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Serendipity Adventures

Serendipity Adventures was founded in Michigan, USA, 30 years ago and since then we have been dedicated to designing and operating private vacations in Costa Rica. For the last two decades, trip planning, sales, administration, as well as operations, have been run from our main office in Turrialba, Costa Rica.

Serendipity´s core product is our Premium Vacations. These unique trips include adventures that are operated in private mode directly by Serendipity, such as white water rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, hiking, tree climbing, horseback riding, nature floats, and more. On a premium trip, your family or your small self-formed group will enjoy a dedicated professional guide and transportation in 4 WD vehicles that allow us to go off the beaten path.

We also design independent trips in a very personalized way, applying all our knowledge and expertise while carefully planning your itinerary around your specific goals, needs, and preferences. Then, when the time comes to enjoy your Costa Rica vacation, we'll stay on top of all reservations, and we're always just a phone call away if you need any assistance along the way.

Planning a Costa Rica vacation can be difficult and time-consuming if you try to do all the research by yourself. We at Serendipity are dedicated to making it an easy process, and to making sure any plan is tailored to your specific preferences.

Serendipity Adventures is part of the following groups: Costa Rica Travel Agents

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for Serendipity Adventures

A Flawless Costa Rican Adventure :-)
Costa Rica | Nov 18 - Nov 25, 2023

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Victoria C.
Charlottesville, VA | Reviewed on Nov 26, 2023
I used kimkim to plan a Thanksgiving trip to Costa Rica with my kids and I could not have been happier with the experience. I'm a recent convert to travel agents, having used a local IRL agency to help me arrange a multi-week trip through Europe with my daughter last summer, and that was a great experience but very time-intensive and hands-on. I've been to Costa Rica on my own several times before, but for this trip, we wanted to hit several different destinations in a short time, so it... Read more

I used kimkim to plan a Thanksgiving trip to Costa Rica with my kids and I could not have been happier with the experience. I'm a recent convert to travel agents, having used a local IRL agency to help me arrange a multi-week trip through Europe with my daughter last summer, and that was a great experience but very time-intensive and hands-on. I've been to Costa Rica on my own several times before, but for this trip, we wanted to hit several different destinations in a short time, so it seemed like having some professional guidance would be a good idea; a friend of mine had recommended kimkim. I liked the idea of using an agency that was actually located in my destination, and being able to do everything online on my own schedule.

Everything about the planning process was super easy; after I entered the information about where I wanted to go and what kind of trip I had in mind, I was connected with Holden at Serendipity Adventures. Holden was quick to respond to all my messages, had lots of options to offer for lodging, activities, and transport, as well as practical advice that made a big difference in our experience. Every time I'd visited CR before, I'd always gone to Manuel Antonio; this trip was going to involve three new destinations--Arenal, Monteverde, and Esterillos--with activities in each and transport between; there were a lot of moving parts. Holden got everything set up for me promptly and stress-free, and when it was time to get ready to travel, he was engaged and available for all my questions and had reminders and suggestions ahead of traveling. And once we arrived, things could not have gone more smoothly: every driver was prompt and courteous, every reservation was handled, and everything was as we expected it, or better. Two of our long car rides were handled by Holden's ace driver, Alex, who is the dearest man and a delightful travel companion (in addition to being a champ of a driver, ferrying us from the airport three hours to our hotel in the wee hours of the morning); Alex went above and beyond to give us the best experience, even stopping at a roadside stand one afternoon to pick us up a bag of rambutans to snack on and teaching us how to eat them :-) And throughout the experience, from touchdown to departure, I had Wilman available by text with any question, concern, or random inquiry that crossed my mind. It wasn't until two or three days into the trip that it occurred to me I was texting Wilman a LOT, ALL the time (basically with every question my kids came up with), but he was always quick and cheerful in his replies. As a single parent traveling with kids, it can be really stressful to feel like everything is on you--all the planning, all the managing, etc--and so having a team like Holden and Wilman to take care of things frees you up so much to just relax and enjoy the time with your family.

