Holden Ketchum

Holden was very pleasant and responsive. The drivers we had were excellent and sometimes, they had to drive under very difficult conditions. Overall, however, Holden clearly did not understand what we were looking for in terms of activities. We wanted activity. The hanging bridge trip was fine but in between the bridges, it was a walk at a snail's pace, stopping every ten feet to look at a different spider. The float was fine but I had to argue back and forth to get it later than 7 am, when we would have to miss breakfast and when it was colder. The hike in Manuel Antonio was not a hike-it to was a boring crawl at a snail's pace to look mostly at frogs, spiders and orchids-I was told it was a private hike for the four of us-I explained to our guide that we did not want to stop every ten feet and wanted actually hike and he said that this was not an actual hike and no adjustments could be made. Truthfully, we were elbow to elbow with hundreds of people-how private was that! The sailing cruise was nice and the food was good but Holden did not make clear that it was with 40 or so other people-I thought it would be a much smaller, semi-private activity-but it was fine. The Royal Corin exceeded expectations-the staff could not have been lovelier-the rooms were spectacular-the spa was great and the food was above average. The Mariposa had a beautiful view. That said, the staff were indifferent and the room had the very bare minimum. Overall, except for the drivers, I'm sorry I didn't just use TripAdvisor

KimKim did a very good job on planning our trip to Costa Rica but there were a couple of oopses once we got there. The times on one of the tours and one of the pickups changed and we were not notified (I'm sure because I printed the itinerary before we left). The guide we had on our volcano hike was just putting in the hours but the guide on our cloud forest tour made up for that. The accommodations were lovely though the Cloud Forest Lodge was isolated and their menu wasn't very expansive which would not have worked for more than the two days we were there. If you are going to the Cloud Forest from Arenal Volcano, or vice versa, do take the lake ferry - it was so relaxing! Holden, Adrian and Nancy did a really good job enabling us to see as much of Costa Rica as we could.

Hotel Reviews

Cloud Forest Lodge

Monteverde

This lodge was interesting. Work has been done on it but the bathroom is huge which made no sense - our room could have been a suite if a bit of thought had gone into the planning. The staff was amazing, but the menu wasn't varied enough for more than a couple of days stay. Because it was isolated, getting out for a meal would have required extra effort. However, the view was spectacular.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs

Fortuna

Beautiful hotel with amazing hot springs and a variety of restaurants.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Treetopia Tram & Hanging Bridges

Monteverde

Amazing vantage point of Monteverde from the tram. It had rained and the trail was slick so we chose not to hike back to the entry which might have been nice. The hanging bridge trail was well maintained and the bridges were really impressive.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The tram and hanging bridges were self guided

Transport

Creatures of the Night at Cloud Forest Lodge

Monteverde

Though we didn't see much beyond frogs and tarantulas, our guide was so cute, sweet and excited that it didn't matter. How often do you have the chance to traipse through the rain forest, flashlight in hand and enjoy being in the dark sleuthing for critters?

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The walk was at our hotel so there was no transport

Cloud Forest Reserve Privately Guided Hike

Monteverde

Our guide Andy was a wealth of information about birds, botany and the rain/cloud forest. We enjoyed him so much that we extended our tour by two hours and then took him to lunch!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private: Birdwatching in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park

Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide Ron was so excited about seeing birds and being in nature - he made getting up at 4:30 worth it!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968

Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide was just putting in the hours.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Farm Tour

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day 1: Picked up from the airport by Alex.  Very informative about the country during the 3.5hour drive to La Fortuna.  He was also very caring and patient when two of our travelers became motion sick.  He took his time and did everything possible to minimize the impact of bumps and curves - well done, Alex!!
Arenal Springs Resort accommodations were beautiful and the staff was helpful and kind.  Food at the restaurants was excellent; however, prices were much higher than anticipated and, as the resort is rather remote, alternative dining options were not practical.  We opted for private transfers during our vacation so did not have a rental car and an uber for 6-people proved challenging so we stayed on property for meals.  Our breakfast was included, the buffet was full of great options ... nothing lacking.  There are two rooms per building; if occupants of both rooms are showering at the same time, hot water can be sketchy.  The property is well kept, clean and beautiful.

