Kat Johnson
Ready for rainforest, wildlife, beaches & pura vida? Let’s plan your Costa Rica trip—there’s something for everyone! 🇨🇷🌴🌊
Costa Rica is an adventurer’s paradise, and I love helping travelers experience it to the fullest! I’ve surfed, hiked, and eaten my way across the country, and I’m passionate about sharing why this destination is so all-encompassing. From world-class waves and rainforest hikes to incredible wildlife and local flavors, I design trips that are unforgettable for couples, families, and solo travelers alike.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I love crafting trips that combine adventure with cultural depth. In Costa Rica, that means surfing world-class breaks, hiking through lush rainforests, spotting wildlife in national parks, exploring volcanoes, and connecting with local communities. My focus is always on creating experiences that feel authentic and unforgettable."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I’ve always loved traveling, from family road trips across the U.S. to my first trip abroad to the UK in elementary school. I later spent six years in Barcelona as an au pair and working in tech industry. After returning to the U.S., I built a career in the travel industry, helping teachers bring students on educational trips around the world. Now, at kimkim, I continue creating opportunities for people to discover and experience the world."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"One unique travel experience I’ll never forget was a mother–daughter trip to Playa Grande in Costa Rica. We practiced yoga by the ocean, ate way too many smoothie bowls, and even convinced my mom to catch her very first wave surfing! Between the wide, golden beaches and those little moments of adventure, it’s a memory I’ll always cherish."
Kat's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
For access to all the country has to offer, visit during the dry season that runs from December through April—winter is the most popular time, with great weather and sizable...
On this 16-day luxury itinerary, you'll go off-the-beaten-path in Costa Rica. First, it's the waterfalls of the Vara Blanca region and enjoying horseback-riding excursions in...
On the northwestern edge of Costa Rica, Nicoya Peninsula features a spectacular beach scene attracting young expats who are spoiled for choice with year-round swells and seaside...
Favorite experiences
Surf Lessons at Salsa Brava
Learn to catch a wave at Salsa Brava, one of the Caribbean's most legendary surf breaks! Located near the colorful town of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, this area offers some of Costa Rica's best surfing conditions. Enjoy a private two-hour lesson that is both family- and beginner-friendly, with...
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. The best way to explore this 120-mile (312 sq km) protected area is by hopping in a canoe and navigating the network of arterial waterways that snake around the...
Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary
Tour Kids Saving the Rainforest, a non-profit organization based in Quepos. The sanctuary rescues over 100 animals each year with the primary goal of rehabilitating them to be released back into the wild. On an educational walk through the wildlife center, you'll learn invaluable lessons about...
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...