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Bryan Leon

Growing up in a coffee plantation area near San Jose, Costa Rica's vibrant capital, I was fortunate to have parents who instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for nature. As a certified eco-tourism guide with extensive travel experience throughout my country, I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge and expertise with others.

Whether you're interested in birdwatching, wildlife spotting, or simply immersing yourself in the stunning beauty of Costa Rica's forests, I can help you create an unforgettable itinerary that meets your interests and needs.

For me, hiking through the forest is not only a thrilling adventure but also a form of therapy that helps me connect with the natural world.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"As a specialist in naturalist tours throughout Costa Rica's diverse forests, I'm passionate about sharing the country's unique beauty and biodiversity with visitors. Whether you're interested in cultural immersion or thrilling adventures, I can design a customized itinerary that meets your needs and interests.

With my in-depth knowledge of Costa Rica's rich culture and history, I can recommend hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that will allow you to experience the authentic essence of this incredible country. Whether you're traveling as a couple, a family, or a work team, I can create a personalized adventure that will create lasting memories.

Having lived on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, I have extensive experience with local activities and can guide you to the best spots for surfing, snorkeling, hiking, and more. Let me help you discover the magic of Costa Rica!"

How did you get involved in travel?

"From a young age, I developed a deep passion for travel, immersing myself in various activities during my school vacations. Whether it was hiking through breathtaking landscapes, exploring on horseback, or indulging in refreshing swims in rivers, my love for adventure and exploration blossomed. As I completed high school, I knew that I wanted to turn this passion into a meaningful career in the field of tourism. It was during my studies, where I delved into courses centered around biodiversity and culture, that my fascination with the interconnectedness of these aspects grew even stronger.
"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One of my most unforgettable experiences occurred while working in Tortuguero, a small village located in the North Caribbean of the country. During one of my daily tours, I spotted a jaguar basking in the sun on a huge stone. Witnessing this wild cat in its natural habitat was an awe-inspiring moment that will forever remain etched in my memory.
"

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Favorite experiences

Corcovado National Park Hike from San Pedrillo Ranger Station

Embark on a thrilling adventure starting at Agujitas Beach on Drake Bay, where you'll explore the remote Corcovado National Park by boat and foot. After a 30-minute boat trip to the San Pedrillo Ranger Station, enjoy guided hiking through the park's rainforest and along its pristine coastline,...

Birdwatching in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Embark on an early morning birdwatching adventure in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a popular birding destination in Costa Rica. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, spot various species, including the resplendent quetzal, highland tinamou, and Chiriqui quail-dove. Don't miss the chance to...

Río Pacuare Whitewater Rafting

Located along Costa Rica's Caribbean slope near Turrialba is a deep gorge considered one of the best river-rafting sites in the world. The Río Pacuare runs 67 miles (107 km) from the Talamanca Mountains to the Caribbean in the southwest of the country. Along the way, it passes through some of the...

Snorkeling or Scuba Diving at Isla del Caño

Board a 30-foot Island Hopper for a scuba diving excursion in the Caño Island Biological Reserve. Dive into the waters surrounding Isla del Caño and explore the abundant marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and various fish species.  

Recent trip reviews for Bryan

Sister birthday celebration in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Jan 19 - Jan 26, 2026

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Pamela S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 03, 2026
My recent trip to Costa Rica was to celebrate my sister's birthday. There were 7 of us traveling together. Adrian and Nancy, from Kimkim, were very helpful in getting our trip planned and answered all our questions promptly. Brian, from Serendipity Adventures was the local expert who helped with planning and organizing our trip. Our accommodation was a wonderful house in the Manual Antonio area. Beautiful rooms and space to relax in. Nearby stores made it easy to get supplies when needed.... Read more

My recent trip to Costa Rica was to celebrate my sister's birthday. There were 7 of us traveling together. Adrian and Nancy, from Kimkim, were very helpful in getting our trip planned and answered all our questions promptly. Brian, from Serendipity Adventures was the local expert who helped with planning and organizing our trip. Our accommodation was a wonderful house in the Manual Antonio area. Beautiful rooms and space to relax in. Nearby stores made it easy to get supplies when needed. Our planned adventures were, kayaking, white water rafting, zip lines, sunset cruise and visit to local spice farm. All were amazing and we had a wonderful time. I would definitely recommend

