Getting Between Stops
Fly into Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia. It has nonstop flights from a number of US hubs, often around three hours from Houston or Miami and about five to six from New York. Juan Santamaría (SJO) near San José has more flights, but it is farther from the beach half of this route.
Private transfers and shared shuttles connect LIR, Arenal and Guanacaste every day. Each leg takes about three hours. A private driver is the easiest choice on a honeymoon, since mountain roads are winding and signage can be thin.
If you rent a car, choose a 4x4 or high-clearance SUV, especially in the rainy months. Avoid driving after dark. Once you are settled, most lodges and tour operators offer pickups. At Papagayo, resorts are about 30 to 60 minutes from LIR.
Where to Stay
At Arenal, the best honeymoon stays cluster in the hills just west of La Fortuna. Nayara Springs is the kid-free choice, with villas hidden in gardens, each with its own mineral spring plunge pool, plus in-villa breakfast and spa pavilions over the rainforest. Nayara Tented Camp, next door, has safari-style tents on stilts with private hot spring pools and a reforested sloth sanctuary. It welcomes families but feels intimate. Whatever you choose, prioritize a private warm pool and a volcano-facing room.
In Guanacaste, the Papagayo Peninsula is the luxury enclave. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo sits on an isthmus between two beaches, with a kid-free pool, Canopy Suites with plunge pools, a golf course and a superb spa. Surf towns farther south, such as Tamarindo, have boutique hotels at friendlier prices.
When to Go
Late December to April is the driest stretch for both stops and the most popular time to go. Arenal's trails are firmer, waterfall pools are clearer and the volcano shows itself more often. Guanacaste has near-constant sunshine and breezy days. Book well ahead for the holidays and spring break.
May and November are excellent shoulder months. Mornings are often sunny, rates drop and the hills in Guanacaste turn green. From June to October, the green season brings regular afternoon rain, especially at Arenal, which sits on the wetter Caribbean side of the mountains. September and October are usually the wettest months.
Rain is part of Arenal in any month. A warm private pool turns a downpour into something romantic, so plan active outings for the morning and keep afternoons for soaking.
Budget and Booking
Costa Rica's honeymoon lodges are not cheap, though they include a lot. As an approximate guide, Nayara Springs and Nayara Tented Camp often run well over $1,000 a night for two in high season. Four Seasons Papagayo is in a similar range. Good boutique hotels in La Fortuna and Tamarindo cost far less.
Book the Arenal lodge first, since the best rooms sell out, then the Papagayo resort, then your transfers. Reserve the hanging bridges, the night walk and the catamaran a few days ahead in high season.
Costa Rica uses the colón, but US dollars are widely accepted. Many hotel bills already include tax and a service charge. Tip guides and drivers separately. Mention your honeymoon. Many lodges add a turndown surprise or a dessert.
Staying Comfortable and Safe
Pack light rain jackets, quick-dry clothes and closed shoes with grip for the waterfall stairs and muddy trails. Bring a warm layer for Arenal evenings, which can be cool after rain.
Do not hike off-trail on the volcano. The national park marks safe routes across the old lava fields. On night walks, follow your guide and do not touch wildlife.
On the Pacific coast, some beaches have strong currents and rip currents. Swim near your resort, where conditions are usually calmer. Ask staff about the day's sea. Use reef-safe sunscreen and drink plenty of water in Guanacaste's dry heat.
Mosquitoes can carry dengue in Costa Rica, especially in the rainy season. Use repellent at dawn and dusk. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices before you book.
Make It Shorter or Longer
For a five-day trip, spend two nights at Arenal and two at Papagayo. Keep the hanging bridges, the hot springs and the catamaran, then skip the Río Celeste detour.
For nine or ten days, add two nights in Monteverde between Arenal and the coast for its cloud forest and wildlife, or stay longer at the beach. Another option is three nights in Manuel Antonio, flying from Liberia via San José, for rainforest that runs right down to the sand.
Couples who care most about rest can rebalance the same seven days to two nights at Arenal and four on the Papagayo coast. You keep a full day in the rainforest and one soak in the hot springs, then gain two slow beach days.
