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Romantic 4 Day Costa Rica Honeymoon Itinerary

ByPaige Watts

Costa Rica packs an incredible amount of adventure and romance into a small country, making it perfect for a short, but unforgettable, honeymoon. From misty rainforests and volcanic hot springs to palm-lined beaches and wildlife-filled jungles, there’s always something magical waiting around the corner in Costa Rica!

Kevin and I actually took a “honeymoon” trip to Costa Rica while we were still dating (yep, you read that right) after he won a raffle — and it turned out to be the perfect romantic escape for a few days. We loved staying at an all-inclusive resort, spending one day on an adventure tour in the rainforest, and slowing things down with poolside relaxation and tropical cocktails.

That balance of adventure and relaxation is exactly what makes a 4-day Costa Rica honeymoon work so well. Our itinerary shows you exactly how to make the most of your short but sweet romantic getaway!

A tropical resort landscape at the Occidental Papagayo resort in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica with lush green gardens and tall palm trees overlooking a swimming pool and terracotta-roofed buildings. In the distance, calm blue water and low, forested hills sit beneath a partly cloudy sky. A white balustrade and manicured hedges frame the foreground, giving a relaxed, coastal vacation feel.

4 Day Honeymoon in Costa Rica Overview

This 4-day itinerary starts with your arrival in Liberia, Costa Rica. You’ll then make your way to the Occidental Papagayo resort, take a day trip to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and spend plenty of time relaxing.

  • Day 1: Arrive at the Occidental Papagayo resort and relax
  • Day 2: Head out for a zipline, horseback riding, waterslide, hot springs tour
  • Day 3: Spend a day relaxing at the beach and poolside
  • Day 4: Last chance for a morning swim, then head home

If you want a honeymoon that feels adventurous and relaxing without needing two weeks off work, Costa Rica is hard to beat. This short-but-sweet itinerary is ideal if you want to experience Costa Rica without spending half your honeymoon in transit.

Detailed Costa Rica Honeymoon Itinerary

If you’re reading this post thinking, “Paige, didn’t y’all have a Savannah honeymoon? And a Belize honeymoon?”, the answer is yes, yes we did.

We like to joke that Costa Rica was our first “honeymoon” because Kevin won a “honeymoon trip” in a raffle; but we were still just dating. Savannah was our pandemic honeymoon, which I refer to as our domestic honeymoon, since it was close to home. And Belize was our official honeymoon plan that had to be postponed.

Costa Rica will always hold a special place in my heart as our “first honeymoon”.

We spent our Costa Rica honeymoon at the Occidental Papagayo, an adults-only, all-inclusive, beach-front resort. We spent our days in paradise enjoying the sun, sand, and culture of Costa Rica.

Here’s exactly what we did.

Day 1: Arrive at the Occidental Papagayo

A tropical resort landscape at the Occidental Papagayo resort in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica with lush green gardens and tall palm trees overlooking a swimming pool and terracotta-roofed buildings. In the distance, calm blue water and low, forested hills sit beneath a partly cloudy sky. A white balustrade and manicured hedges frame the foreground, giving a relaxed, coastal vacation feel.
A palm-lined paved walkway stretches into the distance through a lush tropical garden at the Occidental Papagayo resort in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Tall palm trees line both sides of the path, casting light shade over neatly trimmed grass. To the right, a thatched-roof hut and picnic tables sit among greenery, creating a relaxed resort atmosphere under an overcast sky.
The view from a hotel room at the Occidental Papagayo resort in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, featuring a dense green tree canopy framing a view of red clay tile rooftops below, with tropical foliage filling the foreground. Through gaps in the leaves, a calm blue body of water and distant hills are visible, suggesting a lush resort or hillside setting overlooking the coast.
A softly lit resort complex at night is seen through dark silhouettes of palm trees and foliage at the Occidental Papagayo resort in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Warm lights outline white buildings, curved staircases, and garden paths cascading down a hillside, creating an elegant, tranquil nighttime atmosphere.

We flew into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia since it’s the closer airport to the hotel. The other option is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. There are direct flights from Atlanta to both the Liberia Airport and the San José Airport.

From LIR, it was only about a 1 hour drive to the Occidental Papagayo. We booked this private airport-to-hotel transfer, which was super cheap, easy, and extremely comfortable. It’s definitely the no-fuss way to go after a day of flying.

Once we arrived at the hotel, we got checked in and spent the day relaxing and exploring the resort.

The Occidental Papagayo is all-inclusive and adults-only, which you really can’t beat for a honeymoon trip! Each room comes with a balcony or terrace where you can look out and admire the mountains or the sunset over the water.

