This document provides details on a 10-night Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary. It includes 5 nights at the 5-star Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens in the Arenal Volcano region, offering volcano views, hiking, zip lining and hot springs. It also includes 5 nights at the 4.5-star adult-only Secrets Papagayo Resort and Spa on the Pacific coast, with an all-inclusive experience including beaches, pools and water activities. Total estimated cost is $6,114 excluding flights and transfers between resorts.
4. Costa Rica
• Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central
American country with coastlines on the
Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San
Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is
known for its beaches, volcanoes and
immense biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its
area is made up of protected jungle, rich with
wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal
birds.
5. Costa Rica
Weather
• Costa Rica has two seasons summer (verano –
December through April) and winter (invierno
– May through November) which are also
known as the dry season and rainy season
from a meteorological perspective, or the high
season and low season in the tourist industry.
6. Costa Rica
December-April
• The main attraction of the high season is the weather. It is
less likely that it will rain even in the rainforest, and in some
areas, notably Guanacaste and Nicoya it’s downright arid.
Wildlife can be easier to spot as it concentrates around
shrinking water sources and the deciduous trees drop their
leaves thinning the camouflage.
• The main disadvantage of traveling to Costa Rica while it’s
snowing up north is that it is the tourist high season. It is
harder to get reservations, everything is relatively crowded
and the prices are higher. From Christmas until the end of
the first week in January, and Easter week are double
jeopardy periods with lots of international travelers, and
many Ticos traveling (the beaches are especially crowded).
7. Costa Rica
May-November
• The low season, or winter in Costa Rica has been dubbed the
“Green Season” by the tourism industry because that makes a
better first impression than “rainy”. Veteran Costa Rica travelers
know that this time of year doesn’t need a special moniker to make
it appealing; prices are halved, crowds are gone, and while the rain
forested slopes of the mountains may be getting drenched, perfect
sunny days at the beach aren’t at all unusual.
• Many Costa Rica regulars prefer the green season, but there are
some disadvantages as well. There are some areas where it is really
wet, particularly the Atlantic slopes, and the northeast and
southwest. The Osa Peninsula gets so much rain that travel
becomes difficult and many of the lodges shut down in September
and October. It also seems a little dark sometimes. Those long
summer nights are a polar phenomenon and this close to the
equator the days are only a few minutes longer. The sun sets about
6:00 p.m. year round.
http://costa-rica-guide.com/travel/weather/seasons-in-costa-rica/
9. Arenal Volcano Region
Activities
• Zipline-Reach the sky and enjoy panoramic views of
the Arenal Reserve. The zip line system includes 8
cross-sectional cables that together reach 2.8 Km of
longitude and reach up to 200 meters of height. You
can choose to go on the tram or the more adventurous
trek.
• Whitewater Rafting- An adventure full of adrenaline;
the power of the waters and the lush vegetation makes
this an unforgettable expedition. Specialized guides
will explain the secured equipment and help you
navigate through the strong currents and the powerful
river.
10. Arenal Volcano Region
Activities
• Canyoning- A vertical descent using ropes and harness:
the ultimate adrenaline booster! Highly trained guides
will accompany you at all times ensuring your safety
and a great time. The scenic beauty of the canyon
heightens the excitement of the descent; the
adventure begins in a 300-meter zip line that will take
you to the Pino Blanco Waterfall observation desk.
• Biking- Biking around the Arenal area is a lot of fun.
Since bikes are not allowed in the national park the
excursion goes around the park in the many small
roads that surround it. After biking get dropped off at
the Hot Springs of your choice (entrance fee is not
included.)
11. Arenal Volcano Region
Activities
• Horseback Riding- Our horses will take you through
rolling hills, pastures and the rainforest surrounding
the Arenal Volcano, to the waterfall trailhead, a ride
that will take around an hour. We dismount and hike
down the waterfall, a spectacular 60m(200F) cascade
of fresh rainforest water where you can take a
refreshing bath.
• ATV- The ATV tour gives you unique views of the
volcano in a fun and adventurous ride. The trail goes
through pastureland and arrives at Los Lagos de los
Lirios, the only lake in the area that contains sulfur
residues from the volcano. You will pass through a
tropical humid forest and enjoy the area’s flora and
faun
12. Arenal Volcano Region
Activities
• Arenal Hanging Bridges- The Arenal Hanging Bridges are located on
a 600 acre reserve with lush vegetation and a variety of birds and
animals which you experienced guide will help you spot. The trail is
1.9 miles (3.1 Km) in length, crossing a total of 15 bridges,9 fixed,
and 6 hanging. The bridge are not steep, anyone can cross them.
• Arenal Volcano Walk- The tour starts with a drive to the active
Western side of the volcano. Once there you will embark on a hike
on the Toucans Trail which traverses the rainforest and crosses over
a large lava flow from 1992. It is possible to observe a great variety
of plants, wildlife and magnificent lava rock formations. Once on
the top of the lava flow you will have a beautiful view of the Arenal
Lake. During the tour, our experienced guides will provide
interesting and educational information regarding the history of the
majestic mountain and the Arenal Volcano National Park.
13. Arenal Volcano Region
Activities
• Night Forest Walk- The night walk takes place at the
“Eco-centro Danaus” or Eco-centro Oasis, a small
reserve which focuses on conservation and education.
A visit to the center at night will give you the
opportunity to see nocturnal animals in action such as
sloths, spiders, frogs, bats, butterflies and birds.
• Eco-Termales- Eco-Termales is a family-run project that
operates pools with hot-springs at different
temperatures, the coolest being 91*F and the hottest
105*F. One of the pools has a refreshing cascading
waterfall. The restaurant, a colonial house, offers
traditional Costa Rican food. The owners, the Hidalgo
family still live upstairs.
14. Arenal Volcano Region
Activities
• Sport Fishing Arenal Lake- You will have four hours at Lake
Arenal to cast and troll looking for Guapote (rainbow
bass,)Machaca or Sabalete. Fishing boats are well equipped
and fishing is better in the Summer but it is good year
round.
• Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano Hike- Leave early for Rio
Celeste, the blue river at the Tenorio Volcano National Park
for a 5 mile hike (approximately 4 hours hiking) through the
rain forest, please note that this place is 1.5 hours away
from the hotel that means that you will spend 3 hours
round trip just going back and forth. See the volcano’s
furnace vents that expel gases of extreme high
temperature, and the spectacular Rio Celeste Waterfall.
16. Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens
• 5 Star Resort
• Eco-boutique
• Overlooking the imposing Arenal Volcano, Nayara
Hotel, Spa & Gardens is an oasis set deep in the
heart of the Costa Rican rain forest. An exclusive
and luxurious retreat, Nayara features 50
spacious and intimate casitas nestled among lush
tropical gardens, each with private terraces,
outdoor showers and Jacuzzi tubs for two. Local
artisan designs compliment the exceptional
architecture to produce an oasis of tranquility
and sophistication in perfect balance with nature.
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19. Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens
Activities
• Swimming pool with swim-up
• Spa- Perched above the rain forest, the on-site
spa offers a range of treatments incorporating
Costa Rica’s natural healing ingredients such
as coffee and volcanic mud. Adjacent to the
spa, the fitness center includes cardio and
strength-training equipment.
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23. Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens
Restaurants
• Kali Kali Pool Cantina- The poolside bar offering "wet"
seats in the pool or "dry" seats in the tropical shade
where guests can enjoy tropical cocktails and light
snacks.
• Altamira Restaurant- The all-day dining venue at
Nayara, Altamira Restaurant, serves complimentary full
breakfast, as well as a wide selection of a la carte
choices for lunch and dinner, including fresh fish and
seafood, high quality meats and an assortment of heart
sandwiches. It also offers a daily fixed-price themed
supper that features authentic gourmet Costa Rican
and international cuisines.
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27. Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens
Restaurants
• Sushi Amor- The newest dining addition to the hotel, serves sushi
with a Latin flair in an elegant yet casually tropical environment
overlooking the Arenal Volcano. The restaurant features a specially-
designed vodka dispensing machine where guests can sip and taste
a selection of premium and flavored vodka brands from around the
world. Its colorful decor includes sky blue chairs and tables made
out of rustic wood, each hand- painted by Costa Rica's indigenous
Malekus with vibrant "art naive" paintings. Multi-colored toucans,
humming birds and parrots also decorate the room.
• Nostalgia- An entirely new concept wine bar where guests can
sample the best Latin American and Spanish wines using a special
Italian wine-dispensing system. Its decor includes plush leather
couches, plasma televisions and an open-air terrace. The bar offers
a stylish, yet relaxed atmosphere to enjoy tapas or an after-dinner
drink.
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31. Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens
• Nayara Suite
– Arguably the most beautiful and romantic suite in all
of Costa Rica, the Nayara Suite is the most spacious
and luxurious accommodation available at the hotel.
Designed to provide an intimate and lavish
experience, each free-standing bungalow is
surrounded by a large terrace, which features a
colorful hammock, a sitting area perfect for reading
and a deep Jacuzzi to relax while enjoying the
magnificent views of the volcano. The marble
bathroom provides his and her vanities, a specious
rain shower for two, and a separate entrance to a
seductive private garden with an outdoor shower for
two.
38. Guanacaste
• As Guanacaste spans the northwestern corner of Costa
Rica, it should come as no surprise that this lively province
is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa
Rica. Tamarindo is sunny throughout nearly the entire year,
and the weather remains pleasant without much humidity.
Travelers can do everything from surfing, ATV Tours,
snorkeling, zip line, horseback riding, hiking and more.
Sitting between two mountains, Playa Hermosa is a great
location for travelers who wish to have a laid back
experience away from crowds. Hermosa is near Rincon de
la Vieja National Park, Palo Verde National Park and Santa
Rosa National Park, so there are plenty of opportunities to
experience wildlife in this area. Other pristine shorelines in
this region include Playa Panama, Playa Grande, Pan de
Azucar, Playa Ocotal, Playa Flamingo and Playas del Coco
beaches.
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40. Secrets Papagayo Resort and Spa
• Resort opens November 2015
• 4.5 Star Resort
• All-Inclusive
• Adult-Only
• Set on Papagayo Bay along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Secrets
Papagayo Costa Rica sits on a black, volcanic sand beach, which when
coupled with lush, mountainous surroundings provides a stunning
backdrop for an intimate, relaxing and romantic getaway. This oceanfront
resort boasts 202 spacious suites with finely-appointed amenities, a
private terrace or patio, and all the benefits of the Unlimited-Luxury
experience. Indulge in 24-hour room service, a daily refreshed mini-bar,
limitless gourmet dining and top-shelf spirits at four restaurants, one caf
and five bars, pool and beach wait service, nightly entertainment and
more. The full-service Secrets Spa by Pevonia is a sanctuary for the senses,
offering rejuvenating treatments and packages. Enjoy the natural scenery
and attractions of Costa Rica by visiting the Marina Papagayo, located
nearby which boasts world-class sport fishing, a pedestrian village,
gardens and picturesque walk- ways. An unparalleled experience awaits at
Secrets Papagayo, just 20 minutes from the Liberia Airport and 30 minutes
from down- town Liberia.
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43. Secrets Papagayo Resort and Spa
Activities
• Two pools
• Theme nights: Beach Party, Karaoke and Shows
• Beach walks
• Water aerobics
• Cooking lessons
• Beach volleyball
• Big screen movies on the beach
• Pilates
• Non-motorized water sports
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45. Secrets Papagayo Resort and Spa
Restaurant
• Seaside Grill
– Located pool-side with exquisite ocean views and
serving delicious light lunch specialties and grilled
specialties for dinner. Open for lunch and dinner.
• Coco Café
– Premium coffee and deli snacks served in a casual and
relaxed atmosphere
• Himitsu
– Specializing in a fusion of Pan-Asian cuisine served la
carte.
46. Secrets Papagayo Resort and Spa
Restaurant
• Market Café
– Located in front of the main pool/area. Buffet
style with international cuisine, theme stations
and a show cooking experience. Open for
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Portofino
– Delectable Italian la carte cuisine. Wine cellar -
available for private dining with an excellent
selection of fine wines from Argentina, Chile,
France, Germany, Italy, Spain and USA.
47. Secrets Papagayo Resort and Spa
Bars
• Rendezvous
– Lobby bar featuring chic furniture for lounging with a
refreshing cocktail
• Manatees
– Swim-up bar at the pool
• Barracuda
– Beach and pool bar offering signature cocktails
• Sugar Reef
– Tropical cocktails with great ocean views by the pool and
on the beach
• Revive
– Located next to the Spa, offering a wide selection of
healthy and natural beverages and cocktails
48. Secrets Papagayo Resort and Spa
• Preferred Club Bungalow Suite Oceanfront
– Located at some of the most convenient and attractive
locations through the property
– One king bed
– Private, furnished terrace or patio
– Spacious bathroom with shower
– 48” Smart TV
– Direct dial telephone and Wi-Fi internet connection
– Daily refreshed mini-bar with beer, soft drinks and bottled
water
– Coffee maker
– 24-hour room service
– iPod docking station with alarm clock radio
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50. Details
• Estimated flight cost: $500-$600 per person
• Dates used for quote 12/5-15
• Quote does not include transfer between
resort
• Quote for 5 nights at each resort: $6,114