Costa Rica Honeymoon Escape - 5 Days
Highlights
- Enjoy two romantic dinners at one of San José's best restaurants
- Take guided hikes and look for exotic wildlife in Tortuguero National Park
- Travel down serene river canals and relax on peaceful beaches
- Get pampered during an open-air massage followed by a Caribbean dinner
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in San José, Dinner at Grano de Oro | San José |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Tortuguero, Village Tour, Nocturnal Nature Walk | Tortuguero |
| Day 3 | Morning Nature Hike, Riverboat Tour, Open-Air Massage | Tortuguero |
| Day 4 | Transfer to San José, Dinner at Grano de Oro | San José |
| Day 5 | Depart San José |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San José, Dinner at Grano de Oro
Welcome to Costa Rica! With its four biosphere reserves and various national parks protecting virgin rainforests, volcanoes, and waterfalls, there are few better locales for a honeymoon. Your dream getaway begins in the capital of San José, where a driver will be waiting at the airport to whisk you off to your hotel in the city. After check-in, take some time to relax and unwind after the flight.
When the sun goes down, you'll take a ride over to the Grano del Oro, a four-star hotel with a world-class restaurant. Here, you'll enjoy an intimate dinner for two in one of the most romantic spots in the city. The ambience is impeccable, as you'll be dining on the patio of a historic manor home. As for the food, expect tantalizing haute cuisine with a tropical twist prepared by an expert French chef. At the end of the evening, transfer back to your hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Tortuguero, Village Tour, Nocturnal Nature Walk
After an early breakfast, you'll hop in a shuttle for a shared transfer northwest out of San José to the Caribbean coast and village of Tortuguero. Located in the Limón province, this village is the gateway to Tortuguero National Park. This 194 square mile (312 sq km) protected area encompasses parts of northeastern Costa Rica's ocean, coastline, wetlands, and rainforests. There are no direct roads into Tortuguero, as the most efficient way to get around is by plying the region's canals and waterways by boat. The last leg of the trip involves a boat transfer into the village.
Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and will then meet up with a local for a guided tour around the village. As you stroll around laid-back Tortuguero, you'll get to experience its laid-back Caribbean culture as well as learn the history of the village. One of the highlights is visiting a museum dedicated to the region's most famous residents: sea turtles. Tortuguero is a hub of sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, and a visit to this educational center is a great opportunity to learn about the various species that lay their eggs right on Tortuguero's beaches.
When the sun goes down, you'll then head out with another local guide for a nocturnal nature hike. Over 1.5 hours, you'll hike through jungle trails outside the village and use your flashlight to spot exotic native animals like frogs, bats, sloths, caiman, and even porcupines. At the end of the experience, return to the village and enjoy a relaxing dinner with your partner.
Day 3: Morning Nature Hike, Riverboat Tour, Open-Air Massage
Get an early start today as you lace up your hiking boots around dawn and head out on a guided nature walk into the jungle. This "awakening" tour takes place at the perfect hour during which many rainforest residents are starting their day. You'll hear the singing of birds and the call of monkeys—and spot plenty of endemic wildlife, like herons, egrets, sloths, howler monkeys, and white-faced spider monkeys.
After the hike, you'll return to the hotel for breakfast, then hop on a small boat for a tour of Tortuguero National Park. Accompanied by a local naturalist guide, you'll travel along the canals deep into the more remote sections of the park, which will allow you to glimpse rare species of wildlife. For example, the freshwater creeks and lagoons here are home to crustaceans, river turtles, spectacled caiman, southern river otters, and dozens of species of freshwater fish. If you're lucky, you might even spot the endangered West Indian manatee.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Village Tour, Transfer to San José, Dinner at Grano de Oro
After breakfast, you'll embark on one last guided tour around Tortuguero village. Today's two-hour group excursion focuses on the region's culture, as you'll visit the Caribbean Conservation Company to experience Tortuguero's Afro-Caribbean identity. Your group will also learn more about the environment and ecosystem of the region before meeting up with some locals in order to experience their culture and way of life in this colorful village.
When the tour is over, you'll pack up and transfer back to San José. In the evening, you'll return to the same restaurant where the whole romantic adventure kicked off: Grano de Oro. Perhaps select a fine vintage from the extensive wine list and enjoy a multicourse dinner of haute cuisine followed by a delectable dessert. If you want to go local, try the tres leches (sponge cake soaked in sweetened milk).
Day 5: Depart San José
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