
Charlotte Törnqvist
I was born and raised in northern Sweden. At the age of 18, I had the privilege of doing a high school exchange year in Costa Rica. I fell in love with the country, the people, and well, my husband-to-be too!
As soon as I left, I wanted to come back, and after a while, I did return to study at the University... Nearly 30 years have passed now, I am still here, and I have no plans on leaving Costa Rica to live elsewhere. I have built my life in this incredibly beautiful country, and I love the Pura Vida!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in designing personalized travel itineraries for all of Costa Rica (both fully guided private trips, and independent style trips), accommodating special interests, special needs, and specific preferences. There is no preset route or schedule, I will start from scratch every time, to make sure every client makes the most out of their vacation. I love to include unique adventures and interesting nature encounters, and also to encourage my clients to visit rural areas together with local guides, to get to see the "real" Costa Rica and meet the local people."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I love traveling, getting to know new sites and different cultures. Before settling in Costa Rica, I traveled around the world. During my years in Costa Rica, I have extensively explored the country, and I am always amazed and delighted by the variety of experiences available in such a small area. I love my job because I get to facilitate life-changing experiences for my clients. I have been working within the tourism sector my whole professional career. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I will never forget the first time I saw a Leatherback Turtle (or Baula) nest on Playa Grande in Guanacaste. As she came out of the ocean in the moonlight, she slowly and with huge effort made her way further up on the beach, and I couldn't believe how huge she was! She was almost 2 meters long, which means she probably weighed close to 600 kg. she pulled herself far up on the beach, through the soft sand, to select the spot where to dig a deep hole using her giant front flippers as shovels... Then, she turn around towards the ocean, and deposited a big pile of round soft eggs deep in the hole, filled it with sand again, and compacted the sand on top with her flippers. Afterward, she didn't return to the ocean right away, she pulled herself back and forth a few times, towards the ocean and then back higher on the beach, towards the ocean, and then higher on the beach again... The guide explained that the turtles do that to make it less evident where the eggs are laid, to protect the eggs from predators. Finally, she decided it was time to go, and she pulled herself into the water and disappeared in the waves. It was like a dream, what a show! I felt like I had seen a live dinosaur! I will never forget that WOW experience..."
Charlotte's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice

Epitomizing laid-back travel, Costa Rica has hundreds of hotels, but only a few make the list for luxury. With the help of local specialists, kimkim has narrowed down the best...

More than a quarter of Costa Rica’s total area is made up of national parks and protected rainforests making it a popular travel destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Below,...

Travelers to Costa Rica typically plan a trip for 8 to 10 days when combining both Arenal/La Fortuna and Monteverde with Manuel Antonio. If you're not interested in Manuel...
Family itineraries

This extensive itinerary will introduce you to all of Costa Rica's iconic experiences. Activities range from thrilling jungle adventures to relaxing trips to the beach, making...

Costa Rica offers an array of adventures, from city to cloud forest to sea. This ten-day itinerary includes hiking near an active volcano, some of the world’s best...

From natural landscapes to wildlife experiences and adventure sports, Costa Rica has much to offer families. Travelers with younger children might opt for a 10-day itinerary...
Luxury itineraries

This adventurous itinerary checks off four of Costa Rica’s key regions. Raft down some of the world’s best rapids, head to Arenal for hikes and hot springs, and lounge on the...

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica on this unforgettable 16-day itinerary. Focused on the country's spectacular northwest, you'll hop between three secluded...

Costa Rica is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, and to vacation here is to partake in a great ecological adventure. That's just what you'll do on this 11-day...
Road trip itineraries

In this two-week tour, you can experience Costa Rica's main attractions as well as its lesser-known marvels. Drive along coasts, rainforest roads, and hills to discover the...

Taking a road trip through Costa Rica gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore where you want. You'll pass through stunning natural scenery — from lush cloud forests to...

This itinerary is one of the shortest, yet most action-packed options for travelers looking for a compact Costa Rica experience. Zip-line, rappel, and horseback ride your way...
Favorite experiences
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...
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
First, you'll head towards the base of the volcano to hike Arenal 1968. This is a network of trails named after Arenal's last major eruption. The event was so catastrophic it transformed some of the region’s topography, and lava fields now dominate one side of the volcano. The trails wind through...
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the jewels in Costa Rica's ecological crown, on this guided hiking excursion. Known as the "green lung of Costa Rica" due to its rich biodiversity, this 26,000-acre (3,500-hectare) reserve is high in the country's mountainous northwest region....
Canyoning in the Lost Canyon
Go waterfall rappelling, also known as canyoning, in the jungle. This activity is one of the most popular adventure sports in Costa Rica. In a canyon in the heart of the rainforest, your guide will provide brief safety instructions and outfit you with a harness. You'll then rappel down the side...
Turtle Nesting & Hatching in Tortuguero National Park
Unlike many national parks in Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is unique in that it almost exclusively revolves around the water. And the best way to explore this 120-mile (312-square-km) protected area is by hopping in a canoe and navigating the network of arterial waterways that snake...
Recent trip reviews for Charlotte
Best Vacation We've Ever Taken!
Costa Rica
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Nov 27 - Dec 4, 2023

Hello Scott,
Thank you so much for your review! For me and my coworkers in Serendipity Adventures' team, it is so rewarding to get this kind of feedback from satisfied clients, and it inspires us to continue always going the extra mile.
Hopefully you will come back to Costa Rica soon again, and we'll be extremely happy to help you plan another exciting route, hitting other beautiful parts of Costa Rica, and also assist you while in country.
Pura Vida!
Charlotte
Amazing Family Trip with Super Guides!
Costa Rica
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Aug 5 - Aug 20, 2023


Hi Jessica,
Thank you so much for your review! We are very pleased to know that you had such a great time. We look forward to serving you again in the future.
Kind Regards,
Charlotte, and the team from Serendipity Adventures
We had an amazing time in Costa Rica. The peo...
Costa Rica
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Aug 8 - Aug 17, 2023

Hi Cosimo,
It is great to hear you had such a fabulous time in Costa Rica,
It was a pleasure assisting you with this trip.
Kind Regards,
Charlotte
Sergio our initial contact person did a great...
Costa Rica
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Aug 3 - Aug 12, 2023

Hi Siang,
Thank you very much for your detailed review, and all the photos.
We are glad you had a great overall experience, and we will pay attention to the experiences/sites that can be improved.
Pura vida!
Charlotte
Costa Rica a must see for nature lovers
Costa Rica
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Jul 18 - Jul 31, 2023

The Manatus hotel that included breakfast, lunch and dinner, and beautiful grounds, and great staff + boat tours, was a winner.
We enjoyed all the places we went in Costa Rica and all the places we stayed, and all of the tours and transfers from different places, everything was arranged and carried out to plan.
The El Tigre Waterfalls exploration, hike and horseback ride, was one of our favorite... Read more

Hi Piper,
Thank you for taking the time to thoroughly review the various parts of your trip.
We are glad you enjoyed your vacation so much.
Kind Regards,
Charlotte
Summer in paradise
Costa Rica
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Jul 15 - Jul 30, 2023


Hello Sonali,
I am so glad you had such an amazing vacation.
We hope you'll come back soon for more!
Kind Regards,
Charlotte, and the team at Serendipity Adventures
From start to finish, this trip was everythin...
Costa Rica
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Jul 5 - Jul 16, 2023

Wonderful experience
Costa Rica
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Jul 6 - Jul 13, 2023

Hi Tyson,
Thank you for taking the time to review the individual services we had included in your trip plan. I am glad you loved almost everything!
From all of us at Serendipity Adventures, thank you for trusting us to handle your vacation time.
Kind Regards,
Charlotte
La Fortuna, Monteverde and Guancaste
Costa Rica
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Jul 3 - Jul 11, 2023

Loved the mombo combo in la fortuna.
The Springs is the most amazing resort I have ever been too!
The cave exploring was nothing like i have dine before.
All the guides were so nice, friendly and sensitive to the needs of my children. Read more

Hi Shannon,
Thank you for sharing those notes, I am very pleased you enjoyed the trip we put together for you!
Kind Regards,
Charlotte
Outstanding trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica
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Jul 6 - Jul 13, 2023


