This couples’ itinerary pairs thrilling rainforest adventures with unhurried beach time and romantic evenings. It follows a practical route from to , and the Pacific coast; travel times are approximate and can vary with weather and road conditions.
Budget
About ₡450,000–₡850,000 per person for listed activities, meals and intercity transport, excluding lodging, international flights and personal spending. Costs vary with tour choices, transfers and dining.
Best time to visit
December–April is generally the driest season for Pacific beaches and many popular routes, though it is busier. May–November brings greener landscapes and fewer visitors; expect afternoon rain and check local conditions.
San José: an easy arrival
Keep your first day close to the airport and central , with a relaxed dinner before the longer journey into the countryside.
Morning
Arrive and settle in
Check in and take it easy after your flight. From Juan Santamaría International Airport, allow about 30–45 minutes by car to central , depending on traffic.
About ₡0–₡35,000Afternoon
Stroll
Stretch your legs around the lake and gardens in this spacious city park. Allow about 10–20 minutes by car from central hotels.
FreeEvening
Dinner at
Share a memorable contemporary Costa Rican meal in a restored home in Barrio Amón. It is about 10–15 minutes by car from La Sabana; reserve ahead.
About ₡25,000–₡45,000
La Fortuna: waterfalls and hot springs
Travel to the Arenal region, then enjoy a waterfall and a soothing hot-springs evening near .
Morning
Drive to
Take a shuttle or rental car from to ; the scenic journey usually takes around 3–4 hours. Check in and leave time for lunch.
About ₡15,000–₡35,000Afternoon
Swim at
Descend the steps to the waterfall’s pool and take in the lush canyon scenery. From central , it is about 10 minutes by car or taxi.
About ₡10,000–₡12,000Evening
Soak at
Unwind together in naturally heated pools surrounded by tropical gardens. Allow about 20 minutes by car from the waterfall area; evening entry and dinner packages vary.
About ₡40,000–₡90,000
Arenal: rainforest trails and adventure
Spend the day on Arenal’s forested trails, then keep the evening relaxed in .
Morning
Walk
Hike through forest and old lava fields for memorable views of Arenal Volcano when skies are clear. It is about 25 minutes by car from .
About ₡12,000–₡16,000Afternoon
Take a hanging-bridges walk at
Cross suspension bridges and look for birds and wildlife in the canopy; guided walks are a good choice for spotting animals. Allow about 20 minutes by car from Arenal 1968.
About ₡20,000–₡40,000Evening
Dinner at
Return to central for a polished dinner with local ingredients. The drive from Mistico is around 35–45 minutes, so book a taxi or designated driver.
About ₡18,000–₡35,000
Monteverde: cloud forest escape
Make the scenic journey to and spend the evening among the area’s cool, misty forest surroundings.
Morning
Travel from to
Choose a shuttle, road transfer or boat-and-road transfer across Lake Arenal; allow about 3–4 hours, including the lake crossing option. Roads can be rough, so leave a buffer.
About ₡18,000–₡35,000Afternoon
Explore
Walk the cloud-forest hanging bridges or add an optional zip-line experience for a bigger thrill. From Santa Elena, allow about 20–30 minutes by shuttle or car.
About ₡25,000–₡65,000Evening
Dinner at
Share a special multi-course dinner in a treetop setting above the forest. It is about 20–30 minutes by car from Selvatura; confirm reservations and transport in advance.
About ₡45,000–₡70,000
Monteverde to Manuel Antonio: forest to coast
Enjoy a morning cloud-forest visit, then travel to the Pacific coast for a sunset by the sea.
Morning
Visit
Take a guided walk through mossy forest in search of birds and other wildlife; reserve entry ahead when possible. From Santa Elena, allow about 20 minutes by car or shuttle.
About ₡15,000–₡25,000Afternoon
Travel to
Drive or take a shuttle from to the area; plan on roughly 4.5–6 hours, depending on route and traffic. Check in near or and take a break.
About ₡25,000–₡45,000Evening
Watch sunset at
Enjoy a barefoot first evening on the Pacific, with time for a swim if conditions are calm. From central , it is around 15–25 minutes by car or taxi.
Free
Manuel Antonio: wildlife and beach time
Pair an early wildlife walk in the national park with a relaxed afternoon at its beautiful beaches.
Morning
Explore
Arrive early for rainforest trails and wildlife, then spend time on the park’s beaches. From nearby hotels, allow about 5–15 minutes by car or local bus; tickets are typically booked through the official SINAC system.
About ₡7,000–₡10,000Afternoon
Relax at
Swim, rest in the shade and enjoy one of the park’s most scenic coves; follow posted guidance and keep food secured from wildlife. It is roughly a 10–25-minute walk from the park entrance depending on your route and pace.
About Included with park entryEvening
Dinner at
Enjoy a casual dinner and ocean views from a converted aircraft. It is around 10–15 minutes by car from ; arrange a ride if you have been swimming or drinking.
About ₡12,000–₡25,000
Manuel Antonio: a final seaside morning
Keep the last day gentle with one more beach visit and a relaxed lunch before departure or onward travel.
Morning
Choose a quiet stretch at
Enjoy a sheltered cove for a final swim or a slow beach walk; check sea conditions and bring water shoes if you have them. From , allow about 10–20 minutes by car or taxi, then a short walk down.
FreeAfternoon
Lunch at
Pause for a relaxed meal with ocean views before packing or heading onward. It is about 10–15 minutes by car from .
About ₡8,000–₡16,000Evening
Depart from or continue your journey
Allow about 10–20 minutes to return to from the café area. If flying from , plan roughly 3–4 hours by road to the airport, plus plenty of check-in time; domestic flights may be available seasonally.
About ₡0–₡50,000
Good to know
Getting around
A rental car offers flexibility, but mountain and rural roads can be slow and require care. Shared shuttles are a relaxed alternative; confirm pickup times and luggage limits.
Bookings
Reserve through the official SINAC ticketing system, and book popular restaurants and thermal springs ahead, especially in peak season.
Packing
Bring quick-dry clothes, a light rain jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent and shoes with grip. Cloud-forest weather can feel cool even when the coast is hot.
Wildlife and beaches
Never feed or touch wildlife, and keep snacks sealed. Swim only where conditions are safe—Pacific currents can be strong, and beaches may not have lifeguards.
Money
Costa Rica’s currency is the colón (₡); prices are rough estimates per person. Many businesses also quote US dollars, but small notes in colones are handy.