Costa Rican Honeymoon

Upon landing in San Jose, there will be private transport waiting to take you to the Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Inn, your accommodation for the next two nights. Experience authentic Costa Rica here with it's combination of luxury accommodations, a sustainable forested coffee farm, and cuisine that creatively honors the culinary traditions of the coffee highlands. Set amidst abundant nature, cloud forests and steaming volcanoes, this eco-friendly organic family inn has strong commitments to hospitality, community, and the environment. This first day is yours at leisure to unwind and explore the stunning surroundings.

* NOTE: If there is no availability at Finca Rosa Blanca, you will have the choice of other accommodation at the time of reservation.

Costa Rica flag

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation

Coffee beans

Coffee

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Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm and Inn

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After breakfast, you will meet your private driver, who will accompany you for the next few days, and begin the journey from San Jose to La Fortuna, home to the Arenal Volcano. As you approach the town, the towering silhouette of the Arenal Volcano dominates the horizon, an awe-inspiring sight that leaves a lasting impression. Though its days of fiery eruptions are in the past, the volcano's imposing presence continues to define the region, standing as a reminder of the area's dynamic geological history. Upon arriving in La Fortuna, nestled at the base of the volcano, you'll have time to settle into your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the remainder of the day either discovering the area at your own pace or unwinding in a peaceful setting. Whether you prefer to stroll through the quaint town, soak in the natural surroundings, or simply recharge, the choice is yours.

La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano

La Fortuna

Lake Arenal

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Nayara Gardens

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After breakfast, take a 50-minute drive through the Costa Rican countryside to the Wildlife Rescue Institute in Javillos, where you'll meet the local staff and volunteers. During the educational tour, you'll learn about the institute’s efforts to rehabilitate injured animals and return them to the wild. The staff will share the stories of the rescued animals and explain the challenges of conservation, while also highlighting the institute’s reliance on volunteers and donations to operate, as it receives no government funding. Next is the Sloth Tour, where you'll see these iconic creatures in their natural habitat. Sloths, beloved symbols of Costa Rica’s rainforests, offer insights into evolution and sustainability. Spotting these fascinating animals as they lounge among the treetops is a memorable experience. Afterward, you'll explore the Arenal Reserve, starting with a 1.5-hour trek around the Arenal Volcano. Once one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Arenal now rests, but its dramatic lava fields and rich rainforest remain. Along the hike, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the volcano and Arenal Lake, while spotting local wildlife such as tropical birds and monkeys. To end the day, unwind in the thermal hot springs at The Springs Hotel and Spa. Surrounded by lush gardens and views of the volcano, you’ll relax in the warm, mineral-rich pools before enjoying a delicious dinner.

Rescue Toucan

Rescue birds

Lake Arenal

Hot Springs

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Nayara Gardens

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Visit to a local Agro-ecological Farm nestled in the charming town of Agua Azul, where you'll be welcomed by a local family, always eager to share their traditions and sustainable practices. They promote the responsible use of natural resources to preserve Costa Rican nature and heritage. Experience hands-on activities like milking cows and participating in the artisanal liquor distillation process, sampling homemade delicacies along the way, from chocolate to fresh sugarcane juice. Explore a small archaeological ranch showcasing ancient indigenous artifacts and see first hand artisanal process of chocolate making. Your guide will show you lush orchids and medicinal plant gardens. After the tour, you have the chance to enjoy some farm-fresh products like coffee, cheese, and tortillas, savoring the authentic flavors of Costa Rica. As the evening approaches, prepare for a romantic private experience in a secluded Moorish-style bungalow. Sip champagne surrounded by candlelight and rose petals, serenaded by romantic music. Your private chef will cook a bespoke 4-course menu, complemented by a selection of fine wines, creating a truly unforgettable evening surrounded by the sights, sounds, and flavors of the rainforest.

Milking a cow

Cheese production

Sugarcane

Romantic dinner

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Nayara Gardens

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Today promises a thrilling adventure as you set out on a white-water rafting excursion along the Balsa River. This stretch of water is ideal for those new to rafting while still offering plenty of excitement for seasoned paddlers. Your day begins with a hotel pickup by expert guides, followed by a scenic hour-long drive through the picturesque countryside. The route weaves through charming small towns and lush plantations of papaya, pineapple, and yucca, offering a glimpse into rural Costa Rican life. Upon arriving at the river, you’ll be outfitted with all the necessary equipment and receive a detailed safety briefing along with paddle practice to prepare you for the adventure ahead. Once on the water, the next two hours are filled with thrilling moments as you tackle rapids with names like “Magnetic Rock” and “Dredges.” There will also be opportunities to pause for a refreshing swim and a break featuring fresh tropical fruits. Keep an eye out for aquatic birds, playful monkeys, elusive sloths, colorful toucans, and even frogs tucked among the foliage. At the end of your rafting adventure, refresh with a drink and change into dry clothes before heading to a traditional country estate for lunch. A Costa Rican meal will be served, along with an introduction to local crops and the Trapiche, a traditional sugarcane press. Afterward, relax on a short 30-minute ride back to La Fortuna, with group transportation and guides included in this memorable day.