Hello Christina!
Thank you for your review, kind words, and nice pics!
It was a pleasure to assist you, and I am glad everything turned out so well.
Kind Regards,
Charlotte
Costa Rica - Pura Vida
Costa Rica
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Jun 29 - Jul 9, 2023

Hi Allan,
I am so happy to know that you treasure a agreat colection of special memories from this trip. It is also especially nice to know that you found so many Tico friends (that aspect says a lot about you too)!
We enjoyed working with your large family group, and hope you come back soon on another Serendipity Adventure. :-D
Kind Regards,
Charlotte
Kind Regards,
Charlotte
The top three activities for me were the Hang...
Costa Rica
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Jun 29 - Jul 9, 2023


Hi Gay,
Thank you for submitting a review, I will make sure to share your comments with both hotels.
I am glad you enjoyed the excursions so much!
Kind Regards,
Charlotte
We started out with Sergio and he was amazing...
Costa Rica
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Jun 29 - Jul 9, 2023


Hi Lauren,
Thank you for your review and for sharing all those beautiful pictures.
For us at Serendipity Adventures it was a pleasure to work with you on planning this trip.
Pura Vida!
Charlotte
Serendipity team in Turrialba rocks!!!
Costa Rica
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Apr 7 - Apr 14, 2023

Thank you so much, Cecile, for your review. I am especially happy to hear how much you enjoyed the Serendipity Adventurse portion, and our private adventure operations. I will share your positive feedback with the guides involved.
Hopefully you will come back soon for more!
Kind Regards,
Charlotte
We had the trip of a lifetime to Costa Rica
Costa Rica
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Apr 5 - Apr 19, 2022

We were also very lucky with the weather, and the kids showed the adults the way during activities such as white water rafting and canyoning. A first for the whole family.
I can't recommend Costa Rica... Read more

Hi Mark!
So good to hear from you, and to read that you treasure exceptional memories from your trip with us last year. Me and my coworkers at Serendipity Adventures will be very happy to welcome you again, and help planning your next Costa Rica vacation.
Best Regards,
Charlotte
Our Costa Rican trip of a lifetime compliments of kimkim
Costa Rica
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Jan 21 - Feb 5, 2023


Hi Paul!
Thank you so much for that splendid review! I am so glad that the trip came out exactly as it was meant to; The trip of a life time! All those nature encounters that you describe, they sound amazing... :-D
From me, and my colleagues here at Serendipity Adventures that work behind the scenes to make sure each and every trip runs smoothly, many thanks for trusting us to handle this very, very important trip for you and Theo. We hope you'll come back soon, to continue exploring other parts of our beautiful Costa Rica...
Pura Vida!
Charlotte
Easy, fun, adventured filled and with no worries.
Costa Rica
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Feb 28 - Mar 9, 2023

Hi Shannon,
Thank you so much for your detailed review! It is obvious you had a great time, so we hope to receive you soon again!
For us at Serendipity Adventures it was fun to work with you, and I am especially happy that the kids and you enjoyed the time spent with our guide Juan Carlos and his family.
Pura vida!
Charlotte
Kimkim is an Absolutely a highly recommend Travel Company
Costa Rica
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Feb 1 - Feb 12, 2023
Charlotte did an amazing job building an itinerary of all the places and tours we were interested in doing. We added and changed ideas a couple times and came up with a fantastic trip.
Every transfer, hotel, and tour, went exactly as planned. We had absolutely no issues or problems occur.
I would not hesitate to highly recommend using KimKim. We were more than happy with how our trip went.

Thank you for your review, Linda!
I am glad everything worked out so well for you. We hope you’ll be back soon.
Take care,
Charlotte
It was absolutely amazing. Everything was pla...
Costa Rica
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Jan 6 - Jan 15, 2023

Thank you Haley, I am so happy to know that is how you feel! :-)
For me and my team at Serendipity Adventures it was a pleasure to make this trip happen, and we hope you'll come back some day.
Take care,
Charlotte
A "Pura Vida" Experience!
Costa Rica
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Dec 21 - Dec 31, 2022

Hello Wendy and family,
Thank you so much for your kind words. It was a pleasure to work with you on planning this trip, and I already look forward to the next one!
Charlotte