Kimkim Trip Reviews for Costa Rica

Kimkim and our local company, Serendipity, (with Bryan and our in-country guide Wilman) were all amazing in helping us plan a spectacular family vacation! I saved hours of time working with Serendipity. They quickly created an itinerary based on our initial wants and adjusted it whenever we had feedback. We adjusted our trip dates, asked to push back some of our early-morning activities, and inquired about different hotel options. All the responses were timely and accommodating. Once we arrived in Costa Rica, Wilman helped us every day with driving directions, suggestions for activities and restaurant recommendations. It took such a load off our shoulders knowing we didn't have to figure everything out; we just had to ask! And the answers were almost instantaneous. I would use kimkim again in a heartbeat.

Our zip line experience was wonderful. We did the jungle hike and suspension bridges with Fabi, which also wonderful. White water rafting with Fluffy and George were great. Whole trip was excellent, well organized. Transportation to each location was great.

Only comment. For our last day, the drive to the airport got us to the airport over 3 1/2 hours before our flight and the Alaska desk did not open until 3 hrs before flight, so we were left hanging out with no place to sit or wait in the entry of the airport. Just something to be aware of.

thank you for everything.

Hotel Reviews

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs

Fortuna

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel

Tamarindo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private: Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Self-Guided Beach Day from Tamarindo

Tamarindo

Quality of Experience

Thank you for an amazing trip! We really enjoyed everything you planned. All the people were friendly, funny and informative. The highlight for me was the white water rafting through Desafio Adventure, and our guide "Fluffy" (I can't remember his real name) was so fun to be around. He was funny, had great stories, personable and good communication. We happened to be in Tamarindo and was talking about Fluffy and another group overheard and was so excited saying they just did a trip with him. The hotel in Tamarindo knocked it out of the park. The rooms were spacious, and comfortable, the staff were friendly and accommodating. The hotel in Arenal was great as well, but the rooms were not quite as nice as in Tamarindo, but the grounds more than made up. Everybody we worked with from reception to adventure were friendly and easy to be with. We truly love the country and the people, it was a breath of fresh air to be in Costa Rica - Pura Vida!

Kimkim planned and booked our two-week trip to Costa Rica. Gustavo, our local specialist, listened to our thoughts and priorities to suggest the best places to stay at our three destinations. We changed our minds several times about places during the process, and he quickly adjusted our plans based on our feedback. All our accommodations and car rental were perfect for our needs. When we arrived in Costa Rica, our car was ready for us, and throughout our trip, we did not have issues with any of our accommodations. We appreciated Gustavo's suggestions on activities we could do in each location. We had an amazing vacation with days filled with excitement and beauty. We plan to contact Kimkim when planning for our next international vacation.

The roads from Liberia International Airport to Arenal/La Fortuna reminded me of Guatemala & Haiti but the Tabacón thermal resort property was worth the drive! We all loved the hot relaxing water falls & food.
Andy our private guide was excellent on the
Arenal Volcano Park tour & hike. He was extremely knowledgeable & kept us entertained.

Enjoyed Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Farm Tour & we saw a eyelash palm pit viper in tree. Combination of sampling coffee & chocolate while learning from another intelligent guide was heaven!

Private Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River with JoeDan

Boat driver Justin & driver Francisco
Private Lake Crossing from Arenal/La Fortuna to Monteverde & Cloud Forest Lodge
Andy Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike & Night Walk at Children's Eternal Forest was spooky
Treetopia: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges

San Lucas Treetop Dining was an unforgettable experience! 5 stars!!!

The W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal is a gorgeous resort with ALL the amenities, excellent staff, relaxing beach

Tropical Sunset Sailing Adventure beautiful but needs safety instructions regarding location of life preserver.

Gulf of Papagayo is beautiful and relaxing. The staff very professional and welcoming.

Thankfully the roads back to LIR were much better! Thanks KIMKIM!

