Kimkim Trip Reviews for Costa Rica

We had a wonderful time at the hotel! The staff, especially Edwin and Hilda were exceptional and very friendly!! The rooms were fantastic and private! Well located with an exception view of Arenal and close to La Fortuna!!

This hotel is beautiful- it has a great view of the volcano, but it was so overcast that we only really saw it on our first day. The pool is super nice, but the one with the swim up bar is heated to the point where it feels like a hot tub- way too hot for a hot Costa Rican day! There is a second pool right next to it that is nice and cool, but I'd definitely prefer for the cooler pool to be the one with the swim up bar! The other drawback of the hotel is that it's really spread out- that gives lots of privacy, but we had to take a 5 minute walk up a super steep hill to get to our room from the main area where the restaurant and lobby were. Finally, the restaurant was nice and very fancy, but I actually had an allergic reaction from eating the quesadilla there- the shrimp is cooked in a cashew sauce and there was no note of that on the menu. So be careful if you have food allergies! Overall the room was super nice and private, and there were gorgeous views. The property itself is like a mile down a private road, which can be nice but it did make it completely impossible to walk anywhere.

This hotel is an absolute must- by the time we were leaving, we knew that we would be back again one day. It is a crazy drive up the mountain to the very top- I'd recommend getting a transfer if you don't feel super comfortable driving. Some of the roads are completely washed out and super steep and bumpy- the drivers know what they're doing though! This hotel was absolutely gorgeous, but nothing compares to the view and vibes in the restaurant. We went during the rainy season, and our first night at the hotel there was this incredible rolling thunder, a steady rain, and misty clouds just rolling into the open air restaurant- it's cooler up in the mountains so it wasn't hot at all. We sat outside, completely protected from the rain, and played cards and had drinks for hours. Not only are the vibes incredible, but it was some of the best food we had. Everything we tried on the menu was absolutely delicious. We only stayed there for two nights, but we would have been happy there for a week at least. There is so much to see in the cloud forest, and the towns nearby have even more great restaurants. This was the highlight of our trip for sure.

This was so much fun! I was worried that the rapids would be too difficult, but we had 4 relatively fit people in our raft and we all did a pretty good job of handling it well, we also had a great guide! Nobody fell out, and we stopped halfway through and had some delicious fresh fruit and switched who was in the front. The front was definitely more difficult but it was super fun the whole time! Be prepared- it is an hour drive from La Fortuna, which we weren't prepared for. It goes by quick and is definitely worth it, but a change of dry clothes is key! You will get 100% soaked on the river, so I wore a bathing suit under athletic wear that didn't get too heavy when it got wet.

This was the best excursion of our trip! Andres was an incredible guide, and we had a great time. We took our time walking through the jungle, and he pointed out everything he saw- coati, snakes, frogs, certain types of plants, monkeys, etc. We saw so much, and we never would have been able to see half of it without our guide! The cloud forest is absolutely breathtaking. It was the excursion that I was least excited about going into the trip, and it ended up being my favorite one.

Our favorite activity of the whole trip. Ended up being the only family on the tour and they were just so nice. They were so helpful to our kids and letting them try new foods and even help with the cooking! The dinner turned out muy delicioso!

Karahé Beach Hotel in Manuel Antonio had a beautiful setting, but due to the native steep cliffs, we paid extra for more convenient rooms near the swimming pool below the road. This turned out to be a good choice, providing better access and comfort. While it's slightly inconvenient to have to upgrade rooms for optimal location, the hotel itself was very nice and contributed to an enjoyable stay.

The Trapp Family Lodge in Monteverde was fantastic in every way. Everything from the service to the amenities met our expectations and made our visit extremely pleasant. I would highly recommend staying here to anyone visiting Monteverde as it truly enhanced our experience.

While Hotel Arenal Montechiari is beautifully located with lush grounds, the rooms were very basic and there were some significant drawbacks. The public area is predominantly outdoor, and with no availability of air conditioning except in the reception area, it was uncomfortable during the hot weather. Additionally, the lack of a proper air-conditioned lobby area or seating made it less accommodating, and the internet was only accessible from the lobby, which was inconvenient.

The views are everything here! Just incredible! And all the wildlife was sooooo cool!

This is a great little spot! Rooms very clean and great location where you can walk to so many things! Service was a little lacking, but this may have been due to the off season!

Absolutely beautiful! This place is everything you need and want! I do not have a negative thing to say about it!

This was so cool! We started in the mangroves and took a boat ride through all these amazing canals and saw crocodiles and other wildlife! Then we bottom fished and trolled! It was soooo much fun and our guides were super experienced and wonderful to fish with!

