The Best Honeymoon Destinations in Central America in 2023
From gorgeous beach resorts to lush rainforests, we have compiled a list of the best honeymoon destinations in Central America.
The Best Honeymoon Destinations in Central America
PANAMA:
1. Bocas del Toro
Only a one-hour flight from Panama City, you will find this hidden gem honeymoon destination in Panama.
These islands feel like you have been transported into a whole new country. The beaches surrounding Bocas are lined with dazzling turquoise waters, sparkling white sands, and plenty of coconut trees, and mangroves!
Known as Panama’s hidden Caribbean gem, Bocas del Toro welcomes adventure-seeking honeymooners who will find plenty to do to keep them occupied – from snorkeling and scuba diving to sailing and hiking. Bocas is also home to a vibrant tropical rainforest, cultural sites, and some of the best beaches in Panama – all complete with a friendly, laidback vibe.
There are several islands of Bocas del Toro, so spend a day exploring all the different islands and beaches it has to offer! If you want something really romantic, try going horseback riding together on the beach – that is the ultimate honeymoon activity!
2. Boquete
This gorgeous destination is the ideal honeymoon spot for couples looking for an outdoorsy honeymoon. Boquete is a small town on the Caldera River, in western Panama. The surrounding Chiriquí Highlands are home to coffee plantations and the Barú Volcano National Park, to the west. Highlights in the park include the towering Barú Volcano and Los Quetzales Trail, which offers sightings of the elusive quetzal bird. Boquete is also Panama’s adventure capital: From ziplining to rafting, horseback riding to hiking over suspension bridges, this region has it all.
When you want a rest from all those fun activities, enjoy the lovely local festivals during the months of December through April. Watch the parades of flowers during the La Feria de las Flores y del Café, or enjoy some local jazz music during the Boquete Jazz and Blues Festival.
There is so much to do here, you will see why it is one of the top honeymoon spots in Panama.
3. San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)
This hot honeymoon destination is a group of over 300 islands that make up the archipelago of San Blas. What makes San Blas special is how its tourism is fully controlled by the local Guna tribe. So you can travel knowing that you will be supporting indigenous communities.
The beaches of San Blas are untouched by mass tourism leaving peaceful, empty beaches for couples to enjoy in privacy.
The San Blas Islands, or Guna Yala, are a beach paradise for honeymooners – if you are OK with very basic accommodation for a few days! There is no AC, no TV, no warm water but I can guarantee you an unforgettable experience. The white sands, crystal-clear waters, and gentle waves will provide peak relaxation. The islands should definitely make your list of the top honeymoon destinations in Central America.
COSTA RICA
4. La Fortuna
Literally meaning “The Fortune,” in Spanish, La Fortuna is one of the most beloved honeymoon destinations in Costa Rica and Central America.
Hidden at the base of the Arenal Volcano, the town of La Fortuna has so many beautiful sights for couples to explore. The town center is a gorgeous park filled with bright, colorful gardens and a magnificent church. It is a fantastic spot to go for a nice walk and enjoy some of the local cuisines.
But the main reason for La Fortuna’s popularity is the plethora of activities. You can do almost all of Costa Rica’s adventure tours out of La Fortuna. You can explore the rainforest canopy on a hanging bridge, fly through the sky on a zip line, rappel down waterfalls, go whitewater rafting, and hike through lava fields in the Arenal Volcano National Park to get the best views in Costa Rica.
After a full day of activities, there’s nothing better than to soak in one of La Fortuna’s geothermally heated hot springs.
5. Uvita
Uvita is a small village in the South Pacific, one of the best places in Costa Rica for a tranquil tropical vacation or honeymoon. It is filled with incredible beaches, mystical mangrove swamps, and beautiful estuaries. The best part about Uvita is its laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy a relaxing honeymoon in the soft ocean waves.
From December to April, visit the Marino Ballena National Park to see the humpback whale migration. It is an incredibly unique experience that most don’t get to see.
Costa Rica is known for its surf and yoga schools, and Uvita is no exception. As a bonus, this happens to be a particularly good stretch of coastline for families and beginners. For more advanced surfers, drive a few miles north to Dominical — a mecca that attracts surfers from around the world.
Both Uvita and Dominical are great honeymoon spots if you like regions that are less developed than other more popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica, such as Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula. We do!
This Central American honeymoon destination is all about being in the moment, which is exactly what you want during this special occasion.
6. Osa Peninsula
This rainforest destination is a must-go honeymoon destination for those who want the best of both worlds.
