
Holden Ketchum
I have lived in Costa Rica for eight years and made it my home. My role is to help travelers connect to the activities and experiences that will bring them the most joy and provide lasting memories. Costa Rica is a unique travel destination and I hope that my clients will get to know its many qualities by making up-close and personal connections through the activities in their personalized trip plans.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in Costa Rican highlights. Additionally, I like to recommend unique places that are less frequented but offer peace and quiet for those looking to leave the crowd behind. I love sharing places where travelers can experience the biodiversity of Costa Rica, relax in peaceful places, and enjoy delicious food. Ask me where the best cheesecake can be found!"
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have been traveling my entire life. I have lived in multiple states in the USA (California, Texas, Florida, Alaska, Arizona, and Washington State) as well as other countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Costa Rica. I completed my undergraduate degree in Paris. Being a student of history and cultural studies allowed me the opportunity to travel extensively across Europe: everything from modern museums and castles to ancient ruins and cave painting sites.
I began my new life in Costa Rica nine years ago, and I have been traveling and exploring here ever since. I have worked in travel marketing as a way to connect people to the adventures and experiences that are available to them here in Costa Rica. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"My favorite place in Costa Rica is San Gerardo de Dota, which is a hidden cloud forest not far from Cartago. On a trip last year, as we were hiking through the forest, we saw a pair of quetzals in an aguacatillo tree. We sat quietly at the side of the trail and watched them eat their fill. Eventually, the male flew from tree to tree calling to the female. The usual light mist was falling, but the sun still sent sparkling rays through the canopy. The sights and sounds were incredible, and we were all alone in the forest with them. As an avid birdwatcher, this was unforgettable for me."
Holden's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice

Set in Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo is a dreamy coastal escape with long white-sand beaches known worldwide for surfing. It's idyllic for relaxing and offers several...

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...

Volcanos define the landscape of Costa Rica, these volcanos created the fertile valleys and diverse ecosystems of the country. If you want to truly experience Costa Rica's...
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...
Recent trip reviews for Holden
Best. Time. Ever.
Costa Rica
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Jun 26 - Jul 3, 2025

Amazing Costa Rica Family Adventure
Costa Rica
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Jun 26 - Jul 3, 2025
Full day hike with Mariano was so fun. Beautiful sights amd lots of animals along the way. Monkeys, Sloth, Snakes... and eating termites!
The white water rafting was my favorite. It was quite a ride. The trip was about 1.5 hours of rapids and some down time too. We got out twice and swam a little... Read more
Super easy, very responsive
Costa Rica
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Jun 16 - Jun 23, 2025


Thank you Julie for your comments on your trip plan. I'm glad you and your family had some great experiences in Costa Rica, especially the private sailing charter. That's one of my favorites!
We had the trip of a lifetime in Costa Rica! ...
Costa Rica
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May 22 - May 31, 2025

We had the trip of a lifetime in Costa Rica! I love to see new places but I think we will return to Costa Rica again because there was so much to do and see. Holden was amazing at planning the trip for us and listened to my wants and put together the perfect trip. Wilman with Serendipity Adventures was so helpful while we were there! Figuring out adjustments to the plans that I would throw at him. They were both so knowledgeable and helpful!

Thank you Molly for recognizing the efforts of my coworkers. I'm glad you had a great family experience in Costa Rica. We look forward to your next visit!
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
Pura Vida‼️
Costa Rica
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Jun 2 - Jun 11, 2025

Andy our private guide was excellent on the
Arenal Volcano Park tour & hike. He was extremely knowledgeable & kept us entertained. Enjoyed Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Farm Tour & we saw a eyelash palm pit viper in tree. Combination of sampling coffee & chocolate while... Read more

Thank you Cindy for the detailed review. It sounds like you had a great time. How exciting to see an eyelash viper at the coffee tour!
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
Costa Rica family trip
Costa Rica
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Jun 2 - Jun 11, 2025
We very much enjoyed the Arenal Moana and the Koora Hotel in Monteverde. The river rafting trip in La Fortuna was the favorite activity of all three generations in our group.
Thanks Holden and Serendipity! Read more

Hi Mary, I'm glad to hear that your trip to Costa Rica was a success for your multi-generational family trip! Hopefully the whitewater rafting trip gave you great memories and photos to remember Costa Rica!
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
Magical First Trip to Costa Rica! My husban...
Costa Rica
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Jun 2 - Jun 12, 2025


Hello Gabriela
Me alegro de que todo fuera tan bien en tu primer viaje a Costa Rica y de que ya estés soñando con volver. Estoy de acuerdo que Amor Arenal un hotel y experiencia inolvidable. Estaremos encantados de ayudarle a planificar su segundo viaje a Costa Rica muy pronto!
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
We had a great honeymoon in Costa Rica. Holde...
Costa Rica
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May 26 - Jun 1, 2025

Thank you for the review Caleb, I'm glad to hear that you had a memorable honeymoon with amazing Costa Rican adventures. I hope you will talk about us for years to come.
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
Magical Time in Costa Rica
Costa Rica
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May 24 - May 31, 2025


Thank you Michelle for taking the time to write a thoughtful review. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the activities that we chose for you. This is one of the best cooking classes and it sounds like you made great memories with authentic Costa Rican experiences. I'm sure the family was happy to spend time with you in the kitchen!
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
KimKim did an amazing job of setting up a per...
Costa Rica
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May 30 - Jun 5, 2025
KimKim did an amazing job of setting up a perfect vacation for my daughter and I. Everything went as planned, just as they promised. The hotels they picked were exquisite. The guides and transportation were not only timely, but extremely informative and courteous. The contact person was readily available and quick to respond. I will definitely use KimKim for all future travel!!

Hi Karin
I'm glad to hear that your trip ran smoothly and that you and your daughter had a great adventure 🌟🦋😎
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures