We are beyond excited to celebrate our special day with you! ❤️ Costa Rica holds a special place in our hearts, and we hope you’ll take the opportunity to experience its incredible beauty while you’re here. If you’re thinking about extending your trip before or after the wedding, we highly recommend exploring some of our favorite spots. Below are a few of our top recommendations! While some destinations are accessible by bus or public transportation, renting a car will give you more freedom to explore—especially if you're venturing beyond San José and Alajuela. 🌿✨🚗
¡Estamos muy emocionados de compartir nuestro día tan especial con ustedes! ❤️ Costa Rica tiene un lugar muy especial en nuestros corazones y esperamos que aprovechen la oportunidad de conocer su increíble belleza mientras estén aquí. Si están pensando en alargar su viaje antes o después de la boda, les recomendamos explorar algunos de nuestros lugares favoritos. A continuación les dejamos algunas de nuestras recomendaciones. Algunos destinos son accesibles en bus o transporte público, pero alquilar un auto les dará más libertad para explorar, especialmente si planean salir de la zona de San José y Alajuela. 🌿✨🚗
Hermosa Palms is where we will stay for 5 days in our Airbnb rental (January 4-9). Several houses are available for rent in the neighborhood, as well as hotels nearby in Jacó and Manuel Antonio. 📍 Distance from Airports: ✈️ From SJO (San José): ~1.5-2 hours 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Surf at Playa Hermosa, home to the ISA World Surfing Championship ✅ Relax in the quiet residential community of Hermosa Palms ✅ Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean 🌅 ✅ Take day trips to nearby Manuel Antonio National Park (~1 hour) ✅ Explore the nightlife, restaurants, and shops of Jacó (10 minutes) ✅ Book adventure tours like zip-lining, horseback riding, or ATV tours ✅ Spot wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, and scarlet macaws in the surroundings ✅ Lounge by your Airbnb pool with beautiful ocean views Vibe: Tranquil surfer's paradise, relaxed community living, and proximity to popular attractions 🏄♂️🌴
Located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, Poás Volcano features one of the world's largest active craters with a stunning turquoise sulfuric lake. The national park offers well-maintained trails and viewing platforms where visitors can safely observe this natural wonder. The surrounding cloud forest ecosystem is home to unique flora and fauna. 📍 Distance from Airports: ✈️ From SJO (San José): ~1.5 hours 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Witness the impressive active crater and its emerald-colored acidic lake ✅ Explore the park's visitor center to learn about volcanic activity ✅ Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Central Valley on clear days Vibe: Geological wonder, misty cloud forest, and volcanic landscapes 🌋☁️
Located just outside San José, Los Volcanes Coffee Tour offers an authentic glimpse into Costa Rica's rich coffee heritage. This family-run operation, managed by our new friend Paco, provides a personal experience that larger commercial tours simply can't match. 📍 Distance from San José: ~45 minutes 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Take a guided tour through the plantation with Paco himself, who shares generations of coffee-growing knowledge ✅ Learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the local ecosystem ✅ Participate in coffee harvesting (seasonal) and processing activities ✅ Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch featuring farm-to-table ingredients ✅ Sample various coffee preparations and learn professional cupping techniques ✅ Purchase directly-sourced beans at farm-direct prices ✅ Relax on the scenic terrace overlooking the Central Valley Vibe: Authentic experience, sustainable practices, and world-class coffee in a stunning volcanic setting ☕🌋