This is an absolute must do! All I can say is wow! The wildlife and everything in between was just wonderful!

This expirence was a lot of fun! The kayaking and scenery were awesome and the snorkeling was soooooo cool! We got to swim with a sea turtle and saw all kinds of tropical fish! The lunch included was also really great! Must do!

This is a must if visiting the Monteverde area! We learned so much and this plantation is so incredible and respects the environment and as a results all of the products they make are top notch! It was so much fun learning and seeing how sugar cane, chocolate and coffee are produced! It was all fascinating and I highly recommend!

Tree Topia Park is a must! Our guides were wonderful, so much wildlife and the views!!! The hanging bridges are so cool and when you are in the clouds it’s such an experience! And the zip lining was the best I have ever done! The heights the views, it’s such an adventure. Do the vertical drop at the end, it’s sooooo worth it! They were such a great company and accommodated us when our initial zip line tour got rained out! They moved us to a morning session so we could fit it in before we left! I am so glad we got to do it!

10 out of 10 recommend! This was such a wonderful experience and great company to go rafting with! All of the guides were amazing and made us feel safe, comfortable and most of all ensured we had a blast! These rapids are no joke and it was the best adventure! It’s a must if visiting the La Fortuna area! Oh and the lunch at the company’s headquarters afterwards was perfecto!

Amazing hike up a lava flow of the volcano! Who can say they hiked a lava flow!!! Do it! Our guide Melanie was also incredible and so knowledgeable! She also takes great photos! And the lunch, perfection!

We loved that Margaritaville wasn't a mega resort where you have to wait for elevators to arrive and we could physically check on our teenagers with ease. The staff, especially upon check-in and check-out, were efficient, helpful and welcoming. The placement on the beach makes for a beautiful setting.

The resort and grounds were lovely and the staff was hard-working and courteous. The view of the volcano and abundance of wildlife right on the property was amazing.

WOW, just wow! We had the most amazing sunset cruise and snorkel. This experience exceeded our expectations. Jeffrey and Jarrell were top notch. Their love of sailing was evident and put us at ease to enjoy the experience. Jeffrey shared his sailing knowledge willingly and informatively while Jarrell was our snorkeling and sea life expert. They were a great duo. We were so impressed with their attentiveness and genuine interest in our having an enjoyable and relaxing time. My son started to get a little seasick and Jarrell somehow realized and brought him something helpful to drink. The meal we had was fresh and simply delicious. Their margarita was exceptional! I told them both that they made their mothers proud!

We had a blast and felt secure the entire time being that we were a small tour of just two boats and a safety kayaker all for us! The guys were super fun and easy to be around. Do it!

Mariano was a blast! We learned so may fun facts from him. His sense of humor eased the long ride there and back. The park was full of surprises including white-faced monkeys, an eyelash viper, and various other creatures. The falls were so pretty and the fact that a member of our party is named Celeste made it more special.

We loved the proximity to the beach and the location was beautiful. The staff was friendly. We spent equal time between the beach and the pool. We played volleyball and used boogie boards in the ocean. It was a lot of FUN!

Great food choices. My kids loved the pizza. Happy hour specials were great. The daily breakfast choices were really good and it was a nice way to start the day. The hotel property is beautiful and just as you would picture staying near the tropical rainforest!

Good place to stay by the airport. Very comfortable rooms and dining was fairly good. Shuttle to airport runs 24/7 every 15 minutes. Great place to start or end a trip.

Hotel is adequate, but amenities, grounds, and staff upgrade the whole experience. Higher floor rooms seem nicer than lower rooms. Rooms are basic, but clean and comfortable. Restaurant, staff and beach are terrific. Food was good, standard Costa Rica fare, drinks were good and staff went the extra mile. Direct beach access is a big bonus and the beach itself is lovely. There are life guards, which we liked, and you can go out a long way because it is shallow. Playing in the waves was terrific and you can rent surf boards and boogie boards right there. There are roaming beach vendors, but they were always nice and backed off immediately if you said no. There is lots of wildlife right on the grounds with sloths, monkeys and birds. Would definitely stay again.

We loved our stay here. While very spread out, the views were wonderful. There are walking paths on the grounds, a nice pool with a bar and a decent restaurant.

This was at the tail end of our vacation and we’d already taken several nature walks, so we were looking for a different experience. Going through the mangroves by boat gave us an entirely different cut at Costa Rica’s nature. The guides were very knowledgeable and went out of their way to make sure that we saw plenty of birds, iguanas, and snakes, as well as gave us detailed information about the ecosystem. The boat ride was very pleasurable and a great way to take in the nature around at a slower pace. Be sure to bring binoculars for the best experience.

