Wedding trip to South America: on the road between Costa Rica and Panama

Love unspoilt nature and dream beaches but you want to make your wedding trip an active holiday, on the road style combining relaxation and adventure, then Pura vida!

South American wedding trip

Hello!

I call myself a travel inspirer, a guide for all those who need advice to organize their active holidays or simply want to be inspired.

Here is the story of my journey on the Road between Panama and Costa Rica!

This trip is suitable for whoever:

Love nature and animals
It has adventure spirit
Want to combine relaxation with a good dose of action
Travel to make authentic experiences
This trip is not suitable for whoever:

Fears of driving in new contexts
Want a holiday of pure relaxation
Loves all-inclusive resort amenities
Fears insects
South america wedding trip | Us

South America Wedding Journey Route (2 weeks)

San Jose *1 night

Capital of the state of Costa Rica is its geographical, economic and political center. This city does not shine for beauty and personality. Therefore, recover your car, recover from the long journey and jump on it as well.

If you have plenty of energy and a few hours to use, I suggest you visit the cheerful central market, get yourself kidnapped by one of the many screaming women on the door of a soda (typical local trattoria) and enjoy your first homedo (rice, beans, vegetables or plane tree, meat or fish) accompanied by a delicious natural (fresh juices of tropical fruit). In a nation that is dear in itself, this meal is a tasty and cheap choice.

South america wedding trip | San Jose

Home & Natural
Honeymoon Costa Rica | San Jose

Fortune Fortune *3 nights *transfer: 2.30H
Treat yourself to a few days of relaxation at one of the many resorts or spa complexes in the area. Or if you prefer to stay active by visiting the Parque Nacional Volcan Arenal or Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio. As you will have guessed, both parks include volcanoes more than 1,500mt high and still active. The trekking available are all well signposted and exciting. You'll admire animals, forests, waterfalls, rivers with unique colours such as the Heavenly Rio, sulphate and breathtaking views of the volcanoes.

The most famous route in the area is along the slopes of Cerro Chato. Andrea and I have done it: it is a constant climb to the top of the volcano from where you can admire a wonderful view and dive into the green waters of the lake formed in the crater. So choose to tackle this route depends on your level you exercise, it takes 3-4 hours a/r. The journey is extremely challenging!

Samara *2 nights *transfer: 2.50H
Located on the Nicoya peninsula, this tiny village on the beach is a paradise for those who prefer authentic places far from mass tourism. Its relaxed, serene and festive atmosphere will involve you immediately and it will only be a matter of time.... often whoever arrives no longer leaves. Pure Vida!

Life in fact takes place slowly among walks along the beach (the most beautiful are Samara, Playa Carrillo and Nosara), diving in the warm ocean, surfing lessons, pleasant conversations with locals and sunsets forwardable. And we were no less!

South america wedding trip | Playa Samara

Every hundred meters the world changes "(cit. Roberto Bolaño)
In fact, when you arrive on the southern tip of the Nicoya peninsula, after hours of unpaved roads surrounded by rainforests and screaming monkeys, the world seems really changed.

There is only one road in the middle of the forest. Right and left small shops, hotels, houses, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, banks, etc.. And then the ocean, wild and white beaches that seem to never end.

The funny thing is that we have met only beautiful people, athletic and that obviously makes surfing! If you want to learn or practice this sport, Santa Teresa is the most suitable place.

They also deserve a day trip: Montezuma (also called Montefuma...) and the Reserva Natural de Cabo Blanco.

Costa Rica Honeymoon Honeymoon | Playa Santa Teresa
Early surf experiences in Playa Santa Teresa
Costa Rica Honeymoon Honeymoon | Playa Santa Teresa
Playa Santa Teresa
Monteverde *2 nights *transfer: 3.30H

Heading north, you will reach Monteverde, a geographical area of great environmental importance. Tourists from all over the world come here to observe the Bosque Nuboso, an incredibly humid rainforest type, located at 1,600mt above sea level and constantly immersed in clouds. Visit the park to see more than 500 species of birds and 400 orchids living in this unique habitat.

This resort is also famous for inventing the zip line (cable suspended in the air from which it is hung through slings and slipped from one point to another). We enjoyed a lot! You can choose between various types and offers. Pure Vida!