We visited CR for 8 days and traveled to La Fortuna/Arenal, Monteverde and Manual Antonio. Creating the itinerary was very easy. Transfers to and from every location were on time with friendly drivers/guides.
Hotel in La Fortuna (Lomas del Volcan) was beautiful and amazing. Grounds were lovely and food was wonderful. Loved the hot springs and Wildlife Refuge Boat Safari. The hike up to the volcano (El Silencio hike) was not impressive and not as described. This was the only guide the entire trip who seemed like he didn't want to be there.
Enjoyed the Rainforest chocolate tour - it exceeded our expectations.
Shuttle and lake crossing to Monteverde = lake was beautiful, but roads were tedious.
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco: not as nice or roomy as first hotel. Nice staff, decent breakfast, clean.
Night Excursion at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde: nicely run and enthusiastic guide. Just rained so hard that we didn't get to see much.
Selvatura Park Self-Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining: very unique zip lining adventure - beautiful and well run. The zip lines were very long and high above the tree tops, and also had a "Tarzan" swing. Great guides. Hanging bridges were lovely.
Hotel Playa Espadilla in Monteverde was pretty standard, small room, just ok food, clean. Staff was friendly.
Catamaran Adventure with Snorkeling in Manual Antonio was on a huge boat with about 50 other people. Enjoyed the ride and swimming. No snorkeling because there was no visibility due to rain/sediment issues which was disappointing. Had to eat lunch back at the marina because waves were too choppy. Nice and professional staff.
Transfers to and from San Jose airport were on time, comfortable with experienced drivers.

.

First of all many thanks to Gustavo from KimKim for working with us patiently to plan such a fabulous vacation. Thanks to Gregg to setting up all the appointments and responding quickly on chat while we were on the trip.

Call out to Jacamar Team especially James who was both on the river cruise as well as the white water rafting.

The night walk in La Fortuna is a must. We saw so many frogs!!

The treetop zip line experience in Monteverde was amazing. I close my eyes and can re live the experience flying through the clouds.

Treetop dining was superb experience.

Lastly the beach at the W in playa conchal was just decadent - hands down the best service on the beach!!

Overall wonderful vacation. Thanks Kimkim team!!

We had an amazing time in Costa Rica thanks to the team at Serendipity Adventures. This was our first time using a travel agency to help us plan a trip, and we loved it! We worked with Bryan to identify a great itinerary for our 10-day honeymoon in Costa Rica. Bryan and the team did not disappoint! Nancy and Bryan took care of everything before the trip and worked with Wilman once in Costa Rica. He even popped over to say hi and meet us after our coffee tour!

Everyone on the team was communicative and easy to work with. They answered all of our questions and were happy to help with everything. We didn't experience a single problem with our reservations or with the quality of hotels/activities the entire time we were there.

It was clear that they work with some of the best locals and local businesses in Costa Rica and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again for another trip to Costa Rica!

Holden and the Serendipity Adventures team were great. Everything we asked for in the trip was included. Our trip included many transports of various kinds and we were amazed that it was so well coordinated.
We very much enjoyed the Arenal Moana and the Koora Hotel in Monteverde. The river rafting trip in La Fortuna was the favorite activity of all three generations in our group.
Thanks Holden and Serendipity!

My sisters and I had an amazing experience with your crew! From pick up to drop off it was well organized and planned. We could not have asked for a better experience, your staff in every step of the way were professional and prompt.

We highly recommend anyone who is not sure how to plan a trip to Costa Rica to book with you!!!

Thank you, thank you again. For our next vacation and experience we are already considering your services.

Hotel Reviews

Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience

San Carlos, Alajuela

Great place. The rooms could use a little bit of an upgrade but it was very clean and grounds along with hot springs were super enjoyable!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Bosque del Mar

Playa Hermosa

Great location and quaint hotel!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Safari Float & Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arenal 1968 Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Catamaran Sailing Excursion

Costa Rica

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Magical First Trip to Costa Rica!

My husband and I just returned from our first trip to Costa Rica and it was truly unforgettable! We visited La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio, and every stop was filled with beauty, adventure, and incredible experiences.

In La Fortuna, we stayed at Amor Arenal, a stunning jungle hotel with private jacuzzis and breathtaking volcano views—pure luxury in nature. We loved our adventures there, including rafting, horseback riding, and spotting sloths in the wild.

Next, we headed to Monteverde, where we enjoyed a scenic road trip and a private tour of the Cloud Forest with Andy, whose passion for nature made the experience so memorable. Our night tour was equally exciting—we even saw tarantulas!

We ended our journey in Manuel Antonio at Arenas Del Mar, a beautiful beachfront resort with amazing food, service, and wildlife (hello hermit crabs!). We explored the national park and relaxed on the beach, soaking in every moment.

A heartfelt thank you to Holden and his team at Serendipity Tours, and to Kimkim.com for helping us plan such a well-organized, enriching, and fun trip. We’re so grateful and already dreaming of going back!

Pura Vida!

Our family’s adventure to Costa Rica was well planned and executed! All transportation, excursions, and accommodations were prepare ready for us. There was never a time when I felt like it could have gone better! Everyone was incredibly professional, kind and courteous. It was an amazing experience!

