Kimkim Trip Reviews for Costa Rica

4.8
Based on 790 ratings
Read 790 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.

The trip was pretty good. I was expecting bet...
Costa Rica | Feb 15 - Feb 21, 2024

Ruth
Ruth L.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 28, 2024
The trip was pretty good. I was expecting better hotels. The transportation was a 18 person mini van every where, but that is standard for the country. Even when we has a private transport booked between places it was still the same van.
The excursions were all nature driven, which is what we expected, forests, parks, waterfalls, hot springs (which we loved), a tram in the clouds, unfortunately it was pouring rain, windy and nasty that day. we went on walks to see animals, but they were not...
Read more

The trip was pretty good. I was expecting better hotels. The transportation was a 18 person mini van every where, but that is standard for the country. Even when we has a private transport booked between places it was still the same van.
The excursions were all nature driven, which is what we expected, forests, parks, waterfalls, hot springs (which we loved), a tram in the clouds, unfortunately it was pouring rain, windy and nasty that day. we went on walks to see animals, but they were not many to see on the time/day were there. One of our hotels did not have air conditioning, and when we called to discuss it - it was not possible because it was our Specialists day off. So, no problem solving coverage on Sunday.
The business is email and text message based, if that works for you great, it was not for me. I also, think some of our problems occurred because of language structure or something like that.
KimKim tried very hard to create a very nice trip for us..

Hotel Review
Monteverde Country Lodge
Monteverde

Very nice clean hotel. The property was pretty. The hotel does not have air conditioning. They have a designated area for smokers. We were given a room on the second floor walk up. We asked if we could change the room, and they were able to accommodate us. They tried very hard to make us happy. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are all served in the same room. The rooms are spread out over the property which is fine if you are fit. The breakfast selection was varied, most guests seemed to like it. The restaurant across the street was very good and had fair prices. About a mile from town, very hilly, no side walks. Easy taxi ride, $5. Activity booking office in town. 2 supermarkets, restaurants of all levels. coffee shops, pharmacy.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Priscila Mata
Priscila
Priscila Mata
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 29, 2024

Hola Ruth,

Firstly, thank you so much for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback. We appreciate it, and we use it to continually improve our services. Also, a big thank you for choosing us for your trip. We're thrilled to hear that you had a good time.

I'd like to apologize for the inconvenience regarding the air conditioning. Typically, some hotels in Monteverde don't offer it due to the temperatures. We're sorry if this made you feel uncomfortable.

Sending warm greetings from Costa Rica 🌺🌴

Just an average trip
Costa Rica | Feb 20 - Feb 26, 2024

R
Rakesh R.
Kearny, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024
I booked for the first time with Kim Kim .
First the good :
all the bookings of my daily tours, cars and accommodations were in place. Had no problems anywhere .
We had one person from their contracting company which had one person available on what’s up sending us reminders and directions and we could occasionally get some recommendations.
Not so good :
1. The overall experience , the accommodations, tours were just about an average . Nothing which kind of wow’d us.
2. went by...
Read more

I booked for the first time with Kim Kim .
First the good :
all the bookings of my daily tours, cars and accommodations were in place. Had no problems anywhere .
We had one person from their contracting company which had one person available on what’s up sending us reminders and directions and we could occasionally get some recommendations.

Not so good :
1. The overall experience , the accommodations, tours were just about an average . Nothing which kind of wow’d us.
2. went by their recommendations for accommodations and felt that we were forced to stay in remote hotels , that included lot of driving around
3. Lack of transparency in terms of the individual cost, we were given 1 price for overall trip. So it was hard to decide which activities we can keep or remove. Whenever we asked for a change, the trip prices fluctuated a lot , and I got tired . So went ahead with their recommendations.

They were already charging a price for the service , so I was expecting a little more transparency.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 28, 2024
Hola from Costa Rica, Rakesh, Thank you for sharing your experience with Serendipity Adventures. We're thrilled to hear that all your bookings for daily tours, cars, and accommodations were seamlessly arranged without any hiccups. We greatly value the convenience of having a dedicated contact available on WhatsApp for reminders and occasional recommendations. We're truly sorry to hear that the overall experience regarding accommodations didn't meet your expectations. We understand your... Read more

Hola from Costa Rica, Rakesh,

Thank you for sharing your experience with Serendipity Adventures. We're thrilled to hear that all your bookings for daily tours, cars, and accommodations were seamlessly arranged without any hiccups. We greatly value the convenience of having a dedicated contact available on WhatsApp for reminders and occasional recommendations.

We're truly sorry to hear that the overall experience regarding accommodations didn't meet your expectations. We understand your concerns about being directed to remote hotels, which led to more driving than anticipated. We planned this trip close to your arrival, and regrettably, the hotels we typically recommend, which are better located, were fully booked during your stay.

Regarding transparency in pricing, we apologize for any confusion or inconvenience caused. While hidden fees and taxes are common in online rates, our approach focuses on personalized Trip Plans that align with travelers' preferences, budgets, and travel goals. We handle all reservations and coordination, saving our clients time and ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Thank you once again for choosing us for your travel needs. We genuinely hope to have the opportunity to exceed your expectations in the future.

Pura Vida 🦥
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures, Costa Rica

Wonderful Costa Rica!
Costa Rica | Feb 17 - Feb 24, 2024

S
Sheila P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024
It was my second time to Costa Rica, but I traveled with my friend who had never visited it before, and it was so fun!
Phil, our specialist, was great. It was very easy to communicate with him, he made the trip perfect for us. He was very present and responsive even while we were traveling.
We loved everything, from the accommodations to the activities!
Read more

It was my second time to Costa Rica, but I traveled with my friend who had never visited it before, and it was so fun!
Phil, our specialist, was great. It was very easy to communicate with him, he made the trip perfect for us. He was very present and responsive even while we were traveling.
We loved everything, from the accommodations to the activities!

Hotel Reviews
Arenal Roca Lodge
La Fortuna
Authenticity & Character
The lodge bungalows were rustic in appearance, but were very spacious and had all the comforts for home (AC, hot water, comfy beds and an on-site restaurant)
Location
For traveler's with a rental car, getting to/from town to explore restaurants, shops, etc is easy. For traveler's without a rental, there were a few places within easy walking distance but for most a cab would be required.
Staff
The staff were very friendly. They all went the extra mile to make our stay a happy one.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Locanda Samara Beach
Samara

Hotel Locanda Samara Beach in Sámara was a great choice for a stay. The hotel's location allowed for easy access to various attractions, shops, and restaurants, making it convenient for exploring the area on foot.

Authenticity & Character
The bungalows, with the bamboo and thatched roofs added a local flair to the hotel.
Location
The hotel is right on the beach and easy walking distance to all amenities in Samara.
Staff
The staff were all very friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The cleaning staff kept the entire hotel spotless
Activity Reviews
Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Adventures Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Sky Adventures Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

The zip lines and hanging bridges tour was thrilling and suitable for travelers of all ages. It may not be ideal for those afraid of heights, but overall, it was a fun and exciting experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ocean Kayak & Snorkel at Isla Chora (Seasonal)
Ocean Kayak & Snorkel at Isla Chora (Seasonal)
Sámara

The ocean kayak and snorkeling tour at Isla Chora was a fun and exciting experience. Despite windy conditions, seeing a turtle underwater made the excursion memorable. The two-seater kayak was beneficial for less experienced kayakers, adding to the enjoyment of the activity.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horseback Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall
Horseback Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horseback Sunset Tour
Horseback Sunset Tour
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rio Celeste Hiking - Tenorio Volcano National Park
Rio Celeste Hiking - Tenorio Volcano National Park
Costa Rica

The hike at Tenorio National Park was challenging but rewarding. The guide was excellent, and despite the rain, the lush surroundings and the unique blue waters of Rio Celeste made the hike a memorable experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guatil Tour
Guatil Tour
Costa Rica

The Guatil pottery tour was a hidden gem and a fascinating cultural experience. The guided tour provided insight into local pottery-making techniques and traditions, making it a unique and enjoyable activity for those interested in learning about the local culture.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Phil Tardieu
Phil
Phil Tardieu
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on Mar 15, 2024

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're so happy to hear that you had such a fantastic time in my country. It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed everything, from the accommodations to the activities. I didn't know that much about the Guatil tour but now it's like I also want to do it myself and I recommend it all the time, thank you for that! 😀
We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in the future! All the best,
Phil

A challenging booking experience that resulted in a good trip
Costa Rica | Feb 11 - Feb 18, 2024

Miranda
Miranda S.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024
It's unfortunate that Charlotte is noted as our local specialist, since she most certainly was not. Our trip was booked through an initial agent, Sergio, and once we had paid for the tour he immediately disappeared. We were directed to Charlotte who was unresponsive and difficult to get details from. After repeated requests, she finally assigned our file to a new rep, Wilman, who was very helpful in sorting out the many details of our trip. As we worked through it, it became clear that much... Read more

It's unfortunate that Charlotte is noted as our local specialist, since she most certainly was not. Our trip was booked through an initial agent, Sergio, and once we had paid for the tour he immediately disappeared. We were directed to Charlotte who was unresponsive and difficult to get details from. After repeated requests, she finally assigned our file to a new rep, Wilman, who was very helpful in sorting out the many details of our trip. As we worked through it, it became clear that much of what we were sold did not line up clearly with the operational details required to make it work. Working 1:1 with Wilman we were able to sort it out and the trip was enjoyable and relatively seamless for our family, but it wasn't without significant effort and an exceptional amount of back and forth to ensure that the trip was in order. We credit Wilman with saving this trip for us, and aren't sure of the role which Charlotte played.