We almost skipped this but turned out to be one of the favorite things we did as a family while in Costa Rica. Wonderful guides, terrific views, and it really gave us a chance to feel part of nature. Zip lines were high above the forest, were fast and a long distance so you had time to look around as you went. Suspension bridges were right at tree top level and we spent time with butterflies, monkeys and birds. Walking paths were great to meander along and take time to look around. There is a cafe at the end for a quick lunch, if interested.

One of the best excursions we had. You really feel a part of the nature and night time is when you can see the animal and insect world in full swing. The walk is about 2 hours and is up and down, so be ready for a good walk. Our guide, Mario, was excellent and we saw far more than I expected.

We didn't know what to expect at Don Juans, but turned out great. Our guide was entertaining and was very knowledgeable about the process, uses and market of the chocolate, coffee and sugar cane farms. Lots of opportunity to smell, touch and taste.

Rustic and outdoorsy. Our guide, Franklin, really made the difference as he knew an amazing amount of info about the volcano, plants, insects and animals. Amazing views and well worth it.

Very comfortable but elite, in a good way. Perfect pool. Perfect food.

The best views. Ever. No comparison- from anywhere we've stayed. Beautiful!

A private bungalow, in Paradise. Right under a volcano. What's not to love! The best b'fast, quiet and beautiful.

This sailing trip was superb! My husband went snorkeling and they took me ashore to the gorgeous beach. Sand soft, water perfection!

Fascinating experience! It took our trip to CR up to the next level of interesting facts.

This place is stunning. Stunning!

We saw Tapirs! Very unique trip. So much to see!

Very fun, clean, relaxing. Unique!

Beautiful beach location

Beautiful secluded setting.

Great day on the water. Plenty of time on the boat and in the water. The staff was attentive and the food was great!

Highlight of our trip!

Awesome adventure!

My wife had the “Best massage of my life”. The food at the onsite restaurant was nothing short of incredible. Special thanks to Mailyn for her outstanding service and kindness. The rooms, pools, and restaurant look out over the forest reserve and the Pacific Ocean - not better views anywhere in my opinion. While the roads getting to this place were pretty rough, once you’re there, the place is absolutely awesome. A true hidden gem with wonderful food!

WOW! A resort in the middle of the Cloud Forest in Costs Rica? Yep. If you skipped Monteverde on your trip to CR, you absolutely missed out. Incredible staff, with a special thanks to Eric - he made us feel like we made a new friend - SOYTICO Brother! 😂 - you too Dennis and Paulina, a true pleasure. Rooms were clean and gorgeous, and the bed was amazing as well. Having a front porch that opens into the Cloud Forest was the coolest thing.

Unreal - a spacious, gorgeous, room with an in room hot tub facing Arenal Volcano? YES PLEASE. Incredible, kind staff (thank you ALL - and Christian in particular). Add an amazing set of hot springs and pools right in the resort. My wife and I both HIGHLY recommend this AMAZING place.

This was a phenomenal choice. What a remarkable location, with such beauty and serenity. And if that were not enough, the restaurant and the rooms were perfectly adorned and in keeping with the landscape. And yet - the service surpassed even that. From first to last, every interaction was marked by kindness, responsiveness, and a delight in seeing our own delight. We shared some absolutely memorable moments. I absolutely want to return here, and the whole staff at Koora deserves high praise.

The staff was very friendly and accommodating. They went the extra mile whenever we needed. Great location for the many excursions we did in the Arenal/La Fortuna area.

The best ziplining experience I have ever had. Beautiful views and friendly staff.

This was a fantastic excursion in the backcountry of Costa Rica. The scenery and trails were perfect for this adventure.

Our guide, Freddy, a local business owner, was incredible. We were able to go at our own pace and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. He seemed to care that we had a good experiece!

One of the best whitewater rafting excursions I have been on. The guides were super helpful and the river eas a blast. It had rained the day before which made the water especially fun for rafting!

This hotel was beautiful. Service and staff were amazing. Great happy hour drink specials. It’s right on the beach. It’s a small hotel so getting to beach was a very short walk down a pathway.

Great little hotel. For the price, this place is beautiful and the breakfast is delicious. Rooms are basic. There’s a decent sized pool with amazing views of the volcano. It’s by no means luxurious but it’s adequate and clean and the location is great for walking to town .

The zip lining and visit to La Fortuna Waterfall was probably our favorite activity because it was something new for us. The adventure park offered a great location for zip lining, and although reaching the waterfall was more self-guided, it suited us just fine.