Day 2: Coffee/Chocolate/Sugar Cane tour led by Valerie was informative and fun.  She shared stories about her family as well as the country's history and future with each of these three crops as well as how each is processed.  The sampling was wonderful with sugar juice and sugar alcohol (WOW);  various types and roasts of coffee and the chocolate - dark to milk was DELICIOUS.  I would highly recommend this tour and Valerie.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a beautiful hike through the Arenal Hanging Bridges with Mariano.  A gorgeous walk with several hanging bridges to test our stability - LOL.  Mariano was an excellent guide: informative, fun and really patient.  A great afternoon that was relaxing, not strenuous.

Day 3: Big Arenal Mundo Aventura Zipline.  For those of us who could participate, this was wonderful.  After watching the video and seeing the warnings we discovered that half of our group (3 people) could not go.  We were super disappointed in finding this out after we had paid.  The zipline itself was not the problem, but rather the very difficult hike from the tractor drop-off point to the first zipline ... that hike was a beast, even for those who are fit.  IMO, this absolutely should have been included in the description as we would have made different selections or, at a minimum, reduced the number of participants for the activity.  I don't know how alternative zipline options are set up but this was a non-starter for ANYONE with health challenges and there is no practical way to stop once you have started.  For the 3 who partook in the adventure, the 12 lines were fun with varying lengths (from 660ft - 3800+ft) and various avg speeds (21mps-34mph)

In the afternoon, we relaxed and enjoyed an educational experience on a farm learning of various medicinal and edible plants wrapping up with a dinner made from those ingredients.  Mary was GREAT and has a true love of the environment and nature ready, willing and able to answer all of our questions.  While we participated by chopping ingredients, the whole group was disappointed in the fact that this was positioned as a "Cooking Class" but neither did we cook nor get the recipe for the dinner that was served ... both of which have been our experiences at other classes around the world.  This was a 4* experience that could have been 5* had those two items been included.
Day 4: The day was spent with a Private Transfer from Arenal to Monteverde.  Our driver, Andrea, was delightful.  The 3.5 hour drive was the worst drive any of our group had ever experienced ... a non-stop winding road that was paved, but rougher than many gravel roads with abundant potholes.  Again, this should have been mentioned as two of our passengers suffered from extreme motion sickness.  We discovered, later, when visiting with another traveler to Costa Rica that there is an alternative way to transfer between these two points - by a 1.5 hour ferry.  This is likely the option we would have selected had we known just how poor the roads were.  Honestly, the terrible road condition is unacceptable given the amount of time you have to be one it - a portion of the drive would have been tolerable, but not the entire 3.5 hours.  There is nothing that Andrea could have done to make this better.    
The Cloud Forest Lodge was spectacular.  Secluded and quiet with one of the largest room/bathroom/balcony combinations I have ever experienced while traveling!  Once again, the food was delicious.  Breakfast was included here, with a full menu.  Ingredients were fresh and service impeccable.  In the evenings, as the temperatures dropped, there is a lovely area with a fireplace where many guests gathered and visited.  It was cozy and comfortable - a real addition to the visit.  There are three  rugged trails on property that are all worth exploring.  As with Arenal Springs,  the resort is rather remote making alternative dining options impractical.  Food was not out of line expensive here.
Day 5: Cloud Forest Reserve Privately Guided Hike with Sergio was wonderful.  Sergio is passionate about the environment and his enthusiasm is contagious.  We were lucky enough to see a male Quetzal, the most beautiful bird in the world for good reason - GORGEOUS.  Sergio explained the various trees and plants along with the life cycle of the Cloud Forest.  This walk was conducted at our pace and Sergio was thoughtful and thorough when answering our questions.  He made this hike memorable for all of us.
Day 6: Our Private Transfer from Monteverde to Tamarindo was pleasant as we had been advised of the poor road conditions, once again, and took dramamine to prevent motion sickness during the 3.5 hour transfer.  We were so happy to see Alex again!
The Cala Luna Boutique Hotel and Villas was spectacular!  The rooms were the best of our trip and the property is stunning.  Every area of the property felt private.  On the other hand, the food here was the worst of our visit.  Some of the items were good, but for the most part the menus offered little to no options for people who are picky eaters and the prices are high. The good news is that this property is not as secluded as the first two so you could easily get into town where there is an abundance of restaurant options.  The included buffet breakfast was very disappointing with little selection and warm items were always cold.  The food is not at all on par with the property ... so disappointing.