Hotel Review
Casa del Sol
Manuel Antonio

Beautiful living space. Bedrooms were spacious and living areas relaxing. We had fun using the pool table and pool area. Housekeeping was daily and always done well. Also able to have our clothes washed when needed. Andreas was the host for the house. He was very helpful with questions and helped to coordinate the chef who made dinner for us two nights. The location was close to grocery stores and were walkable distances. Also able to walk to nearby restaurants and small shops to look around in. We were picked up at the end of the driveway for our tours which made it so very easy for us. Local wildlife included monkeys and beautiful birds. The scarlet Macaws were my favorite.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Chef Service
Private Chef Service
Manuel Antonio

Please see my earlier comments about this service. This was our second chef prepared meal. W e had it on the evening before we left to go home. Again, a wonderful experience and meal.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sunset Catamaran Adventure with Meal
Sunset Catamaran Adventure with Meal
Manuel Antonio

Very fun experience. Our tour was not crowded and staff were very attentive. We chose not to snorkel as we had been in this area earlier in our visit. Instead we enjoyed the slide and jumping into the ocean. The boat captain was able to located a pod of dolphins and they were very entertaining to watch chasing along the side of the boat. The sunset at the end of the trip was beautiful and we were able to take several really nice pictures. The meal was good.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Villa Vanilla Spice Tour
Villa Vanilla Spice Tour
Manuel Antonio

The spice tour was in a beautiful setting. Our guide shared the spice farm's development and current crops that included many spices, cacao, and vanilla beans. As we walked through the farm/gardens she would share the various spices and the organic growing practices. There was a tasty treat at the end of the tour as well.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour
El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour
Manuel Antonio

This was my first time doing a zip line. I had a lot of fun doing the different lines and was impressed at the safety precautions that staff used.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Río Savegre Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Río Savegre Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Manuel Antonio

White water rafting was the highlight of the trip for me. Orlando was the guide who talked with us on the ride in. It took an hour and a half to get the area on the river where the rafts could be launched. He shared many stories about the countryside, the people and the surrounding industry and farming. He kept us all entertained. David was the guide for the raft I was in. David made the trip so very fun and memorable. He was a good judge of our capabilities and would find fun areas to go over and get a good splash of water. We were able to get out of the raft and swim in a deeper area. Also go into a waterfall and splash around a bit. Mario, our driver, was also a gem. Not only was he a good driver, he had a beautiful snack set up for us when the trip ended. Mario also shared several local plants and their uses with us. The meal at the end of our trip was a buffet and was very good.

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

I would definitely recommend using a guide service when visiting the national park. Our guide found many animals, insects, birds, and flowers that we would have not seen. Also, he had a viewing lens that he could take pictures on our smart phone. We have many fun pictures because of this. Also our guide was so knowledgeable about the park and beautiful nature in it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
-Private Chef Service-
-Private Chef Service-
Manuel Antonio

Wonderful meal! Chef Germaine's dinner for us was delicious and beautifully presented. Everything was prepared fresh. Chef Germaine and his staff set the table, served the food, cleaned up the dishes and kitchen. It was awesome to have a gourmet meal prepared and served in the house we were staying at.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ocean Kayaking Adventure
Ocean Kayaking Adventure
Manuel Antonio

The kayak portion was fun. However, snorkeling was limited as there were so many people in the snorkeling area due to other tours using the same reef area. Caesar and Joseph were our guides and were very helpful. My thanks to Joseph for snorkeling with us and helping us to find an octopus to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 03, 2026

Thank you for sharing your wonderful feedback, Pamela!

We’re delighted you had such a memorable birthday celebration in Costa Rica and enjoyed the house and activities we helped organize.

Hope to assist you with another adventure soon!

Pura Vida!
Bryan & Serendipity Adventures Team🌿

Kim Kim and Bryan and his team were great. Ou...
Costa Rica | Jan 26 - Jan 31, 2026

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Melissa F.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Feb 02, 2026

Kim Kim and Bryan and his team were great. Our experience in Costa Rica was wonderful. We had one glitch and he resolved it immediately. The quality of the tours were wonderful with very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. I would definitely recommend KimKim.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 03, 2026

Hola Melissa!

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! It's truly wonderful to hear that you had a wonderful experience in Costa Rica, and I'm glad Serendipity Adventures team were able to resolve any issues so swiftly. We’re especially happy you enjoyed the tours and our passionate guides.

Thank you for recommending us, we’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime!

Warm Regards,
Bryan

Costa Rican Adventure
Costa Rica | Jan 15 - Jan 21, 2026

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Nitin B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026
We had an excellent experience working with KimKim Travel as our travel consultants for our Costa Rica trip. From start to finish, their team was incredibly responsive and flexible, crafting a thoughtful one-week itinerary that was well suited overall for our family of three—traveling with a 24-week pregnant wife and a one-year-old is no small task. All on-the-ground logistics were seamless, including airport transfers and daily tours, which made the trip feel very stress-free. Highlights... Read more

We had an excellent experience working with KimKim Travel as our travel consultants for our Costa Rica trip. From start to finish, their team was incredibly responsive and flexible, crafting a thoughtful one-week itinerary that was well suited overall for our family of three—traveling with a 24-week pregnant wife and a one-year-old is no small task. All on-the-ground logistics were seamless, including airport transfers and daily tours, which made the trip feel very stress-free. Highlights included the Sloth and Chocolate tours in La Fortuna, where we loved seeing sloths, snakes, butterflies, and frogs, and our time in Monteverde, which was beautiful despite some limitations. As constructive feedback for the future, while certain activities may technically be labeled as infant-friendly, we would caution against recommending experiences like the Hanging Bridges in the Cloud Forest and Treetopia to families with pregnant travelers or babies—weather conditions, lack of stroller-compliant paths, and wind made these activities challenging and, in the case of Treetopia, distressing for our baby. We don’t hold this against KimKim, but hope it’s helpful guidance going forward. We’re especially grateful that they were able to move our trip up by an entire month due to unforeseen circumstances, with special recognition to Bryan and Nancy for their support and flexibility. We also appreciated Adrian from Serendipity Adventures, who proactively reached out via WhatsApp before our arrival and was extremely responsive in managing and adjusting logistics while we were in Costa Rica. Overall, it was an excellent trip, and we would absolutely work with KimKim Travel again.

Hotel Reviews
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Fortuna

Our stay at Tabacón Thermal Resort in La Fortuna was exceptional from start to finish. The accommodations were beautiful and comfortable, and the service was consistently warm, attentive, and professional. We especially appreciated how easy and convenient it was to get to downtown La Fortuna and nearby tourist attractions, making it a perfect home base for exploring the area. And of course, the natural hot springs themselves were incredible—lush, relaxing, and absolutely lived up to the hype. A truly memorable experience that we would highly recommend to anyone visiting Costa Rica.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Senda Monteverde Hotel
Monteverde

Hotel Senda Monteverde was a wonderful place to stay and exceeded our expectations. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, always going out of their way to make us feel welcome. We really enjoyed the tasty food and drinks on site, which were complemented by the hotel’s picturesque views of the surrounding cloud forest. The clean, spacious cabin was comfortable and thoughtfully designed, and it was easy to get to downtown Monteverde with a quick taxi ride. A relaxing, well-run hotel that we’d happily recommend to anyone visiting the area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 25, 2026

Dear Nitin!

Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. We truly appreciate your feedback and are delighted to know you had a positive experience in Costa Rica.

It was a pleasure assisting your family, and your insights are extremely valuable as we continue refining our recommendations. We would be happy to support you again in the future.

Warm Regards,
Bryan

Great local guides and seamless transports
Costa Rica | Dec 28 - Jan 3, 2026

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Michael W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026

Had a wonderful time in Costa Rica. Grateful for the local guides who set us up with seamless transportation to and from every location and exploring some adventures, we wouldn’t have thought of otherwise like Whitewater wrapping for six hours hikes to waterfalls and birdwatching in the cloud for us. Would highly recommend.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 24, 2026

Hola Michael!

Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re delighted you had a wonderful time and truly appreciate your recommendation. It was a pleasure being part of your Costa Rica experience.

Kind Regards,
Bryan León,
Serendipity Adventures | Costa Rica🏞️

A Worry-free Vacation in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Jan 11 - Jan 22, 2026

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Heather R.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026
Just returned from 12 days in Costa Rica. I was overwhelmed trying to plan it on my own and KimKiim was fantastic. We had to make some last minute changes in terms of pick up times and Serendipity Tours, the local Costa Rica team, was super-accommodating and always available through WhatsApp, even after hours and on weekends. Everything went seamlessly. We stayed in four spectacular hotels - Tabacon Resort in La Fortuna, Rio Celeste Hideaway, Korea in Monteverde and Capitan Suzan in... Read more

Just returned from 12 days in Costa Rica. I was overwhelmed trying to plan it on my own and KimKiim was fantastic. We had to make some last minute changes in terms of pick up times and Serendipity Tours, the local Costa Rica team, was super-accommodating and always available through WhatsApp, even after hours and on weekends. Everything went seamlessly. We stayed in four spectacular hotels - Tabacon Resort in La Fortuna, Rio Celeste Hideaway, Korea in Monteverde and Capitan Suzan in Tamarindo. Never thought that we would try zip lining but Treetop in Monteverde was fantastic. We felt safe, the team told us what to expect and we spent more than an hour and a half zip lining with an option to Bungee jump afterwards. Fantastic trip.

Hotel Reviews
Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel
Tamarindo

Stunning location. Just a heads-up that the new rooms are completely modern and stunning. We upgraded from a traditional room which was rustic. Well worth the upgrade. Excellent, helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful grounds. Quiet and private.
Location
10 minute walk into town and located at a quieter end of the spectacular beach.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The modern, new rooms are gorgeous. The traditional rooms seemed a bit "stodgy" and rustic. I understand the philosophy of the hotel but they have a "no tv" policy which is a bit outdated for clientele under age 70.
Koora Hotel
Monteverde

Incredible views from the suites. Great restaurant on-site.

Authenticity & Character
The resort makes the best of it's location with stunning views, gorgeous suites and beautiful paths around the grounds.
Location
stunning views of the Bay of Nicola. 10 minute walk into town which has plenty of great restaurants. Adjacent to a hiking trail which is accessible for a very nominal fee.
Staff
The front desk walked us through the resort to a back entrance on a lit, paved road into town. They were always available through WhatsApp to organize cabs and answer questions.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We were in a two-story room with two-story picture windows. Completely modern and comfortable.
Rio Celeste Hideaway Resort
Bijagua

One of the nicest hotels we have ever stayed at.

Authenticity & Character
Very Modern hotel with local Costa Rican character.
Location
The Rio Celeste area is a bit isolated but the hotel is in the middle of a rain forest with monkeys and other wildlife on the property. In addition there is a great one hour hike from the hotel directly to the Rio Celeste river.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel is designed to let guests enjoy amenities - even in the rain if necessary. Each cabin has a covered verandah where you can sit out rain or shine. The pool has discreetly covered loungers with towels always available and you can also sit there comfortably in the rain. Gorgeous Hot tubs and pool area.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Fortuna

Luxury hotel with free access to stunning natural hot-spring complex.

Authenticity & Character
Modern rooms. Beautiful rainforest setting
Location
Five minute drive to the Arenal Volcano. 10 minute drive to La Fortuna. Manicured path leads downhill to the hot spring resort and they also provide a shuttle.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 23, 2026

Hola Heather!

Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We're so glad Kimkim and our Serendipity Adventures team could help make your 12 days in Costa Rica seamless and memorable, especially hearing you enjoyed the zip-lining and felt supported throughout. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures soon!

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

30th Wedding Anniversary 🌿 Turrialba, Arenal and Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica | Jan 12 - Jan 19, 2026

Kyle
Kyle J.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026
Our guides were wonderful and very responsive when we needed them Read more

Our guides were wonderful and very responsive when we needed them

Activity Review
Birdwatching Tour at CATIE Botanical Garden
Birdwatching Tour at CATIE Botanical Garden
Turrialba

It was great but had a little hiccup with getting picked up.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 21, 2026

Hola Kyle!

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm truly delighted to hear that our guides provided wonderful service and were responsive throughout your journey.

We hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica for another memorable adventure soon!

Pura Vida!
Bryan

Great trip planning and support overall and for last minute planners!
Costa Rica | Dec 28 - Jan 5, 2026

Amanda
Amanda D.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026
Bryan and kimkim were enormously helpful when we decided, a month out, to spend the Christmas holidays in Costa Rica. They flagged that the Pacific side would be super crowded per our notes about enjoying more laid back and local experiences and advised us to explore the Caribbean side. We needed support in country for a few changes and an unexpected injury. Serendipity travel, who was our contact on the ground, was very responsive - even arranging a doctor to come to our hotel. We will... Read more

Bryan and kimkim were enormously helpful when we decided, a month out, to spend the Christmas holidays in Costa Rica. They flagged that the Pacific side would be super crowded per our notes about enjoying more laid back and local experiences and advised us to explore the Caribbean side. We needed support in country for a few changes and an unexpected injury. Serendipity travel, who was our contact on the ground, was very responsive - even arranging a doctor to come to our hotel. We will definitely use kimkim again and hope to travel to Costa Rica again in the future!

Hotel Reviews
Laguna Lodge
Tortuguero

Fun, family oriented hotel. The hotel and staff were lovely, but food wasn't varied enough for our length of stay (3 nights).

Authenticity & Character
The campus and access to ocean and river
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Turire
Turrialba

Gorgeous building and setting with friendly and helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel
Puerto Viejo

Great location and amenities. It was a mixed scene with loud club music during the day but family friendly service across the board.

Authenticity & Character
It's very modern and Euro in a Costa Rican setting. A bit of a contradiction.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were comfortable and housekeeping was frequent.
Activity Reviews
Private Surf Lesson at Salsa Brava
Private Surf Lesson at Salsa Brava
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

The guide wasn't super family friendly. He was good with older kids but not really interested in helping those of use who weren't super confident (my daughter and me). He ended up going surfing with my husband and the other adults and leaving us on the beach when it was evident we weren't going to really go for it each time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Canyoning  with Children
Private Canyoning with Children
Turrialba

Cesar and Serendipity were awesome. Our 6 year old was too scared to do it by herself and he and his team took her down and also dealt with our older child quitting half way through. The lunch at Cesar's mom's house was such a lovely ending, too.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Hike to the Summit of Cerro Tortuguero
Guided Hike to the Summit of Cerro Tortuguero
Tortuguero

Chito, one of the resort's guides was awesome.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Tour at the CATIE Botanical Gardens
Night Tour at the CATIE Botanical Gardens
Turrialba

The guide was awesome here, too, especially with some of us that were VERY scared of snakes.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 12, 2026
Hola Amanda! Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. We are truly delighted to hear that your Christmas holiday in Costa Rica was memorable, even with the last-minute planning and unexpected challenges. It was a pleasure helping you discover the more relaxed and authentic vibe of the Caribbean side, and we’re especially glad our team on the ground could support you quickly when needed. We deeply appreciate your trust and are honored to have been part of your journey. We can’t... Read more

Hola Amanda!

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. We are truly delighted to hear that your Christmas holiday in Costa Rica was memorable, even with the last-minute planning and unexpected challenges.

It was a pleasure helping you discover the more relaxed and authentic vibe of the Caribbean side, and we’re especially glad our team on the ground could support you quickly when needed.

We deeply appreciate your trust and are honored to have been part of your journey. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Costa Rica for another wonderful adventure!

Wishing you all the best until we meet again.
¡Pura Vida!
Bryan & the Serendipity Adventures Team

KimKim and Serendipity Adventures!
Costa Rica | Dec 29 - Jan 4, 2026

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Peter B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2026
Adrian and the entire staff at Serendipity Adventure and the KimKim team made for an unforgettable trip to Costa Rica. All of the adventures were amazing and every tour guide they provide was very knowledgeable and made sure we had the best experience possible. They made sure everything was taken care of for us and even during a few last minute changes, they made sure everything was figured out and we did not need to worry about anything. Would definitely use them again on my next trip. Read more

Adrian and the entire staff at Serendipity Adventure and the KimKim team made for an unforgettable trip to Costa Rica. All of the adventures were amazing and every tour guide they provide was very knowledgeable and made sure we had the best experience possible. They made sure everything was taken care of for us and even during a few last minute changes, they made sure everything was figured out and we did not need to worry about anything. Would definitely use them again on my next trip.