Time for a dip

Costa Rica rafting

Capuchin monkey

Egret

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Nayara Gardens

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Today, your guide will collect you from your hotel for the drive to Santa Elena. Nestled in the Pacific highlands, the quaint town of Santa Elena serves as the gateway to the stunning Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves, amongst the most remarkable wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics. Santa Elena has a unique charm, with wooden houses and an alpine-like climate. The region’s weather alternates between light drizzle and warm sunshine, a combination that contributes to Monteverde's global renown. It is classified as a cloud forest, not a rainforest, due to its elevation; the high-altitude forest rises through the clouds. In the evening, discover the diversity of nocturnal life with a guided tour, where cloud forest and lower-elevation forest ecosystems meet. This mid-forest region features fruit trees that attract a variety of animals, including mammals, birds, and insects. The trails are wide and easy to follow, and exploring the jungle at night offers a rare glimpse into the lives of creatures that are active only after sunset. You may come across mammals that remain hidden during the day. Your guide will help you spot tarantulas, sleeping birds, and more, while the sounds of frogs and insects create an unforgettable auditory experience. Your guide will be equipped with a telescope, binoculars, and reference materials, ensuring you get the most out of your experience. Be sure to bring your camera, as you can capture incredible photos through the telescope.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Explore Monteverde

Monteverde

Isthmohyla Rivularis

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Koora Hotel

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Today there is a guided hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a pioneering and progressive conservation organization and ecotourism model founded on biodiversity research and education, who are dedicated to understanding and protecting this unique ecosystem. You'll venture along a network of trails that wind through the misty forest. During your walk, you'll encounter a diverse array of wildlife, from brilliantly colored birds like the quetzal to elusive mammals like the elusive jaguarundi. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the intricate relationships between the cloud forest's inhabitants, explaining how the unique conditions of this environment have shaped the extraordinary adaptations of its flora and fauna. You'll learn about the delicate balance of this ecosystem, how the constant mist and cool temperatures create a unique microclimate that supports a remarkable diversity of life. The reserve plays a crucial role in scientific research, contributing to our understanding of cloud forest ecology and informing conservation efforts.

Quetzal

Jaguarundi

Blue morpho

Monteverde

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Koora Hotel

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Moving on to Costa Rica’s Pacific lowlands, your scenic drive will take around 4 hours to reach the aptly named Rio Perdido (Lost River); a secret treasure nestled within the dry-tropical forest. When recently rediscovered, traces of the Chorotega indigenous civilization that dates back hundreds of years were found, adding to the mystique of this beautiful and ancient destination. Looking down at the carved riverbeds in the Rio Perdido Canyon is reminiscent of a basket of snakes with the serpentine twists curving throughout the canyon floor. Surrounded by a dwarf forest that appears almost barren in the summer, it is dramatically transformed during the wet season as its foliage forms a dense green cover. This remarkable canyon, where the cool Rio Blanco meets the hot waters of Rio Perdido, served as an important sacred gathering place for the Chorotega and its allure has drawn people back to this region ever since. The Rio Perdido Eco-Lodge site lies just north of the remarkable convergence point. As a result, the property is flanked by two deep canyons. One canyon is a completely vertical gorge carrying cool waters with a peculiar white hue and the other is the thermo-mineral Rio Perdido. The owners of the Rio Perdido Eco-Lodge have  skillfully made this treasure accessible to visitors in a sustainable manner that preserves its natural beauty. Once you have settled in, take the rest of the day to explore independently.

NOTE if there is no availability at the Rio Perdido for your required dates, alternative accommodation will be offered

Rio Perdido bungalow

Rio Perdido

Rio Perdido

Zipline Rio Perdido

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Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River

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After breakfast, enjoy a great Canyon Adventure surrounded by the beautiful nature of the tropical dry-forest at Rio Perdido. The Canyon Adventure at Rio Perdido is truly innovative, under the guidance of renowned adventure designers, they have created an incredible sequence. The Rio Blanco canyon is the main stage for this cable-based adventure. You will hike, rapel, and fly through the air on 5 zip wires, the pendulum cable, Tarzan swing and 27-meter Challenge Bridge, linked by suspended platforms. The rest of the day is at leisure, you could explore on a walking tour to discover hidden waterfalls, medicinal springs and panoramic viewpoints. Mountain biking is another great way to get to know the area and there is an eclectic circuit, with solid rock segments, sand, raw earth…bridges, ramps, banks, and even a few downhill sections in the advanced circuit. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you could go river tubing (only available in summer) down the Rio Blanco; a great way to soak up the canyon. We highly recommend the natural volcanic mud pools, the thermal river and the thermo-mineral pools. Butterflies, monkeys and iguanas are readily visible and you’ll often see rare purple orchids and strangler figs. In the early evening, as the sun starts to set, you will head out to observe the nocturnal forest activity and stargazing. By nightfall, more than 60% of the forest life awakens, you will also see mammals, insects, amphibians and reptiles as the day shift scurrying off for the night. Follow your guide through the forest and over two suspension zip lines to a panoramic lookout, an amazing place to stargaze, with a complete absence of artificial illumination.