Hotel Reviews
Maquenque Ecolodge
Boca Tapada

This was a unique and interesting property and we really enjoyed our stay. The property is full of amazing wildlife, and the staff were friendly and accomodating. The accomodations were clean and inviting and we loved the feeling of sleeping in the treetops with the animals. The one drawback here was the remoteness of some of the treehouses. We had 4 across our large group, and the distance between them was significant. Walking back to the rooms at night alone was a little unnerving given the animals we'd seen roaming the property earlier in the day! Would highly recommend Maquenque lodge

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Congo Bongo EcoVillage Costa Rica
Manzanillo, Limon

This was a unique property, though a little more rustic than we'd imagined. A number of the reviews note that this is more of a 'glamping property' which felt accurate. The rooms were creatively designed, and very open to the elements. As such, it was hard for them to feel (or be) clean. The kitchenwares were often freshly covered with animal feces and the bedroom area was always damp feeling, particularly at night. The walk to the beach was long, but well marked. And from there it was an easy walk to the town of Manzanillo. The staff at the property were very willing to assist and acomodate.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto
San José

Good option near the airport. There was also a grocery store and a handful of restaurants to walk to nearby.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Birdwatching Tour in Maquenque
Birdwatching Tour in Maquenque
Boca Tapada

This activity was a bit underwhelming. It was planned as a very early morning after a very long travel day. By the time we got going, there wasn't as much to see. We did see a Tapir which was awesome, but the birds and guide weren't otherwise noteworthy.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Safari Kayak in Tres Amigos River
Safari Kayak in Tres Amigos River
Boca Tapada

This was a great trip, though longer than our group was prepared for. The guides were very good and pointed out notable sights and animals as we passed them.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
San Carlos River Boat Tour
San Carlos River Boat Tour
Boca Tapada

we enjoyed abut 50% of this tour. Our guide was excellent, and the driver had a sharp eye for finding animals by the shoreline. Outside of that, the tour got a little long and boring. And on the way back, the guide was on his phone and we weren't able to stop for animal spottings, which made it a bit of a lackluster end to what was an otherwise decent tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boca Tapada Night Tour
Boca Tapada Night Tour
Boca Tapada

This was a great experience with a good guide. We enjoyed the tour and saw a number of interesting frogs, birds, snakes and other creatures.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Transfer from Boca Tapada to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca with En-route Rafting on the Sarapiquí River
Private Transfer from Boca Tapada to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca with En-route Rafting on the Sarapiquí River
Costa Rica

Our rafting tour was a highlight on our trip! The group of guides were phenomenal in engaging our full group and making our participants of all different levels feel confident and safe out on the water. We had a great time and would highly recommend this to others. The lunch following the rafting was great too!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 28, 2024
Hi Miranda, Thank you for taking the time to review the hotels and operators included in your package. I was sorry to hear you were not totally satisfied with our, and particularly my own, services. To be honest, I was surprised to read you found me unresponsive, so I went back to check the account and found that I did communicate with you or your father in the Kimkim chat on 24 different dates, plus 7 times via e-mail! The reason I was appointed as your local specialist is due to the... Read more

Hi Miranda,

Thank you for taking the time to review the hotels and operators included in your package.

I was sorry to hear you were not totally satisfied with our, and particularly my own, services. To be honest, I was surprised to read you found me unresponsive, so I went back to check the account and found that I did communicate with you or your father in the Kimkim chat on 24 different dates, plus 7 times via e-mail!

The reason I was appointed as your local specialist is due to the fact that the Kimkim platform will automatically assign ONE person as such, even though a few of us will always be involved. Within our company, Serendipity Adventures, we work as a team, and it was Sergio that was in contact with you during the planning process, Nancy and I during the reservation/preparation process, and Wilman during the operations of your trip.

I am very happy about your comments about Wilman, because he is indeed a very important person when it comes to pursuing 100% client satisfaction (which is always our goal). I am a first-hand witness of how much time and effort he put into securing and reconfirming every detail of your trip plan during the weeks prior to your trip. Most of the time, clients will communicate with Wilman via e-mail, chat, or WhatsApp before-, during-, and after their trip, but in your case we went a step further by having Wilman travel to the Caribbean coast that week, with the idea that he could be close by and assist you in person in case you would need any additional service. Luckily, based on your positive comments, I see it worked out great.

And last but not least, knowing it was an in-house operation with our professional Serendipity Adventures river guides, I was glad to read that the rafting in the Sarapiqui river was the highlight of your trip! I will make sure to share that note with the guides and support staff involved.

Kind Regards,
Charlotte

40 Year Wedding Anniversary in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Feb 9 - Feb 25, 2024

Kim
Kim L.
Salmon Creek, WA | Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024
All I can say is this trip was PERFECT! It's the first time I have planned a trip using a travel service. Holden with Serendipity Adventures did an amazing job planning a trip that was everything we could have asked for and more. Our hotels, transportation, guides and adventures were just perfect for us. Everything went just as planned. Loved having a contact available 24hr a day if anything came up we needed. Wilman was that man in command. Nancy was top class in getting us all the... Read more

All I can say is this trip was PERFECT! It's the first time I have planned a trip using a travel service. Holden with Serendipity Adventures did an amazing job planning a trip that was everything we could have asked for and more. Our hotels, transportation, guides and adventures were just perfect for us. Everything went just as planned. Loved having a contact available 24hr a day if anything came up we needed. Wilman was that man in command. Nancy was top class in getting us all the information we needed to make this dream trip come true. We spend our 40-year Anniversary Day with a private guide Andres from Forest Alive in Monteverde Cloud Forest. He was so knowledgeable and just plain fun. We saw more animal & bird than I dreamed possible. After our hike we had a romantic dinner at San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience. It was a dinner we will never forget high above the jungle watching the sunset. Thank you everyone at Serendipity Adventures for making this special time in our lives complete.

Hotel Reviews
Manatus Hotel
Tortuguero

We loved Manatus Hotel. This room are good size and very comfortable. Liked that it isn't a huge place, so you get personal service with a smile. All meals are included (which were tasty) as no roads in or out. Only can get there by boat which is half the fun. On the boat safari our guide were experts at finding interesting reptiles, animals and flora for us to look at.

Authenticity & Character
Location
No big crowds of people here.
Staff
Friendly and Personable
Cleanliness & Comfort
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Monteverde

This is a beautiful hotel in a great location. Good size rooms with a balcony to watch the sunset. The food was outstanding. We enjoyed swimming and relaxing poolside after our days adventure.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Alma Del Pacifico Beach Hotel & Spa
Esterillos Este

We really liked that the rooms were all private large bungalows. Had plenty of private garden space outside to enjoy. The pools were enjoyable. The beach is right there for you to enjoy with hammocks and Adirondack chairs in the palm trees. Amazing sunset.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
La Fortuna

The location is great, and hotel was clean and comfortable. The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of 5 is it was a bit noisy. Lots of big families with lots of children that did as they pleased. The pool was full of children splashing and being loud. I know this isn't the fault of the hotel, but it does affect our experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Private Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Costa Rica

Andres from Forest Alive was knowledgeable and just plain fun. He timed our hike so there wasn't tons of people. We didn't get 1/4 of a mile into our hike and we saw Quetzol birds, a mother hummingbird feeding her chicks, a viper snake, and bats. We went to a lovey waterfall and enjoyed the experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ecotermales Hotsprings and Dinner
Ecotermales Hotsprings and Dinner
Arenal/La Fortuna

Lovely hot springs with several different temperature pools. Drinks served at the different hot springs. Dinner had lots of choice and was tasty.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Treetop Dining Experience
Treetop Dining Experience
Monteverde

Had our 40-year Wedding Anniversary dinner in the treetop dining experience. What a way to celebrate our anniversary above the treetops watching the sunset. We will always remember this culinary adventure. Food and service was beyond excellent.

