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3183 messages

Diego Rivera

Hi, I'm Diego a Costa Rican travel expert with more than 13 years of experience. I consider myself a culture lover, a person who loves to listen to my travelers and I create the best experiences for every single customer with a touch of passion.
I have studied sustainable tourism management, and I have a specialty in MICE groups (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events). I love to design trips for families, couples, groups of friends and honeymoons.
I'm a big fan of coffee tasting, I love to practice sports and I try to travel every weekend to different destinations around Costa Rica (I'm very extrovert).
Thank you for giving me the possibility to design a unique travel experience around my beautiful country.
Pura Vida!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I love to design family vacations, honeymoon trips, I love to mix adventure tours with nature activities, and cultural experiences. Also, I have a specialty in MICE groups (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events). "

How did you get involved in travel?

"I studied sustainable tourism management and since there, I have felt a huge passion for tourism.
I have worked in tour operators a big part of my life, creating the most unique and personalized programs in Costa Rica, for many travelers around the world.
Travel is not an option for me, this is a style of life, and I love to share the knowledge that I have acquired during my experience."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I spent two nights sleeping in the middle of the tropical forest in Pacuare River. After doing a white-water rafting tour at the best river in Costa Rica, I arrived at one of the most luxurious lodges that I have been my entire life. It was a luxury oasis in the middle of the forest, surrounded by waterfalls, walking trails and many adventures. I loved the adrenaline of the white-water rafting, but to spend a night in the middle of the forest is magical and unforgettable. "

Diego is part of the following groups: Costa Rica Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Diego

We visited La Fortuna/Arenal and Manuel Anton...
Costa Rica | Dec 29 - Jan 6, 2023

Laura
Laura E.
Short Pump, VA | Reviewed on Feb 25, 2023
We visited La Fortuna/Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Our trip was beautifully planned by Diego. He found great adventures and excursions for us. Our 5 kids’ ages range from 12 to 23 and he met all of our needs and made sure they would all be interested in what we were doing. Read more

We visited La Fortuna/Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Our trip was beautifully planned by Diego. He found great adventures and excursions for us. Our 5 kids’ ages range from 12 to 23 and he met all of our needs and made sure they would all be interested in what we were doing.

Hotel Reviews
Autentico Hotel
San Jose
Authenticity & Character
Location
Next time we would just skip San Jose and drive directly to our first resort.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The air conditioning did not work well in our rooms. There was construction going on at the hotel early in the mornings and throughout the day.
Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
Manuel Antonio
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling Adventure
Snorkeling Adventure
Manuel Antonio
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
La Fortuna Waterfall Hike and El Salto Swimming Hole
La Fortuna Waterfall Hike and El Salto Swimming Hole
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

So much fun!! So much adventure! It was great to have it all in one place as well.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 27, 2023

Thank you very much for your comments Laura. It has been a great pleasure designing this wonderful trip for your family. Please keep alive your Pura Vida spirit.

Our experience was amazing. Our guide, Alfred...
Costa Rica | Dec 8 - Dec 16, 2022

Nancy
Nancy T.
Ocala, FL | Reviewed on Dec 23, 2022
Our experience was amazing. Our guide, Alfredo was fantastic in La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area. Jose gave a wonderful tour in Corcovado National Park. I felt communications were not well communicated , as some timings were not correct. Giving us more complete details would have been helpful. We had to call to verify info that was incorrect and our call was not returned when they said they would call. Read more

Our experience was amazing. Our guide, Alfredo was fantastic in La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area. Jose gave a wonderful tour in Corcovado National Park. I felt communications were not well communicated , as some timings were not correct. Giving us more complete details would have been helpful. We had to call to verify info that was incorrect and our call was not returned when they said they would call.

Hotel Reviews
Autentico Hotel
San Jose

Very nice and modern hotel with good air conditioning and wifi. It was comfortable with a nice pool in downtown San Jose

Authenticity & Character
Comfortable for shuttles to next location
Location
Easy walk to a few restaurants, but far from the airport
Staff
The restaurant staff was very nice and they all worked very hard.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice clean rooms and showers
Karahé Beach Hotel
Manuel Antonio

Our rooms were on the second floor, centrally located. They were clean and very convenient to the beach. I would’ve liked one more day there.