Doka Coffee Estate offers one of the most comprehensive and educational coffee experiences in Costa Rica. This plantation has been producing award-winning coffee for over three generations and features the country's oldest wet mill, declared a Historical and Architectural Heritage site. 📍 Distance from San José: ~1 hour 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Take a guided tour through every stage of coffee production from seedling to cup ✅ Visit the original water-powered wet mill that dates back to 1920 ✅ Explore extensive coffee fields with stunning volcano views ✅ Learn about the different varieties of coffee grown on the estate ✅ Observe the butterfly garden and bonsai tree exhibition on the property ✅ Participate in professional coffee tastings to distinguish flavor profiles ✅ Enjoy breakfast or lunch at their on-site restaurant with panoramic views Vibe: Historical heritage, educational experience, and commercial-scale operations in a picturesque setting ☕🌱
The former capital of Costa Rica offers historical sites and access to the picturesque Orosi Valley. 📍 Distance from San José: ~45 minutes to Cartago, ~1 hour to Orosi Valley 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Visit the stunning Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles ✅ Explore the ruins of the Santiago Apóstol Parish ✅ Take in panoramic views from the Mirador de Ujarrás ✅ Relax at Orosi's hot springs ✅ Visit the oldest operating church in Costa Rica (Iglesia de San José de Orosi) ✅ Drive the scenic loop around Lake Cachí Vibe: Colonial history, lush valleys, and cultural heritage 🏛️🌄
One of Costa Rica's largest national parks is just a short drive from San José, offering lush rainforest and incredible biodiversity. 📍 Distance from San José: ~1 hour 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Take the aerial tram through the rainforest canopy ✅ Hike trails ranging from easy to challenging ✅ Visit the Quebrada González ranger station for wildlife spotting ✅ Bird watch for rare species like the quetzal and umbrella bird ✅ Experience primary rainforest without traveling far from the city Vibe: Accessible rainforest wilderness and abundant wildlife 🌿🦜
A lively beach town with stunning sunsets, great restaurants, and plenty of activities for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax. 📍 Distance from Airports: ✈️ From SJO (San José): ~4-5 hours 🚗 ✈️ From LIR (Liberia): ~1.5 hours 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Relax on Tamarindo Beach with a cocktail in hand 🍹🌅 ✅ Take surf lessons or rent a board to catch some waves 🏄♀️ ✅ Go on a sunset catamaran cruise with snorkeling ⛵🐠 ✅ Take a day trip to Playa Conchal for its white-shell beach 🏝 ✅ Visit Las Baulas National Park to see nesting sea turtles 🐢🌿 ✅ Explore the mangroves on a guided kayak or boat tour 🚣♂️ ✅ Enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at beachfront restaurants 🍽 ✅ Book a spa day at a luxury resort 💆♀️🌿 Vibe: Fun beach town, lively nightlife, and gorgeous sunsets 🌅🌊
Famous for its striking blue river and waterfall, Rio Celeste is a natural wonder created by a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals. 📍 Distance from Airports: ✈️ From SJO (San José): ~3.5 hours 🚗 ✈️ From LIR (Liberia): ~2 hours 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Hike to the stunning turquoise waterfall 💦 ✅ See the point where two clear streams merge to create the blue color 🔵 ✅ Visit the bubbling hot springs (Los Teñideros) 🌡️ ✅ Cross hanging bridges over the blue waters 🌉 ✅ Enjoy bird watching throughout the park 🦜 ✅ Soak in nearby hot springs after your hike 🧖♂️ Vibe: Magical blue waters, rainforest trails, and volcanic features 💙🌿
For those wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation, La Fortuna offers lush jungles, natural hot springs, and incredible volcano views. 📍 Distance from Airports: ✈️ From SJO (San José): ~2.5-3 hours 🚗 ✈️ From LIR (Liberia): ~3-3.5 hours 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Soak in natural hot springs with volcano views ♨️🌋 ✅ Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall & swim in the pool below 💦🏞 ✅ Walk across hanging bridges & spot sloths 🦥🌳 ✅ Zip-line through the rainforest canopy for epic views 🌲🤩 ✅ Take a boat safari on Río Frío to see caimans & monkeys 🐊🐒 ✅ Explore lava fields & scenic trails around Arenal Volcano 🌋🏕 ✅ Visit a coffee & chocolate farm for tastings 🍫☕ ✅ Get a deep-tissue massage at a spa surrounded by nature 💆♂️✨ Vibe: Adventure meets relaxation, lush jungle, and natural thermal pools 🌿♨️