Quality of Experience
Food
All I can say is EXCELLENT
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horseback Riding to Nauyaca Waterfalls
Horseback Riding to Nauyaca Waterfalls
Costa Rica

We spent our last day in Costa Rica doing my two favorite things. Riding horse and swimming in a waterfall. It was a blast. The horses are well cared for. The guides make sure everyone is safe and happy. Spend plenty of time to enjoy the waterfall. Stopped halfway back to enjoy a nice lunch. Super fun day! If you are in the area this is a must do.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Mar 07, 2024

Hi Kim, I'm thrilled to know that we have exceeded your expectations. I am glad that you trusted us to make this the best 40th anniversary celebration. Our team at Serendipity Adventures is grateful for your kind words and we hope you treasure these memories for a very long time!
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures

Amazing experience!
Costa Rica | Feb 11 - Feb 18, 2024

F
Fayruz K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 23, 2024
The KimKim experience was a wonderful one from start to finish! They planned for us a 7-day Costa Rica experience that was tailored to our needs and included time in Manuel Antonio as well as La Fortuna. Activities included horseback riding, zip lining, national park hikes, volcano hikes, thermal springs and more. All the activities were super fun, transportation to and from the locations were luxurious and on time. All the drivers and tour guides were super nice and knowledgeable. Olman and... Read more

The KimKim experience was a wonderful one from start to finish! They planned for us a 7-day Costa Rica experience that was tailored to our needs and included time in Manuel Antonio as well as La Fortuna. Activities included horseback riding, zip lining, national park hikes, volcano hikes, thermal springs and more. All the activities were super fun, transportation to and from the locations were luxurious and on time. All the drivers and tour guides were super nice and knowledgeable. Olman and Graciela, who managed the tour from the KimKim side, were extremely accommodating and eager to build the trip we had envisioned. When we decided to extend the beach stay by a day at the last minute, Graciela was able to make it happen. I highly recommend KimKim for any vacation experience!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Magic Mountain
Fortuna

Hotel Magic Mountain in Arenal was a wonderful place to stay. The hotel had everything we needed, and the surroundings were beautiful. The amenities were great, and the overall experience was very positive. It was a comfortable and relaxing place to unwind after a day of activities.

Location
Staff
Park Inn San Jose by Radisson
San José

I stayed at Park Inn San Jose by Radisson for one night. Since we arrived late and left early, there wasn't much to say about the stay. The hotel was fine and served its purpose as a comfortable and relaxing stopover.

Karahé Beach Hotel
Manuel Antonio

My stay at Karahé Beach Hotel in Manuel Antonio was a mix of experiences. The location was fantastic, and the breakfast was delicious. However, the room we had was basic and had some issues with bugs due to a door that didn't close properly. On the contrary, the beachfront rooms were amazing, offering a different level of comfort and views. Overall, the hotel had its pros and cons, but the beachfront rooms were definitely worth considering.

Location
Staff
Activity Reviews
Zip Lining in Arenal Volcano
Zip Lining in Arenal Volcano
Arenal/La Fortuna

The zip lining experience in Arenal Volcano was fantastic. Despite my initial concerns due to vertigo, the guides were helpful and made the activity enjoyable. The location for zip lining was excellent, and the guides were both helpful and fun. It was a thrilling and memorable experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horseback Riding Tour
Horseback Riding Tour
Manuel Antonio

The horseback riding tour in Manuel Antonio was a great experience. The location where we rode and had lunch was enjoyable and fun. The guide, was fantastic and added to the overall experience. It was a memorable activity that I would recommend to others.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
El Silencio Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs
El Silencio Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna

The El Silencio Hike and visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs was a great combination. Despite the pouring rain during the hike, the experience was fun and enjoyable. The highlight was our guide, Monica, who was amazing. Her knowledge and enthusiasm added to the overall experience and made it truly memorable. It was a day filled with adventure and relaxation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Monica was an amazing guide!
Transport
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 23, 2024

Hi Fayruz,

Thanks for your review.
We are so happy to know you had a great time exploring the tropics!

Thanks for everything!

Pura Vida,
Olman

Do your own research - this may not be the paradise your want (or expect)
Costa Rica | Feb 14 - Feb 21, 2024

Gretchen
Gretchen J.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024
This was our first experience using a travel agent and will be our last! Although Costa Rica is a beautiful country, our vacation felt very much like a pre-package, impersonal trip comprised of very touristy activities selected from a pre-approved list (no variations, no deviations, no personalizations). Costa Rica, or at least the regions we were sent to, were just huge tourist meccas, overflowing with garish billboards, cheap souvenir shops and ramshackle hotels. We stayed at two... Read more

This was our first experience using a travel agent and will be our last! Although Costa Rica is a beautiful country, our vacation felt very much like a pre-package, impersonal trip comprised of very touristy activities selected from a pre-approved list (no variations, no deviations, no personalizations). Costa Rica, or at least the regions we were sent to, were just huge tourist meccas, overflowing with garish billboards, cheap souvenir shops and ramshackle hotels.

We stayed at two resorts - Los Lomas del Volcan in LaFortuna and The Parador Nature Resort in Manuel Antonio. Both were a bit dated but nice. But without a car, you were at the mercy of the local cabs ($10 to drive the 1.5 km into town on the un-walkable road) or the capricious shuttle schedule offered by the resort. We had to spend almost all your time within the confines of the resort.

Which I guess is fine and might be what many people like. And if that is your vacation objective, then these two properties would be fine.

The adventure activities were, once again, very touristy and focused more on “schlock” than really giving any sort of education about coffee growing or chocolate production. We did a safari raft adventure through Canoa Adventure that was fun. But that was followed by a “hike” to la Fortuna falls which consisted of a young man just driving us to the falls and letting us walk to the falls. Not sure that was worthy of any sort of fee.

BUT - if you are into zip lining and lying around a pool, both resorts would be just fine.

The biggest disappointment was the service provided by KimKim. I am just going to give one example (there were many others). Our last day at Manuel Antonio, we had to check out of the room by 11:00 but our shuttle was not arriving until 3:00. Everything was packed. No air conditioning in the resort (other than the bedrooms which we had to leave). Restaurants on the resort did not open until noon (also not air conditioned). We asked at the front desk if there was something we could do or a place to go. They had no suggestions. Total waste of a day, just sitting around, trying to stay cool and waiting for the shuttle.

And then, the shuttle takes us to downtown San Jose for the night - we had an early morning flight the next day. But we arrived so late we could not do anything in San Jose. So why not just have us stay at an airport hotel, complete with a free airport shuttle, and allow us to 1) sleep a little more in the morning 2) take advantage of the free breakfast and 3) not have to pay the cab fare to the airport.

Terrible planning. If I had planned this myself, I would have taken these timing issues into consideration. But clearly, KimKim did not care. And when I mentioned something, I received a tepid response, thanking me for my patience and saying they would take this into consideration for the future.

Sigh!!!

I know I sound like a complainer - and I am not. I was just expecting (hoping) that when you pay for a travel agent, more care would have been taken and the responsiveness would be greater. In the future, i will go back to doing my own research, booking my own hotels and excursions and mapping out the vacation myself. It just seems, for me at least, the travel agent offered little or no value.

Sorry.

Hotel Reviews
Park Inn San Jose by Radisson
San José

I don’t know why anyone would stay here. The hotel itself is nice enough but it is in a horrible location - not walkable to much of anything. Just a place to sleep.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Fortuna

Very nice property. But it is located 1.5 km from the main road, and the access is along an unwalkable road. You are forced to take a $10 cab to get into the town. But the property itself is very nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Just not near anythign
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
We never did get hot water in our shower and despite repeated requests, the staff did not really seem to care!!
Parador Nature Resort & Spa
Manuel Antonio

Very beautiful setting. Our stay was somewhat marred because it was very hot and we were just not used to 100 degree temps. Other than the rooms, nothing is air conditioned. Yikes. But beautiful vistas. Nice pools. No beach access (except along a rather rocky path)

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Air conditioning went down for a bit but they were very quick to repair and gave us a tray of chocolate covered strawberries for our trouble. Extremely nice gesture.
Activity Reviews
Travel to Arenal - Doka Coffee Tour
Travel to Arenal - Doka Coffee Tour
Costa Rica

Very package, tourist activity, but the guide was knowledgeable

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

Guide was very knowledgeable. Excellent experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chocolate Tour
Chocolate Tour
Arenal/La Fortuna

Just too “schlocky”. Too much time was spent with the guide trying to be cute/funny/whatever. Spitting the chocolate seed??? Too much.