Day 7: Was a Sunset Catamaran tour that was out of this world wonderful.  A beautiful catamaran, a fun group of guests and a crew that took excellent care of us with food and drink.  We anchored for about 90 minutes for snorkeling/kayaking/swimming/staying on the boat; it was perfect.  The sunrise didn't disappoint.  The drive to the harbor was longer than expected (45 minutes) and well worth it, a mention of the length would have been beneficial.  Our itin said that this activity would be from 12:45 to 4:45 however we did not return to the property until 7:00; the only challenge we had is that only two of the three couples went on the catamaran so the coordination of our evening activity did not work as planned due to an arrival 2+ hours later than anticipated.  I wouldn't change the activity, just the timing shared as part of the itin.
Day 8: Private transfer to airport was smooth and efficient.
Communication during the trip was prompt and efficient - thank you.  It made everything so stress-free.  The Kimkim App worked perfectly and communicating with WhatsApp worked great.  

Hotel Reviews

Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas

Guanacaste

The Cala Luna Boutique Hotel and Villas was spectacular! The rooms were the best of our trip and the property is stunning. Every area of the property felt private. On the other hand, the food here was the worst of our visit. Some of the items were good, but for the most part the menus offered little to no options for people who are picky eaters and the prices are high. The good news is that this property is not as secluded as the first two so you could easily get into town where there is an abundance of restaurant options. The included buffet breakfast was very disappointing with little selection and warm items were always cold. The food is not at all on par with the property ... so disappointing.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cloud Forest Lodge

Monteverde

The Cloud Forest Lodge was spectacular.  Secluded and quiet with one of the largest room/bathroom/balcony combinations I have ever experienced while traveling!  Once again, the food was delicious.  Breakfast was included here, with a full menu.  Ingredients were fresh and service impeccable.  In the evenings, as the temperatures dropped, there is a lovely area with a fireplace where many guests gathered and visited.  It was cozy and comfortable - a real addition to the visit.  There are three  rugged trails on property that are all worth exploring.  As with Arenal Springs,  the resort is rather remote making alternative dining options impractical.  Food was not out of line expensive here.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Arenal Springs Resort

La Fortuna

Arenal Springs Resort accommodations were beautiful and the staff was helpful and kind. Food at the restaurants was excellent; however, prices were much higher than anticipated and, as the resort is rather remote, alternative dining options were not practical. We opted for private transfers during our vacation so did not have a rental car and an uber for 6-people proved challenging so we stayed on property for meals. Our breakfast was included, the buffet was full of great options ... nothing lacking. There are two rooms per building; if occupants of both rooms are showering at the same time, hot water can be sketchy. The property is well kept, clean and beautiful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

view of volcano and grounds

Staff

Loved the daily "towel art"

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Sunset Catamaran Tour

Costa Rica

Sunset Catamaran tour that was out of this world wonderful. A beautiful catamaran, a fun group of guests and a crew that took excellent care of us with food and drink. We anchored for about 90 minutes for snorkeling/kayaking/swimming/staying on the boat; it was perfect. The sunrise didn't disappoint. The drive to the harbor was longer than expected (45 minutes) and well worth it, a mention of the length would have been beneficial. Our itin said that this activity would be from 12:45 to 4:45 however we did not return to the property until 7:00; the only challenge we had is that only two of the three couples went on the catamaran so the coordination of our evening activity did not work as planned due to an arrival 2+ hours later than anticipated. I wouldn't change the activity, just the timing shared as part of the itin.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cloud Forest Reserve Privately Guided Hike

Monteverde

loud Forest Reserve Privately Guided Hike with Sergio was wonderful. Sergio is passionate about the environment and his enthusiasm is contagious. We were lucky enough to see a male Quetzal, the most beautiful bird in the world for good reason - GORGEOUS. Sergio explained the various trees and plants along with the life cycle of the Cloud Forest. This walk was conducted at our pace and Sergio was thoughtful and thorough when answering our questions. He made this hike memorable for all of us.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Organic Cooking Class