Hotel Reviews
Chira Glamping Monteverde
Puntarenas

5 stars and amazing doesn't explain how great the Chira glamping is. Absolutely beautiful stay in the trees, and the entire private deck and platform that you have to enjoy is better than you can imagine. The staff were all incredibly helpful and took care of anything you need. The breakfast and food were also very good. If you have a chance to stay here it is a must for anyone visiting Monteverde. The sunset view from your private balcony over the trees and pacific ocean is something you will remember for the rest of your life.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience
San Carlos, Alajuela

Go for the hot springs and nature. Gardens and the grounds were great. Rooms could use some updating but if you do not plan to spend a lot of time indoors don't worry about it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Turire
Turrialba

Hotel was very nice, quiet, and felt like hidden gem. Food was very good and property grounds were beautiful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hikes
Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hikes
Arenal/La Fortuna

Hanging bridges are amazing. Best way to see the forest. Tour guide forgot to mention that we had to get to the waterfall by 4PM so we ran out of time to get to the waterfall. Heard from others that it isn't anything too great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Treetopia Zip Lines
Treetopia Zip Lines
Monteverde

Treetopia is a must do activity in Monteverde. Haven't done a lot of ziplining, but this has to be some of the fast and longest ziplining you can do. If you want to get over the forest and see some of the best views in Monteverde yoy should add this to your list.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Walk at Curi-Cancha Reserve
Guided Walk at Curi-Cancha Reserve
Monteverde

Guide was great and found as many birds and other animals as possible. Got to see some good trees, but since it is a nature preserve a lot of the old forest was cut down. Good way to see some views, but if you want to walk through the jungle you might want to find another option.

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

Standard tourist coffee & chocolate tour. If you have time to do it the activity is fun, but would leave it as a last option if you do not have other things planned.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Canyoning in the Lost Canyon *
Canyoning in the Lost Canyon *
Arenal/La Fortuna

If you want to see deep into the jungle this is the only way to get it done.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whitewater Rafting on the Rio Pacuare
Whitewater Rafting on the Rio Pacuare
Turrialba

Rafted a different river due to rain. The guides were awesome though and kept us safe and they loved what they do.

Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Hike Turrialba Volcano
Private Hike Turrialba Volcano
Costa Rica

Private hike was great. Wish it was longer and they let you hike higher up the volcano. Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, but you can only go so far up the volcano as they will allow on the private property.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 12, 2026

Hola Peter!

Thank you so much for your kind words, it truly means a lot to us. Adrian and our entire team at Serendipity Adventures are thrilled to hear you had an unforgettable experience in Costa Rica.

We are especially glad to know that our guides made your adventures special and that you felt supported throughout, even with last-minute adjustments. Making sure everything runs smoothly for you is always our top priority.

It would be our pleasure to welcome you back on your next visit. Until then, ¡Pura Vida!
Bryan & The Serendipity Adventures Team🌿

Great first experience with Kim- Kim- Serendipity made a huge difference.
Costa Rica | Dec 25 - Jan 3, 2026

D
Daniel B.
France | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2026
Serendipity gave me an itinerary that was responsive the needs for an intergenerational trip. I was planning for my children and their grandparents. I am used to doing everything on my own and it worked out great to work with pros in-country! the local advice was critical. When one is an outsider there is no way to distinguish who are the best service providers, guides, transfers, etc. Serendipity booked us the most incredible MASTER guide in Monteverde who was greeted like a celebrity... Read more

Serendipity gave me an itinerary that was responsive the needs for an intergenerational trip. I was planning for my children and their grandparents. I am used to doing everything on my own and it worked out great to work with pros in-country! the local advice was critical. When one is an outsider there is no way to distinguish who are the best service providers, guides, transfers, etc.

Serendipity booked us the most incredible MASTER guide in Monteverde who was greeted like a celebrity by the other guides. Without Bryan and his team's expertise we would have been rolling the dice. Serendipity also had access to hotels beyond the booking.com options which was critical when we were searching for lodging in peak Christmas season on the beach. Given that this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it is great to have a local who knows what is good and worth it, depending on the travelers' profile.

I know this when I play host in my favourite cities- guidebooks and reviews are not enough and the options are overwhelming.

in country we had available and super-responsive support via WhatsApp.

This was the first time in a long time I used a travel agent or Kim-Kim but it saved me hours of time and all of their recommendations and timings of the day were great recs and worked out well. When decisions you make from you laptop don't line up it can be a bummer on vacation. My parents were super impressed.

Hotel Review
Fonda Vela Hotel
Monteverde

The Fonda Vela Hotel in Monteverde had its ups and downs. Initially, we were placed in less desirable rooms overlooking the parking lot, which lacked privacy and had a less pleasant view. However, we were able to resolve it due to speaking the local language, and eventually, we were moved to better rooms. The location of the hotel was beautiful, and the grounds were well-maintained. Service was good though the restaurant was overpriced and service slow. The New Year's Eve dinner was a letdown due to poor organization and long waits, despite being complimentary.

