Kimkim Trip Reviews for Costa Rica

4.8
Based on 1,114 ratings
Read 1,114 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Costa Rica on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

A Costa Rica Expert Reconnecting with Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Costa Rica | Nov 12 - Nov 24, 2025

Gustavo
Gustavo C.
Costa Rica | Reviewed on Nov 25, 2025
As a Costa Rica expert on behalf of kimkim, this was a trip to reconnect with some of the regions I know and love. A complete circuit visiting highlights such as La Fortuna and Monteverde, as well as more off-the-beaten-path destinations like Rincon de La Vieja and Drake Bay. This way, I can stay up to date with locations travelers love, as well as guide them in navigating destinations that require deep knowledge. It was also a great way to connect with guides, drivers, and hotels that help... Read more

As a Costa Rica expert on behalf of kimkim, this was a trip to reconnect with some of the regions I know and love. A complete circuit visiting highlights such as La Fortuna and Monteverde, as well as more off-the-beaten-path destinations like Rincon de La Vieja and Drake Bay. This way, I can stay up to date with locations travelers love, as well as guide them in navigating destinations that require deep knowledge.

It was also a great way to connect with guides, drivers, and hotels that help bring the kimkim experience together, and ensure that each step of the trip is working correctly in connecting the traveler to locals and creating the correct impacts in the communities they visit.

Hotel Reviews
Borinquen Thermal Resort
Guanacaste

I am a kimkim Costa Rica travel expert. As a property that is 24 years old, Borinquen had gone under my radar for quite a while. Rediscovering this family-owned hotel, which exudes a vibrant colonial Costa Rica vibe, has been quite an impressive experience. From the moment you start making your way to the property through narrow streets surrounded by nature and with the view of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano in front of you, you feel that you're travelling into a different time. At a distance, you can see some clouds floating very close to the trees, and as you come closer, you start seeing that they're the steam from the natural hot springs scattered around this area. Upon arrival, you feel that you're in a hacienda, with expansive grounds, beautiful gazebos to sit around and observe the many birds, enormous trees that have been thoughtfully preserved, and much more. The rooms are perfect, with windows all around to continue the beautiful views even when you're inside, a porch to have your coffee in the morning and afternoon, looking at the gorgeous colors of the sunrise or the intense sunset right in front of you. Can't say enough about having natural springs and volcanic mud at the property to enjoy as much as you want. Its incredible to be able to see up close the earth bubbling and steaming in front of you.

Authenticity & Character
Feels very Costa Rican, very natural and real as there is no denying these springs come directly from the volcano
Location
An off-the-beaten-path location full of nature
Staff
The staff is local and super helful, always doing their best so that you feel comfortable in such a remote setting
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were immaculate, as well as the springs facilities. Beds were big and super comfortable, as well as the bathrooms
Koora Hotel
Monteverde

I am a kimkim Costa Rica specialist. Perfect views of the sunset and the Pacific coast from your room and from the hotel's restaurant ✅ Warm private pools scattered along the hotel grounds ✅ Fire pits scattered around the hotel grounds ✅ Monkeys, coatis, and even toucans knocking on your door in the morning ✅ Koora combines incredible grounds filled with cloud forest with a style that ensures you know that you're in the mountainous area of Monteverde. As this area tends to be cooler than most of Costa Rica, the hotel ensures that you can stay cozy and warm every moment you spend there. The attention to detail is great,

Authenticity & Character
The hotel has a defined mountain ambience, with connections to Costa Rican indigenous tribes through art and wooden carvings in common areas and the rooms.
Location
Private area just close enough to town, but far away enough that you feel you are immersed by the rainforest. The views are something that words cannot really describe, but just imagine mountains folding upon each other all the way to the sea, where the sun sets in the pacific coast.
Staff
Very few times have I met a staff that is so excited and passionate to work somewhere, you can feel how much they love the menu when they offer it to you, how much they love the hotel helps their communities, how much they love spotting animals with you as the fauna at the hotel is constant. I remember I was having breakfast a little rushed one day as I was getting ready for an activity, and the waiter came to me and said "would you like to see a very rare toucan?". And sure enough there he was a green and red toucan I had never seen in my life before, and he was so excited to share it with me, and I think that speaks a lot about the type of hotel this is
Cleanliness & Comfort
Delicious bed, big bathroom and shower, fresh coffee to make in a french press in your room, and everything you may need
Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge
Nosara

I am a kimkim Costa Rica specialist. I am sure you have heard of ocean-view hotels, but have you heard of turtle-view hotels? Lagarta Lodge, situated on a hill between the beaches of Ostional and Nosara, offers a direct view from its restaurant and many of its rooms to the Ostional Refuge, a protected beach due to the arrival of various turtle species in large numbers. What this means is that with binoculars or a telescope, you can even see the turtles arriving at the beach as you're having breakfast. Need to say more?

Authenticity & Character
Short of 5 stars as although the hotels has incredible vibes and atmosphere, sometimes the Costa Rican essence is lost.
Location
Perfect location to have a little bit more freshness with ocean breezes a top a hill, while still having easy access to the beach through shuttles and hiking trails.
Staff
The staff is at a good level, however many can still improve, specially in the restaurant area.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Immaculate
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
La Fortuna

I am a kimkim travel specialist. There's a lot to love about Casa Luna, from its colonial style to its expansive grounds and its ideal locations. The hotel pays homage to classical Costa Rican jungle architecture, featuring hardwood and earth tones, along with expansive terraces that evoke the traditional wrap-around porches of colonial houses, where families would gather in the afternoons for coffee. The hotel is very close to downtown La Fortuna/Arenal, but it's located on a secondary street that makes it quieter and more connected to nature. In this same street, you'll be able to find nearby restaurants without having to worry about too many cars going by. The hotel also has its own trails in the rainforest that will lead you to the spa :) I also really loved that each room is equipped with umbrella's as you never know when it will rain in the rainforest :)

