Sylvia Jurado
I am passionate about creating memorable and fun vacations in Costa Rica! During my free time, I love going outdoors and exploring new destinations. I´ve been in the travel business for over 30 years designing amazing trips for families, honeymooners, nature lovers and adventurous travelers. Let me share with you my expertise and design an amazing itinerary based on your interests and budget!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Due to my extense knowledge of my country, I have visited almost all tourist destinations such as rainforests, cloudforests, volcanoes, both the pacific and the caribbean coasts . I specialize in family experiences, honeymoon vacations, nature and adventure lovers, wellness, multi-generational trips, couples, seniors, "
How did you get involved in travel?
"My first job was in the hotel business back in 1980 and was until 1986 that I started working at Horizontes Nature tours for almost 4 years and tought me the importance of protecting our enviornment and made me fall in love with my country! After working at other tour operators I returned to Horizontes my home, a couple of months ago."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I think that each trip is a unique experience! Costa Rica has so much to offer...volcanos, rivers, mountains, beaches! But maybe one of my favorite destinations is the remote Osa Peninsula... exploring its pristine rainforest with inmense and tall trees, hearing the sounds of nature in the solitude of this national park...with abundant flora and fauna was a unique experience, plus combined with a visit to the Caño Island for snorkeling was unforgetable experience."
Featured trips & expertise
Family Fun on the Caribbean Side - 7 Days
With your kids in tow, get out and explore Costa Rica's capital city before making your way through the lush lowlands towards the Caribbean Coast in this adventure tour. From nature treks, to river rafting, to pristine beaches, this weeklong itinerary is created for families who want to experience Costa Rica's splendid scenery, wildlife, and distinctly laid-back culture.
Costa Rica's 10 Best National Parks for Hiking
Hilly nature walks are practically guaranteed while visiting the rugged terrain of Costa Rica. While some travelers prioritize beaches and water sports on either coast, many will want to save space on the itinerary to explore the vast interior and myriad of wildlife. Good news for hiking enthusiasts: The majority of Costa Rica's 27 national parks offer well-maintained trails. From volcanoes, to tropical dry forests, to remote rainforests, here’s a list of the country’s 10 best national parks for hiking.
Nicoya Peninsula Surf & Yoga Adventure - 10 Days
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 open-air yoga studios. With 10 days to explore the region by four-wheel drive, you’ll base yourself in three quintessential surf towns: Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa.
Best Waterfall Hikes in Costa Rica
With ample mountains and rainforests, Costa Rica’s fortunate topography is a breeding ground for rivers and streams that turn into rushing waterfalls. Climbing these picturesque cascades will reward you with stunning views from the top and refreshing pools below. (In other words, pack a swimsuit and towel.) Here’s a list of the country’s best waterfall hikes ranging in difficulty for young and old alike.
Best of Costa Rica - 14 Days
This two-week itinerary includes almost all of Costa Rica's signature destinations. Experience zip-lining, nature hikes, and more while surrounding yourself with some of Central America's most beautiful landscapes.
Recent trip reviews for Sylvia
Costa rica surfing adventure, Costa Rica - Mar 30 - Apr 10, 2018
Great trip! Thanks for the change in transportation to Tamarindo as the ride was awesome with the forst half hour on the beach and the most of the rest on backroads thru the countryside. On reflection i would have stayed an extra day at Flor Blanca versus goign to Tamarindo which was too touristy for me but great for my 16 year old. Thanks for your help!
Hola Jamie!
Happy to learn that you had a great surfing adventure in Costa Rica with your son and that he liked Tamarindo for more surfing!! Flor Blanca is a great resort and I knew that you will love it when I proposed it to you!
You have to come back to explore Costa Rica and explore other destinations such as the Arenal Volcano area and why not surfing down on the Caribbean coast!
Wishing you a great day!
Kind regards,
Sylvia
Classic costa rica: 7-day self-drive tour, Costa Rica - Mar 30 - Apr 6, 2018
Sylvia was very patient and help us a lot with the tour. We had a great time and will use the service again in the future.
Hola Christie!
Thank you for your trip review and glad to learn that you had a great time in Costa Rica!
Hope that you can come back soon and explore another exciting destinations that you missed this time!
Kind regards,
Sylvia
Best of costa rica in 7 days: explore jungles, volcanoes and beaches, Costa Rica - Mar 3 - Mar 10, 2018
I would wholeheartedly recommend kim kim and particularly Sylvia Durado.
My flight over to Costa Rica was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Sylvia was a lifesaver, altering my booking accordingly. No stress, no hassle.
When i finally got to Costa Rica, everything was seamless!
I had an amazing trip and I cant wait to return!!
Hola Stephen!
Thank you for your nice review and glad to know that you had a great trip in Costa Rica!
I hope that you can come back soon , so you can explore the exhuberant Tortuguero that you missed due to your flight cancellation!
Pura Vida!!
A great time was had in a wonderful country. We travelled from San Jose to Tortuguero national park where all arranged tour were perfect. The lodge we stayed in was great with good food. From there we were transferred to Arenal where the accommodation was wonderful and all tours again were perfect. From there we went to Monteverde with swinging bridge and night walk tours and again it went perfectly. We then went to Playa Hermosa for our final 5 nights and had a lovely time relaxing in... read more
Hola Gayle!
Thank you so much for your great travel review and glad to learn that you liked my suggested hotels and activities, and that everything runned smoothly during your stay in Costa Rica!
Hope that you can come back in a near future and explore other amazing destinations that will be awaiting for you!
Pura Vida
Siteseeing and hiking most of costa rica, Costa Rica - Feb 10 - Feb 24, 2018
Accomodation at Montechiari was very nice and the people were friendly with one exception. Management handled the exception very well.
The hike into the Hule Lagoon was great, Andre was an excellent guide.
He did at times seem to be in a bit of a rush. It was scheduled to be a four hour hike and we completed in just over three hours.
The pace was manageable but not leisurely. It was just the two of us, great.
The host family at the farm were wonderful and the food was awesome.
The mountain... read more
Good morning Bernie & Kathleen!
Greetings from sunny Costa Rica!
We appreciate taking your time in sending a detailed trip review. This will help us to check with our suppliers and improve my services as travel designer!
I am happy to learn that you liked the hotels where you stayed, considering that this was a last minute request when hotels were fully booked due to the high season!
Bernie, I was not aware that you are diabetic, as in advance we inform our suppliers so they can take... read more