Arenal/La Fortuna

In the afternoon, we relaxed and enjoyed an educational experience on a farm learning of various medicinal and edible plants wrapping up with a dinner made from those ingredients. Mary was GREAT and has a true love of the environment and nature ready, willing and able to answer all of our questions. While we participated by chopping ingredients, the whole group was disappointed in the fact that this was positioned as a "Cooking Class" but neither did we cook nor get the recipe for the dinner that was served ... both of which have been our experiences at other classes around the world. This was a 4* experience that could have been 5* had those two items been included.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Big Arenal Mundo Aventura Zipline

Arenal/La Fortuna

Big Arenal Mundo Aventura Zipline. For those of us who could participate, this was wonderful. After watching the video and seeing the warnings we discovered that half of our group (3 people) could not go. We were super disappointed in finding this out after we had paid. The zipline itself was not the problem, but rather the very difficult hike from the tractor drop-off point to the first zipline ... that hike was a beast, even for those who are fit. IMO, this absolutely should have been included in the description as we would have made different selections or, at a minimum, reduced the number of participants for the activity. I don't know how alternative zipline options are set up but this was a non-starter for ANYONE with health challenges and there is no practical way to stop once you have started. For the 3 who partook in the adventure, the 12 lines were fun with varying lengths (from 660ft - 3800+ft) and various avg speeds (21mps-34mph)

Quality of Experience

more information about the activity BEFORE you zipline ... the hike is impossible for people with health challenges

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a beautiful hike through the Arenal Hanging Bridges with Mariano. A gorgeous walk with several hanging bridges to test our stability - LOL. Mariano was an excellent guide: informative, fun and really patient. A great afternoon that was relaxing, not strenuous.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Farm Tour

Arenal/La Fortuna

Coffee/Chocolate/Sugar Cane tour led by Valerie was informative and fun. She shared stories about her family as well as the country's history and future with each of these three crops as well as how each is processed. The sampling was wonderful with sugar juice and sugar alcohol (WOW); various types and roasts of coffee and the chocolate - dark to milk was DELICIOUS. I would highly recommend this tour and Valerie.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Great trip. Guides were terrific. Hanging bridges and volcano tour led by Mariano. Sloth tour(where we actually saw them)
led by Manuel and Ernesto. Monteverde led by Andres. All made the tours very special.
Worked with Holden from Serendipity Adventures to plan the trip. Again excellent. Last but not least was Adrian who answered all our questions as they came up. All in all an excellent adventure.
By the way we chose to rent a car and drive. We loved it but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are comfortable with small roads and sometimes challenging driving conditions.

Hotel Reviews

The Coast Beachfront Hotel

Tamarindo, Guanacaste Province

This was our least favorite of the hotels. Good location for the beach. Average rooms. Small crowded pool. No restaurant or services. Would not choose it again. Would look for a more self contained resort outside of town.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cloud Forest Lodge

Monteverde

This was the most dramatic hotel on our trip. Amazing location. Not easy to get to if you are driving but worth the trip. Good food and nice rooms and terrific staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lomas del Volcán

Fortuna

This was our favorite hotel of the trip. Peaceful. Wonderful rooms in separate little cottages. Great pool, good food and excellent staff. Would be happy staying there for a week.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to town but very private and peaceful

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport

Liberia

Fine airport hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Next to airport

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Tamarindo Mangrove & Estuary Boat Tour

Costa Rica

Skipped this one as I was not feeling well. Plus Tamarindo is extremely hot.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private: Half-day Birdwatching Hike in Curi-Cancha Reserve

Monteverde

Again the guide makes the trip. Andres was terrific.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968

Arenal/La Fortuna

Wonderful excursion. Again the guide makes the trip. Andres was extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend time with.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

We actually got to see sloths. The guides have a familiar route they take. Good chance of seeing sloths since they know where they are and obviously the sloths are not moving very quickly. Easy trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

Great trip made special by our guide Mariano.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mariano