Authenticity & Character
It's a very Costa Rican hotel with lush gardens all around and with incredible views of the Arenal Volcano, you wont be able to forget where you are 🇨🇷🌋
Location
The street it is located on is beautiful, very authentic, quiet, and close to town as well as restaurant options!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Unlike many of the accomodations in the rainforest and in La Fortuna, the rooms in Casa Luna are able to provide an extra barrier from the elements and unwanted visitors. My room was clean all the time and did not have any issues with bugs coming into my room.
Local specialist: Gustavo Camperos

Thank you KimKim !!
Costa Rica | Nov 9 - Nov 18, 2025

C
Christopher B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 24, 2025
Everything was perfect. Beautiful country and great accommodations. Private sailing on last day was beyond special. Read more

Everything was perfect. Beautiful country and great accommodations. Private sailing on last day was beyond special.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Bosque del Mar
Playa Hermosa

Location Location Location. Steps from the beach. Restaurant was superb. Best fish sandwich !

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beach and islands.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Staff was helpful and attentitive.
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
La Fortuna

Best hotel springs and pools. Food was great and breakfast was the best.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful gardens and flora.
Location
Base of volcano
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mawamba Lodge
Tortuguero

Felt like we were deep in the rain forest.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Presidente
San José

Thank you Nicole for special service and Manu for great private tour of San Jose.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Costa Rica

Great way to spend last day in CR on a private sail boat, snorkeling and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Palo Verde National Park Boat Trip
Palo Verde National Park Boat Trip
Costa Rica

Saw alot of wildlife.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to Maleku Indigenous Reserve
Visit to Maleku Indigenous Reserve
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Boat Excursion Through the Tortuguero Canals
Guided Boat Excursion Through the Tortuguero Canals
Tortuguero

Guide was very knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tortuguero Village Visit
Tortuguero Village Visit
Tortuguero

Very remote and rainy. Best nights sleep listening to rain falling on our cabin.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private San José City Tour
Private San José City Tour
San José

Our guide Manu was the best.

Quality of Experience
Very informative of history of San Jose.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Nov 24, 2025

Hola Christopher!

Thank you so much for your feedback! I'm thrilled to hear that everything was perfect and that you found Costa Rica as beautiful as we do.

Knowing that the private sailing trip on your last day was such a special highlight truly makes my day. I'll be sure to share your kind words with our entire team and the local guides.

We hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments in the future!

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures | Costa Rica🌴☀️🐦

We have traveled around the world, and up unt...
Costa Rica | Nov 9 - Nov 18, 2025

Trish
Trish G.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 22, 2025
We have traveled around the world, and up until now did all the planning ourselves. This was the first time we used a travel agent and Kimkim was AMAZING. Every detail was prearranged. We had a very active trip with four stops, six excursions and transportation with planes, buses, boats and a rental car. Everything worked exactly as planned. Our tour guides were all prompt, friendly, knowledgeable and spoke English. We had a great time doing things I would not have thought of arranging. The... Read more

We have traveled around the world, and up until now did all the planning ourselves. This was the first time we used a travel agent and Kimkim was AMAZING. Every detail was prearranged. We had a very active trip with four stops, six excursions and transportation with planes, buses, boats and a rental car. Everything worked exactly as planned. Our tour guides were all prompt, friendly, knowledgeable and spoke English. We had a great time doing things I would not have thought of arranging. The total price was very reasonable for everything we experienced. It was my favorite trip ever, and that says a lot. We will definitely use Kimkim again.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Bosque del Mar
Playa Hermosa

A lovely boutique hotel with the most friendly staff ever. The ground consist of beautiful mature trees with the rooms integrated into the landscape. The ocean is steps away and visible from the restaurant and upstairs bar. There is one smallish pool and a hot tub. The rooms are beautiful with a separate sitting room with a comfortable sectional sofa. The restaurant was very nice. The food was delicious but a little pricey. We found the upstairs bar menu a little less expensive but still delicious food. The staff were all very accommodating and made our stay extra nice. A massage by Angie was a perfect way to end our stay. She is a spectacular massage therapist and highly recommended

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
La Fortuna

Wow! Absolutely gorgeous grounds and a series of hot springs to die for. You have several choices of hot springs with varying temperatures, a swim up bar, swimming pools and water slide. We spent so much time on the property and it was so relaxing. The rooms are HUGE and clean with lovely covered porches on the front and back. The food in the restaurant was very good. The breakfast buffet was included and a terrific variety of food, both traditional and local dishes. Even the gift shop had a nice selection of souvenirs with reasonable prices.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mawamba Lodge
Tortuguero

A rustic all inclusive hotel in the Rain Forest. You are immersed in the tropical jungle environment. There is no A/C, no TV and very limited WiFi, but honestly it was nice being unplugged. The in house tour guide was very knowledgeable and taught us about the flora and fauna of Costa Rica. The food was fair. The wait staff were ok. They did their job, but were not particularly friendly, expect for a couple of staff that stood out. A couple of days here is enough.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Presidente
San José

A modern urban hotel in the city of San Jose. Very clean, fabulous, friendly staff. Delicious breakfast Buffett included with our room. The rooftop restaurant was a very nice atmosphere with spectacular food so we ate there twice. I highly recommend this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Costa Rica

A beautiful boat and lovely adventure. The captain and first mate were very attentive and made this a favorite tour of our trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to Maleku Indigenous Reserve
Visit to Maleku Indigenous Reserve
Arenal/La Fortuna

A terrific experience learning about the history of this tribe, eating an authentic lunch, archery, a mock wedding and description of the plants they use for medicinal purposes.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tortuguero Village Visit
Tortuguero Village Visit
Tortuguero

A walk through a local village. The day we went it was pouring rain which did not stop us. They are proud people. Bring cash because you will not find an ATM in this village

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private San José City Tour
Private San José City Tour
San José

Our tour guide Manu was a delight. He taught us a lot about the history of Costa Rica during this walking tour. He spoke English well and had a great personality.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Nov 23, 2025

Hola Trish!

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. Reading this truly made my day!

Hearing that this was your favorite trip ever, especially given your extensive travel experience, is the highest compliment we could ever receive. I'm thrilled that everything flowed smoothly and that our team could introduce you to experiences that made your journey so special.

We would be absolutely delighted to help you create more unforgettable memories on your next adventure.

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures | Costa Rica 🌴

Serendipity Adventures Planned the Perfect Anniversary Trip
Costa Rica | Nov 12 - Nov 19, 2025

Erica
Erica A.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 20, 2025
We absolutely loved our Costa Rica trip. Planning with kimkim and Bryan from Serendipity Adventures was simple and within a few days, we landed on a great itinerary. We loved the accommodations - especially Chira Glamping in Monteverde. All of the guides and naturalists we worked with were terrific. So knowledgeable and friendly. We received fun touches by many vendors for our wedding anniversary including a bottle of wine, special desserts and a even a hot chocolate at the zip line... Read more

We absolutely loved our Costa Rica trip. Planning with kimkim and Bryan from Serendipity Adventures was simple and within a few days, we landed on a great itinerary.

We loved the accommodations - especially Chira Glamping in Monteverde. All of the guides and naturalists we worked with were terrific. So knowledgeable and friendly. We received fun touches by many vendors for our wedding anniversary including a bottle of wine, special desserts and a even a hot chocolate at the zip line adventure. The sailing adventure was perfect pace and vibe.

Our anniversary dinner at San Lucas in Monterverde was one of our favorite experiences that we've had in over 25 years of traveling together!

Hotel Review
Chira Glamping Monteverde
Puntarenas

We absolutely loved Chira Glamping! It was the perfect mix of luxury and the outdoors. We had a hot tub and ourdoor shower in addition to a lovely bathroom, full kitchen and the well appointed geodesic dome tent. The service was impeccable and Fabio was a great host for the breakfast each morning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The views from the room were fabulous and it was completely private
Staff
Fabio was lovely as our breakfast server and the food was terrific and so fresh.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Private Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Arenal/La Fortuna

Mariano was a fantastic guide - knowledgeable and friendly and an excellent ambassador of Costa Rican culture and nature.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Organic Cooking Class
Private Organic Cooking Class
Arenal/La Fortuna

We absolutely loved visiting Paraiso Organico and Hubert and his family were wonderful hosts. The mix of learning about the local produce and preparing a typical (and tasty) Costa Rican meal in a home were terrific. Highly recommend for a couple or small group!

Quality of Experience
Food
The meal was delicious and we loved the coaching and tips from "mom!"
Guides, Drivers and Staff
San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience - Wine Pairing
San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience - Wine Pairing
Monteverde

This was a highlight of our trip. The setting, food, cultural tour (via food) and wine were all impeccable. This was one of the best dinners we've ever had. Highly recommend this experience!

Quality of Experience
Food
The food and wine pairs were delicious. We loved the modern take on Costa Rican classics and tasting items from all over the country!
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Nov 20, 2025
Hola Erica! I'm thrilled to hear that you absolutely loved your Costa Rica trip and that the planning process felt simple and smooth. It was a pleasure helping you craft an itinerary that resonated with you. Celebrating your wedding anniversary with you was a privilege. I'm so glad the special touches, made your journey even more memorable. Your guides will be delighted to know they left such a positive impression, and it's wonderful to hear that your anniversary dinner at San Lucas was a... Read more

Hola Erica!

I'm thrilled to hear that you absolutely loved your Costa Rica trip and that the planning process felt simple and smooth. It was a pleasure helping you craft an itinerary that resonated with you.

Celebrating your wedding anniversary with you was a privilege. I'm so glad the special touches, made your journey even more memorable. Your guides will be delighted to know they left such a positive impression, and it's wonderful to hear that your anniversary dinner at San Lucas was a standout experience among 25 years of travels. That is high praise indeed!

I will be sure to share your feedback with our entire team and partners. We hope to welcome you back for more beautiful memories in the future.

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures | Costa Rica🐦☀️🌿

All guides were personable, knowledgeable an...
Costa Rica | Nov 8 - Nov 12, 2025

S
Samuel B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 19, 2025

All guides were personable, knowledgeable and fun to be with.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Nov 19, 2025

Hola Samuel!

That's fantastic to hear, thank you! We believe a great guide makes all the difference, and I'm so glad they helped make your trip memorable. I'll definitely share your feedback with the team!

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures | Costa Rica 🌴

Wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip , we f...
Costa Rica | Nov 8 - Nov 17, 2025

A
Aravind G.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 18, 2025

Wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip , we felt safe and secured during travel within Costa Rica and people we met are warmth.

Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Nov 19, 2025

Hello Aravind,

Thank you so much for your message.
I am truly happy to hear that both of you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. It means a lot to know you felt safe, well taken care of, and welcomed during your time in Costa Rica. Our people really do take pride in sharing the warmth of Pura Vida with visitors.

If you ever decide to return and explore more of the country, it would be my pleasure to help you plan another unforgettable adventure.

Warm regards,
Olman Romero

Costa Rica was a very interesting country and...
Costa Rica | Oct 30 - Nov 10, 2025

R
Roger P.
Australia | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2025
Costa Rica was a very interesting country and we had some good experiences, particularly, Casa Corcavado Wilderness Lodge. However, we felt the first part of the trip was organised to suit the local agency (Serendipity) rather than us. There was a lot of travelling and not much to see. Overall, we were very disappointed with the trip and would not use Kim Kim again. Read more

Costa Rica was a very interesting country and we had some good experiences, particularly, Casa Corcavado Wilderness Lodge. However, we felt the first part of the trip was organised to suit the local agency (Serendipity) rather than us. There was a lot of travelling and not much to see. Overall, we were very disappointed with the trip and would not use Kim Kim again.

