As a Costa Rica Specialist, I suggest to my clients looking for the perfect Costa Rica honeymoon to allow 7-10 days in destination to fully experience all that is Pura Vida – Costa Rica, splitting your time between adventure and leisurely adults only all-inclusive beach resort at the end of your vacation. Learn more about the regions of Costa Rica in my earlier blog post about the allure of the destination in general.
For best logistics with a split stay itinerary I prefer flying into San Jose airport and returning from Liberia airport is best instead of having to back track to one airport or another. This was the itinerary from my most recent visit to Costa Rica, working with one of my favorite Destination Management Companies to create a custom itinerary – from the time I landed in San Jose till I departed from Liberia, they carefully put together every detail of my trip. This is also how I plan my clients honeymoon itineraries as well based upon what they want to see, do or experience- no two trips the same, nothing cookie cutter.
My first night in destination I stayed at The Studio Hotel in San Jose, an art gallery and hotel combined, only about 20 minutes from the airport, loved the rooftop pool and bar, very safe neighborhood, we walked to the local supermarket to pickup some things we needed during our stay. The next day I met my amazing guide Roy (hiring a bi-lingual local guide is so worth the cost) we explored the National Museum – incredible art and lunch at the lovely cafe.
Making out way down towards the Caribbean coast our first stop was the La Quinta Sarapiqui Lodge, a very moderate hotel, but close to the activities I wanted to explore in this area including rafting on the Sarapiqui River (Class II and III rapids) and the Nocturnal Walk at Biologica La Tirimbina. Along the way we had lunch at the Rainforest Adventures cafe followed by the Aerial Tram ride through the rainforest, truly amazing having a bird’s eye view of towering trees, giant ferns, layers and layers of lush tropical greenery, meandering streams, and even a lone white orchid blossom at the top of a tree, a gentle reminder of just incredible God’s creation really is.
Continuing on the the Caribbean coastline, we made our way down to the LaPovna Deck to catch our boat that would take us one hour down the river to Tortuguero, where my home away home for the next two nights would be the Pachira Lodge – the staff there was amazing, although the majority of these rainforest lodges do not have air conditioning, this resort was extremely comfortable, great food and service, the wildlife including a monkey that liked to play on the roof of my suite are part of the entertainment.
Tortuguero is actually a village, you access only by boat as there are no roads just canals and rivers – this charming village with local shops, a couple bars and restaurants – early the next morning we set out for the Tortuguero National Park for a private boat tour ( you can also do this by kayak) the best way to get up close and personal with Costa Rica wildlife – including crocodiles, snakes, so many gorgeous birds, monkeys and my personal goal to see a sloth. **More photos and videos on my Instagram Page @lindadancerhmi or Pinterest Linda Dancer – Honeymoons, Inc.
Observing a female sloth was amazing
My other goals was to experience a sea turtle coming a shore to nest and lay her eggs, it took a lot of patience, our spotter watched for one hour before we were finally given the indication that a turtle was spotted and when it was safe we made our way to where she was on the beach, truly the most amazing thing to witness, and to think during the breeding season, she will return again in a few weeks to repeat the process.
Continuing our journey, back up the river from Tortugero to La Pavona Dock where we were met by our private driver and taken to Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa for the next leg of my journey to explore – the next day was spent hiking one of Costa Rica’s most incredible sites Rio Celeste, seeing this sky-blue river flowing through the dense rainforest is an incredible experience. This experience takes about 4 hours, about a 5 mile hike but so worth every step to see – the Tenorio Volcano National Park hold so many treasures. The next day I just explored Costa Rica’s largest network of naturally flowing thermal mineral springs in the rainforest reserve. Tabacon hotel guests receive complimentary access to the thermal experience as part of their stay, reserving your day pass is part of the planning process as the number of guest per day is limited.
Finally made my way over to the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the last part of my journey spent on the Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste at five star luxury Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica – after days of exploring nature and wildlife, I wanted to end my trip with a little luxury and pampering. A couples only luxury hideaway is situated on a serene beach surrounded by lush tropical gardens, rooms and suites with amazing views.
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- the main pool
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- beachfront location
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- Manatees Beach & Pool Bar
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica offers 202 rooms and suites with views of the gardens or Gulf of Papagayo with incredible views from your terrace or balcony- I stayed in a Preferred Club Honeymoon Suite, loved the best views of the ocean, our private terrace with hot tub, the spacious living room, spa like bathroom and the perks of staying in a Preferred Club Suite –
No trip should be complete to any luxury resort without spending time at the spa – the couples spa cabanas here amazing !
As with all trips, after a final romantic dinner for two by the pool our trip came to a close, good thing though that the resort is only about a twenty minute ride to the Liberia Airport – 10 days came and went so quickly so much done, so much left to do on my next visit to this wonderful destination.
Curious about traveling to Costa Rica for your honeymoon? I work with great companies in destination to put together custom itineraries based upon your interest and budget, for me the extra expense of a private bi-lingual guide, private transportation between the destinations was so worth the extra cost as I felt I got so much more from my experience by not being stressed of not speaking the language – Roy took great care of us during our entire journey and made sure we didn’t miss a thing along the way.
Email me to get started planning Linda@honeymoonsinc.com or call direct 931-337-0770
