The Best Honeymoon Destinations in Costa Rica (And Why Ojochal Should Be on Your List)

A Costa Rica honeymoon is the perfect start to your forever. With its lush rainforests, golden beaches, and a rhythm that slows you down just enough to savor every moment, it’s a country where romance feels effortless. Newlyweds flock here for its unique blend of wild adventure and pure relaxation. One day you’re zip-lining through the canopy, the next you’re sipping cocktails while the sun melts into the Pacific.

While famous destinations like Arenal and Manuel Antonio often top the list, the truth is, some of the most magical honeymoon moments happen off the beaten path. That’s where Ojochal comes in, a quiet coastal village on the southern Pacific coast that pairs breathtaking scenery with boutique luxury. If you’re dreaming of privacy, nature, and world-class dining without the crowds, Ojochal deserves a spot on your honeymoon itinerary.

Best Honeymoon Destinations in Costa Rica

Uvita

Often considered the gateway to Costa Rica’s southern Pacific, Uvita is best known for Marino Ballena National Park and its iconic whale’s tail sandbar. This is where couples can swim, snorkel, and even spot migrating humpback whales if they visit in season. Just outside town, Nauyaca Waterfalls is a must-see, offering a chance to hike, swim, and picnic in a setting straight out of a honeymoon postcard. 

Uvita also hosts the Envision Festival each year, adding a splash of culture and creativity to the region. Many tours and excursions, from whale watching to rainforest hikes, depart from Uvita, making it a natural hub for adventure. Pairing Uvita’s activity-rich energy with the serenity of Ojochal creates the perfect balance, explore by day, retreat to Hotel Three Sixty’s private villas by night.

Manuel Antonio

If your ideal Costa Rica honeymoon blends soft-sand beaches with wildlife encounters, Manuel Antonio National Park delivers on both fronts. This world-famous reserve is teeming with monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, making each stroll along its trails feel like a private wildlife safari. 

Nearby Biesanz Beach is a sheltered cove perfect for swimming hand-in-hand in calm, turquoise waters. When the day winds down, toast your adventure with cocktails at El Avión Restaurant, a quirky cliffside spot built around an old airplane that serves up some of the best sunset views on the coast. 

Accommodation ranges from chic boutique hotels to lively beachfront resorts, offering something for every couple’s style. While Manuel Antonio’s energy is undeniably romantic, those craving deeper seclusion might combine it with a few nights in Ojochal for a quieter, more intimate finale to their trip.

Arenal & La Fortuna

For honeymooners who crave a mix of romance and adrenaline, Arenal is the ultimate playground. Here, the iconic Arenal Volcano provides a dramatic backdrop for days spent exploring steamy hot springs at Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa or hiking to the thundering La Fortuna Waterfall. 

Adventure-seekers can add waterfall rappelling, zip-lining, and canyoning to their itinerary, while couples wanting something slower can wander the lush pathways of Mistico Hanging Bridges Park for elevated rainforest views. The region is dotted with luxury lodges and spa retreats, many offering private plunge pools and volcano-view balconies perfect for honeymoon evenings. 

While Arenal excels at adventure, pairing it with Ojochal allows you to end your honeymoon with ocean breezes, gourmet dining, and the serene pace of Costa Rica’s southern coast.

Monteverde

Perched in the misty mountains, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a dream for couples who find romance in nature’s stillness. The cool mountain air and thick canopy create a setting alive with exotic birds, including the elusive resplendent quetzal – a sight you might spot at Curi-Cancha Reserve. If you’re feeling adventurous, soar through the clouds on zip lines at Selvatura Adventure Park, or take a guided night walk to discover the forest’s nocturnal residents. 

Monteverde’s boutique eco-lodges are designed to immerse you in the landscape, offering cozy stays with sweeping valley or forest views. While it’s a perfect escape for birdwatchers and hikers, honeymooners who can’t imagine a trip without the ocean will want to pair Monteverde with a beach destination – Ojochal’s rainforest-meets-sea scenery makes for a seamless contrast.

Guanacaste / Papagayo Peninsula

If your vision of a luxury honeymoon in Costa Rica includes endless sunshine, golden beaches, and resort indulgence, look no further than Guanacaste’s Papagayo Peninsula. Spend your days unwinding on Playa Conchal, one of the country’s most stunning white-shell beaches, or snorkeling in the calm waters of Playa Hermosa.

For a touch of adventure, venture into Rincón de la Vieja National Park to explore volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and waterfalls. Guanacaste offers some of Costa Rica’s best all-inclusive honeymoon resorts, making it ideal for couples who prefer a self-contained luxury stay. 

However, if you want to experience the lush rainforest and vibrant wildlife Costa Rica is famous for, pairing Guanacaste with a few days in Ojochal offers the best of both worlds.

Puerto Viejo / Limón Coast

For honeymooners seeking a Costa Rica honeymoon destination with a distinct cultural flavor, the Caribbean coast is full of charm. Puerto Viejo blends Afro-Caribbean rhythms, reggae beats, and colorful street life with stunning natural beauty. 

Spend your mornings snorkeling over coral reefs in Cahuita National Park, your afternoons visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center, and your evenings strolling Playa Punta Uva, a postcard-perfect beach often named among Costa Rica’s best. Accommodations here lean toward rustic-chic and boutique guesthouses rather than sprawling luxury resorts. 

It’s a perfect choice for couples who want a laid-back vibe, local culture, and raw beauty – best combined with a stay in Ojochal for a luxurious, private end to your honeymoon.