Hotel Reviews
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge

Great experience. Would have been better if we were provided with more information on what to expect.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge
Sarapiquí

Was not a great experience

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Nov 17, 2025

Hola Roger!

Thank you for sharing your feedback.
I’m truly sorry to hear that the first part of the trip didn’t reflect your expectations. Your comments are valuable and help us refine the experience for future travelers. I’m glad to know you enjoyed Casa Corcovado.

Kind Regards,
Bryan

Overall we had a good time with highlight bei...
Costa Rica | Oct 30 - Nov 10, 2025

J
John d.
Australia | Reviewed on Nov 11, 2025
Overall we had a good time with highlight being Corcovado Wilderness Lodge. I gather a visit to Cocovado was not recommended by Kim Kim. While our friend Bob Stewart had the principal relationship with Kim Kim we were frustrated by the number of times we were asked for details such as passport numbers emergency contacts email addresses etc only to find we frequently had to supply them again at various destinations. The logistics of the trip were also frustrating with significant time wastage... Read more

Overall we had a good time with highlight being Corcovado Wilderness Lodge. I gather a visit to Cocovado was not recommended by Kim Kim. While our friend Bob Stewart had the principal relationship with Kim Kim we were frustrated by the number of times we were asked for details such as passport numbers emergency contacts email addresses etc only to find we frequently had to supply them again at various destinations. The logistics of the trip were also frustrating with significant time wastage with 2 separate stays in San Jose.

Hotel Reviews
Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Presidente
San José

A great location but we were allocated a very small room. Again far from luxury

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sarapiquis Rainforest Lodge
Sarapiquí

Hotel was of a reasonable standard. But definitely not luxury as deal was said to be. Reception staff very poor.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Turire
Turrialba

A lovely setting but facilities were very "tired" certainly not luxury.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Facilities were basic and tired.
Activity Reviews
Snorkeling at Caño Island Biological Reserve
Snorkeling at Caño Island Biological Reserve
Corcovado National Park

Excellent although poor weather affected the quality of the snorkelling.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Corcovado National Park - Sirena Station Tour
Guided Corcovado National Park - Sirena Station Tour
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private San José City Tour
Private San José City Tour
San José

Very poor and certainly did not meet expectations based om itinerary

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private La Tirimbina Guided Hike
Private La Tirimbina Guided Hike
Sarapiquí

Nothing special or inspirimg.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sarapiqui River - Motor Boat Tour
Sarapiqui River - Motor Boat Tour
Sarapiquí

Interesting but quite short.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Birdwatching Tour at CATIE Botanical Garden
Birdwatching Tour at CATIE Botanical Garden
Turrialba

Excellent guide and a great spot forbird watching

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Archaeological Tour of Guayabo National Monument
Archaeological Tour of Guayabo National Monument
Turrialba

A great guide and very interesting. Good to learn about pre Columbian history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Nov 12, 2025

Hola John!

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're glad to hear you enjoyed your time at Corcovado, it's truly a special place!

I sincerely apologize for the frustrations you experienced with repeated requests for information and the logistical challenges during your trip. Your comments are incredibly valuable, and we will use them to improve our processes and coordination.

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures | Costa Rica🐦☀️🌿

Amazing Costa Rica 🇨🇷 Trip
Costa Rica | Oct 11 - Oct 19, 2025

Melanie
Melanie W.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025
The trip was amazing it was everything I asked for and more. All hotels were beautiful and top notch. All the excursions were exercised with out any issues. All transportation was on time. All excursions were definitely hand selected and all of the guides were knowledgeable and service oriented. We went to the La Fortuna waterfall, whitewater, hanging bridges, zip lining, night tour, coffee sugar cane chocolate tour, national Park tour and Damas boat tour. The animals were incredible. The... Read more

The trip was amazing it was everything I asked for and more. All hotels were beautiful and top notch. All the excursions were exercised with out any issues. All transportation was on time. All excursions were definitely hand selected and all of the guides were knowledgeable and service oriented. We went to the La Fortuna waterfall, whitewater, hanging bridges, zip lining, night tour, coffee sugar cane chocolate tour, national Park tour and Damas boat tour. The animals were incredible. The monkeys at our hotel and the wildlife was amazing to watch as you walked around your hotel. Loved the trip. Yuliana did a wonderful job planning for us, so we could just enjoy the trip with no worries!

Hotel Reviews
Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana by IHG
San José

Beautiful hotel. Situated next to a park you can walk in.

Authenticity & Character
It is a beautiful hotel but didn’t see anything that grabbed me about the character.
Location
Perfect for flying out. Close to airport.
Staff
Helful friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shana by the Beach Resort
Manuel Antonio

Beautiful hotel with lots of monkeys running around. You are bound to see them at any meal or at the bar. A sloth hangs in a tree you can view from the pool. Great happy hour for drinks. The buffet is delicious. Every staff member is helpful and friendly. Gorgeous hotel with great views that has you immersed in the wildlife!

Authenticity & Character
Monkeys that roam the property and exotic birds.
Location
Close to the beach and activities
Staff
So helpful. Service with a smile!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean!
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Monteverde

Beautiful hotel nestled on the mountain high. Lots of wildlife sleeking around. Beautiful view from the office. Plantains served were the only thing I think they can improve on. The breakfast was good. And the scenery and walking trails were nice.

Authenticity & Character
I like it was nestled into the side of a mountainous area.
Location
Close to town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
La Fortuna

The hot water spas were so nice to relax in after a long day of excursions. The swim up bar was great and the hotel itself is beautiful. The scenery is relaxing in the. Morning because of the procured lawns. Quick transportation to the various spots around the hotel. All personnel were very pleasant and helpful!

Authenticity & Character
Many of the natural plants surrounded you and being able to wake up and see the grew volcano was just paradise at the cicadas sang like a heartbeat of the jungle.
Location
It was close to a lot of excursions with very little travel time!
Staff
Many staff went out of there way to help you and answer questions. We would fill out water bottles at the bar every morning.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel room very clean and housekeeping did a great job every day even leaving surprise towel animals on your bed.
Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde
Yuliana
Yuliana Valverde
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on Nov 10, 2025

Hello from Costa Rica Melanie,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
I’m thrilled to hear that your trip was everything you hoped for and more. It makes me so happy to know you enjoyed the hotels, excursions, and incredible wildlife experiences. Costa Rica truly is a magical place! It was a pleasure planning this adventure for you, and I’m so glad you could simply relax and enjoy every moment.

Pura vida,
Yuliana

Our trip wouldn’t have been the same without kimkim!
Costa Rica | Oct 12 - Oct 20, 2025

Sarah
Sarah C.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 06, 2025
Our trip to Costa Rica was amazing because of kimkim! We met so many friendly guides and drivers, saw so many incredible things, and went to so many gorgeous places. La Fortuna was our favorite place! There was a wide variety of tours, hikes & activities around the area and soooo much good food. We really appreciated our local guide’s suggestions & enjoyed every activity we did. Definitely a trip to remember! Read more

Our trip to Costa Rica was amazing because of kimkim! We met so many friendly guides and drivers, saw so many incredible things, and went to so many gorgeous places. La Fortuna was our favorite place! There was a wide variety of tours, hikes & activities around the area and soooo much good food. We really appreciated our local guide’s suggestions & enjoyed every activity we did. Definitely a trip to remember!

Activity Reviews
Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Experience
Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Experience
Monteverde

Our guide was so sweet!!! He was extremely knowledgeable and made the tour fun. We learned a lot about the coffee and chocolate-making processes from seed to cup. And to top it all off, they give you free coffee & hot chocolate :) they also have a great shop there with tons of coffee to buy, and cute souvenirs!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sloth & Bird Hike
Sloth & Bird Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide was SO knowledgeable and hilarious! He pointed out lots of animals and had a monocular for us to view everything through. Definitely recommend this!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Adam Gomez

Great Fun in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica | Oct 11 - Oct 19, 2025

Barbara
Barbara P.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025
Sebastián and Carlitos were excellent guides on the zip lining. It was a fantastic experience. They knew their job and kept us safe and having a great time. All excursions were pre-planned by Kimkim and all tour guides showed up when we needed them. All were polite and knowledgeable. Also really enjoyed the White water experience with Jairo. Without a doubt, I would do it again!! Thank you for your careful planning and follow through. Read more

Sebastián and Carlitos were excellent guides on the zip lining. It was a fantastic experience. They knew their job and kept us safe and having a great time. All excursions were pre-planned by Kimkim and all tour guides showed up when we needed them. All were polite and knowledgeable. Also really enjoyed the White water experience with Jairo. Without a doubt, I would do it again!! Thank you for your careful planning and follow through.

Hotel Review
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
La Fortuna

Our hotel was on the Clift side and the view was stunning through the patio doors and surrounding glass wall. Very private. Shuffles took us anywhere on the property and we quick. We went up to the hummingbird area and were fascinated as the birds we buzzing around and eating less than 18 inches from us. Office staff were polite and helpful and room service was spot on every day. Thank you for this wonderful experience! Loved it!!

Authenticity & Character
Attention to detail and the view and privacy.
Location
Staff
They took care of our needs immediately.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were serviced daily, restaurant buffets were fully stocked and service was terrific.
Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde
Yuliana
Yuliana Valverde
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on Oct 29, 2025

Hello Barbara,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I am delighted to hear that you had such an amazing experience and that Sebastián, Carlitos, and Jairo made your adventures memorable. It is great to know that everything ran smoothly and that you enjoyed the activities and guides arranged through Kimkim.

We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, and it is fantastic to hear you would do it all again!

Pura Vida,
Yuliana

Our trip to Costa Rica was absolutely wonderf...
Costa Rica | Oct 11 - Oct 19, 2025

Kelley
Kelley S.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025
Our trip to Costa Rica was absolutely wonderful, thanks to Yuliana’s exceptional planning and attention to detail! She took the time to really understand our interests and budget, and made thoughtful adjustments along the way to ensure everything was just right. The entire itinerary was seamless — every pick-up and drop-off went exactly according to plan. We stayed at four different hotels in various regions, which gave us the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Each excursion was... Read more

Our trip to Costa Rica was absolutely wonderful, thanks to Yuliana’s exceptional planning and attention to detail! She took the time to really understand our interests and budget, and made thoughtful adjustments along the way to ensure everything was just right.

The entire itinerary was seamless — every pick-up and drop-off went exactly according to plan. We stayed at four different hotels in various regions, which gave us the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Each excursion was a highlight, and all our interactions with drivers, guides, and hotel staff were professional and pleasant.

One tip for future travelers: if your itinerary includes travel up and down around the volcano areas, we recommend bringing Dramamine — the roads are winding, and it can make the trip much more comfortable.

We couldn’t have asked for a smoother or more enjoyable experience. Thank you, Yuliana, for creating such a perfectly organized and memorable Costa Rican adventure!

Hotel Reviews
Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana by IHG
San José
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shana by the Beach Resort
Manuel Antonio

I loved seeing the Capuchin and squirrel monkeys!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Monteverde
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
La Fortuna

Absolutely gorgeous!! The food was fantastic!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

Our guided hike through Manuel Antonio National Park was an unforgettable experience! The park is absolutely stunning — lush, vibrant, and full of wildlife at every turn. Our guide was fantastic, helping us spot so many animals we would have easily missed on our own. We saw several sloths, along with a variety of other fascinating creatures, from colorful birds to playful monkeys. The trails led us to some truly beautiful beach areas, where we could relax and take in the breathtaking coastal views. Travel tips: bring plenty of water, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars if you have them, and an extra couple of dollars. We purchased ice-cold coconuts on our way out, and they were perfect for the occasion! This tour was the perfect combination of nature, wildlife, and relaxation — highly recommend it to anyone visiting Costa Rica!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Damas Island Boat Tour
Damas Island Boat Tour
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Excursion at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde
Night Excursion at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Selvatura Park Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining
Selvatura Park Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining
Monteverde

We started our day at Selvatura Park with a guided nature walk, and it was such a fascinating experience! Our guide was incredible — he pointed out animals and creatures we never would have noticed on our own, like bats resting inside a hollow tree and orange-knee spiders hidden among the plants. Note to future travelers: this walk is quite long and can be challenging for those who aren’t used to a lot of walking or uphill terrain. It’s absolutely worth it, but it helps to build up your stamina beforehand so you can fully enjoy the experience. After the nature walk, we continued to the zip line adventure with Sebastian and Carlitos, and it was amazing from start to finish! They were so patient and kind, especially with my 80-year-old mom, who needed a few walking breaks along the way. They never made us feel rushed — instead, they turned each stop into part of the adventure, pointing out the scenery and keeping everything fun and relaxed. I’m usually afraid of heights, but both Sebastian and Carlitos helped me feel safe and confident the entire time. Their encouragement made the adventure unforgettable — full of excitement, laughter, and stunning views. And don’t miss the Tarzan Swing at the end — it’s the perfect way to wrap up an incredible day at Selvatura Park!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sebastian and Carlitos were wonderful guides.
Transport
Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Experience
Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Experience
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River Class II & III
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River Class II & III
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our whitewater rafting adventure with Jiro was an absolute highlight of our trip! He took excellent care of us from start to finish — making sure we were safe, comfortable, and having a great time throughout the entire experience. Jiro’s energy and expertise made the trip both exciting and enjoyable. He explained everything clearly, kept the group laughing, and made even the more challenging rapids feel fun and manageable. If you’re considering this excursion, don’t miss it — it’s an unforgettable experience and Jiro is fantastic!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

It was a great experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde
Yuliana
Yuliana Valverde
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on Oct 28, 2025
Hello Kelley,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy to hear that your trip to Costa Rica was such a wonderful experience and that the itinerary felt just right for your interests and pace. It was a pleasure to work with you and make adjustments along the way to ensure everything flowed smoothly.
I really appreciate your tip about the winding volcano roads, so helpful for future travelers! I’m also glad to hear that your interactions with drivers, guides, and hotel staff were...
Read more

Hello Kelley,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy to hear that your trip to Costa Rica was such a wonderful experience and that the itinerary felt just right for your interests and pace. It was a pleasure to work with you and make adjustments along the way to ensure everything flowed smoothly.
I really appreciate your tip about the winding volcano roads, so helpful for future travelers! I’m also glad to hear that your interactions with drivers, guides, and hotel staff were enjoyable.
It means a lot to me that your trip was memorable and stress-free. I would be thrilled to help plan another adventure for you anytime!
Pura Vida!
Yuliana

Amazing Costa Rica adventure
Costa Rica | Oct 12 - Oct 22, 2025

Christine
Christine F.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025
Adam and the Kim Kim specialists did an amazing job planning and organizing our Costa Rica vacation. All guides were excellent and knowledgeable- all drivers were timely, courteous and good drivers (which says a LOT) considering the poor road conditions in many areas due to rainfall etc. we thoroughly enjoyed every day and highly recommend this hassle free vacation service!! Read more

Adam and the Kim Kim specialists did an amazing job planning and organizing our Costa Rica vacation. All guides were excellent and knowledgeable- all drivers were timely, courteous and good drivers (which says a LOT) considering the poor road conditions in many areas due to rainfall etc. we thoroughly enjoyed every day and highly recommend this hassle free vacation service!!

Hotel Reviews
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Tamarindo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Adam Gomez

I had a wonderful time in Costa Rica!It was ...
Costa Rica | Oct 17 - Oct 24, 2025

Lisa
Lisa F.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2025
I had a wonderful time in Costa Rica!
It was the perfect mixture between mountain, jungle, beach and city! Met so many wonderful people, had great food and everything went so smoothly from transport to guides to accommodation!
Thank you for an unforgettable time!
Read more

I had a wonderful time in Costa Rica!
It was the perfect mixture between mountain, jungle, beach and city! Met so many wonderful people, had great food and everything went so smoothly from transport to guides to accommodation!
Thank you for an unforgettable time!

Hotel Reviews
Karahé Beach Hotel
Manuel Antonio

Loved this hotel! The beach access is wonderful, good breakfast and the views 😍

Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast

Great location, really good breakfast, lovely staff!

Hotel Arenal Montechiari
La Fortuna

Wonderful and charming, cute little cabins, super tranquil and nice staff!

Delta Hotels by Marriott San José Aurola
San José

Great location, good breakfast and at least it has a gym🙌

Location
Super central!
Activity Reviews
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown San José
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown San José
San José

It was nice to walk around for a bit after the plane right. One afternoon was enough!

Self-Guided Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Self-Guided Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

Easy self-guided hike 👍

Quality of Experience
Self-Guided Manuel Antonio Beaches
Self-Guided Manuel Antonio Beaches
Manuel Antonio

Really enjoyed some down time!

TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
Monteverde

Super fun, unfortunately it started raining, but really wonderful staff and views!

Arenal Volcano Hike & EcoTermales Hot Springs Visit with Meal
Arenal Volcano Hike & EcoTermales Hot Springs Visit with Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna

Great guide, super informative a d the thermal baths were just perfect for a rainy afternoon (the best part was the dinner though 😅)

Local specialist: Adam Gomez

Olman was very responsive, insightful and hel...
Costa Rica | Oct 9 - Oct 16, 2025

Jennifer
Jennifer G.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Oct 23, 2025
Olman was very responsive, insightful and helpful. He modified plans to fit our needs and budget. Read more

Olman was very responsive, insightful and helpful. He modified plans to fit our needs and budget.

Hotel Reviews
The Coast Beachfront Hotel
Tamarindo, Guanacaste Province

Location and staff were great. Continental breakfast leaves quite a bit to be desired, basically toast and coffee. But staff and location and rooms were great.

Authenticity & Character
Right on the beach!
Location
15 min walk to anywhere
Staff
Dashion? Jeffery? Were authentic, friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Monteverde Country Lodge
Monteverde

Clean, quiet and just minutes from down town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Jennifer and manager Maria were awesome. Had a broken bed and was fixed in 15 minutes. Really!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
La Fortuna

Probably the best on our trip. Breakfast and restaurant was great. Staff friendly and helpful. Loved the view from our room and the spa was very enjoyable. Our balcony had a view of Arenal and a show of birds every morning. One large negative is make SURE that they have no parties scheduled during your stay. They have a very LOUD party that left us sleepless and tired the next day. Very annoying, however still 4 stars because of the previous days.

Authenticity & Character
Great outside dining and room set up.
Location
Many locations in the area
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Selvatura Park Self-Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining
Selvatura Park Self-Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining
Monteverde

Nature, breath taking, beautiful and FUN.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
El Silencio Volcano Hike
El Silencio Volcano Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna

Hike brings you up a volcanic debris field, not close to the actual top. But still nice. The green lake was guacamole, kinda meh.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Danny and Alejandro were great. Personable and authentic. Saw a sloth on the drive back and stopped to let us get some closer photos.
Transport
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Nov 07, 2025
Hello Jennifer, Thank you so much for your kind words!
I’m thrilled to hear that you found my support helpful and that we were able to adjust the plans to fit your needs and budget.
I’m glad you enjoyed Casa Luna Hotel & Spa — the views of Arenal, the friendly staff, and the balcony bird shows sound like a magical way to start the day! I really appreciate your note about the party noise; that’s great feedback for future travelers, and I’ll make sure to double-check events for guests... Read more

Hello Jennifer,

Thank you so much for your kind words!
I’m thrilled to hear that you found my support helpful and that we were able to adjust the plans to fit your needs and budget.

I’m glad you enjoyed Casa Luna Hotel & Spa — the views of Arenal, the friendly staff, and the balcony bird shows sound like a magical way to start the day! I really appreciate your note about the party noise; that’s great feedback for future travelers, and I’ll make sure to double-check events for guests whenever possible.

It’s wonderful to hear that overall your stay was memorable, despite that hiccup, and that you still rated the hotel highly.

Warm regards,
Olman

Outstanding Planning and Management
Costa Rica | Oct 3 - Oct 13, 2025

Frances
Frances C.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025
Every aspect of the trip from planning before we left to all of the details during the trip were extremely well managed. Read more

Every aspect of the trip from planning before we left to all of the details during the trip were extremely well managed.

Hotel Review
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Fortuna

The Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa was absolutely incredible. The setting is stunning with beautiful rivers running through and excellent amenities. The service was top-notch, making our stay truly memorable.

Activity Review
Local Flavors Cooking Class
Local Flavors Cooking Class
Costa Rica

The Local Flavors Cooking Class was excellent. What made it outstanding was the interaction with two students who were training in the travel and tourism industry. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with locals and see a different side of Costa Rica beyond the usual tourist experiences.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Oct 14, 2025

Hola Frances!

Thank you so much for your kind words.

It was truly a pleasure to support you throughout the journey. I’m glad to hear that both the planning process and the on-trip details met your expectations, that means a lot!

Pura Vida☀️
Bryan | Serendipity Adventures

Loved the trip! Will definitely be using Kimk...
Costa Rica | Sep 26 - Oct 3, 2025

David
David B.
Danbury, CT | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2025
Loved the trip! Will definitely be using Kimkim for future adventures! Read more

Loved the trip! Will definitely be using Kimkim for future adventures!

Hotel Reviews
Arenal Springs Resort
La Fortuna

We loved this hotel! Only downside was the construction, which we understood due to us traveling in the off season. Would have appreciated more dinning options, although, again, construction.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

Hotel was incredible and rooms were stunning!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visit to Maleku Indigenous Reserve
Visit to Maleku Indigenous Reserve
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Deep Tissue Massage at Arenal Springs Spa
Arenal/La Fortuna
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Excursion in Rainforest and Wild Frog Sanctuary
Night Excursion in Rainforest and Wild Frog Sanctuary
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Costa Rica

Loved the animals we saw and the entire experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio

Our guide was incredible and saw so many animals, as well as enjoyed the beach and swimming!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Oct 05, 2025

Hola David,

That’s wonderful to hear, I’m so happy you loved your trip! ✨
It was a real pleasure helping you plan your Costa Rica adventure, and I’ll be delighted to assist you again whenever you’re ready for your next journey with Kimkim ^ Serendipity Adventures

Pura Vida,
Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures

Pura Vida Honeymoon Review
Costa Rica | Sep 14 - Sep 22, 2025

Anamarie
Anamarie L.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2025
Gustavo was excellent to communicate and work with during planning of the trip and he planned the best trip! We saw a little of everything, all of the accommodations were nice, and every guide/driver was very kind and made sure our experience was great. Our stay in Monteverde was especially nice and so were the employees, they helped us change reservation times and book more excursions. I would recommend kimkim to all of my friends! Read more

Gustavo was excellent to communicate and work with during planning of the trip and he planned the best trip! We saw a little of everything, all of the accommodations were nice, and every guide/driver was very kind and made sure our experience was great. Our stay in Monteverde was especially nice and so were the employees, they helped us change reservation times and book more excursions. I would recommend kimkim to all of my friends!