Activity Reviews
Private: Guided Walk at Curi-Cancha Reserve
Private: Guided Walk at Curi-Cancha Reserve
Monteverde

The private guided walk at Curi-Cancha Reserve was outstanding. Our guide was phenomenal, treating us with personal attention and engaging with our kids throughout the tour. He seemed like a celebrity, known by everyone at the site, and made the experience special. His ability to spot wildlife and engage us all made the tour unforgettable.

Treetopia: Tram,  Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Treetopia: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Monteverde

Treetopia adventure with zip lines and hanging bridges was exciting. Although my daughter felt the zip lines were too advanced, the hanging bridges were a great alternative, and we enjoyed the experience. The flexibility to change plans and enjoy different parts of the tour was appreciated, though I would have liked more specific guidance on choosing between this and other nearby attractions. Booking the first thing in the morning helped as we avoided the crowds.

Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica

The Coffee & Chocolate Tour was one of the highlights of our trip. It lived up to its sterling reviews, offering informative and enjoyable experiences surrounding two of our favorite indulgences.

Palo Verde National Park Boat Trip
Palo Verde National Park Boat Trip
Costa Rica

The Palo Verde National Park Boat Trip was an enjoyable excursion. It was a refreshing change of pace and presented Costa Rica's natural beauty from the water in a unique way.

Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Costa Rica

The morning sailing and snorkeling adventure was great. The crew was fantastic, making the whole experience smooth and entertaining.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 06, 2026

Hola Daniel!

Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful review. We’re truly honored to have been part of planning such a special intergenerational trip, and I’m delighted to hear that our local insight and guide recommendations made a meaningful difference.

It means a lot to know that we could help take the guesswork out of planning and allow your family to fully enjoy Costa Rica together. We hope to welcome you all back someday.

¡Pura Vida!
Bryan & the Serendipity Adventures Team🌿

I was sick along with the majority of our fam...
Costa Rica | Dec 26 - Jan 4, 2026

C
Cindy F.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2026
I was sick along with the majority of our family- the long bus ride from the airport was very crowded and uncomfortable for a few family members- we ended up renting 2 buses for the remaining transfers - if it hadn’t been so crowded it’s possible that many of us would not have gotten sick - The one excursion I did get to do was the coffee and chocolate factory- we had several excursions that we had to cancel or only a portion of the group were able to go - overall - not a great experience Read more

I was sick along with the majority of our family- the long bus ride from the airport was very crowded and uncomfortable for a few family members- we ended up renting 2 buses for the remaining transfers - if it hadn’t been so crowded it’s possible that many of us would not have gotten sick - The one excursion I did get to do was the coffee and chocolate factory- we had several excursions that we had to cancel or only a portion of the group were able to go - overall - not a great experience

Hotel Reviews
Baldi Hot Springs Resort, Hotel & Spa
Fortuna

This place was beautiful - the hot springs were amazing- nice staff- unfortunately my husband ended up in urgent care and the hotel was very helpful with setting up transport to and from

Authenticity & Character
The atmosphere was very unique and lots to see
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed was great
Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo
Guanacaste

Nice room - food was pretty good- missed all excursions due to illness-

Authenticity & Character
Location
I didn’t really see the beach - my family members said it was beautiful - definitely family friendly- things to do for the kids
Staff
Don’t remember anyone specifically
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were nice - hot water for showers was an issue
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Monteverde

Not for older people or those with physical impairment- hard to get around the resort

Authenticity & Character
One of the rooms had mold in the bathroom and the group moved to another room - our TV was not Internet friendly - so we basically had mediocre Tv - sick in our room -
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were nice - it would have been good if we had a couch or comfortable chairs to sit on - we dragged our metal chairs onto the balcony then back into the room
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 09, 2026

Hola Cindy!

Thank you for sharing this feedback. I am truly sorry to hear that illness affected your family’s trip and that the initial transfer did not meet your comfort expectations.

I appreciate you letting me know about the experience, and I will certainly review this with our team to improve for future travelers. I’m glad that at least the coffee and chocolate tour was a positive moment amid the challenges.

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