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

Good experience and we were able to see many animals. Our guide did a great job. But they sort of dragged the whole thing out to make the “experience” last about an hour longer than necessary. However, that seems to be typical of much if everything we did in Costa Rica.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde
Yuliana
Yuliana Valverde
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 27, 2024

Hi Gretchen,
I hope you are well.
Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback about your trip. Your input is valuable to us as we strive to improve our services for future travelers.
Best,
Yuliana

The trip to Costa Rica was wonderful but ther...
Costa Rica | Feb 11 - Feb 17, 2024

J
Jacqueline B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 21, 2024
The trip to Costa Rica was wonderful but there were two things to mention that could have been communicated better. One, on the horseback riding trail, Jackie's horse, Roro, stopped for a drink of water and ended up laying down and rolling Jackie off into the creek. Thankfully, she did not get hurt, just soaked. The tour guide said she should have pulled back tight on the reins but he didn't tell Jackie to do that before it happened. Jackie has only ridden a horse three times in her life. It... Read more

The trip to Costa Rica was wonderful but there were two things to mention that could have been communicated better. One, on the horseback riding trail, Jackie's horse, Roro, stopped for a drink of water and ended up laying down and rolling Jackie off into the creek. Thankfully, she did not get hurt, just soaked. The tour guide said she should have pulled back tight on the reins but he didn't tell Jackie to do that before it happened. Jackie has only ridden a horse three times in her life. It is concerning because there were two teenaged children on that ride, too. No one was told to pull back on the reins to keep the horse from taking a bath.
The other to mention was the trip to Poas volcano. We were not told to bring rain gear and it was raining the day we went. We were fine but walked up to the overlook but could not see anything because it was very cloudy, rainy and windy. We would have been fine if the trip to the volcano had been cancelled since it was raining. Other than that, the trip was fantastic! Thank you!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Costa Verde
Manuel Antonio
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto
San José
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Horseback Riding, Tocori Mountain & Waterfall
Horseback Riding, Tocori Mountain & Waterfall
Manuel Antonio
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free Day in San Jose
Free Day in San Jose
San José
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio
Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Doka Coffee Tour & Poas Volcano National Park
Doka Coffee Tour & Poas Volcano National Park
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Jean Carlo
Jean Carlo Ilama
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 23, 2024
Dear Jaqueline, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of your recent trip to Costa Rica. We sincerely appreciate your feedback and the trust you placed in us to make your journey memorable. Your insights are invaluable to us, and we're grateful for the opportunity to improve our services. We'll certainly take your comments into consideration as we continue to enhance our offerings for future travelers. Once again, we appreciate your feedback and hope to have the pleasure... Read more

Dear Jaqueline,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of your recent trip to Costa Rica. We sincerely appreciate your feedback and the trust you placed in us to make your journey memorable.

Your insights are invaluable to us, and we're grateful for the opportunity to improve our services. We'll certainly take your comments into consideration as we continue to enhance our offerings for future travelers.

Once again, we appreciate your feedback and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Costa Rica for another unforgettable adventure in the future.

Warm regards and Pura Vida,
JC.

16 days in beautiful Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Jan 15 - Jan 30, 2024

S
Sandra K.
Bellingham, WA | Reviewed on Feb 21, 2024
We spent 16 days in Costa Rica and Kim Kim was invaluable, helping us plan our trip, booking accommodations, car and tour guides. Thank you, Bryan ! We started our trip in San Jose and had a day to acclimate to the time change after a late evening arrival the prior day. Stayed at the El Presidente hotel, which has a very nice breakfast room and a wonderful little restaurant upstairs which we’d recommend. The gem museum and Stiffel pub would be our two recommendations in San Jose. Up... Read more

We spent 16 days in Costa Rica and Kim Kim was invaluable, helping us plan our trip, booking accommodations, car and tour guides. Thank you, Bryan ! We started our trip in San Jose and had a day to acclimate to the time change after a late evening arrival the prior day. Stayed at the El Presidente hotel, which has a very nice breakfast room and a wonderful little restaurant upstairs which we’d recommend. The gem museum and Stiffel pub would be our two recommendations in San Jose. Up early the next morning for our long bus trip and boat trip to the Mwamba Lodge in Torteguero. Highly recommend the Mwamba Lodge , the guides and scenery of Torteguero. Back to the mainland to rent a car and off to Arenal. Three nights at the Los Lagos resort enjoying the grounds and the natural Hot Springs, recommend . Alberto and Mao top flight guides on the Arenal,hanging bridges tour, recommend.
Off to Rio Celeste to stay 1 night at Casita Tenorio (highly recommend) and wonderful waterfall hike with Mariano. Next 2 beach days out on the Guancaste peninsula, which we planned on our own. Up next two nights in Monteverde to tour the cloud forest with Jorge who is very knowledgeable and fun to spend time with. Recommend Hotel Ficus for accommodations, wonderful staff and location. Walk to the Morphus restaurant for dinner. Tip- the road we took up to Monteverde was challenging for the last hour, gravel road and lots of potholes, but manageable. However, coming back down two days later different road, which was paved and in great condition. So something to talk to KimKim about if you have options and that’s a concern. If you’re a good, confident and respectful driver, then renting a car is a good way to go, as it gives you a chance to enjoy a lot of the back roads and view life in Costa Rica away from the tourist spots. Just need a good copilot. Google maps or something similar and avoid driving at night and in bad weather.
Next up was Manuel Antonio Park , and a wonderful wildlife tour with Andres Sosio. We chose an 11 o’clock tour time to sleep in a bit and it worked out great as Andres already had one tour under his belt that day and knew where all the animals were and also much less crowded late morning. Something to consider.
We stayed at Hotel La Mariposa- incredible views sitting on top of the highest point in town, beautiful dining area and pool area, and the majority of the rooms have great views. Cannot recommend this place enough. In fact, we cut our Uvita stop one day short to spend another day at La Mariposa. Finally back to San Jose with a 1:30 AM flight to LA the next day. Highly recommend the Marriott Hacienda Belen in San Jose, coming or going, if you have the better part of a day to enjoy their property .
We want to acknowledge how helpful Wilman at Serendipity is when you’re in country when any issue comes up, he’s a pro. Lastly want to say how welcoming the people of Costa Rica are, without exception, and how much they appreciate visitors after a couple of lean Covid years. Please tip well and often.
Peter and Sandra
Seattle WA

Hotel Reviews
Mawamba Lodge
Tortuguero

This lodge was recommended by friends, and I can see why. The location was fantastic, surrounded by nature. The overall experience was immersive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Fortuna

I spent three nights here, and it was a wonderful experience. The grounds were beautiful, especially the hot springs. The location was perfect for exploring the area, and the accommodation was comfortable. Overall, a great choice.

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

I initially stayed here for one night, but I loved it so much that we asked to come back to extend the stay. The hotel was located outside Manuel Antonio Park, offering stunning views. The room was spacious and comfortable. The staff was attentive, and I had a pleasant stay overall.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Playa Ballena

This hotel was a bit of a letdown compared to the others. The overall setup and the room did not meet my expectations. It was not as enjoyable as some of the other accommodations on the trip.

Activity Reviews
Night Walk on a Coffee Plantation
Night Walk on a Coffee Plantation
Monteverde

The night walk on a coffee plantation was a unique experience. However, due to the darkness, we couldn't see much and couldn't appreciate the wildlife as we wanted to.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

The private guided hike in Manuel Antonio National Park was a luxurious experience. Having the guide to ourselves allowed for a tailored exploration of the park. The guide's expertise and attention to detail made it a memorable adventure.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guided Hike on Arenal Hanging Bridges
Guided Hike on Arenal Hanging Bridges
Arenal/La Fortuna

The guided hike on the Arenal Hanging Bridges was a fantastic experience. Walking through the treetops and spotting wildlife was unforgettable. The small group size allowed for a more intimate exploration of the area.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Guided Rainforest Hike
Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Guided Rainforest Hike
Costa Rica

The guided rainforest hike to Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano was a memorable adventure. The natural beauty of the area was stunning, especially the waterfall. The guide provided interesting insights, enhancing the experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 21, 2024
Hola, Peter and Sandra, Thank you for sharing your incredible journey through Costa Rica! We're thrilled to hear that Serendipity Adventures played a key role in crafting unforgettable memories for you. Your thoughtful recommendations for accommodations, guides, and activities will undoubtedly be a treasure trove for future travelers. It brings us joy to know that you immersed yourselves in the beauty of our diverse landscapes and experienced the exceptional hospitality of our locals. Your... Read more

Hola, Peter and Sandra,

Thank you for sharing your incredible journey through Costa Rica! We're thrilled to hear that Serendipity Adventures played a key role in crafting unforgettable memories for you. Your thoughtful recommendations for accommodations, guides, and activities will undoubtedly be a treasure trove for future travelers.

It brings us joy to know that you immersed yourselves in the beauty of our diverse landscapes and experienced the exceptional hospitality of our locals. Your insights on renting a car and navigating the roads are incredibly helpful for those planning their own adventures.

We hope your travels continue to be filled with wonder and discovery! Remember, should you wish to explore more of our beloved country, we're here to help you every step of the way.