Hotel Reviews
Arenal Country Inn
La Fortuna

Nice staff and nice rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful botanicals all over, well maintained.
Location
Location was on a busy road with limited side walk options, so the 10 minute walk to town was a little scary, we didn’t feel comfortable doing it at night. But it is walkable to downtown and there is lots of shops and restaurants! If you walk the opposite direction of downtown there is a beautiful river and rope swing that we enjoyed a lot.
Staff
Staff was very nice and helpful with any questions. Felicia the cat is also very nice and welcomes pets.
Cleanliness & Comfort
This place was nice, definitely seemed a little more out of date than the other places we stayed. But some of the rooms were under renovation while we were staying so probably will be updated soon.
Karahé Beach Hotel
Manuel Antonio

This hotel is practically right on the beach which makes us an ideal location. You will see monkeys and we also saw a sloth that was hanging out during our stay. Hotel restaurant and bar right on the beach.

Authenticity & Character
Location
If you want to stay by the beach this is definitely the place to stay. Walking distance down the beach to the national park and lots of restaurants and shopping. The hotel is located well so it’s not very crowded on beach
Staff
Staff was nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
This hotel didn’t seem as clean as the others we stayed at, but it wasn’t bad by any means. The room also didn’t have a tv with streaming options, just local tv. But it did have a lovely balcony and a nice hot shower.
Camino Verde Bed & Breakfast

We were booked in the private apartment that is a little down the block and it was EXTREMELY nice. It was modern, clean, and very comfortable. On top of having lovely accommodations, the staff was extremely helpful and nice. They gave us advice to change our reservation time to earlier because of rain and then handled it for us. They also recommended a night tour and were able to book that for us too. It’s also pretty close and easy walk to the downtown location. I would without a doubt stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful view at breakfast, amazing room, very clean and well maintained.
Location
Easy to walk downtown. Good restaurants close by.
Staff
The staff went above and beyond to make sure our stay was perfect
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean. Modern appliances.
Activity Reviews
El Tigre Waterfalls Excursion
El Tigre Waterfalls Excursion
Monteverde

This is a beautiful hike. We saw lots of butterflies! The waterfalls are all beautiful and the guide was great. There is an opportunity to swim near the end and lunch or snack provided!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & EcoTermales Hot Springs Visit with Meal
Arenal Volcano Hike & EcoTermales Hot Springs Visit with Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna

This tour provided lots of information on the history, wildlife and vegetation in the area!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping
Gravity Falls Waterfall Jumping
Arenal/La Fortuna

This experience was amazing. The guides truly seemed like they loved their jobs. They made it fun and safe. Afterwards they gave us fresh pineapple and bananas and you get a meal at their restaurant which is also great!

Quality of Experience
They provide all the gear and rally knowledgeable guides!
Food
Fresh pineapple once you get back tot he starting point and then lunch at the company restaurant that was very good!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staff was amazing, you can tell they enjoy the job and want you to have the most out of your experience!
Transport
Local specialist: Gustavo Camperos

turtle experience was great. Mario offered e...
Costa Rica | Sep 15 - Sep 22, 2025

D
diane s.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025
turtle experience was great. Mario offered exceptional assistance to our safe viewing of the nesting. one canal viewing would have been enough (we opted for early morning and later tours same day). definitely the waterfall excursion was way out of our ability or interest and walk through the second park was hot and offered nothing new. the chocolate expeience also was very hot but the Indiginous presenters were very kind. The great travel distance between activities was also... Read more

turtle experience was great. Mario offered exceptional assistance to our safe viewing of the nesting. one canal viewing would have been enough (we opted for early morning and later tours same day). definitely the waterfall excursion was way out of our ability or

interest and walk through the second park was hot and offered nothing new. the chocolate expeience also was very hot but the Indiginous presenters were very kind. The great travel distance between activities was also taxing. I wish activities could have been more localized, but I understand that is how the geography presents. THe accomodations at the coffee plantation were exceptional.
special thanks to you and Nancy for the turtle nesting fee.

Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Sep 30, 2025

Thank you Diane for your review. I'm glad that you got to see the turtles in Tortuguero and that Mario took good care of you.
I'm sorry to hear that the rest of your trip was a little difficult. It's true that the Caribbean Coast, in fact much of Costa Rica, is very hot as we are in the tropics. Hopefully you were still able to enjoy some moments with beautiful views and time with your friend.

Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures

Costa Rica I can’t wait to go again
Costa Rica | Sep 10 - Sep 17, 2025

Jill
Jill L.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2025
All my tour guides were so nice and very knowledgeable. The drive from La Fortuna to puerto viejo was a bit longer than planned about 2 hrs longer. Same when I rhode back from there to San Jose. The lodging accommodations were nice with very Friendly staff and good food! Read more

All my tour guides were so nice and very knowledgeable. The drive from La Fortuna to puerto viejo was a bit longer than planned about 2 hrs longer. Same when I rhode back from there to San Jose. The lodging accommodations were nice with very Friendly staff and good food!

Hotel Review
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna

This was a beautiful relaxing place to stay. Friendly and helpful staff with yummy food and nice hot springs. You can walk around the property and see beautiful colored plants and critters running around. I will definitely be back.

Authenticity & Character
Felt like you had you’re own little villa
Location
Beautiful views
Staff
They were very attentive and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice clean rooms felt cozy but roomy at the same time
Activity Review
Nocturnal Frog Excursion & Traditional Costa Rican Dinner
Nocturnal Frog Excursion & Traditional Costa Rican Dinner
Arenal/La Fortuna

Was fun different to do a night tour! There were lots frogs and other things out and about!! I think this is a must for everyone to do. The food that was made at family home was incredible. I loved the farm to table Experience

Quality of Experience
Food
Farm to table yummy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly always looking to spot animals to show us
Transport
On time
Local specialist: Gustavo Camperos

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.