I've been reading through the comments about honeymoons and I think that Costa Rica is definately a great choice for my fiance and I. We are going for 14 days in August. I know it will be rainy and that is okay. I don't want to spend much time traveling around but we do want to have some adventures! Could anyone recommend maybe the top 3 things/places to do/see that would require the least amount of travel travel. My ideas so far are Manuel Antonio and Arenal. Would the Osa Peninsula be a good option for August? Muchas gracias!

For our honeymoon, we stayed at Xandari the first night (not too far from the airport) and then went to Arenal and MA--loved them all. We're going back next month, this time to Monteverde, Montezuma, and MA again. I'd like to go to Osa someday, but decided against it for this trip because it would be too much traveling.

It depends whether you're willing to fly from place to place and how you want to get around. Good luck deciding!

Your choices are excellent. The Osa would be a good 3rd location for you, but please check amount of rainfall there for August. First of July, the rain didn't bother at all, but I know it increases gradually until the very rainy months of September and October, when many hotels down there close and take a break.

I definitely would do at least 3 locations and you could do 4 without too much traveling about. Arenal and Manuel Antonio are both wonderful, but not for more than 3-5 days! 3 would be enough for us.

You might consider including some time in the central valley--it's gorgeous and so typical Costa Rican. The beaches tend to be more touristy as is Arenal.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens has Peace Lodge which would be a nice relaxing way to end your honeymoon after all your adventures.

OR, instead of staying at La Paz, stay closer to San Jose. You can still enjoy the many sights and sounds of the central valley (many wonderful day trips available) and you could do a one or two day rafting trip as well. Great adventure!

Also, the turtles are nesting in Tortuguero between July and October. August would be a great time to visit for a couple of nights.

My suggestion for an itinerary:

Day 1--arrive, overnight San Jose
Day 2-3--Tortuguero
Day 4-6--Arenal
Day 6-10--Manuel Antonio
Day 11-13--back to San Jose area, enjoy central valley, do a rafting trip.

You can reach Tort by plane or boat--depending on type of tour you arrange. When you return, pick up a car, head to Arenal, then Manuel Antonio, returning your car on day 11 or 12, depending of rafting arrangements. This would allow for a one week rental, which is the cheapest way. You could add a couple of days if necessary.

Congratulations and Happy Honeymooning!

As to Osa in August, it was not the rain that bothered us but the humidity. It was incredibly humid the whole time we were there. All of our clothes and bed sheets were damp and nothing ever dried. It was much drier in other parts of the country.

You are on the right track. Don't skip MA & Arenal. Never been to Osa, but will be on my list to do after my 4th trip to CR in May.

Three places in 14 days is perfect. Consider some flying on Sansa or Nature Air to save time between locations. Otherwise, hire a private driver so you can really enjoy your honeymoon. I highly recomend staying at Peace Lodge( Monarch Villa or Deluxe Room) & La Paz Waterfalls which is less than 1 hr from SJ airport for last 1-2 days of trip. You have Poas Volcano & Doka Coffee Plantation nearby in addition to the La Paz Waterfalls/Butterfly Observatory/Humingbird exhibit all at the same place. Good option after a few days at Tabacon and only 2 hrs away from Arenal and heading back towards SJ airport. By all means check this place out

Places to stay: MA, Si Como No, Mango Moon, La Mansion, Makanda, Tulemar or El Parador. Arenal: Tabacon or Lost Iguana. Osa: Here Lapis Rios is outstanding + a few others. Yes, you will deal with humidity anywhere you go, so just relax and have a good time. Not any worse than what we deal with in Texas. Forget cotton clothes and take quick drying shorts, tops, etc. If it rains some, who cares, that's part of the fun of visiting a rainforest. Bring a good camera as you will see tons of wildlife. Great country and really good, friendly people. Learn a few basic Spanish words/phrases and it will go a long ways with how you are treated. Taking my girlfriend next month for her 1st trip and she can't wait to get there.

For tour operator I highly recomend GaiaLink Tours. Can help you very professionally with with anything you need ie: hotels, tours, private transfers, etc. Choose what you need and does not have to be a package. Ralph is excellent at GaiaLink. Several other tour operators are very good, just passing on my very satsifactory experience with them.