Jungle heights

Thermal Spring

Stargazing

Zipline

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Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River

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Today you travel to Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, known for its stunning Pacific beaches. After crossing the Bridge of Friendship, you can take a relaxing paddle tour in the Gulf's calm inner waters, where you might see sea turtles and stingrays. After lunch, continue through the mountainous interior to the peninsula's southern tip, with breathtaking coastal scenery. Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are neighboring fishing villages that offer a blend of relaxation and elegance along their scenic coastline. Forbes magazine ranked their pristine beaches among the world's best. Mal Pais has a rugged coastline with volcanic rock formations, while Santa Teresa has a lively atmosphere with surf shops and popular restaurants. See a farming community mixed with beach life, where chickens roam freely and locals ride horses. Your guide will leave you here, the next few days are for a romantic time with your partner enjoying the beaches, relaxing, and watching unforgettable sunsets. Whether you explore by ATV or simply relax by the waves, Mal Pais and Santa Teresa promise an memorable tropical getaway.

Nicoya peninsula

Nicoya coast

Nicoya low tide

Nicoya sunset

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Hotel Nantipa - - A Tico Beach Experience

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Enjoy your day on the Pacific beaches of Southern Nicoya, soaking up the sun on pristine shores, where lush jungles meet endless white sand and rolling waves. This idyllic scene is perfect for water sports like fishing, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or surfing the year-round waves. During low tide, unwind in tranquil tidal pools, snorkel in calm waters, or simply relax on the beach. Sunbathe, search for seashells, and watch breathtaking sunsets from beachfront bars. Don’t miss Playa Sueca, the "secret beach" nestled at the end of Mal Pais. This serene white sand cove, surrounded by rocky outcrops, is perfect for swimming and snorkeling during low tide. In the evening stop off at one of the great beachfront bars and sit back to enjoy a spectacular sunset.

Paddle boarding

Santa Teresa

Snorkelling

Drinks

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Hotel Nantipa - - A Tico Beach Experience

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Today is left free so you can spend the day at the beach or head inland to explore the natural surroundings. An optional activity is to experience an unforgettable journey through Mal Pais's most spectacular views on horseback! The guided tour includes a ride up the mountain to enjoy the viewpoints of the coast and jungle. Ride through cattle farms and take in the beauty of birds in flight as you wind your way along the beach. The sight of the sunset, the views and unique vibe, will make your ride something to remember for a long time.

Relax on the beach

Playa Carillo

Beach horseback

Ibis

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Hotel Nantipa - - A Tico Beach Experience

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Today is free so you can spend the day at the beach or head inland to explore a bit of the natural surroundings. An optional activity is a visit to the Cabo Blanco National Park to the south of Mal Pais. Established in 1963, this was the first official protected area in Costa Rica and it covers the whole tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, including miles and miles of tropical forest, ocean, islands and beaches. The Park is alive with wildlife, including pelicans, frigate birds, parrots, monkeys, deer, wild cats and snakes. To get there you take a scenic 5-mile (8 km) route through a lush river valley, before climbing up into the hills. The road is not in the best of shape, so ask at your hotel before you head off. In the nearby hippie town of Montezuma, you can visit a beautiful waterfall, or try canopy zip lining with a refreshing dip at the waterfalls at the end. In the evening a private beach front table will be set up for you to enjoy a romantic dinner. Or if you prefer, a special pool dinner can be arranged with your feet in the water! Enjoy some sparkling wine while watching the sunset, followed by an la carte dinner prepared by the inhouse chef.

Please note the Cabo Blanco Park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Leisure day

Cabo Blanco national park

Sunset meal

Romantic evening

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Hotel Nantipa - - A Tico Beach Experience

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Today you leave the beaches and travel back to the Central Valley to the Xandari Resort & Spa, either by ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya or take a domestic flight. The ferry crossing over from Paquera to Puntarenas takes a little over an hour and is a scenic and relaxing trip dotted with small islands inhabited by colonies of birds. After the crossing, you'll continue by road up into the Central Valley. Having settled in, you will be able to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel. After arrival to the romantic and intimate Xandari Resort & Spa situated high above the Central Valley forests in Alajuela on the outskirts of San José, relaxation starts. The Xandari Resort & Spa ensures that your stay is no less than spectacular. With its spacious individually designed tropical villas surrounded by picturesque, manicured gardens and amazing views over Costa Rica's capital city San José, it is a favorite among honeymooners as well as families. In the evening we recommend you treat yourself to a candlelit dinner while enjoying the amazing views over the illuminated city in the distance.

NOTE If Xandari Resort & Spa is not available at the time of booking, you will be offered an alternative

Alajuela

Wild lily

Bougainvillea spectabilis

Romantic dinner

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Xandari Resort & Spa

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Enjoy some of the Lodge's early morning tropical birdlife before leaving. And if you have time, enjoy the pool and tropical gardens with various on-site waterfalls at the resort. Your private transfer will pick you up from your hotel and take you to San Jose's International Airport (SJO) where you will board your flight back home. We wish you a pleasant flight and great memories of Costa Rica.

Coati

Toucan

San José

Local dance San José

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Xandari Resort & Spa

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