Authenticity & Character
Situated amongst the trees with lots of wildlife.
Location
Good beach location, but needed taxis to go everywhere.
Staff
Friendly reception and waitstaff very attentive at beach and restaurant. Our waiter Juan Carlo(I think) was great at dinner.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were comfortable, air conditioned and good wifi.
Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa
La Fortuna

We loved the private cabanas, the pool, pool bar and hot tub. We did not have wifi in the rooms, only common areas. This meant we could not reach our other friends unless we knocked on their door. There were several huge roaches in our room. The front desk didn’t seem too concerned. Overall I liked the resort, but they could address the above issues.

Authenticity & Character
Loved the view of Arenal Volcano and local flowers
Location
Good location
Staff
They were helpful, if needed
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bugs in room, pillows were huge and hard. They were not comfortable to sleep on. The bed was comfortable.
Las Caletas Lodge
Puntarenas

The accommodation was rustic, but very clean. There was no air conditioning, only ceiling fans. The staff was wonderful as was the food. The rooms would have been more comfortable with more fans and better lighting. The view from the hotel was wonderful with lots of local monkeys and wildlife. Daniel was great and very helpful!

Authenticity & Character
The wildlife
Location
A dock for landing.
Staff
Daniel was the best. Everyone else was very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, but needed more fans and better lighting in clothing storage areas.
Activity Reviews
Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour & Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour & Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna

It began to rain as we started, so we chose the shortest of 3 hikes. Fortunately, the rain stopped shortly after we started. We saw cows and lots of birds and monkeys. There is a nice little bar at the top where you can stop, rest and rehydrate if needed before finishing the hike.

Quality of Experience
The hot springs were much needed after hiking. There was a bar there if you wanted to buy a drink. The locker rooms were small, not much room to change in and out of bathing suit. I found the handicapped bathroom stall to be more spacious and private and had hooks to hold your clothes.
Food
The food at Paradise Hot Springs was fair
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guide and driver
Transport
You drive a while up and down winding roads to get there
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Just do it. I’m afraid of heights, but psyched myself to focus and keep moving. The bridges did sway while walking on them, but I felt safe. It is a lot of up and downhill , if that is a problem for you. I really felt like I had met my goal by completing the walk.

Quality of Experience
Our guide would stop and show us hidden wildlife through his scope and helped you get good photos.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everything
Transport
Good drivers
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Arenal/La Fortuna

Priscilla was fantastic. She guided us through preparation of an authentic Costa Rican meal. Her partner assisted with making tortillas and coffee. The meal was delicious!

Quality of Experience
Learning about new foods and eating an authentic meal.
Food
All of the food was good!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All of our drivers were very good. I felt completely safe. The guides were excellent.
Transport
Some of our transports were very long, but it was the only way to get to different locations. I did not like the water landings.
Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Dec 27, 2022

Hi Nancy,
Thank you very much for your feedback. I really enjoyed preparing your trip plan, and I'm very happy you had an amazing experience.
About timing, I'll talk with our operations department because every small change was informed by WhatsApp. Thank you for giving me this feedback.
Best regards,
Diego.

Wonderful trip
Costa Rica | Dec 8 - Dec 16, 2022

S
Susan C.
The Villages, FL | Reviewed on Dec 17, 2022
All of the guides and van drivers were excellent. All of the hotels were clean and well appointed. Read more

All of the guides and van drivers were excellent. All of the hotels were clean and well appointed.

Hotel Reviews
Karahé Beach Hotel
Manuel Antonio

Loved that this hotel was right on the beach. I wish we had stayed here longer than one night.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The beach was so close
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Las Caletas Lodge
Puntarenas

The location of the hotel had amazing views of the ocean; however, to reach the hotel you had to take a boat. There is no dock so the staff had to hold the boat in the surf so that you could climb out of the boat into the water. For older people this is a real challenge.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful views of the ocean
Staff
Daniel went over and beyond to cater to our every wants. He is such a professional, warm and caring person. Lucky to have him as a staff member.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was at the very top of the mountain location which meant we had to climb about 60 stairs to get up to our room. Also, the bathroom was located on the first floor and the beds on the second floor. There is a spiral staircase leading up to the bedrooms which makes it extremely dangerous going to the bathroom in the middle of the night because if you leave the light on for the staircase it shines directly into the bedroom. Therefore, we had to feel our way down to the bathroom at night which was trickly on a spiral staircase no less!
Autentico Hotel
San Jose
Authenticity & Character
Location
I wish the location of the hotel was not in such a busy part of San Jose.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa
La Fortuna

The views from this hotel were amazing. The room was well appointed and very clean. Staff were very welcoming.

