
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

Costa Rica Wildlife Adventure - 11 days
This active 11-day itinerary is designed to appeal to nature lovers and adventure fiends of every stripe. It starts on the southern Pacific coast, in the remote, Corcovado National Park. Here you'll enjoy rugged hikes abounding with wildlife-spotting opportunities. Then it's off to the north where you'll explore the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and fly over the forest canopy. After a visit to the famed Arenal Volcano, it's time for another hike, this time to the Hule Lagoon, an ancient crater lake like something out of Conan Doyle's "Lost World." Enjoy waterfall rappelling before ending your Costa Rican adventure with a wild rafting trip down the Pacuare River.

Discover Costa Rica's Nature and Beaches - 9 Days
Some 25% of the total area of Costa Rica is protected. You'll see evidence of this in the country's many national parks and reserves—the goal being to ensure that Costa Rica's natural wonders and delicate eco-systems remain viable for years to come. This is great for visitors such as yourself, who can luxuriate in Costa Rica's natural beauty on this immersive 9-day itinerary.

Discover Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and Tamarindo - 12 Days
Costa Rica prioritizes the protection of its abundant (and delicate) biodiversity, and national parks and reserves make up nearly a quarter of the country's land. This makes it a fabulous spot for travelers keen on experiencing outdoor activities and spotting wildlife. This immersive 12-day trip includes a guided nature hike in coastal Manuel Antonio National Park, birdwatching and zip-lining in the Monteverde Could Forest Reserve, and aquatic fun in the estuaries of Tamarindo.

Self-Drive Luxury Beach and Volcano Adventure - 11 days
Time to hit the open road and enjoy the wonders of Costa Rica on this 11-day self-drive tour. Your adventure begins on the Pacific beaches of Tamarindo and Nosara, both gems of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province. On top of exploring and surfing these beaches, you'll make pit stops in coastal villages and glean insight into the local culture. Continue your journey eastward to the towering Arenal Volcano. Here you will soak in natural hot springs and brave whitewater rapids on a rafting trip.

Costa Rica Adventure Tour - 12 days
This high-octane trip is designed to get your adrenaline pumping as you take on some of the best adventure activities Costa Rica has to offer. You'll see the country's rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches, and encounter tropical wildlife as you take part in a variety of thrilling activities. From whitewater rafting through the rainforest to biking around a volcano to zip-lining down a mountain, this exhilarating itinerary is sure to make for an unforgettable experience.

3 Days in Costa Rica - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
If you have just three days to spend in Costa Rica, it’s wise to prioritize one activity or region. From whitewater rafting to wildlife viewing and catching a world-class wave, here are some suggestions for how to spend a long weekend in this beautiful country.
Recent trip reviews for Sylvia

costa rica · Costa Rica - Feb 19 - Mar 12, 2019
Sylvia and her team were Absolutely Fabulous Putting up with me when I was feeling anxious and my big suitcase BRILLIANT!!!!

Glad to know that you had a fabulous trip in Costa Rica and hope that you can return and explore other destinations in near future!
Trip to Costa Rica · Costa Rica - Feb 10 - Mar 1, 2019
When my family decided we wanted to visit Costa Rica we were at lost to where to go and what to do until we discovered kimkim and decided to try it out after reading some very positive reviews. It was a great tool to use and it made paying for our trip very easy and I plan to use it again for future travel as it really is a great way to connect with a local expert in the country you plan to visit. They do not bombard you with tons of emails and when they send email they have some very... read more

Hola Scott!
Thank you so much for your detailed feedback and feel VERY happy to learn that your family enjoyed all the activities and the suggested hotels where you stayed during your trip!
I would love to assist you with your parent´s trip in a near future!
Pura Vida!!!

Costa Rica Essentials: Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days · Costa Rica - Nov 22 - Dec 1, 2018
Thank you so much kimkim for connecting us with Sylvia. She helped us put together a magical adventure in Costa Rica. It really was the trip of a lifetime with my son and daughter-in-law. With Sylvia's guidance we had a diverse itinerary chock full of adventure that immersed us in the beauty and culture of this most amazing country. Sylvia was very responsive on the kimkim platform and arranged for several phone conferences during our planning stages. She listened to our preferences and... read more

Hola Susan!!
Thank you so much for your trip review and so happy to know that you enjoyed a magical adventure in Costa Rica!
We hope that you can re-schedule soon another trip to our country and explore the amazing Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National park with are also magical destinations!
Pura Vida!

Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches · Costa Rica - Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2018
I couldn't be happier with my experience. Sylvia is great to work with and helped me plan my perfect trip.
I looked at a few of the ready made trips on Kim Kim to get an idea of what I wanted. Then I reached out to Sylvia. We set up a phone call. She offered suggestions and I told her what I was interested in doing. We had a few back and forths before we settled on my ideal itinerary. The whole thing was super easy!
Before we left: We had a flight change and Sylvia was able to make a few... read more

Hola Lydia!
Muchas gracias!! For your nice review for your trip. Please let me know when you receive your jacket!
kind regards,
Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches · Costa Rica - Oct 13 - Oct 20, 2018
My daughter and I very much enjoyed the trip planned for us by Sylvia which met our interests and our budget. All of the tours were great (cacao farm, waterfall, hanging bridges) and the guides and drivers were excellent. Despite a bit of traffic noise, we also appreciated the lovely views at each of our accommodations. At our first resort near La Fortuna, we had a direct view of the Arenal Volcano, lush vegetation and colourful birds from the patio of our cabina. At our second resort in... read more

Thank you so much for your review and happy to learn that you had a great time in Costa Rica!
Now you have to come back in a near future and explore other amazing destinations that you were not able to discover during this trip!
Wishing you a nice evening!
Kind regards,
Sylvia
CR complete experience · Costa Rica - Jul 17 - Aug 1, 2018
Trip to Costa Rica - 7/17/18 - 8/2/18 for 7 people, 4 adults and 3 children (ages 10, 12 & 14)
This was our first trip using the KimKim service, which I found through online research. Overall the tools were easy to use and the communication worked great and without problems. I would recommend it and will use it again.
Our trip in country was planned by Sylvia and she did an outstanding job. We stayed 1 night in San Jose, then due to some Caribbean storms, she did a quick switch for us... read more

Thank you Gail for such a great trip review! I am so happy that your family enjoyed your trip to Costa Rica and glad that you liked your stay at Rancho Humo! Luke´s cake was specially made for him as willing something different!
adventure in Costa Rica · Costa Rica - Aug 3 - Aug 12, 2018
Sylvia is amazing! She is pleasant and easy to work with. We missed our flight and Sylvia rearranged pick-up and transfers from the airport with no fuss. She surprised us with a last minutes city tour of San Jose and dinner at Tiquicia Restaurant. The view of central valley from Tiquicia Restaurant was spectacular! It is truly a million-dollar view. The food was delicious and the traditional dance was fantastic.
Tabacon Resort , all I can I say is " Wow, wow, and wow... read more

Hola Seng!
I am so excited to learn that you and your daughter enjoyed a fantastic vacation and loved the visit to Tiquicia Restaurant!
Also glad to know that you decided to upgrade your stay at Tabacon!
I also enjoyed meeting you during the whole planning stage!
God Bless you!
Big hug and Pura Vida!!

Nature and adventure tour · Costa Rica - Jul 26 - Aug 7, 2018
We had a truly amazing time in Costa Rica. Sylvia organised everything so well. It's hard to know what the highlights were as there was so much which was just fantastic, but here are some that stick most in our memory:
• The first very rainy boat trip through the rainforest to Laguna Lodge, with Clarence taking good care of us throughout.
• The butterfly garden at the back of the Selva Tropical restaurant
• Witnessing a giant turtle laying her eggs (so many of them)
• Mauricio the driver... read more

Hola Ed!
I am so glad that you had a great family vacation and that it fullfilled your trip expectations!
Your comments are the best reward to continue in the travel business creating memorable moments!
Pura Vida!
Trip to Costa Rica · Costa Rica - May 21 - May 26, 2018
Amazing trip ! Everything was perfect!
Good hotels selection .
Thanks a lot
Gaelle

Thank you Gaelle and glad to know that you liked the hotels included in your trip plan!
Kind regards,
Sylvia
Trip to Costa Rica · Costa Rica - May 21 - May 26, 2018
Everything made by Sylvia was perfect there is nothing to say, perfect Is the word
I strongly recommend Sylvia for anything you want to plan in Costa Rica
thank you
Bernard

Thank you Bernard for your trip review and glad to know that you are satisfied with my services!
I spoke with Mauricio your driver and told me that you were able to enjoy a drink at Villa Caletas during sunset!
Hope that you can visit us again and explore other amazing destinations for a short escapade!
Best regards,
Sylvia
Costa Rica highlights! · Costa Rica - Apr 14 - Apr 21, 2018
My girlfriend and I booked a week's vacation in Costa Rica through Sylvia. It was super easy and Sylvia customized a great trip for us! We flew into San Jose from Toronto on April 14 and spent time in 3 spots - San Jose, Arenal and Manuel Antonio. It was an amazing experience and I felt like we had 3 vacations in one! Everything including the transfers, hotels and excursions was organized and we just had to turn up! Our guides were all fun, knowledgeable and gave us an exciting and authentic... read more

Hola Raj!
Thank you so much for your kind message and happy to learn that you felt like if you had enjoyed 3 vacations in one! Also, for sharing your pictures and that you were pleased with hotels suggested !
Hope that you can visit us in a near future and explore other destinations!
Wishing you a nice afternoon!
Pura Vida!!
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!!

Costa Rica · Costa Rica - Mar 5 - Mar 21, 2018
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