Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a beautiful, safe, and vibrant country with lots to do for any kind of couple. Whether you're going for an eco-lodge or a luxury stay, there are gems all over the country. This is a good introduction to Central America and more of the hispanic culture. My husband and I traveled to Costa Rica for a 6-day whirlwind trip, so here's what we recommend!

Getting Around

We rented an SUV with enough clearance, just in case we ran into bumpy roads. The main roads all around the country were great! It happened to be that the worst street we were on was the one that we needed to take to get to our AirBnb. We rented with Alamo and were very happy with it! It came out to about $320 for the week with no hidden or extra costs. We flew into San Jose, but spent most of our time near Tamarindo. The drive between the two cities wasn't bad, but doing it at night was a bit scary due to very narrow lanes and no lighting.

The Language

While we both speak Spanish, we felt like English was very common and many spoke it well. We learned that the phrase "Pura vida" or "pure life" is something they use often. It can mean hello or goodbye; it can be a response to the question "how are you?"; it can mean "no problem" and the list goes on. Use this phrase and you're sure to get a smile!

When to Go

We went during the last week of June. This is considered the rainy season and the weather forecast showed rain everyday, but what that actually meant was a rainshower in the evening with partly cloudy skies the rest of the day. Thunderstorms were common at night, but we never got rained out of an activity during the day. However, if you really want to avoid the possibility of getting rained on your whole trip, I suggest going during the dry season which is Mid-December through April on the Pacific side of the country.

Where to Go

🌴Manuel Antonio

Best for: Beach lovers, wildlife spotting, boutique luxury
This dreamy coastal town blends white-sand beaches with lush rainforests and cheeky monkeys that might just crash your beach picnic. Spend your days hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park, lounging under palm trees, and staying in hillside villas with private infinity pools.

Jövo Pick: Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort – eco-luxury, barefoot charm, and unbeatable views.

🌋 La Fortuna & Arenal

Best for: Hot springs, volcano views, and rainforest romance
Nestled in the shadow of Arenal Volcano, this area is your gateway to natural hot springs, jungle hikes, and candlelit dinners with a view. Go waterfall rappelling if you're feeling bold—or just soak together under the stars.

Jövo Pick: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa – thermal pools, spa treatments, and jungle vibes.

🐠 Santa Teresa

Best for: Surf, sunsets, and boho-chic vibes
This Pacific coast town is remote, romantic, and effortlessly cool. Surf together, sip coconut water beachside, and watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of pink and gold.

Jövo Pick: Casa Chameleon at Mal Pais – adults-only villas with private plunge pools and open-air living.

Last minute tips! Stop at Wal-Mart for bug spray (the bugs come out every night), visit local grocery markets to avoid the tourist prices (though things are generally more expensive in Costa Rica as a whole), and slather on that sunscreen!

Happy travels and pura vida! 🔆