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures, Costa Rica🌿

Great trip to Costa Rica thanks to KimKim and Serendipity Adventures!
Costa Rica | Jan 30 - Feb 16, 2024

K
Kevin S.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024
Great trip thanks to KimKim and Serendipity Adventures. Everything was very well planned and hotels were all as, or better than expected. They did a great job arranging all the private/shared transfers between all six destinations so all we had to do was show up on time and be ready to move. Wilman was our main contact in CR and he did a great job checking in periodically. He also arranged a tour for us with little notice and accommodated our request to change the itinerary and stay an extra... Read more

Great trip thanks to KimKim and Serendipity Adventures. Everything was very well planned and hotels were all as, or better than expected. They did a great job arranging all the private/shared transfers between all six destinations so all we had to do was show up on time and be ready to move. Wilman was our main contact in CR and he did a great job checking in periodically. He also arranged a tour for us with little notice and accommodated our request to change the itinerary and stay an extra night in one spot in record time. Couldn’t recommend KimKim and Serendipity enough.

Hotel Reviews
Casa Turire
Turrialba

Great hotel, restaurant and staff. Nice place with an old school Spanish vibe to chill and watch the birds or horseback ride. Only warning would be the water pressure. There is none. If showers are important to you, you might want to stay elsewhere. If not, this place is quite charming and worthy of 2-3 nights to enjoy the birds and the volcano.

Authenticity & Character
Small boutique style hotel. If you don’t like crowds and you want a charming experience, this is the place for you.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice room and balcony. Could use much better water pressure.
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Fortuna

Great rooms, perfect view of the volcano, great hot springs and pools. Affordable prices at the pool bar. Close to everything. Very high recommendation, would come back in a heartbeat. Most people take the shuttles to and from the rooms up in the hills but they work very well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Ficus
Monteverde Costa Rica

Nice view, good location and very clean large rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Costa Verde
Manuel Antonio

Great room, location, food and lots of monkeys that you can enjoy on your balcony. Highly recommended.

Authenticity & Character
Airplanes in the jungle! Very cool.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved the room and large balcony.
La Foresta Nature Resort
Quepos

Very clean, comfortable rooms. Nice staff with a good restaurant and decent pool. Not much to do close by and didn’t see any monkeys but nice place to chill and relax.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not much to do close by.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice clean room and very good food.
Studio Hotel
San José

Great art and good breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
It’s better than most art galleries. If you like art you gotta stay here.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Laguna Lodge
Tortuguero

Nothing fancy but nice room and good food. Perfect place to stay to see the canals for a day or two.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 20, 2024
Hola Kevin, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great trip and that everything was well planned and exceeded your expectations. It's fantastic to know that the private/shared transfers between all six destinations went smoothly and that Wilman provided excellent service, checking in periodically and accommodating your requests efficiently. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are delighted that Serendipity Adventures could make your... Read more

Hola Kevin,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great trip and that everything was well planned and exceeded your expectations. It's fantastic to know that the private/shared transfers between all six destinations went smoothly and that Wilman provided excellent service, checking in periodically and accommodating your requests efficiently.

We truly appreciate your recommendation and are delighted that Serendipity Adventures could make your Costa Rican adventure unforgettable. If you ever decide to visit again, we'd be more than happy to assist you with another amazing experience!

Pura Vida!
Bryan and the Serendipity Adventures Team🪲

Pura Vida Paradise: My Unforgettable Costa Rican Adventure!
Costa Rica | Feb 6 - Feb 13, 2024

Kunal
Kunal P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024
Costa Rica stole my heart with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and endless adventures. My trip was packed with highlights, each offering a unique taste of this incredible country. Chill Beach Vibes in Carrillo & Samara: First, I traded city noises for the gentle sounds of waves at Carrillo beach. Relaxing on the pristine sand, soaking up the sun, and swimming in the turquoise waters was pure bliss. Kayaking in Samara allowed me to explore hidden coves and marvel at colorful... Read more

Costa Rica stole my heart with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and endless adventures. My trip was packed with highlights, each offering a unique taste of this incredible country.

Chill Beach Vibes in Carrillo & Samara:

First, I traded city noises for the gentle sounds of waves at Carrillo beach. Relaxing on the pristine sand, soaking up the sun, and swimming in the turquoise waters was pure bliss. Kayaking in Samara allowed me to explore hidden coves and marvel at colorful fish while snorkeling. These laid-back beach towns set the perfect pace for unwinding and connecting with nature.

Thrills & Spills in Tamarindo & Catalina Islands:

Tamarindo brought a touch of energy to my trip. Its lively atmosphere, delicious restaurants, and beautiful beach kept me entertained. But the real adrenaline rush came underwater! Scuba diving in the Catalina Islands unveiled a mesmerizing world of coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life. This experience left me awestruck by the ocean's hidden beauty.

Rincon de la Vieja: A Journey into the Wild:

Rincon de la Vieja National Park transported me to another world. Lush green forests, majestic volcanic mountains, and a sky ablaze with stars created an unforgettable backdrop. Here, I embarked on several adventures, each exceeding the last.

First Horseback Ride: I felt invigorated exploring the trails on horseback, immersing myself in the wilderness.
La Leona Waterfall Hike: Following a surreal path through a sulfur-water river devoid of life, the thundering La Leona waterfall was a sight to behold.
Tubing Bliss on the Colorado River: This was a fun and relaxing way to cool down, surrounded by stunning scenery.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park Hike: This diverse hike encompassed waterfalls, volcanic activity, and a variety of ecosystems, leaving me awestruck by Costa Rica's rich natural tapestry.
Overall:

My Costa Rican adventure was more than just a vacation; it was a transformative experience. From the serene beaches to the adrenaline-pumping activities, the wild beauty to the welcoming locals, this trip had something for everyone. I highly recommend Costa Rica to anyone seeking relaxation, adventure, and a connection with nature. Pura vida!

Additional Tips:

Tailor your trip: Costa Rica offers something for everyone, so plan your itinerary based on your interests.
Embrace the culture: Learn some basic Spanish phrases and immerse yourself in local customs.
Support local businesses: Choose eco-friendly tours and stay in locally-owned accommodations.
Pack wisely: Be prepared for both sun and rain, and bring appropriate footwear for diverse terrains.
I hope this review inspires you to plan your own unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica!

Hotel Reviews
Leyenda Boutique Hotel and Spa
Hojancha Guanacaste
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amazilia Guest House
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Pasatiempo
Tamarindo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff could be more polite
Cleanliness & Comfort
the room could be more comfortable, we got a corner room
Activity Reviews
Isla Chora Kayak and Snorkeling Tour
Isla Chora Kayak and Snorkeling Tour
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cowboy Horseback Riding Tour
Cowboy Horseback Riding Tour
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Colorado River Tubing
Colorado River Tubing
Rincón de la Vieja
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nature Trail Lovers: Rincon de la Vieja Volcano & La Leona Waterfall
Nature Trail Lovers: Rincon de la Vieja Volcano & La Leona Waterfall
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Scuba Diving Catalinas Island – Discover Diving Non-Certified
Scuba Diving Catalinas Island – Discover Diving Non-Certified
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde
Yuliana
Yuliana Valverde
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 20, 2024

Hi Kunal,

I hope you are doing great.

Your review has been truly inspiring and we are grateful for your valuable feedback. We will use it to enhance our future trip plans and make them even better for our future travelers.

We are delighted to hear that you had a great time here and we were more than happy to assist you during your stay.

We hope that you will have the opportunity to visit Costa Rica again in the future and explore the different destinations in our beautiful country.

Warm regards from Costa Rica,
Yuliana

Sadasivan family trip
Costa Rica | Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2024

Sushma
Sushma S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2024
We went for a family trip to Costa Rica in February, we had our 3 grown children with us, and we added my sister after booking. We had prompt communication from Bryan- our travel agent from Serendipity tours. I was able to modify recommendations easily. Both hotels we stayed at were great- Mariposa in Manual Antonio and Mano Hot Springs resort in Arenal area.
Transportation pickup was also great. We had, Alex, as our driver majority of the long drives and also one day of our...
Read more

We went for a family trip to Costa Rica in February, we had our 3 grown children with us, and we added my sister after booking. We had prompt communication from Bryan- our travel agent from Serendipity tours. I was able to modify recommendations easily. Both hotels we stayed at were great- Mariposa in Manual Antonio and Mano Hot Springs resort in Arenal area.
Transportation pickup was also great. We had, Alex, as our driver majority of the long drives and also one day of our excursions. He is amazing. Informative and punctual.
We went to state park in Manual Antonio and our guide was very passionate about nature- his name was Susio.
We went on a river rafting tours and few of us had never done river rafting- was grade 1-2 and was perfect, on the way and back from the river, we went through some small local villages and saw unique plants and animals. Our lunch afterwards was good, ate local food.
All tours recommended were great, only tour I would have skipped was hanging bridge tour, only because our Manuel Antonio guided stated park tour earlier in the week was better. The hanging bridges were ok, we have seen better in Whistler, Canada. Because this tour was booked in the afternoon, animals were sleeping.
Zip lining in Arenal was good with Sky Adventure.
We added a chocolate/coffee tour on our last day, this was fun, me made our own chocolate bar. Coffee, per my husband was very good that we grinded in the tour. He usually doesn't drink it black, but he said it didn't need any sugar of milk.