Authenticity & Character
The view of the volcano.
Location
Close to Arenal area.
Staff
All of the staff made sure you had a comfortable stay.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Love the front porch overlooking the volcano and the back balcony overlooking the mountains.
Activity Reviews
Snorkeling at Isla del Caño Biological Reserve
Snorkeling at Isla del Caño Biological Reserve
Drake Bay

Kendall, our guide, was amazing. It was the best snorkeling experience I have ever had. I am extremely uncomfortable in deep water and Kendall made sure I felt safe with him. We saw some beautiful fish , turtles and stingrays and Kendall dove down and took amazing photos .

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our tour guide was very friendly and well versed in the area. A couple of people in our group were afraid of heights and he so patient in helping them overcome their fears of the swinging bridges.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking tour to Corcovado National Park in Sirena Station
Walking tour to Corcovado National Park in Sirena Station
Costa Rica

Our guide, Juan, was extremely knowledgeable and professional. He found all kinds of animals and birds that I could never have seen without his expertise.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour & Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour & Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna

I wish the hot springs had been better. The locker rooms were very small and a bit run down. The hot spring was quite small as well. We had dinner at the springs which was a buffet. It really was not up to par.

Quality of Experience
Another hot springs that was not so rundown.
Food
The buffet lacked variety.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Arenal/La Fortuna

Priscilla and her husband are excellent hosts. She is an amazing cook and the dinner was wonderful! Loved being in someone's home to enjoy the full culture of Costa Rica.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Dec 19, 2022

Hello Susan, I really appreciate your comments. I really enjoyed preparing this travel experience for you. Keep alive the Pura Vida Spirit!

All the guides we had as well as all the driv...
Costa Rica | Dec 8 - Dec 16, 2022

L
Linda G.
Eustis, FL | Reviewed on Dec 17, 2022
All the guides we had as well as all the drivers we had were kind and caring people. They answered any questions we had and were on time so we never waited. All of our stays were amazing but we had wished we stayed closer to the airport when we arrived and departed. Read more

All the guides we had as well as all the drivers we had were kind and caring people. They answered any questions we had and were on time so we never waited. All of our stays were amazing but we had wished we stayed closer to the airport when we arrived and departed.

Hotel Reviews
Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa
La Fortuna

Our view from our room was amazing. The people are very friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Karahé Beach Hotel
Manuel Antonio

The beach Was beautiful and the room was very nice. We would not have minded to stay two days instead of one

Authenticity & Character
Location
We appreciated having rooms on the beach side of the road since the hotel was on both sides. We had an ocean view
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Las Caletas Lodge
Puntarenas

This hotel was an amazing experience. Our only way to go anywhere was by boat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Autentico Hotel
San Jose

Very noisy hotel with parties and music. We didn’t have a lot of areas to sit and chat with our friends.The hotel was too far from the airport for our arrival and departure when we passed at least two or three on the road before we got to our destination.

Authenticity & Character
Location
We would’ve like to stay closer to the airport.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

After being a little nervous about walking on the bridges, my guide helped me and made me comfortable with crossing all of the hanging bridges. We really enjoyed this activity

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour & Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour & Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our group expected to be in pools that were more authentic with warm Hot Springs water. We felt that we were in regular swimming pools with hot Water running down into the pools of 75° water. Our hike with the volcano was a lot of fun.

Quality of Experience
Food
The food at the restaurant was nothing special.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our hosts were truly amazing. We enjoyed our experience helping prepare dinner and then eating our dinner. Our house were friendly, caring and interested in us and our customs

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Dec 19, 2022

Hi Linda, thank you very much for your comments! I'm very happy to know you have had a wonderful time in Costa Rica.
Pura Vida, Diego.

Create a CR trip with Diego!
Costa Rica | Dec 19 - Jan 2, 2022

D
Debora H.
Belmont, CA | Reviewed on Aug 14, 2022

Diego planned a great trip for us. All the details ran perfectly and we had a trip of a lifetime! Everyone we encountered was nice but two favorites that stood out were our driver for a few legs (John I think). And our guide for the Arenal Volcano was the best guide of all our hikes. The others were great too but he was our favorite! Thank you Diego.

Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Aug 16, 2022

Hello Debora, Thank you very much for sharing your lovely comments with me! It was a great honor to help you design the most beautiful trip for your family. I hope you can come back soon! PURA VIDA :-)

Diego did an excellent job planning our trip!...
Costa Rica | Jul 27 - Aug 2, 2022

S
Shameik B.
Gainesville, FL | Reviewed on Aug 03, 2022
Diego did an excellent job planning our trip! All the excursions and airport/city transfers were timely in picking us up. All our tour guides were knowledgeable and excited about sharing their expertise with us. The hotel selections were perfect. There was one last minute change with one of our excursion providers and we received multiple notifications to ensure we were aware of the change. Overall, my family and I had a wonderful trip! Read more

Diego did an excellent job planning our trip! All the excursions and airport/city transfers were timely in picking us up. All our tour guides were knowledgeable and excited about sharing their expertise with us. The hotel selections were perfect. There was one last minute change with one of our excursion providers and we received multiple notifications to ensure we were aware of the change. Overall, my family and I had a wonderful trip!

Hotel Reviews
Karahé Beach Hotel
Manuel Antonio

We stayed on the beach access side of the property and it was excellent! The property is lush and beautiful. We could hear the waves from our room. We ate most of our meals at the restaurant and it was delicious— Marilin was especially helpful! The pool is a great size and was never overcrowded when we were there. We did not have hot water the first night for showers but the office had it fixed the next day. Liked seeing the monkeys on the property until they stole food directly off my plate. Overall, wonderful stay and would 100% recommend this gem.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not as walkable to other restaurants/shops as I’d like
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms cleaned daily without having to request it.
Hotel Arenal Montechiari
La Fortuna

We arrived at night while it was raining and hungry after our long trip. We were initially frustrated because we did not have great internet access and the front desk was unable to provide guidance on restaurants nearby or ones that could deliver. We eventually went walking to get dinner and found an excellent restaurant (Travesía) within 5 mins. We discovered many wonderful places to eat within a 10 min walk during our time there (Italianissimo, Snapper House). This hotel really has an excellent walkable location and the pool was great! I would 100% stay again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walkable, safe
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Aug 03, 2022

Hello Shameik! Thank you very much for your comments, it was an absolute pleasure preparing your vacation and creating a memorable trip for your family. Please keep alive the Pura Vida spirit, I hope you can come back soon to explore more areas of our beautiful country.

We had a fantastic time in Costa Rica thanks ...
Costa Rica | Apr 19 - May 1, 2022

E
Eli L.
Lemont, IL | Reviewed on May 10, 2022

We had a fantastic time in Costa Rica thanks to Diego. He had planned out a trip for my wife and I, and we paid for it with a credit card. 10 minutes later as we were filling out the forms on Kim Kim’s website we noticed that our passports expired the previous month. We called Diego and he managed to put a hold on the hotels. We received an expedited passport on a Monday and called Diego that day and he rescheduled the whole trip that day and we flew out on Tuesday. The trip went smoothly in spite of the last minute preparations. We can’t thank Diego enough. Pura Vida!

Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on May 10, 2022

Hello Eli & Ale, thank you very much for sharing these amazing comments! It was a whole challenge but I'm very happy you enjoyed the entire trip in Costa Rica. Please keep alive the Pura Vida Spirit!!!

Diego planned us an incredible trip to Costa Rica!
Costa Rica | Apr 6 - Apr 17, 2022

S
Suzanne C.
Shaw, DC | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2022

Diego did such an incredible job planning the girls’ trip to Costa Rica my best friend and I went on earlier this month. He was incredibly responsive the entire time (including when we had real-time questions while we were in Costa Rica), and put together an itinerary that was perfect for us!! It was SUCH a relief not to have to plan anything ourselves and to know that everything was taken care of (especially transportation). I would 100% recommend Kim Kim (and Diego!) for anyone who is looking for a fun, stress free trip to Costa Rica!!

Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Apr 22, 2022

Thank you sooo much Suzi for your comment. I loved to help you. Keep always the Pura Vida spirit!
Diego

Diego truly did an *incredible* job!
Costa Rica | Apr 6 - Apr 17, 2022

F
Frances C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 18, 2022
Diego truly did an *incredible* job planning our trip. He made the whole experience seamless, and whenever we hit any snags (which were few and very minor), Diego's communication was consistently responsive and helpful, and he always got things back on track immediately if needed. The activities he guided us to were amazing experiences and the transportation was just so easy! We loved all three locations (La Fortuna/Monteverde/Manuel Antonio) and were absolutely DELIGHTED with each place... Read more

Diego truly did an *incredible* job planning our trip. He made the whole experience seamless, and whenever we hit any snags (which were few and very minor), Diego's communication was consistently responsive and helpful, and he always got things back on track immediately if needed. The activities he guided us to were amazing experiences and the transportation was just so easy! We loved all three locations (La Fortuna/Monteverde/Manuel Antonio) and were absolutely DELIGHTED with each place Diego picked for us to stay: each was so different, a bungalo suite and hot spring hotel in La Fortuna, a delightful spa hotel in Monteverde with a beautiful view and grounds, and a *gorgeous* beach hotel in Manuel Antonio; each place we couldn't think could be topped, and offered such a unique, comfortable and hospitable experience with amazing amenities (that we fully took advantage of!).

We could not have asked for better service; this trip was incredibly memorable and beautiful!

Hotel Review
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Monteverde Costa Rica

Absolutely beautiful hotel with some of the best hospitality I have ever experienced. The hotel itself is beautiful, and the grounds and surrounding area were magical. We loved the massage services and the staff in the restaurant were so accommodating and kind, and genuinely went out of their way to make our stay so special. The location was ideal and very walkable to the "downtown" area of Monteverde.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
I cannot say enough about how wonderful the staff were - we are so grateful for the amazing service.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Horseback Riding in the Cloud Forest
Horseback Riding in the Cloud Forest
Monteverde

Probably my favorite activity in our whole trip, this was an incredible experience with some of the most breathtaking views in our entire journey.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Apr 18, 2022

Thank you so much Frances. I'm so happy you enjoyed a wonderful trip in Costa Rica. It was a great pleasure helping you design your vacation. PURA VIDA!

Costa Rica trip was GREAT!
Costa Rica | Mar 12 - Mar 21, 2022

M
Michael H.
Live Oak, TX | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2022
This was one of our favorite family vacations ever. Diego was a HUGE help in planning it and making sure everything was exactly as I dreamed. We were able to hit all the highlights we wanted to and the hotels were nothing short of spectacular. Everyone in my family had a different group of favorite activities from the trip! The zip lines and hanging bridges were a universal top-3, but we also loved all of the other excursions Diego helped plan for us. In 8 full days of vacation we... Read more

This was one of our favorite family vacations ever. Diego was a HUGE help in planning it and making sure everything was exactly as I dreamed.

We were able to hit all the highlights we wanted to and the hotels were nothing short of spectacular. Everyone in my family had a different group of favorite activities from the trip! The zip lines and hanging bridges were a universal top-3, but we also loved all of the other excursions Diego helped plan for us. In 8 full days of vacation we managed to tour the Rio Celeste (my favorite), hike around the Arenal Volcano eruption site, float down the Arenal River, relax in some hot springs, take a horseback ride over the cloud forest mountains of Monteverde, hike through Monteverde, visit a sugar cane/cocoa/coffee plantation, go on a night hike, do zip-lining and walk the hanging bridges, and hang out at the beach finishing off with a sunset cruise on Tamarindo Bay. There wasn't a day we didn't enjoy ourselves. I just wish I had more days available where we could just relax and enjoy the beautiful country.

Everything was extremely well organized as well. The car rental went smoothly and every tour picked us up as scheduled with absolutely no stress on our parts. It was so nice to have a trip where I wasn't worried I had missed something or gone to the wrong location. Most tours were either just my family or my family a few other people - you never felt like you were part of a huge group and unable to hear the guide.

In fact, literally the only concern we had the whole time was when we landed in Costa Rica and tried to find our car rental. The directions said to find an agent from the car rental company at the airport, but there were 4 companies directly in the terminal so we assumed it was supposed to be one of those. When we asked one of the airport workers, they told us our company was a few kilometers away and we would have to rent a taxi which obviously concerned us. However, once we made our way out of the terminal the company's agent was right there and got us taken care of. May just want to change the directions to go out of the terminal and find your agent there.

Thank you for a wonderful trip!