There are two on-site restaurants as well as a buffet, snack bar, and lobby bar. There are also two pools, one that’s large in the middle of the resort and one that’s smaller and more private-feeling, and daily activities like water volleyball, water aerobics, dance classes, kayaking, tennis, and snorkeling.

We stayed in a Deluxe room with a king-sized bed, a full bathroom, and a balcony that looked out into the trees and had a slight view of the ocean.

Book your stay at the Occidental Papagayo here.

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Day 2: Full-Day Jungle Tour

Kevin and Paige wearing white safety helmets pose for a selfie outdoors. They stand close together in front of lush tropical plants with red and green leaves, ready for a ziplining canopy tour at Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica. Another helmeted person is partially visible in the background.
A small group of people wearing white helmets and safety harnesses walk single file along a dirt trail through a dense, green forest for a zipline tour at Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica. Paige, the person closest to the camera, is seen from behind, wearing a gray T-shirt, black shorts, and sneakers, holding gloves in one hand. Tree roots cross the path.
A dark-colored monkey perches on a thick tree branch high in a leafy canopy at Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica. Sunlight filters through dense green leaves and twisting branches, partially silhouetting the bird against the bright sky, giving the scene a hidden-in-the-trees, wildlife-spotting feel.
A line of people wearing helmets ride horses along a wide dirt trail through dense green forest at Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica. The path gently slopes forward toward tree-covered hills and mountains in the distance, under a cloudy gray sky, creating a calm, adventurous horseback-riding scene.
Kevin, smiling and wearing a white helmet and sunglasses, takes a selfie while horseback riding on a dirt road at Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica. Behind him, Paige rides in a white helmet following along the trail, surrounded by dense green foliage and trees under a cloudy sky.
Paige stands outdoors wearing a turquoise strapless bikini, her skin covered in wet mud. Behind her, several other people—also covered in mud—stand along a stone path in a lush, tropical setting with greenery and rocks, for a mud bath and natural spa experience at a hot spring at Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica.
Kevin and Paige take a close-up selfie outdoors, both covered in wet gray mud from head to torso at a hot spring at Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica. Kevin is shirtless and Paige wears a turquoise strapless bikini. They stand in a lush, tropical setting with stone walls, plants, and trees in the background, suggesting a natural mud bath or spa experience.
A close-up selfie of Paige and Kevin smiling while relaxing in an outdoor hot spring at Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica. Paige wears a turquoise strapless bikini and Kevin is shirtless, both with wet hair and shoulders glistening with water. They lean together in front of a stone edge, surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery in a calm, tropical setting.

On our second day in Costa Rica, we thought it would be nice to get some adventure in (get it in early in the trip, and then relax afterwards!).

One of the most popular things to do in Costa Rica is explore their rainforests. So we booked ourselves on a full-day tour to Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

We booked this Buena Vista Combo Tour that includes a zipline, hanging bridges, natural waterslide, a buffet lunch, a horseback ride, and a dip in the hot springs and volcanic mud bath.

The tour picks up from the Occidental Papagayo in the morning. It starts with a canopy zip line tour that started off nice and slow and then got longer and faster as you learned the ropes. There were great views of the forests from above while we glided from tree to tree just like a monkey.

While we waited for our turn to zip, hanging in the balance on a bridge high above the forest floor, we were able to watch and listen to howler monkeys swinging in the trees just a few feet away.

After ziplining, we took a ride down the 1,300-foot long waterslide, the longest waterslide in Costa Rica. The water was cold, but after the first rush of speed the waterslide became a relaxing ride. It was also encased in the jungle’s natural foliage, so it was really pretty and pleasant.

Lunch was a buffet of local food like beans, rice, chicken, and beef.

We then took a horseback ride up and down the steep mountain terrain on the way to the spa. While trekking through the forest, we even saw a couple spider monkeys come down from the canopy.

Once at the spa, we enjoyed the hot springs warmed by the volcanic heat. Here we were able to enjoy a mud bath, sauna, and the healing properties of the natural hot springs in varying degrees of heat. Sitting in the hot springs at the end of the day, surrounded by rainforest, was the perfect, romantic “this is why we chose Costa Rica” moments.

And how many opportunities do you get to play in the mud on a normal day? We took advantage of the fun along with the mud’s rejuvenating properties!

I know it sounds like a lot, but I promise this full-day adventure doesn’t feel like “too much” for a honeymoon. The day was well-paced — active in the morning with ziplining and horseback riding, then intentionally slower by the afternoon when we soaked in the hot springs. It was still adventurous without leaving us completely wiped out on our honeymoon.

Booking with a combo tour was a great choice, too, because it gave us a full rainforest experience without the stress of planning logistics ourselves.

Book your Buena Vista Combo Tour here.