Only glitch was our driver was 30 minutes late going to the airport he apologized profusely, and we made it in enough time for our flight.

Hotel Reviews
La Mariposa Hotel
Manuel Antonio

Views from the hotel were amazing. We had issues with staff leaving enough towels in our rooms daily. We had 3 people per room. Hotel grounds had cool animals walking or flying around- macaws, lizards, monkeys etc. Their food was expensive for dinner but bland. Breakfast was good, with an omelet bar, fresh fruits. Liked location, can easily walk i to town and we caught the local bus to Quepos and saw the sunset and ate at Sanchez- a local restaurant. Falafel place was great in Manuel Antonio and Angels restaurant. All of these recommended by our Serendipity driver- Alex.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
four star because of issues with room staff. Servers at restaurant/pool area were great
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna

Amazing view of volcano from our room. Liked that are rooms were next to each other. Had shuttle service from our room to front of resort, if were too tired to walk the distance. Grounds were beautiful, we saw many different plants and animals. Rooms were clean. The restaurant had amazing food for dinner. Breakfast was good, with many different varieties and open to nature, saw many plants and birds while eating. We ate at the pizzeria twice, enjoyed playing cards at their large tables in evenings. Hot spring were amazing, nice to soak after all our adventures. I would suggest the hotel acquire a shuttle to La Fortuna area for guests, taxi ride prices added up easily.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

It rained so hard to see volcano after we went to base. Guide was good and informative. For the water fall, amazing. Steps up were hard because of the humidity but did it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Loved zip lining, sky tram ok, sky walk was ok also. We have seen better hanging bridges in Whistler, Canada. Hike was ok compared to Manuel Antonio hike

Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

Susio, our guide was great, very passionate about nature. Saw a lot of animals with his help.

Savegre Whitewater Rafting
Savegre Whitewater Rafting
Manuel Antonio

Rafting was great, not to hard, got wet. Ride to river was through some villages. Lunch after was good local food.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Mar 09, 2024
Dear Sushma, Thank you so much for sharing your detailed feedback about your family trip to Costa Rica in February. We're thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience overall. It's fantastic to know that both hotels, Mariposa in Manuel Antonio and Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort met your expectations and contributed to a comfortable stay. We're glad to hear that your transportation pickups, especially with Alex as your driver, were punctual and enjoyable. Your adventures,... Read more

Dear Sushma,

Thank you so much for sharing your detailed feedback about your family trip to Costa Rica in February. We're thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience overall.

It's fantastic to know that both hotels, Mariposa in Manuel Antonio and Arenal Manoa Hot Springs Resort met your expectations and contributed to a comfortable stay. We're glad to hear that your transportation pickups, especially with Alex as your driver, were punctual and enjoyable.

Your adventures, from the passionate guided tour in Manuel Antonio sound absolutely delightful. It's great to hear that the river rafting experience catered to varying levels of experience and that you got to immerse yourselves in the local culture with village visits and delicious local cuisine.

We appreciate your honest feedback about the hanging bridge tour and are sorry to hear that it didn't meet your expectations, especially regarding animal sightings. However, we're glad to hear that the zip-lining experience with Sky Adventure in Arenal was enjoyable.

The addition of a chocolate and coffee tour on your last day sounds like a delicious and fun way to end your trip, especially with the opportunity to make your own chocolate bar and enjoy some excellent coffee.

We apologize for the glitch with your driver being 30 minutes late for your airport transfer but are relieved to hear that you still made it to the airport in enough time for your flight.

Thank you again for choosing us to help plan your family trip to Costa Rica. We hope to have the opportunity to assist you with more adventures in the future!

Warm regards,
Bryan and the Serendipity Adventures Team

Costa Rica is beautiful
Costa Rica | Feb 10 - Feb 17, 2024

Harshida
Harshida P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2024
The guide in manual Antonio was great he really was enthusiastic about the national forest and all the animals he showed us.
Alec our driver was also great, funny and gave us a lot of information from restaurants and things to see in both manual Antonio and La Fortuna. We loved him . Costs Rica is beautiful, lots of adventures for all ages.
Read more

The guide in manual Antonio was great he really was enthusiastic about the national forest and all the animals he showed us.
Alec our driver was also great, funny and gave us a lot of information from restaurants and things to see in both manual Antonio and La Fortuna. We loved him . Costs Rica is beautiful, lots of adventures for all ages.

Hotel Reviews
La Mariposa Hotel
Manuel Antonio

Hotel had great views of the Pacific Ocean, staff was good, the breakfast was good. Didn’t enjoy the dinner at the hotel restaurant. So we went to places outside the hote

Authenticity & Character
Location
The views and sunset. Near local parks and restaurants
Staff
Willing to help
Cleanliness & Comfort
Place is clean and beautiful
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna

The rooms were nice and private with patio surrounded by beautiful tropical plants and great view of Arenal volcano from our room sliding doors.

Authenticity & Character
The rooms were private and big enough that they could have added some sitting furniture.
Location
Location was nice in front of volcano, but 20 min drive from local restaurant in La forturna. We had to get cabs to go back and forth to La fortuna .
Staff
Friendly and willing to help
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was kept clean and beautiful
Activity Reviews
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

Our guide Andre Soccio was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the animals in the park . He knew where to find all the different animal/mammals/ birds.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wonderful and expierenced
Transport
Always timely pickups from airports to resorts. Clean cars
Savegre Whitewater Rafting
Savegre Whitewater Rafting
Manuel Antonio

First time whitewater rafting, even though dry season, the rapids were still 1-2 level and good for beginners. We enjoyed the excursion.

Quality of Experience
They kept us entertained
Food
Driver had pineapple and watermelon ready as we finished our rafti by and drinks. The tour provided authentic costarican lunch which was good
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The crew kept us entertained we enjoyed the drive. To the river as they explained the surrounding landscape
Transport
A bit bumpy and curved roads , but your driving thru the back roads, not too bad
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Loved the zip line thru the rainforest, weather was perfect

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

Beautiful hike both the volcano tour and the waterfall

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Alec was our driver, we enjoyed driving with him , he also did the waterfall with us. The volcano guide was good and knowledgeable
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 19, 2024
Hola Harshida, Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with our guide in Manuel Antonio, as well as with Alex, our driver. It's fantastic to know that they were both able to enhance your trip with their enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor. Costa Rica truly is a beautiful destination with endless adventures for everyone to enjoy. We're thrilled that you had such a memorable and enjoyable experience exploring both... Read more

Hola Harshida,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with our guide in Manuel Antonio, as well as with Alex, our driver. It's fantastic to know that they were both able to enhance your trip with their enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor.

Costa Rica truly is a beautiful destination with endless adventures for everyone to enjoy. We're thrilled that you had such a memorable and enjoyable experience exploring both Manuel Antonio and La Fortuna. If you ever decide to visit again, we'd be more than happy to assist you with more exciting adventures and recommendations.

Pura Vida,
Bryan

Big thanks to Angie at Guayabo along with Wil...
Costa Rica | Jan 30 - Feb 16, 2024

B
brenda h.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2024
Big thanks to Angie at Guayabo along with Wilman...great experience. Able my guide in tortuguero was also great. Jason and Bryan on the hanging bridges did their best....very busy and crowded. Andreas (Andy) was amazing...great tour of the Cloud Forest reserve. Roger in the Manuel Antonio national park was super. All around great guides. Read more

Big thanks to Angie at Guayabo along with Wilman...great experience. Able my guide in tortuguero was also great. Jason and Bryan on the hanging bridges did their best....very busy and crowded. Andreas (Andy) was amazing...great tour of the Cloud Forest reserve. Roger in the Manuel Antonio national park was super. All around great guides.

Hotel Reviews
Laguna Lodge
Tortuguero

Super

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great private spot
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Fortuna

Great spot.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Exceptional clean
Hotel Costa Verde
Manuel Antonio

Superb.

Authenticity & Character
Lots of options for food
Location
Self contained
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Studio Hotel
San José

Not much to do

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not sure
Staff
Nice folks
Cleanliness & Comfort
No
Casa Turire
Turrialba

Boutique and very remote if that's what you like... excellent ground and view

Authenticity & Character
Unique
Location
Volcano
Staff
La Foresta Nature Resort
Quepos

Service lacking....had to find help.

Authenticity & Character
Ko
Location
Out of the way of anything to do.
Staff
Activity Reviews
Archaeological Tour of Guayabo National Monument
Archaeological Tour of Guayabo National Monument
Turrialba

Excellent...tour guide Angie was very passionate and taught me a ton.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tortuguero Village Visit
Tortuguero Village Visit
Tortuguero
Quality of Experience
Transport
A little rough on the way back....low waters.
Guided Boat Tour through Tortuguero Canals
Guided Boat Tour through Tortuguero Canals
Tortuguero

Very cool

Quality of Experience
Great views
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Able
Transport
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica

Interesting

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cloudforest Reserve Privately Guided Hike
Cloudforest Reserve Privately Guided Hike
Monteverde

Andrea (Andy) was super.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

Roger was great.... excited experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 19, 2024

Hola Brenda,

I want to express my sincere gratitude for your wonderful review. It was truly a pleasure assisting you. I'm thrilled to hear that our tour guides delivered such a fantastic experience for you during your trip!

