Ten days in Costa Rica, for two
Jungle canals in Tortuguero, hot springs under Arenal Volcano, misty cloud forest and long Pacific sunsets: Costa Rica packs four honeymoons into ten days, all within a few hours of each other.
Full 10-day trip for two, door to door from the USA
Where the money goes
Estimated budget for two over 10 days, in US dollars. Choosing all-inclusive lodges in Tortuguero and a volcano-view suite at Arenal moves the total most.
| Category | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| International flightsUSA ⇄ San José (SJO), 2 people. Short nonstops from Miami, Houston, Atlanta and New York; Liberia (LIR) is handy for the Pacific end. | $900 – $1,800 |
| Accommodation (9 nights)About $250–$550 a night: jungle lodges, volcano-view spa resorts and a beach hotel. | $2,250 – $4,950 |
| Meals and diningLodge meal plans in Tortuguero, sodas (local diners) and a few special dinners. | $900 – $1,600 |
| Activities and experiencesCanal boat tours, hot springs, hanging bridges, coffee tour, sunset sail. | $700 – $1,300 |
| Transport in the regionShuttle and boat to Tortuguero, then a 4x4 rental for the rest of the loop. | $500 – $900 |
| Ground totalAll costs on the ground, excluding international flights | $4,350 – $8,750 |
| Grand totalFull 10-day trip for two, door to door from the USA | $5,250 – $10,550 |
Estimates only. Prices vary by season, departure city and availability.
Suggested 10-day Costa Rica itinerary
Caribbean jungle first, then the volcano, the cloud forest and the Pacific coast. Each stop shows the estimated cost of your stay there.
Tortuguero
The Amazon of Costa Rica
- Shuttle and boat from San José into the canals; there are no roads to Tortuguero.
- Dawn canoe tours for sloths, caimans, toucans and howler monkeys.
- Night walk on the beach for nesting sea turtles (July–October).
- Stay at a riverside lodge with meals included.
La Fortuna
Volcano and adventure
- Soak in natural hot springs with views of Arenal Volcano.
- Walk the Mistico hanging bridges and the La Fortuna waterfall trail.
- Optional: zipline, canyoning or a sunset kayak on Lake Arenal.
- Book a volcano-view room with a private terrace.
Londres & Poás Volcano
Cloud forest transition
- Drive through the highlands to the Poás crater lookout.
- Coffee tour and tasting at a working hacienda.
- Quiet night among the cloud forest before heading to the coast.
Playa Hermosa
Pacific sunsets and relaxation
- Slow mornings on a calm, grey-sand Pacific beach.
- Catamaran sunset sail with snorkelling stops.
- Couples massage and a farewell seafood dinner on the sand.
- Fly home from Liberia (LIR), about 30 minutes away.
Book with our affiliate partners direct and get discounts
Special notes for an intimate escape
Small touches that turn a nature trip into a honeymoon.
Private hot spring pools
Several resorts around Arenal rent private thermal pools by the hour, some with a candlelit dinner. Book them for your last evening there, when the volcano clears at sunset.
Private catamaran charter
Instead of a shared sunset cruise, charter a small catamaran for two along the Papagayo coast, with drinks, a swim stop and dinner on board.
Logistics and travel tips
Getting around
Tortuguero is reached only by boat; leave the car in San José and pick up your 4x4 on the way to La Fortuna.
Best time to go
December–April: dry season, best for the Pacific coast.
July–October: turtle nesting in Tortuguero, greener and cheaper.
Money
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere; carry colones for sodas and park entries.
Packing
Light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.
Plan the Costa Rica trip at $262 – $528 per person a day
Browse tours and activities, or compare it with our 15-day Thailand honeymoon.
GoWithGuide is the travel platform that offers tours with language/translation services, in any location as well as a one-day tours covering major spots, from Tokyo to Svalbard.
We Speak the Languages that you don’t, let’s connect!