The Catamaran cruise was a pleasant experience. Due to a date change, there were fewer people on board, which made it more spacious and comfortable. We really enjoyed the snorkeling and appreciated the good food and the unlimited open bar. My family had a great time on this excursion.

Pretty hotel, very comfortable. Great location. Lots to do nearby.

This was our least favorite hotel. The room was dark and damp. There was really nowhere to go and sit during the rain storms other than our room. The dining area had so many flies that it was hard to enjoy our meals. Our room 2B didnt have a safe. My husband had $160 taken from his wallet on our last day there while we were at breakfast. The hotel was in a great location but i wouldn't recommend it for future guests. The horsebackriding excursion on the beach and thru the jungle was the best one that o have ever taken. The hotel excursion gal was super helpful in helping us plan this.

Great hotel! Very cute decor. Nice pool with a swim up bar and hot tub area. There was still some construction at this property but it wasnt a problem. Good breakfast and menu for lunch, snacks or dinner.

Very basic, but comfortable. Big property, too spread out. Long walk to front desk for excursion pick up. Food okay.

The two men that led the horseback ride were very good about keeping a close eye on everyone and make sure we were safe. Bratiful ride to the waterfall through the jungle. The walk to the waterfall and back was too strenuous for us to do.

Beautiful place, amazing setting to have a cocktail and chat with fellow travelers from around the world. Good buffet dinner afterward.

Very knowledgeable guide, she was funny and made the tour special. Many different station to see , feel and taste the coffee process.

Great guide on the river. Pointed out a lot of wildlife and helped us get good pictures on our cameras. Very knowledgeable!

The hotel in Manuel Antonio was the nicest with the best service on our trip. However, there was some confusion about our room; we expected one with a balcony and didn't get it. Make sure you clarify room specifics before booking.

Beautiful setting up in the cloud forest. If it's clear, you will have a beautiful sunset from their deck. It is pretty quiet, almost like a private camp with top notch amenities. The rooms are big with very comfortable beds. And the restaurants is one of the best meals in the area - a culinary experience.

Rooms were nice and big. The wide variety of hot springs filled pools were a tremendous experience. On-site breakfast has a great variety and tasted good. Would probably recommend going into town for dinner though. Staff was very helpful.

The Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Hike was really cool. The tour guides were excellent and we saw around twenty-five different animals. The area and beaches are beautiful, definitely a must-do.

The TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure in Monteverde was one of the better zip lining tours. We felt safe the entire time and enjoyed beautiful views.

The Chocolate & Night Hike Experience was fun, with interesting animal sightings including a sloth and a snake. However, the description was a bit off regarding the chocolate-making part. You observe the guide making chocolate and then taste it, rather than making your own bar. Still, an enjoyable event.

Highly recommend the Desafio rafting trip out of Fortuna. A great group of simultaneously fun and highly qualified guides took us down the river. Our guide Emanuel (aka Fluffy, aka Pelusa) was friendly, funny and skilled. The transportation was smooth, the rapids were the perfect size for family, great mix of adventure moments and chill moments, and the lunch afterward was a tasty Costa Rican meal. A must do.

We had fun, but there are some positives and less positives when it comes to this activity. Things you need to know: First, the less positives: -If you are staying in Manuel Antonio, the excursion is an hour drive, and you need to leave the hotel at 5:40 AM -Because this is a national reserve, to load onto and unload from the boat, you need to walk out/in at the beach, and the ground is very rocky in spots and pretty painful on bare feet. -The ride to the island is on open ocean and can be pretty choppy if there are swells. The ride for us was very bumpy and took about 90 minutes. This was tough, especially if you have kids. -There are not really bathrooms on the island. If you gotta go, you are pretty much going in the water. -Overall, it is a long trip. Note, this activity will take a big chunk of your time in this area. We left the hotel at 5:40 AM and returned at almost 4 PM. Now the positives: -If you love snorkeling or scuba, this is pretty much the main option on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. There are not really any other close reefs, and this particular location is a great one. -We saw tons of tropical fish, turtles (tortugas!), sharks (safe ones), dolphins, and unique birds -The guides were all very passionate and great at their job. They took great care with safety, concerns about sea sickness, and instruction in the water. -If you get a calm day, the boat ride is likely not quite as taxing and a bit shorter. (But that's a crapshoot.) -The burritos for lunch were very tasty So if a snorkel or scuba is a must in your stay on the Costa Rican coast and you have the time, I recommend this one. If not, or if you have younger kids or sea sickness concerns, maybe skip this one.