Hotel Reviews
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
La Fortuna

Definitely a must-visit hotel. Extremely high-quality service. Many of the staff would call us by name despite us only being there 3 days. The hot springs were terrific - definitely try the ones down in Club Rio. They are surrounded by the rainforest and much more natural than the ones by the hotel. Our kids loved Club Rio, especially the rock climbing. We also all loved the entertainment room - our teenagers would happily go here to play some PS5 or other games while my wife and I could get some peace and quiet ourselves. You could spend a week here easily and not do everything they have available.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Koora Hotel at Monteverde
Monteverde

Koora was a quiet, beautiful hotel to relax and enjoy the cloud forest in. Our bungalow was surrounded by the cloud forest and we enjoyed the privacy and having nature all around us. While it doesn't offer as many amenities as other hotels, we enjoyed the quieter tempo and more personal atmosphere. Every one of the staff knew us by name and would check on us to see how they could best help us. We'd have our table for breakfast and dinner ready every day and, if we had any questions, they would quickly respond to a message through WhatsApp. Would love to return again and just spend days relaxing and enjoying their nature trails and atmosphere.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rio Celeste Hideaway Resort
Bijagua

Absolutely beautiful hotel and great service. The room had a balcony opening right into the rain forest and a private outdoor shower in the back (along with a normal indoors one) where you could just listen to nature around you. Our kids loved eating here - they had fruit stands around the dining area so animals would constantly be climbing them to grab a bite to eat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Tamarindo

OK hotel but very touristy and busy. The parking lot and most of the accomodations are across the street from the hotel so expect some walking. The pools themselves were great and it was wonderful having straight access to the beach (which is obviously it's main attraction). There is no room service so if you want to get something in your room you have to order it at the restaurant, wait for it, and then carry it across the road and to your room. Staff were also very impersonal compared to the hotels we stayed at in Arenal and Monteverde.

Authenticity & Character
not much character - just a Vegas-like hotel to get as many people as possible into the limited space
Location
beach-side access was wonderful
Staff
not very personal, had to ask them for what amenities/activities the hotel offered, laundry was a day late getting back despite dropping off at 8AM the day before
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Treetopia: Tram,  Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Treetopia: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Monteverde

This was my must-do adventure and it was exactly as I hoped. The hanging bridges tour was awesome - our guide was a lot of fun to talk to and always open to questions. We saw quetzals, tarantulas, hummingbird nests, and lots of other creatures. The hanging bridges themselves were terrific - we went across 6 of them, the largest spanning quite a long ways with beautiful view of the cloud forest around and under you. Zip-lining was awesome. You go on 7 total lines with the longest being 1/2 a mile. Sometimes they'd have my kids go separate, and others they ride paired. Everyone was very great and you always felt safe.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainforest Hike
Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainforest Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We learned a ton during the hike and had a great time. We worked well with our kids, even when our youngest started getting a little tired of the hike.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Arenal/La Fortuna

Excellent chance to see many of the animals in the rainforest. Guide had an amazing ability to spot them and then get us to see them. We saw iguanas, bats, owls, monkeys, and TONS of different birds. One highlight was definitely when the guide managed to get the howler monkeys to start calling back to him.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
El Trapiche Sugarcane Mill Tour
El Trapiche Sugarcane Mill Tour
Monteverde

Very fun tour that both we and our kids enjoyed. The guide showed us how they grew sugar cane, coffee, and cocoa and how each was processed. You saw everything from plant to machinery to process. Along the way we were able to taste the coffee beans, raw cocoa seeds, and processed chocolate and we made our own raw sugar candy. Definitely recommend!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horseback Riding in the Cloud Forest
Horseback Riding in the Cloud Forest
Monteverde

Extended horseback ride through the cloud forest. You go through a variety of areas, from shrubs, to mountaintops, to the cloud forest itself. We ended up on the mountaintop as the sun started to set with an amazing view of the surrounding mountains I will never forget. Longer trip than I thought it would be, but that was a good thing and it wasn't so long I was sore the next day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Arenal/La Fortuna

Great hike around the volcano. Guide was very knowledgeable from everything of the local plants to the volcano and it's eruption itself. Great visual aids to help in teaching. We got some absolutely beautiful views of the volcano from the closest you are legally allowed to get to it. On the way back he led us off the usual path up the mountain side and you really felt like you were exploring the area.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Apr 08, 2022

It was a huge honor and pleasure to help you with this amazing trip plan. I really enjoyed creating this spectacular trip and I hope you can come back in the future with your family and explore new destinations of Costa Rica :-)
Keep the Pura Vida spirit alive!