Perhaps in the future, you'll consider visiting Costa Rica. It would be a joy to welcome you here!

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures, Costa Rica🦎

8 days in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Feb 3 - Feb 10, 2024

D
David H.
Crown Point, IN | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2024
spent 8 days in Costa Rica. serendipity adventures was the local company that KimKim referred us to. we had an amazing trip. bryan and wilman from serendipity helped us plan out the trip. we went with a private driver/guide option. our guide was Vladimir if you hire a driver request Vladimir he was best driver/guide ive had. got private tours for us and looked out for us all the time. excellent restaurants recommendations. driving in CR can be challenging and do a driver if you... Read more

spent 8 days in Costa Rica. serendipity adventures was the local company that KimKim referred us to. we had an amazing trip. bryan and wilman from serendipity helped us plan out the trip. we went with a private driver/guide option. our guide was Vladimir if you hire a driver request Vladimir he was best driver/guide ive had. got private tours for us and looked out for us all the time. excellent restaurants recommendations. driving in CR can be challenging and do a driver if you can. we did the white water rafting. really enjoyed it. we r older in 70’s. it was a challenge but worth it. did the tree climb. actually got pulled up. had a great lunch made by a guide. its a really cool activity. out in the evergreen forest. we also did the Selvatura Park. Valdimir arranged private tour of reptiles and butterflies. did hike to first 3 hanging bridges. this was a really cool activity. recommend doing the park. we loved the 3 different hotels. really nice rooms and great views with all 3. serendipity set up a really nice trip. no issues or hiccups. all went smoothly. i highly recommend both kimkim and serendipity for travel to Costa Rica

Hotel Reviews
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Fortuna

the view of the volcano is really cool. nice room restaurants r good. shuttle service downtown close. recommend staying here

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Monteverde Costa Rica

had a great room and view. pool area very nice. restaurant is very good. close to downtown. recommend staying here

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Costa Verde
Manuel Antonio

unbelievable porch.great view of ocean had monkeys all around. very cool grounds. required lots of walking or use shuttle service good restaurants. would recommend staying here

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Meet your Dedicated Guide
Meet your Dedicated Guide
Costa Rica

Vladimir was an excellent driver and guide. excellent english. great background on CR as we traveled around the country. always looked out for us. got us private tours. vladimir made the trip so easy and enjoyable

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

first time for us. harder then we thought but really worth it. we r older in 70’s. hike to and getting in boat was hard. something u should do at least once in your life.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Tree Climbing on Abraham
Private Tree Climbing on Abraham
Costa Rica

one of most unique activities we have done. its remote in a evergreen forest. we didn’t climb. we have the guides pull us up in a chair. had an excellent lunch on the platform. its 150 feet top of the tree i. put this on your list to do

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Zip Lining, Treetop Walk, and Fauna Exhibition at Selvatura Park
Zip Lining, Treetop Walk, and Fauna Exhibition at Selvatura Park
Costa Rica

this is a must do. very cool location. vladamir got us a private tour of butterfly and reptiles location s did first 3 hanging bridges. saw lots of monkeys on walk.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 18, 2024
Hola Lorraine and David, Your Costa Rica adventure with Serendipity Adventures sounds absolutely unforgettable! From the meticulous planning to the flawless execution, it's clear that every moment was crafted with care and expertise. Thank you for sharing your glowing recommendation of both KimKim and Serendipity for Costa Rica travel. Your enthusiasm truly speaks volumes and echoes the sentiments of many who seek unforgettable experiences in this tropical paradise. It was our absolute... Read more

Hola Lorraine and David,

Your Costa Rica adventure with Serendipity Adventures sounds absolutely unforgettable! From the meticulous planning to the flawless execution, it's clear that every moment was crafted with care and expertise.

Thank you for sharing your glowing recommendation of both KimKim and Serendipity for Costa Rica travel. Your enthusiasm truly speaks volumes and echoes the sentiments of many who seek unforgettable experiences in this tropical paradise. It was our absolute pleasure to assist you throughout this journey.

Perhaps in the future, you'll find yourselves back in Costa Rica, exploring even more of its beauty and wonders!

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures, Costa Rica🦜

Wonderful trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Feb 7 - Feb 15, 2024

L
Laura D.
Loudon, TN | Reviewed on Feb 16, 2024
First of all, Olman was wonderful. The planning of the trip was so easy and the hotels he chose were awesome. Our questions were answered quickly and helpful. We would never have had such a great trip if not for Olman's insight to Costa Rica. Read more

First of all, Olman was wonderful. The planning of the trip was so easy and the hotels he chose were awesome. Our questions were answered quickly and helpful. We would never have had such a great trip if not for Olman's insight to Costa Rica.

Hotel Reviews
Park Inn San Jose by Radisson
San José

For a one night stay is was good. Room was clean and roomy, and had a great view of the city.

Authenticity & Character
Location
To begin a trip around Costa Rica's center and Pacific side, it is a great starting point.
Staff
When we had a question at checkout, the gentleman at the desk was so helpful in checking our pickup in Spanish for us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Fortuna

What a beautiful hotel with individual cottages. Your own private world :)

Authenticity & Character
Location
The hotel was away from town so quiet ........ but it was too far to walk.
Staff
From the reception staff to the breakfast staff so very pleasant :)
Cleanliness & Comfort
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Monteverde

This hotel made you feel you were right in the forest with all the birds. Very quiet and easy to walk to Monteverde.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location from downtown Monteverde. An easy walk :)
Staff
All the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Mariposa Hotel
Manuel Antonio

This hotel had the most beautiful views of the ocean.

Authenticity & Character
This is a twofold answer. It has a lot of character because it is older..... but that is also why we did not give it a 5 star. Just needs a little updating in the bathrooms.
Location
Staff
We wish we had gotten his name, but the gentleman who was at the reception was wonderful. Has been at the hotel for years, and his knowledge of everything was great :)
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arenal Guided Hanging Bridges
Arenal Guided Hanging Bridges
Arenal/La Fortuna

We had a wonderful guide (sorry we forgot his name). You could tell he loved his job.

Quality of Experience
Our guide
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Zip Lining in Arenal Volcano
Zip Lining in Arenal Volcano
Arenal/La Fortuna

It was a lot of fun, but wished I had added the one with the superman canopy.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Monteverde

Our guide was wonderful but the day was hot and no clouds, so the experience was not perfect. No one's fault except mother nature.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was great.
Transport
Night Tour at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde
Night Tour at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde
Monteverde

First of all the guide was great, but because it was so hot and humid the experience was not the best for us. And for a straight walk, there were a few high steps and short hills to maneuver. Being in February we were told it might be cool...... but that was not the situation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Adventure with Snorkeling - Ocean King
Catamaran Adventure with Snorkeling - Ocean King
Manuel Antonio

This was a plus after spending some days in hot weather (February is not cool in Costa Rica), at least for us it wasn't.

Quality of Experience
Food
Everything
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The staff were a lot of fun and the music was great.
Transport
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

First off our guide was great (wish we wrote his name down). This was a nice hike as all the trails were flat and easy to walk. It is a wonder how the guide was able to find location of critters in the trees.

Quality of Experience
Transport
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 16, 2024

Hello Laura,

What a great holiday!
I want to thank you for your review, I am so happy to know every tour and hotel offered a great experience.

Pura Vida,
Olman

Amazing time in Costa Rica - Kim Kim was perfect
Costa Rica | Jan 13 - Jan 21, 2024

Matt
Matt P.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024
My wife and I had an amazing time in Costa Rica. Our local specialist, Jean Carlo, was so attentive and had great suggestions. He made planning this trip so much easier than any other vacation we have ever been on. Can't recommend Kim Kim and Jean Carlo enough! The Arenal Amor Hotel was the nicest resort we have ever stayed at and we wish we never had to leave. Our other resorts, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens and Arenas Del Mar Beachfront Resort were also beautiful with amazing service. While... Read more

My wife and I had an amazing time in Costa Rica. Our local specialist, Jean Carlo, was so attentive and had great suggestions. He made planning this trip so much easier than any other vacation we have ever been on. Can't recommend Kim Kim and Jean Carlo enough! The Arenal Amor Hotel was the nicest resort we have ever stayed at and we wish we never had to leave. Our other resorts, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens and Arenas Del Mar Beachfront Resort were also beautiful with amazing service. While traveling just the two of us, we appreciated the group shuttles from one destination to the next as it alleviated the stress of renting a car and navigating. Our favorite activity was the Combo tour in La Fortuna of Hanging Bridges, Volcano Walk and La Fortuna Waterfall as everything was so cool and our guide was very knowledgeable.