Honeymoon Costa Rica | Monteverde
Monteverde
Honeymoon Costa Rica | Monteverde
Bosque Nuboso -Monteverde
Jacò *3 nights *transfer: 2H
Jacò is the most tourist resort in Costa Rica and is a convenient starting point to visit two of the most beautiful parks: the Parque Nacional Carara and the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio.

Get ready to spot an enormous amount of wildlife that is unique in the world. In the first case you can see the rare Scarlatte Are Scarlatte or Macaco (a kind of parrot), alligators, giant butterflies, etc..

While in Manuel Antonio's reserve, it is easy to observe three species of monkeys, sloth, raccoon (we are professional thieves! State on guard 24h/24!), snakes, iguanas, rodents, etc.. In addition, its pristine beaches are among the most beautiful in Central America.

Costa Rica Honeymoon Honeymoon | Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Cara Blanca Monkey - Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio Antonio
Costa Rica Honeymoon Honeymoon | Playa Manuel Antonio Anthony
Playa Manuel Antonio Playa
Itinerary (3 weeks) - See above and add below

Bocas del Toro - Panama *5 nights * transfer *transfer: airplane
After two very lively weeks, the time has come to rest in the Caribbean. And why not visit the Bocas del Toro archipelago, located just 32km from the Costa Rica border? 6 inhabited islands and a myriad of pristine islets, green-blue sea, coral reef, mangroves and a sui generis Afro-Caribbean culture.

So leave the land of the Pura vida, which I can now explain to you what it means. Figo "," ok "," good day "," pleasure of knowing you ": in short, it is a motto with a thousand meanings linked to a philosophy of life based on positivity!

Once in Bocas del Toro, you will move from one island to another or from one point to another by cheap taxi boat or larger boats used for group tours.

South American wedding trip | Isla Carenero-Bocas del Toro Isla Carenero-Bocas
Seeing the ocean in Bocas del Toro
The best beaches to visit:

¬ Playa Estrella in the north of Isola Colòn: famous for the numerous starfish visible on the seabed.
South America wedding trip | Marine star to Playa Estrella
Estrella beach resort in Playa Estrella
¬ Playa Carenero on the east coast of Isola Carenero: great for surfing off the sea or swimming peacefully on the shore.
Playa Red Frog on Isola Bastimento: accessible by two footpaths. One longer free of charge, the other shorter for a fee. You can see the very rare red frogs of Bocas along the way.
¬ Cayo Coral and Cayo Zapatillas: amazing uninhabited coral archipelagos where you can have excellent snorkeling and enjoy a small, authentic paradise.
I also recommend you visit the Coconut Bar on Solarte Island, built on stilts suspended on a crystal clear sea. Imagine sipping a cocktail lying on a hammock immersed in the waves. It's one of the most beautiful memories of my wedding trip to South America!

South America wedding trip | Blue Coconut bar - Isla Solarte
Coconut bar on Isla Solarte
San Josè *1 night * Transfer by plane
Our journey ends here. You return home. Sigh sigh sigh....

Flights

There are no direct flights. Several airlines offer flights with one stopover, which take between 13 and 15 hours on average to reach their destination.

Time zone

6 hours behind Rome.

When to go: climate and seasons

Being close to the equator, Costa Rica and Panama have a warm climate all year round (slightly more temperate only in the inner highlands of the CRC). The seasons are marked by rainy weather. The dry season goes from December to April; the wet season from May to November.

I visited these locations in June, which is theoretically low season. I use the term theoretically because, even if you opt for the rainy season, the climate will still be good. Expect 1 or 2 hours of rain per day (serious rain!), sudden climatic changes, but against a climate always warm (less sultry than dry) and cheaper prices.

Required documents

Passport with a residual duration of at least 3 months IS NOT VIEWED!
Return/return ticket
Where to stay

The accommodation offer is varied: hotels, resorts, B&Bs, holiday homes and apartments. There are solutions for every need, budget and quality standard. I always recommend using two portals: www.booking.com (mainly for hotels and resorts, but not only) and www.airbnb.com (apartments or private rooms). Don't underestimate Airbnb, you can find top-quality residences with excellent value for money.