Day 3: Relax at the Beach & Poolside

Kevin and Paige stand barefoot on a rocky, seaweed-covered shoreline at sunset at the Occidental Papagayo in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Kevin wears a white button-down shirt with blue shorts, Paige a coral sleeveless top with white shorts. They stand close together with arms around each other, facing the camera. The sun is low over the ocean, casting warm golden light across tide pools, dark rocks, and a distant island on the horizon, with soft clouds streaking the sky.
A quiet coastal beach scene at low tide at the Occidental Papagayo in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. The sandy shoreline is dotted with dark rocks and patches of bright green seaweed in the foreground. Gentle waves roll in from the left, and a calm bay curves toward a forested hillside on the right. The sky is softly lit with pale clouds, suggesting late afternoon or early evening, creating a peaceful, natural atmosphere.
A view of a quiet tropical shoreline from above, framed by leafy tree branches in the foreground, at the Occidental Papagayo in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Below, a narrow sandy beach curves along the water, broken up by dark rocky outcrops at low tide. Calm ocean water stretches toward distant hills on the horizon. The sky is lightly clouded with soft, warm light, giving the scene a peaceful, secluded feel.
Overhead view of three clear plastic cups filled with iced cocktails on a dark table at the Occidental Papagayo in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. The drinks are different colors—pale green, light pink, and deep reddish-brown—each with ice, a white straw, and a thick citrus peel garnish resting on the rim.
Sunset over a calm ocean, with soft orange and pink clouds streaking across the sky, at Occidental Papagayo in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Dark rocky shoreline and tide pools fill the foreground, while low, tree-covered islands form silhouettes along the horizon as the sun dips below the water.
View of a calm blue bay framed by lush green foliage in the foreground, with a small cluster of purple flowers near the bottom, at the Occidental Papagayo in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Rocky outcrops extend into the water, and low, forested hills line the distant shoreline beneath a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.

It was so nice to spend one of our days relaxing by the water with a drink in hand. This is just what honeymoons were made for!

After a full adventure day, having an intentionally slow beach day made the honeymoon feel like a honeymoon — not a checklist.

The water on the Pacific coast where we were staying in the Guanacaste region was cold but not unbearable. The pools at the Occidental Papagayo were warm by comparison.

The resort offers pool-side drink service to always keep you quenched, and we took full advantage of this service by trying every tropical drink we could think of. 

Having a day to unwind after a full day of adventure was perfect, especially just before we had to head home. Plus, there’s nothing like finishing your day with a sunset walk on the beach!

Day 4: Departure Day

Sunset over a quiet beach at Occidental Papagayo in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, with the sun low on the horizon, casting warm golden light across the sand and water. Silhouetted trees frame the left side, while a few small figures walk along the shoreline. Dark rocky outcrops and distant island silhouettes sit beneath streaked clouds glowing orange and pink.

Check-out time at the Occidental Papagayo isn’t until 12 p.m., which is so nice because you can take it easy in the morning.

You have plenty of time for breakfast and a morning swim or walk along the beach before you leave. And you don’t have to feel rushed about packing.

To get back to the airport, we booked this private hotel-to-airport transfer, which was a comfortable and easy ride.

Where to Stay for Your Romantic Costa Rica Honeymoon: Occidental Papagayo Resort

Paige and Kevin take a selfie at the shoreline during sunset at Occidental Papagayo in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Calm ocean water and dark rocky outcrops sit behind them, with tree-covered headlands silhouetted against a soft orange and pink sky.
Sunset over a rocky shoreline at low tide, with dark, textured rock pools reflecting the sky in the foreground at Occidental Papagayo in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. The sun sits near the horizon between two silhouetted, tree-covered headlands, casting warm gold and orange light across the calm ocean beneath streaked, pastel clouds.
Calm coastal bay at the Occidental Papagayo in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, viewed through leafy tree branches, with turquoise-blue water stretching toward low, forested islands on the horizon. A rocky, green-covered headland curves in from the left under a bright sky with scattered clouds.
Golden sunset over a quiet coastal bay at Occidental Papagayo in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, framed by dark, leafy tree branches in the foreground. A rocky shoreline curves along the left, while calm water reflects warm yellow and orange light. Low, forested islands sit in silhouette on the horizon beneath a softly glowing sky.

Probably the most important thing to figure out for your Costa Rica honeymoon is where to stay. We loved the hotel we stayed in, and I’m happy to share it with you!

Kevin and I stayed at the Occidental Papagayo. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort is located right on the beach in Play Hermosa in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica.

The Occidental Papagayo was perfect because it was relaxing and romantic without going full ultra-luxury for the entire trip: it’s upscale enough to feel special, but still affordable enough that we could splurge on tour experiences.

All the rooms have a balcony where you can relax; and even though ours technically didn’t have a “view”, we still had a bit of a view of the water through the trees. And sometimes the wildlife will come onto your balcony, so that’s exciting!