This magical cloud forest reserve offers a unique ecosystem where clouds pass through the forest, creating a misty, ethereal environment rich in biodiversity. 📍 Distance from Airports: ✈️ From SJO (San José): ~3-3.5 hours 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Walk across hanging bridges suspended in the forest canopy 🌉 ✅ Take thrilling zipline tours through the cloud forest 🌿 ✅ Go on a guided night hike to spot nocturnal wildlife 🦉 ✅ Visit the hummingbird garden to see dozens of species 🐦 ✅ Explore the butterfly garden and insect exhibition 🦋 ✅ Observe the rare Resplendent Quetzal bird (seasonal) 🦜 Vibe: Misty forests, rich biodiversity, and adventure activities 🌲☁️
A perfect mix of pristine beaches and rich biodiversity, Manuel Antonio offers both relaxation and exciting wildlife encounters. 📍 Distance from Airports: ✈️ From SJO (San José): ~2.5-3 hours 🚗 ✈️ From LIR (Liberia): ~4.5-5.5 hours 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Lounge on white-sand beaches like Playa Espadilla & Playa Biesanz 🌊🏝 ✅ Explore Manuel Antonio National Park & spot sloths & monkeys 🦥🐒 ✅ Go on a catamaran cruise with snorkeling & dolphin spotting ⛵🐬 ✅ Take a horseback ride to a hidden waterfall 🏇💦 ✅ Paddle through the mangroves on a kayak tour 🚣♂️🌿 ✅ Enjoy fresh seafood at an oceanfront restaurant 🦞🍽 ✅ Try parasailing for epic aerial views of the coastline 🪂🌅 ✅ Book a jungle night tour to see nocturnal wildlife 🦎🌙 Vibe: Stunning beaches, tropical wildlife, and dreamy sunsets 🌅🐒
A unique Caribbean coastal town that blends Afro-Caribbean, indigenous, and Latin cultures, known for its laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches. 📍 Distance from Airports: ✈️ From SJO (San José): ~4-5 hours 🚗 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Relax on pristine beaches like Punta Uva and Playa Cocles 🏝️ ✅ Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center to see wildlife rehabilitation 🐆 ✅ Cycle along the coastal road between beaches 🚲 ✅ Experience Afro-Caribbean cuisine and culture 🍛 ✅ Snorkel or dive at the coral reef in Cahuita National Park 🐠 ✅ Take a chocolate tour at an indigenous cacao farm 🍫 ✅ Explore the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge 🦎 Vibe: Caribbean culture, reggae rhythms, and pristine beaches 🏝️
Known as Costa Rica's "Little Amazon," this remote park is accessible only by boat or plane and is famous for its sea turtle nesting beaches and network of canals. 📍 Distance from Airports: ✈️ From SJO (San José): ~4-5 hours (combined road and boat) 🚗🚣♂️ 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Witness sea turtles nesting or hatching (seasonal) 🐢 ✅ Take guided canal tours to spot wildlife like caimans and monkeys 🚣♂️ ✅ Kayak through the peaceful waterways of the park 🛶 ✅ Visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy visitor center 🏢 ✅ Explore the small village of Tortuguero 🏘️ ✅ Hike the limited trails within the park for bird watching 🦜 Vibe: Remote waterways, turtle nesting beaches, and canal ecosystems 🐢🌊
One of the most biologically intense places on Earth, this remote park on the Osa Peninsula offers pristine rainforest and extraordinary wildlife viewing. 📍 Distance from Airports: ✈️ From SJO (San José): ~8 hours or domestic flight to Puerto Jiménez/Drake Bay 🚗✈️ 🌟 Things to Do: ✅ Take multi-day guided treks through primary rainforest 🥾 ✅ Spot rare wildlife like jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws 🐆 ✅ Stay at ranger stations within the park for immersive experiences 🏕️ ✅ Visit Sirena Biological Station, the heart of the park 🏢 ✅ Snorkel or dive around Caño Island Biological Reserve 🐠 ✅ Experience one of the world's most pristine ecosystems 🌿 Vibe: Remote wilderness, primary rainforest, and unparalleled biodiversity 🌳🦜