We had a great honeymoon in Costa Rica. Holden did a great job accommodating our requests and planning a trip that allowed us to see multiple locations during the week. Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin was a beautiful resort with plenty of activities, amazing food, and very friendly staff. Our snorkeling excursion with Yellowfin tours was great. We had a small boat to ourselves and got to see amazing marine life at multiple locations. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful and made it a great experience. Overall an amazing trip that was very well planned out. Serendipity Adventures was a pleasure to work with and were happy to work with us and accommodate any questions/concerns we had.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín

Liberia

It was a very nice resort up in the mountains of Costa Rica. The food at the restaurants there was amazing. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful. There are plenty of activities to do at the resort. We would definitely come back again.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bahia del Sol Hotel

Guanacaste

The hotel was very nice. Rooms were clean, new and modern. The food was good, but there is only one restaurant for lunch, and only two for dinner (one is a tapas bar with mostly just snacks and drinks). It is a nice smaller hotel. It was not busy when we were there, but if it was busy, the pool and lounge area could definitely begin to feel crowded quickly. It had amazing views of the sunset over the pacific.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Amazing sunset views

Staff

Rolando was a great waiter, very friendly, remembered allergies we had over the course of the week.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Guanacaste Snorkel Adventure

Costa Rica

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Introduction to Rincón de la Vieja

Rincón de la Vieja

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

One Day Nature Pass and Hot Springs at Hacienda Guachipelín

Costa Rica

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Zip & Swing Through the Canyon

Costa Rica

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This was my first time to use a travel agency as I usually enjoy putting together a trip and think that I can get the best deal. This was a trip for me, my husband and our 19-year-old daughter. I was so impressed with the details of the questions of what we were looking for with our vacation and even more impressed with how quickly Holden responded and put together a fabulous itinerary. It was such a blessing to have all the reservations and details put together and all questions I asked Holden were quickly answered. I think that I am now sold on using a travel agency and Kimkim is my number 1 choice!

Activity Reviews

Private Organic Cooking Class

Arenal/La Fortuna

I would say this event on our Costa Rica trip stood out as one of the best adventures. We loved meeting with Huber and his family. The extent of knowledge Huber had of the vegetation, the wildlife and the growing patterns of the produce was impressive. We loved going through and tasting the different leaves and bark and guessing what each one was. It was also really fun to actually pick the produce that we would be using later for the cooking portion of the class. The cooking process was truly authentic being in Huber's family kitchen. It was such an amazing experience! The three of us (me, my husband and our 19yo daughter) prepped the food and I helped Huber's mom (Haidy?) with cooking the arroz con pollo and while husband and daughter put together the salad with fresh pickings from the yard. We also learned how to make fresh tortillas (I've already bought the ingredients back here at home!) and made those straight on the cooktop. I got to learn to make my favorite Central American side of fried Plantains and am so excited with that knowledge. The family was more than generous with sharing their knowledge, time and space with us. These kind of authentic experiences are what I enjoy best about visiting other cultures. Highly recommended!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Tamarindo Bay

Tamarindo

I've been snorkeling before, but this was such a great experience. Jeffery was our guide and Nico, el jefe, picked us up and helped along the way. We felt accomplished taking the kayaks to the island. Then Jeffery spent the time walking us along the island teaching us about the wildlife. I find Costa Ricans just love their planet and everything that provides for them! We snorkeled in shallow water and while the sea life wasn't as bright or colorful as some places, I've been, it was still magnificent to see. When we got back we enjoyed a treat of fresh pineapple and mamon verde. I loved being introduced to a new food while on a snorkeling adventure! Jefferey and Nico were fabulous guides and we hope to run into them again on our next visit to Costa Rica!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

We very much enjoyed our private excursion with Mariano! We live in Arizona and love to hike and were enthralled with the chance to hike in a very different atmosphere with very different plants and critters. My head was on swivel as I was searching high in the trees for monkeys and sloths and low on the ground for frogs and snakes. Our group consisted of me, my husband and our 19yo daughter. The trails were great to follow and the end of May was a great time because there weren't too many others on the path. Now I'm scared of walking on things where I can see the ground, but the hanging bridges were fine as long as I didn't look down! What a great experience! Now our guide, Mariano, was so very knowledgeable and just as excited as us with each find. If there is a way to ask for a guide on this adventure, Mariano is your guy!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Yuliana prepared a great trip for us. She adjusted the plans to our needs and preferences according to the number of days we were in Costa Rica. The places she suggested to stay were very comfortable and easy to reach, and the activities she planned were exactly what we wanted. Thanks Yuliana, Adrián, and Graciela for our wonderful vacation in Costa Rica. Pura Vida!