The all-inclusive program includes:

  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the resort’s 2 buffet restaurants
  • a la carte service
  • brand-name beverages in the bars
  • snacks and drinks available 24 hours
  • beach access
  • 2 pools and a hot tub
  • daily activities and entertainment

We loved how calm and adult-focused the atmosphere was. Because it’s adults-only, the resort never felt chaotic or loud, which made it ideal for slow mornings, poolside afternoons, and quiet evenings together after full adventure days. It’s definitely a place designed for couples to actually unwind.

I recommend this resort for couples who want an all-inclusive experience that feels polished but not over-the-top luxe. If you’re looking for a high-energy party resort or a super modern boutique hotel, this probably isn’t your best fit. But if you want an easy, romantic home base where everything is taken care of, it works extremely well for a honeymoon.

This is such a great resort to relax, and it’s a really affordable all-inclusive stay.

Check current prices for the Occidental Papagayo here.

Costa Rica Honeymoon FAQ

Is Costa Rica a good honeymoon destination?

Yes, Costa Rica is an excellent honeymoon destination, especially for couples who want a mix of adventure and relaxation. You can zipline through rainforests one day, soak in hot springs the next, and still have plenty of time for beach days and romantic dinners. It’s ideal if you want your honeymoon to feel memorable without being rushed.

Is 4 days enough for a Costa Rica honeymoon?

A 4-day Costa Rica honeymoon works best when you stay in one region and balance activities with downtime. We loved focusing on a single resort, doing one full adventure day, and using the rest of the trip to relax. If you have more time, Costa Rica is great for longer trips too — but 4 days is perfect for a short, romantic escape.

What’s the best area in Costa Rica for a honeymoon?

For a short honeymoon, the Guanacaste region is a great choice. It’s close to Liberia International Airport (LIR), has beautiful beaches, and offers easy access to rainforest tours and hot springs. Staying in one area helps you avoid long travel days and keeps the trip stress-free.

Are all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica worth it for honeymooners?

Yes, especially for a shorter honeymoon. An all-inclusive, adults-only resort makes it easy to relax and enjoy your time together without worrying about meals, transportation, or daily planning. We loved having everything taken care of so we could focus on enjoying the experience.

Is Costa Rica expensive for a honeymoon?

Costa Rica can be very flexible budget-wise. It’s possible to plan a honeymoon that feels luxurious without going fully high-end by choosing a mid-range resort and splurging on one or two unforgettable experiences. This balance worked perfectly for us and kept the trip feeling special without overspending.

Is Costa Rica safe for honeymooners?

Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Central America and is very popular with couples and international travelers. Staying at reputable resorts (like the Occidental Papagayo), booking tours with established operators (like this Buena Vista Adventure Tour), and using private transfers (like this one from the airport and this one to the airport) made us feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout our trip.

What’s the best time of year to honeymoon in Costa Rica?

The dry season (December through April) is the most popular time for honeymoons because of the sunny weather. The green season (May through November) can also be beautiful, with fewer crowds and lower prices — just expect occasional rain, especially in the afternoons.

We visited in July/August, and we lucked out with incredible weather!

What should we pack for a Costa Rica honeymoon?

Lightweight clothing, swimsuits, comfortable shoes for tours, sunscreen, and insect repellent are essentials. A light rain jacket is helpful year-round, especially for rainforest areas. For evenings, casual resort wear is perfect — no need to overpack formal outfits.

If you want a full packing list, you can check out my Costa Rica packing tips here!

Do we need to rent a car for a Costa Rica honeymoon?

Not if you plan your trip strategically. We didn’t rent a car and instead used private airport transfers and hotel pick-ups for tours, which made everything easy and stress-free. This is a great option for honeymooners who don’t want to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads.

Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica? Check for free ⬇️

Tourists from the US. Canada, and the EU generally do not need a visa for stays up to 90 or 180 days. You do need a valid passport and a return ticket in order to enter the country. Check your travel documents and visa requirements here or by using the widget below for free.

Top Costa Rica Tours

With so much to see, Costa Rica can be overwhelming for any first-time traveler. To take some of the stress out of planning your visit, opt for a guided tour! Check out this list of the top Costa Rica tours to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful Central American country.

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Costa Rica, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

More Costa Rica Travel Tips

Make the most of your trip to Costa Rica, whether it’s a honeymoon or a regular vacation. Check out these travel tips and itineraries:

Ready to visit Costa Rica? Plan your trip with these tips.

Cheers,

Paige

Romantic 4 Day Costa Rica Honeymoon Itinerary

What are your favorite things to do on a Costa Rica honeymoon? Tell me in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta?, a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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