9-DAY COSTA RICA NATURAL HONEYMOON

9-DAY COSTA RICA NATURAL HONEYMOON

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Overview & Key Highlights

Discover the ultimate romantic escape with our curated nine-day Costa Rica natural honeymoon itinerary. From the lush coffee plantations of Naranjo to the adventure-filled landscapes of Arenal Volcano and the exclusive luxury of the Papagayo Peninsula, this journey perfectly balances immersive nature experiences with indulgent relaxation.

Whether you are seeking adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining and diving or prefer serene moments in world-class hot springs and pristine beaches, this guide highlights the best of Costa Rica for couples looking to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Naranjo

Naranjo is found in the heart of Costa Rica's second-largest province and offers visitors the chance to experience locally-grown coffee along with a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. Traveling off the beaten path allows you to experience Costa Rica's natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle in an immersive and unforgettable way. From mountain villages nestled on towering peaks to hamlets surrounded by verdant rainforests, Costa Rica has plenty of diverse locations and adventures to offer.

Scenic sunset view in Costa Rica
The Perfect Sunset

The famous "pura vida" lifestyle that Costa Rica is famous for can be easily found in both small and large villages across the country, including Naranjo. Naranjo is named for the orange trees that once dominated the landscape of the region and is surrounded by rich natural wonders and resources, it's no surprise the locals have perfected the art of living with an optimistic and laid-back attitude. Hard work may be a necessary part of life, but it's generally balanced with rest, relaxation, and a focus on the simple pleasures of life. Naranjo, along with the entire Alajuela province, is an excellent place to experience this carefree attitude firsthand!

Rocky shelter on a tropical beach
Rocky Shelter on the Beach
Historic church in Naranjo
Naranjo Church

Arenal National Park

The perfect cone of Arenal Volcano is the beating heart of northern Costa Rica. An active stratovolcano, that spews smoke and sulfur into the air as recently as 1998, and is currently out of bounds to trekkers because of it. But the mountain is now the kingpin of one of the most breathtaking and adventure-filled national parks in the country. Whitewater rivers beckon rafters in the nearby rainforests, horse treks offer scenic rides, and hiking tours ring the Arenal reserve. Plus, there are adrenaline-pumping ziplines and boiling hot springs, to name just a few activities. The Arenal area is famously known as the adventure capital of Costa Rica! Perfect for the natural adventure-seekers honeymoon vacation! The volcano itself dominates the horizon with clouds covering its summit. Lush rainforests roll down its flanks. At its base, woods of Honduran pines and striped eucalyptus trees patchwork with coffee fields and open pastures, for unforgettable vistas.

Relaxing in Arenal hot springs
Enjoying The Hot Springs in Arenal

Skywalk in Arenal

The Sky Walk hanging bridges tour provides a unique opportunity to explore Costa Rica’s rainforest from within. If you visit the Sky Walk hanging bridges, you’ll be able to stroll through roughly 4 kilometers of dense, secondary forest amid much of Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Spotting wildlife, especially a wide variety of tropical birds, is common. Though you’ll cover plenty of solid ground as you make your way along the park’s trail, most impressive are the long hanging bridges you’ll cross that are suspended high above the forest floor. At the very least, you’ll be amazed by the majestic beauty of Arenal’s lively rainforest as you make your way across each bridge, completely immersing yourself in nature.

Hanging bridges in Arenal rainforest
Skywalk, Arenal

Hiking Arenal Volcano

There is no greater attraction in the northern region of Costa Rica than the Arenal Volcano. So why not enjoy it in the most picturesque way possible? Combine an attractive boat ride on Arenal Lake with a hike through the National Park, and provides you with impressive views of this mighty wonder. Hike the best trails of the Park for spotting wildlife, then head to the Park’s observation point to get a closer look at the volcano and to receive a complete explanation of the history, active cycles, and geological formation of this colossal natural wonder. By boat, ride along the edges of this enormous man-made lake, allowing us to observe the rainforest, islands, aquatic birds, and some of the animals which make this area their home. This is the best possible place to take incredible pictures of the Arenal Volcano if the clouds permit. Along the ride, the naturalist guide will explain the importance of this hydroelectric dam to the economy of Costa Rica.

View of Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano

Papagayo

Papagayo is the ideal place for monumental occasions such as your honeymoon. With stunning ceremony and reception locations as well as a lavish spa and romantic nooks, couples can indulge in limitless pleasures and succumb to complete wedded bliss. Found on the north-western corner of Costa Rica, in the region of Guanacaste, right near the border with Nicaragua, is where you can find some of the most exclusive 5* resorts in the country.

Luxury resort in Papagayo
5-Star Hotel, Papagayo

One of the most popular diving destinations of all, the Gulf of Papagayo offers a myriad of fantastic dive sites, including über-popular Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos), a mesmerizing marine park home of bull sharks, manta rays, and more. If you’re a diving fanatic, planning a wedding between May and September (the best diving times!) to spend in luxury your special celebration in this little corner of heaven.

Beautiful beach in Papagayo
Papagayo Beach

Enjoy a catamaran tour and depart early in the morning to sail away from the beautiful coast of the Papagayo Peninsula. Watch as you get further and further away from the beach into the Gulf of Papagayo and explore the marine wildlife, snorkel in pristine sites, enjoy some fishing, go kayaking or paddle boarding, or simply enjoy the sightseeing, sunsets, the blue Pacific Ocean. The possibilities are endless for romantic experiences in Papagayo!

Sunset over the Pacific Ocean in Papagayo
Papagayo Sunset

If this 9-day adventurous and luxurious vacation sounds like the perfect way to spend your Honeymoon in Costa Rica, contact us here for more information!

Claire Dean
Written By

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!
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