Highlights
- See the sunset over the Pacific from the deck of a catamaran
- Soak in volcanic hot springs near Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Taste coffee right from the source on a family-run plantation
- Soar over the misty Monteverde cloud forest on a zipline
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Liberia, Transfer to Tamarindo, Sunset Catamaran Tour | Tamarindo |
| Day 2 | Snorkeling at the Catalina Islands, Romantic Dinner for Two | Tamarindo |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Rincón de la Vieja, Río Negro Hot Springs & Mud Baths | Rincón de la Vieja |
| Day 4 | Hike to La Oropendola Waterfall & Las Pailas Trails | Rincón de la Vieja |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Monteverde, Coffee Experience & Nighttime Nature Walk | Monteverde |
| Day 6 | Cloud Forest Hike & Sky Adventures: Tram, Ziplines & Hanging Bridges | Monteverde |
| Day 7 | Transfer to San José, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Liberia, Transfer to Tamarindo, Sunset Catamaran Tour
Welcome to Costa Rica! This small country packs a mighty punch, with jungles, mountains, beaches, and all manner of romantic activities for two. You and your special someone can relax in hot springs, trek through rainforests, and take part in excursions ranging from snorkeling to ziplining.
When you land in Liberia, a driver will whisk you off to the famous surf town of Tamarindo, located two hours down the coast. Check into your hotel, then head to the pier for a dreamy sunset catamaran sail. Enjoy a scenic four-hour ride along Costa Rica's Gold Coast, famous for its white-sand beaches, secluded bays, and tropical jungles. As you relax and enjoy the view with a drink in hand, keep an eye out for dolphins and sea turtles. After stopping in a secluded bay for a barbecue dinner and some snorkeling, you'll return to Tamarindo, watching the spectacular sunset as you cruise back to land.
Day 2: Snorkeling at the Catalina Islands, Romantic Dinner for Two
Discover an underwater world on this half-day snorkeling tour off the Catalina Islands. Take a boat for a 40-minute ride to this group of volcanic islands rising above the ocean's surface in Flamingo Bay. Strap on your mask and plunge below the surface to find an undersea menagerie congregating around colorful coral reefs. In the right season (July to September), you might spot giant manta and devil rays, sea turtles, parrotfish, moray eels, and even humpback whales.
Return to Tamarindo, where a romantic dinner right on the beach will be waiting. Enjoy a gourmet meal together with your feet in the sand as you listen to the sounds of waves and watch the stars come out over the Pacific. After the meal, you'll return to your hotel to rest for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 3: Transfer to Rincon de la Vieja, Río Negro Hot Springs & Mud Baths
Meet your driver this morning for the three-hour transfer from Tamarindo to Rincón de la Vieja. Check into a lodge located on the edge of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a 24,800-acre (14,090 ha) park named after the eponymous volcano, which, at 6,286 feet (1,916 m), is the tallest in Guanacaste. Once you've settled in, head to the nearby hot springs of Río Negro. Meet your guide for a short walk to the river, where you'll be welcomed by a series of 10 pools on each bank, connected via a suspension bridge.
The pools, rich in minerals and heated by the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, range from slightly warm to very hot. Soak for a while, then slather your body in the natural volcanic mud found at the pools and let it dry before hopping into the cool river to wash off—your own natural spa experience! Take a short walk back to the hotel for a romantic dinner at the on-site restaurant.
Day 4: Hike to La Oropendola Waterfall & Las Pailas Trails
Meet your guide early this morning to hike through the Las Pailas sector of the national park. Along the way, enjoy the breathtaking views of the smoldering Rincón de la Vieja volcano and observe its geothermal activity, such as bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and geysers. As you hike, watch for wildlife, like 300 species of birds, armadillos, coatis, and three species of monkeys—the white-faced, howler, and spider.
After your hike, you'll head to La Oropendola Waterfall. From the park entrance, take a short walk along the river until you reach the waterfall. At 82 feet (25 m) high, the waterfall is an impressive sight as it cascades into a bright turquoise pool down in the Río Blanco Canyon. After some swimming and relaxing, hike to the park entrance and transfer back to your lodge.
Day 5: Transfer to Monteverde, Coffee Experience & Nighttime Nature Walk
This morning, meet your driver for the four-hour transfer from Rincón de la Vieja to Monteverde. This charming mountain town is ideal for honeymooners. It is surrounded by misty cloud forests and full of adventurous activities. The town itself has adorable cafés and some of the best food in Costa Rica.
Once you've explored and settled into your hotel, meet your guide to experience Costa Rican coffee culture and wildlife observation on a single excursion. The tour starts with a stroll through a local coffee plantation to identify and learn about the coffee plant firsthand. Your guide will walk you through every step of the process, from harvesting to roasting and brewing the perfect cup. Enjoy a mug of coffee alongside locally produced chocolate samples.
Finally, adventure into the protected forest that makes up about 50% of the plantation's property. The trail extends along a creek that runs through the farm, an ideal location to spot wildlife in the trees and along the water. During the night hike, you'll hear the natural sounds of frogs and insects, witness the glow of fireflies, and likely spot frogs, sloths, and possibly even the elusive kinkajou. At the end of the hike, return to Monteverde.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Cloud Forest Hike & Sky Adventures: Tram, Ziplines & Hanging Bridges
Today, on a guided hike, you and your partner will explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This 26,000-acre (3,500 ha) reserve, known as the "green lung of Costa Rica," is home to 2.5% of the world's biodiversity. As you walk, your guide will point out mammals, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, and some of the more than 350 bird species. After the hike, you'll make a short stop at a women's artisan cooperative to purchase souvenirs.
The day's next adventure starts on the open-air Sky Tram gondola at Sky Adventures Monteverde Park, an aerial amusement park set in the cloud forest. Take in the surrounding scenery as you ride up to the starting point of the Sky Walk. Follow your guide on a short hike along nature trails and suspension bridges, learning about the region's flora and fauna. Next, connect to the Sky Trek Zipline cable that stretches over cloud forest treetops. After you soar above the canopy and whiz down the mountain, you'll transfer back to Monteverde to sample some of the famous restaurants.
Day 7: Transfer to San José, Depart
Wake up early to catch a final sunrise over the cloud forest before checking out of your hotel and meeting your driver for your transfer to San José. Relax in an air-conditioned van during the 3.5-hour ride to San José International Airport, where you'll arrive in plenty of time to catch your departing flight. Buen viaje!
More Great Costa Rica Itineraries
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