knowledge of the delicate ecosystem here and its biodiversity. You'll also learn about the various plants in the area as well as possibly spot exotic animals like howler monkeys. During the hike, you'll stop at viewpoints offering amazing vistas over the coast. 

Afterward, you'll explore some of the highlight beaches around Sámara. There are many great options, including Playa Sámara, the area's most popular beach. It lies in a cove with a coral reef offshore and is a good option for swimmers and beginner surfers. Nearby is Playa Carillo, a quieter beach with a more local vibe. Like Sámara, this is a palm-fringed beach fronting calm waters. Playa Barrigona is the furthest from town (about a 30-40 minute drive) but is regarded as the most beautiful beach in the area. Mostly unvisited by tourists, Barrigona is the perfect spot for a romantic beach day.

Day 5: Morning at Playa Sámara, Transfer to Liberia, Depart

It may be your last day in Costa Rica, but that doesn't mean you have to rush things. Take the morning to enjoy a leisurely breakfast with your new spouse, followed by a romantic stroll on Playa Sámara. If the mood strikes, do like the locals and hop on a board to catch a couple of waves before it's time to leave. At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up for the 2.5-hour ride north back to Liberia, where you'll catch your flight home. Come back soon!

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