Hotel Reviews
Amor Arenal
La Fortuna, San Carlos

This is the best resort we have ever stayed at. Highly recommend as it is well worth the cost to have your own bungalow and to stay at this beautiful resort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
In the heart of the jungle with unobstructed volcano views.
Staff
Everyone we encountered was top notch.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Monteverde

Beautiful grounds and wonderful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenas del Mar Resort
Manuel Antonio

Easily the best beach resort in this location. Direct access to a "private" beach that is stunning. Worth the cost.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom occasionally had a sewage smell and the restaurant was a bit warm at night but everything else was great.
Activity Reviews
Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall & Arenal Volcano Hike
Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall & Arenal Volcano Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our favorite activity of the trip. Hanging bridges and the waterfall were amazing. Our guide was so knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Walk
Night Walk
Monteverde

Did not see as much wildlife as we hoped (a bunch of spiders and frogs) but still had a great time and saw some pretty birds such as a Tucan.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Zip Line (Canopy) Monteverde
Zip Line (Canopy) Monteverde
Monteverde

Had a great time, just my wife and I with two guides who did a great job making us feel safe. Pretty views.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Jean Carlo
Jean Carlo Ilama
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 14, 2024
Dear Matt, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It warms our hearts to hear that you and your wife had an amazing time in Costa Rica. I'm genuinely delighted that I could assist you in planning your trip and that you found the suggestions helpful. Your kind words about Kim Kim and my services mean a lot to me. I'm overjoyed to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Arenal Amor Hotel and that it exceeded your expectations. It's fantastic that you also had great experiences at Monteverde... Read more

Dear Matt,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It warms our hearts to hear that you and your wife had an amazing time in Costa Rica. I'm genuinely delighted that I could assist you in planning your trip and that you found the suggestions helpful. Your kind words about Kim Kim and my services mean a lot to me.

I'm overjoyed to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Arenal Amor Hotel and that it exceeded your expectations. It's fantastic that you also had great experiences at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens and Arenas Del Mar Beachfront Resort.

I'm glad the group shuttles made your travels stress-free, and I'm elated that the Combo tour in La Fortuna was a highlight for you both. Your enjoyment means everything to us.

Thank you once again for choosing us to help create your Costa Rican adventure. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!

Warm regards,
Jean Carlo

This was an amazing Costa Rican adventure. Th...
Costa Rica | Feb 5 - Feb 12, 2024

Lori
Lori S.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024

This was an amazing Costa Rican adventure. Thank you Kim Kim and Seredipendity! Everyone was friendly and kind and on time, if not early for all our activities. And the lodging suited our style and budget.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 13, 2024

Hola Lori,

I'm delighted to hear that your Costa Rican adventure was so fantastic! It's heartwarming to know that everyone you met was friendly, punctual, and accommodating, and that the accommodations were just right for your preferences.

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us. We're thrilled to have been a part of it, and we're looking forward to helping you plan more incredible adventures in the future!

Warm regards,
Bryan

Overall comments on our Costa Rica experience with KimKim
Costa Rica | Feb 1 - Feb 12, 2024

J
Julie T.
Davis, CA | Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024
Back in 2019, when Olman first started working on our trip, he initially told us that we'd be able to get our deposit back because of Covid 19 closing down travel. But, unlike other trips we had booked for this time, KimKim wouldn't allow us to get a refund, so he had to retract this. We couldn't travel within a year, so we lost our travel insurance too. I would have given 5 star on booking had it not been for this, in addition to close to an hour wait at La Paz Gardens because reception... Read more

Back in 2019, when Olman first started working on our trip, he initially told us that we'd be able to get our deposit back because of Covid 19 closing down travel. But, unlike other trips we had booked for this time, KimKim wouldn't allow us to get a refund, so he had to retract this. We couldn't travel within a year, so we lost our travel insurance too. I would have given 5 star on booking had it not been for this, in addition to close to an hour wait at La Paz Gardens because reception could not verify we had paid for entry. The manager said he tried KimKim emergency number, but there is discrepency on accuracy of this from travel agent. But, other than that, all drivers and tours happened as outlined. Olman listened to my request for high end accommodations, and we were not disappointed. The Hotel Belmar Orchid room was astounding. It has several flights of stairs but valets carried luggage. It was our favorite place to stay. Every hotel had English speaking staff and very friendly. Makenda by the Sea is hillside, and just warn future bookers that if you can't walk steep stairs or walkways, you must ask for a golf cart driver (which is readily available) and the private beach is only available by resort transportation and not a very safe place to swim. It is also skewed to young honeymooners, which is just an ambience observation. The resort really has no walkable paths to Manuel Antonio or Quepos, so dependent on taxis. As beautiful of a resort it is, it felt a bit confining. Minor issues in the scheme of things. We had no problem with any of our tour guides, but the venues were teaming with visitors because of high season and it did detract from the beauty at times. All the guides love Costa Rica and want to share their homeland with others. Our airport drivers were on time and polite. My husband spoke a little Spanish which was invaluable especially on the ride back to San Jose. Just a shout out for the airport hotel I chose to stay at: Fairfield by Marriott airport hotel. I would recommend it to your future Kim Kim travelers. Rooms appear newer, shuttle bus timely every 30 min to airport, and hotel buffet breakfast better than most chains. Across the street are 3 restaurants, which receptionist recommended Peruvian restaurant Aji Limon. Low key and owner speaks English. Very decent considering location! Takes credit cards, and American dollars. Although the traffic was at times terrible and tours were crowded, it was to be expected at high season. At no point did we feel unwelcomed. The road situation made us so grateful for private drivers. Thanks to Olman for his patience, answers to all my questions, and politeness. His itinerary was a great introduction to Costa Rica.

Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 13, 2024

Dear Julie,

Thank you for your review and recommendations.
I appreciate your feedback and will pass along the information to my colleagues to help us improve our services.

I hope your visit to our country was enjoyable and I look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Best regards,
Olman

Wonderful trip to Costa Rica!
Costa Rica | Jan 10 - Feb 11, 2024

Anna
Anna F.
East Amherst, NY | Reviewed on Feb 12, 2024
Bill and I had an absolutely wonderful time on our trip to CR. Your choices of places to stay, tours and adventures were well thought out and exactly what we had hoped for. We did many tours and experiences. Don’t remember all the guides but Daniel at Turrialba volcano was knowledgeable and a pleasure! Steven for bird watching amazing. And our catamaran trip and visit to the Corcovado NP with Bahía tours and Adventires was a highlight. We can’t say enough about Serendipity’shelp and as a... Read more

Bill and I had an absolutely wonderful time on our trip to CR. Your choices of places to stay, tours and adventures were well thought out and exactly what we had hoped for. We did many tours and experiences. Don’t remember all the guides but Daniel at Turrialba volcano was knowledgeable and a pleasure! Steven for bird watching amazing. And our catamaran trip and visit to the Corcovado NP with Bahía tours and Adventires was a highlight. We can’t say enough about Serendipity’shelp and as a resource when we needed it! Thank you so much. Cr is a beautiful country with amazingly friendly people everywhere we went! So kind and helpful! We loved all of it!
We will definitely plan other trips with your company! Your professionalism and attention to individual requests, and ease in communication made the trip so enjoyable!
Thank you so very much! Pura Vida!
Anna and william

Hotel Reviews
Casa Turire
Turrialba

Wonderful accommodation in a beautiful setting

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

Clean friendly staff accompdationg

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Ficus
Monteverde Costa Rica
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Espadilla Gardens Hotel
Manuel Antonio
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
La Fortuna
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casitas Tenorio
Upala, Alajuela
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vista Ballena
Uvita
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel de Montaña Suria
San Gerardo de Dota

Probably one of our favorites!

Authenticity & Character
Location
The setting was absolutely gorgeous!
Staff
Can’t say enough about how wonderful the staff was!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hike Turrialba Volcano
Hike Turrialba Volcano
Turrialba
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Daniel
Night Hike in the Forest
Night Hike in the Forest
Costa Rica

One of our favorites. The guide and the property were AMAZING

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Birdwatching Tour at CATIE Botanical Garden
Birdwatching Tour at CATIE Botanical Garden
Turrialba
Private Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
Private Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
Arenal/La Fortuna
Catamaran Adventure from Manuel Antonio
Catamaran Adventure from Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Marino Ballena Park Combination Tour
Marino Ballena Park Combination Tour
Costa Rica
Coopedota Coffee Tour
Coopedota Coffee Tour
San Gerardo de Dota
Quetzal Tour
Quetzal Tour
San Gerardo de Dota
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Monteverde Orchid Gardens
Visit to the Monteverde Orchid Gardens
Monteverde
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 13, 2024

Hola Anna and William🌿

It sounds like you had an incredible trip! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the accommodations, tours, and adventures selected for you.

Thank you for entrusting us with your travel plans, and we look forward to helping you plan more amazing adventures in the future!

Pura Vida!
Bryan