Located on the Southern Pacific coast, the Osa Peninsula is surrounded by lush rainforests but also borders the ocean creating some of the best-secluded beaches in Costa Rica. One day you can hike and explore the waterfalls of the Corcovado National Park, and the next go snorkeling in the ocean!
The Osa Peninsula is known for its biodiversity, so you are bound to see many animals in the wild that you wouldn’t typically see.
7. Puerto Viejo
If you are a foodie couple, then Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is where you need to have your honeymoon!
Located in Limon Province, close to the border with Panama, this town is famous for its Caribbean-inspired cuisine that stands out from the rest. There is nothing better than fresh seafood right by the ocean. Between each meal, take a rest on Puerto Viejo’s breathtaking beaches, or go surfing and work off all the food you just ate!
The village of Cahuita, about 10 miles north of Puerto Viejo, is worth visiting and is home to an awesome national park. This is where the jungle meets the sea. Here you can spot eyelash pit viper snakes, sloths, howler monkeys, white-nosed coatis, and many types of birds. The park also hosts several beaches.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca has something for everyone. Wildlife watching, horseback riding, night hikes, surfing, waterfalls, fishing, yoga, and Caribbean cooking or dance lessons are just a sample of the many activities in the area. And when the sun sets, Puerto Viejo becomes even livelier with its many beach bars playing live music on the beach. This town is the perfect blend of relaxation, food, and fun.
Visit nearby Bocas del Toro in Panama
If you have a few extra nights in your itinerary and want to see another country, we recommend a visit to Panama’s Bocas del Toro islands. Bocas has an even more laid-back Caribbean feel than Puerto Viejo and is a fabulous choice for an active beach vacation. Bocas del Toro is also home to a vibrant tropical rainforest and some of the best beaches in Panama. Those looking for a party scene will find it in Bocas Town.
Check out The Most amazing hotels in Bocas del Toro – Panama’s Caribbean gem.
MAP
THE BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS IN CENTRAL AMERICA
NICARAGUA
8. San Juan del Sur
Known for its exceptional surfing beaches, San Juan is the go-to honeymoon spot for active couples that like a good party. During the day, learn how to surf from the locals on one of their famous beaches such as Playa Maderas and Playa Hermosa. After surfing, take the hike to see the world’s largest statue of Jesus that sits atop a hill, giving you the ultimate views of San Juan. It is a must-go spot to get that perfect sunset scene.
When the sun goes down San Juan doesn’t sleep. There are a variety of bars in the city where you can enjoy a lovely cocktail by the beach and have some fun with the locals.
9. Little Corn Island
About 50 minutes from the eastern coast of Nicaragua is its best-kept secret – Little Corn Island. When you think of an untouched island, this is it. With no cars, motorbikes, or airports, there is only you and the gorgeous beach.
There is little to no internet connection here, so it is a great spot for couples who want to bond and be off the grid. Bring some books and card games to this little island and enjoy every moment with each other.
There are lovely hammocks on the island where guests can lay down and watch the golden sunsets hit the clear blue ocean. This hidden gem will definitely give you an unforgettable honeymoon experience in Nicaragua and definitely is one of the best honeymoon destinations in Central America!
BELIZE
10. Ambergris Caye
Belize’s largest island, Ambergris Caye, is protected by 190 miles of Barrier Reef which is the second largest in the world. The people that inhabit the island are called “Sanpedranos,” and speak multiple languages at the same time creating their unique dialect. The Sanpedranos are famous for taking pride in their culture and love to share it with tourists.
Explore the Hol Chan Marine Reserve or the Shark Ray Alley, and snorkel with the native sharks and stingrays – it will make for an unforgettable experience! With its gorgeous beaches, wonderful local population, and unique adventures, it is no wonder that Ambergris Caye is the top honeymoon destination on a Belize vacation.
11. Placencia
What began as a humble fishing village has now evolved to one of Belize’s hottest honeymoon destinations.
Placencia has also emerged as an increasingly popular destination in the Caribbean. Boasting 16 miles of golden sands in the southeastern region of Belize, it is no wonder why the Placencia Peninsula is one of the top must-see Belize attractions. Rapidly becoming the eco-tourism capital of Belize, Placencia is notorious for golf carts and bicycles zipping through the rustic streets.
With its gorgeous beaches and proximity to lush jungles, there is something for all types of honeymooners. Placencia is also famous for its emphasis on snorkeling during whale shark season – perfect for marine life lovers! After swimming with the whale sharks, take a day trip to Laughing Bird Caye National Park – an area of 1.8 acres that is pure island bliss. Imagine a picture-perfect island with clear waters, gentle waves, and soft white sand – that is Laughing Bird Caye in a nutshell.
12. San Ignacio
Situated in Western Belize, this lively city is known as much for its ancient ruins as it is for its lively downtown scene.
In San Ignacio, you can start your adventure with hiking, cave tubing, and zip-lining through the jungles of Belize, and surround yourself with top-notch nature views. When you want something a little more lowkey, you and your partner can take a stroll downtown and enjoy a nice cocktail while talking with the locals.
San Ignacio is the best honeymoon destination in Belize for couples that want to be in nature but also want some fun.
MEXICO
13. Oaxaca
Oaxaca is known as one of the most important cultural and culinary cities in Mexico, so if you are a foodie and want to honeymoon in Mexico, you have to come here! The town is ideal for couples who prefer to walk comfortably, a backpack on their shoulders, and the camera ready to shoot at the right time.
To Oaxaca, you come for the adventure, to enjoy its gastronomy, traditions, and of course to visit tourist attractions such as Hierve el Agua and historical sites such as the Cathedral of Santo Domingo and Monte Albán, among others.
Mexico is home to some of the world’s best food and craft markets, but Oaxaca is the place to go if you want a truly artisanal, delicious experience. To truly experience life as a local, take a stroll in the Mercado Benito Juárez to see the piles of fresh produce, mole paste, and even spicy grasshoppers!
14. Holbox
When people think of Mexico, their first thought is usually Cancun, but there are a plethora of other honeymoon destinations in Mexico that are just as spectacular and less crowded!
Holbox is one of these hidden gems that many honeymooners miss out on. The tropical island of Holbox is located just north of Cancun and is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, and has that island laidback feel to it. There are no cars here, so you get to sit back and relax with your significant other, and maybe even see a few whale sharks.
At night, the waters glow blue due to the phytoplankton in the water. Have a unique honeymoon experience on Isla Holbox and go snorkeling in the bioluminescent waters at night!
*****
Conclusion:
There are so many places in Central America that are amazing honeymoon spots that you may just feel overwhelmed. Hopefully, our breakdown of the best Central American honeymoon destinations has helped you decide which place fits your tastes the best. Happy travels!
***
Get in touch with us today to plan your tropical honeymoon, in one -or more- of these beautiful honeymoon destinations in Central America! We’d love to organize a unique and once-in-a-lifetime romantic getaway for you. Ask us for a free quote and you could be on your way very soon.
Have you spent your honeymoon in one of these destinations in Central America? Where? How was your experience?
Let us know in the comments.
Check out our sample Tropical Honeymoon Tours
or ask us for a customized tour
BELIZE – 8 days
| Belize Honeymoon Adventures | from US$ 2,650.00 |
- Belize is charming and off the beaten path
- Enjoy lush rainforest, beautiful beaches, and amazing resorts
- Go cave tubing and ziplining
- Relax in an award-winning jungle resort & an intimate Caribbean beach resort
| COSTA RICA – 8 days | |
| Adventure Honeymoon in Costa Rica | from US$ 2,830.00 |
- Enjoy an awesome mix of adventure, fun, and relaxation
- Stay in luxurious boutique hotels
- Spend time in the rainforest & on Caribbean beaches
- Go rafting, ziplining, and surfing
| MEXICO – 8 days | |
| Your ultimate honeymoon to Isla Holbox | from US$ 1,999.00 |
- Romantic beach vacation
- Stay in a virgin tourist destination
- Enjoy an intimate and wild island far away from the crowds
- Relax in a Suite with jacuzzi & sea view
PANAMA – 8 days
| Honeymoon Adventures in Panama | from US$ 3,250.00 |
- City Tour of the bustling capital
- Stay on a tiny Caribbean island
- Meet the indigenous Guna people
- Relax in a 5-star resort on the Pacific
| PANAMA – 7 days | |
| Sailing the San Blas Islands | from US$ 2,050.00 |
- Discover paradise on earth in the Caribbean of Panama
- Get to know an ancient indigenous culture
- Choose between cabin and private charter
- Stay in cosmopolitan Panama City before & after
| TURKS & CAICOS – 8 days | |
| Luxury Honeymoon on Turks & Caicos | from US$ 3,620.00 |
- Discover Turks & Caicos and the best beach in the world
- Stay in a luxurious 5-star boutique hotel
- Enjoy romance and luxurious Caribbean charm
- Horseback riding, photoshoot, and SUP included