Hotel Review

El Silencio del Campo Hotel

La Fortuna

Charming place, excellent service, very clean, and good food. Highly recommended!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Farm Experience

Arenal/La Fortuna

David is an amazing guide. His explanation and tour was fun and educational at the same time. Thanks!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arenal Volcano to El Castillo Mountain Bike Tour

Arenal/La Fortuna

It rained a bit at the beginning, but we decided to continue and it was a very good decision. It was an excellent tour and the guides were very friendly and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

KimKim did an amazing job of setting up a perfect vacation for my daughter and I. Everything went as planned, just as they promised. The hotels they picked were exquisite. The guides and transportation were not only timely, but extremely informative and courteous. The contact person was readily available and quick to respond. I will definitely use KimKim for all future travel!!

A perfect trip!
Our transfer from the airport to our first hotel was seamless. We participated in multiple activities including a hike around a volcano, a guided hanging bridges hike, swimming at a waterfall, and sailing and snorkeling. We had great guides including Alex and Marion! We had a few questions along the way and communicating with the KimKim team was easy. We received responses quickly. I highly recommend KimKim and will be using their services again in the future!

Activity Reviews

Kayaking on Lake Arenal

Arenal/La Fortuna

The scenery around the lake was beautiful! Our guide Fred was great!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Introduction to the Gulf of Papagayo

Gulf of Papagayo

Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure

Costa Rica

Snorkeling and sailing was so much fun!! Our guides were amazing!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private: Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall

Arenal/La Fortuna

Loved this experience! Marion, our guide was wonderful! The waterfall was gorgeous but the rocks were slippery and the water was COLD!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

The bridges are in the rainforest. The scenery was beautiful and we had the opportunity to see a lot of wildlife. Marion, our guide, was great at explaining and pointing out specific things during our walk.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wilman & Alex with serendipity travel were prompt and very informative. The springs hotel was relaxing and beautiful. Kayaking lake arenal was amazing, but could have been a longer tour, same for rain maker (hiking to waterfalls) - each was only an hour plus travel time. The kids favorite was the zipline, but we could have gone on the accompanying hike without the guide. Hiking up the volcano was fantastic- we took the res trail & are so glad we did!! Guide was amazing, so much to see and the view at the cafe after is well worth it all.

Hotel Reviews

The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal

La Fortuna

Great food, beautiful room, hot springs & pool & monkey slide!!

Authenticity & Character

Hot springs are amazing

Location

Not in walking distance to anything

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Los Altos Resort

Manuel Antonio

Authenticity & Character

Pool is beautiful Private beach is lacking

Location

Walking distance to several shops & restaurants

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room is large with amazing views, but feels a bit empty & not cozy

Activity Reviews

Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Staff & guides for zipping were amazing!! Guide for the hike was slow and spoke entirely too much - felt like she was trying to delay us.

Transport

Rainmaker Conservation Park Excursion

Manuel Antonio

Really pretty and a lot to see, but need more tyan one hour

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968

Arenal/La Fortuna

Guide was amazing!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sloth Observation Tour - Morning or Afternoon

Arenal/La Fortuna

Cool to see sloths, not as awesome driving around to look for them

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kayaking on Lake Arenal

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had an amazing time in Costa Rica, visiting Arenal Fortuna and Manual Antonio. We enjoyed our stay at the Volcano Lodge and were blown away by how beautiful Los Altos Hotel was. Everywhere we went we were met with polite, friendly and helpful staff. The Kimkim team was very helpful in planning our trip and making the vacation relaxing.

We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Costa Rica, organized by Kimkim in collaboration with Serendipity Adventures—and we couldn’t be more impressed.

From the very beginning, the planning process was smooth and highly personalized. Bryan was amazing! He truly listened to what we were looking for—adventure, nature, culture, and relaxation—and crafted the perfect itinerary.

Serendipity’s attention to detail and local expertise shone through at every stop. Our guides, Alex and Mauricio, were incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and friendly. Every drive with Alex felt like a fascinating history lesson, and we loved that he took us to his favorite local restaurants. Pulling over to see sloths was an unexpected and unforgettable treat! Our final stop at Vista Mar was the perfect way to end the trip—watching the sunset while enjoying delicious food.

With Mauricio, our hikes and adventures were equally enriching, filled with history, personal stories, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. His local recommendations were also fantastic—we’re still dreaming about the smoothies at Red Frog!

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica and want a customized, immersive, and stress-free experience, I can’t recommend Kimkim and Serendipity Adventures highly enough. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!