Honeymoon In… Costa Rica!

There are certain questions every bride-to-be is asked as soon as she makes the announcement to the world that she is getting married.  Of course, everyone asks to see “The Ring” and if she’s “Set a Date”.   Other questions concern the where and what how of it all as well as the all important focal of the entire wedding, “The Dress”.  One question that is asked though doesn’t concern the wedding at all and actually doesn’t take place until the whole thing is done with:  the honeymoon.  It’s a perfectly normal in-your-business question everyone asks and it seems like everyone I’ve talked to this year all had the same answer: Costa Rica.  

I knew personally three brides this year who all took honeymoons there, I have four friends from work who left today to go for ten days (I would have happily gone along had they not been a rowdy group of boys and although hubby is pretty laid back, that would have been pushing it a little.), and a few weeks ago, hubby asked what I thought about CR as a family vacation destination this year.  Having no knowledge of this little Central American hot spot, I decided to do a little digging and share what I found.

Costa Rica is indeed in Central America (I wasn’t sure at first since I haven’t had Geography in about 25 years) and nestled between Panama and Nicaragua.  It claims coasts on both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean which make it a mecca for beach goers, snorkelers and surfers.  Almost 26% of the country is composed of conservation and nationally protected territory and it is divided into seven political provinces which are unique and diverse, each offering something for everyone.

  San Jose, containing the capital city, is the most populated and located in the Central Plateau.  It includes the Central Mountain Range and is home to national parks, forest reserves, and an abundance of coffee plantations.

Heredia is the smallest province and known for colonial heritage and architecture.  It contains the Barva volcano in Braulio Carrillo National Park near the Central Valley.

Braulio Carrillo National Park

Guanacaste is known for cattle ranches and beaches and is considered the driest region.  Located on the Pacific Ocean side, it is home to some of the best beach hotels in the world and if travelling between the months of October and March, is also a great place to witness the Leatherback turtle spawning season.

Sunset in Guanacaste

Puntarenas or the “Pearl of the Pacific” is the destination of many Panama Canal cruise ships but with its vast beaches, host some of the countries sweetest surf spots.

Cartago is the considered the Ancient Metropolis and has the most important examples of colonial art.  This humid tropical region is made up of two mountain ranges, the Central and the Talamanca.

Alajuela is one of the most extensive provinces and is known as “The Land of Mangoes”.  It shares a boundary with Nicaragua and is home to two of the most impressive and active volcanoes in the country.

Lastly, Limon is a natural paradise made up of a combination of dense jungles, imposing mountains and paradisiacal beaches.  This area has the highest percentage of protected lands and while most are not “visitor accessible” there are licensed guides for hire who are allowed in certain areas.  It’s Caribbean border is also a gathering spot for snorkelers from all over.

There are a few most asked questions that can be answered here.

Although you do need a passport, a visa is not required from most countries including the US and Canada.  You must purchase a roundtrip ticket to be able to enter the country though.  The currency is the Colon but US currency is widely accepted as well as most major credit cards.  Most of the water is potable (which is okay for a shower) so you may want to drink bottled water while you’re there especially around the coastal areas.  

Thinking about getting married there?  A few things you’ll need to bring along: a birth certificate, an affidavit of single status, police record, valid passport, divorce decree (if applicable) and all documents need to follow an authentication procedure.

This is just a touch of what this wonderful country as to offer.  More information can be found at the tourism website at www.visitcostarica.com  and www.infocostarica.com.

Both websites include more info including hotel information and tour information as well.  In doing a little research for myself, I also found that a family of four can stay at a moderately rated hotel in a suite or bungalow for as little as $200 a night or less.  Some of the resorts offer amenities such as spas, tours, dining, and other activities built into the price including special honeymoon packages.  Search around for the best bang for your buck.  As far as paradise vacations go, this one gives you all without spending all which is one of it’s biggest appeals.  The visitcostarica website also has a search section for where to stay and lists hotels ranked by sustainability and has a certification program for these eco-environmentally-friendly places to stay which I’ll be talking about more on Fresh Friday. 

I’m beginning to understand why so many people are choosing this wonderful place to vacation and especially honeymoon.  I can’t think of anything more romantic than a sunset walk on the Pacific Coast leading back to a candlelit dinner at a private bungalow on the beach.  Happy Honeymooning!!

 

Related posts:

1. Win a Honeymoon!