We got home from Costa Rica last night and I am already thinking ahead to my next trip--Portugal, with my daughter. I will definitely use kimkim to plan that one as well, and hope I get a team as helpful and professional as the folks at Serendipity!

Hotel Reviews
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Monteverde

This is a gorgeous property staffed by friendly, helpful people, but the room itself fell short for me on a couple of measures. My three kids and I stayed in a family suite, which contained three beds--a full and a queen on the first level, and a king in the loft upstairs. I don't love this arrangement because nobody gets privacy--four people sleeping in one room is tricky for light sleepers and people who don't all go to bed at the same time. We were given a heads-up at check-in that the room contained neither heat nor AC; you're in Monteverde, it doesn't get very hot, and can dip quite chilly at night. I can never be cold enough when I sleep, so I wasn't worried about not having heat, but the room was pretty stuffy and the loft actually hot when we arrived--I suspect it hadn't been occupied in a couple of days. It did cool off once we opened it up, and by our second night the loft was very comfortable, but the first night not so much. Another complaint is that the room was *dark*--Costa Rica is known for its energy conservation measures, and of course Americans are spoiled with our expectations of bright lights and blaring AC everywhere we go, but once the sun went down (which it does in CR between 5 and 6 all year), this room was ridiculous. There was one mirror in the sleeping area, but it was practically useless because by daylight it was brightly backlit by the windows and by night it was too dark to see yourself; this left only the mirror in the bathroom for dressing and getting ready which, again, when there are 4 people gets complicated. Hot water can be a challenge in lots of Costa Rican hotels, and that was very much the case here, where basically one of us could count on a hot shower per day, even with long intervals between people. This hotel was also just missing lots of little touches--nowhere to put your suitcase (except the floor), no extra blankets or pillows, no key to the safe, not enough water glasses or coffee cups, or supplies to make everyone's coffee or tea. I'm sure all of these things could've been had by calling the front desk, but it's already necessary to call for a shuttle to get most places on the property (which is a mile long from end to end), so who wants to keep calling for blankets and a safe key? The lunch/dinner restaurant was good, pretty views and good menus, and our dinner server Carmen was lovely. My daughter and I headed over to the pool for a hot tub soak at happy hour after a long day of hiking, only to find there is no hot tub and the pool is not heated, so we bundled up in towels and watched the sunset with our drinks. Again--delightful young woman working the bar, good drinks, but how is there no hot tub in a place that gets so chilly?! I loved sitting on my deck with a cup of coffee and watching the clouds over the gulf of Nicoya in the mornings, and we saw lots of birds and small animals as well. The location is good, walkable to some restaurants and bakeries, close to town and attractions...just a little more rustic in terms of the actual accommodation than I would've preferred. But also not a bad value for what you get in terms of the whole resort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
See above
Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Fortuna

Beautiful property with comfortable, well-appointed cabins situated at the foot of the Arenal volcano. Friendly, helpful staff, great food (I especially loved the Arboleda bar menu and its exceptional Costa Rican chifrijo), covered jacuzzi (soak with a drink while it rains), pretty pool area and great breakfast. Would've loved to have stayed longer and taken better advantage of the yoga deck, the hiking trail (wear good shoes, it's a real hike!), and the gorgeous grounds; will definitely stay again next time I'm in La Fortuna.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Gorgeous volcano views and proximity to many attractions.
Staff
Julián was a wonderful server but everyone we met was friendly and courteous.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Housekeeping was outstanding, nice in-room coffee service, and the products in the bathrooms are really nice.
Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Nov 26, 2023
Victoria
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience of your Thanksgiving trip to Costa Rica with your kids. I am truly grateful for your kind words and the opportunity to assist you in planning this memorable journey. I hope it gave you the relaxation you were looking for and an unforgettable bonding experience with your family.
I'm thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic experience using Kimkim, and Serendipity Adventures, to plan your trip. Our goal is to make the...
Read more

Victoria
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience of your Thanksgiving trip to Costa Rica with your kids. I am truly grateful for your kind words and the opportunity to assist you in planning this memorable journey. I hope it gave you the relaxation you were looking for and an unforgettable bonding experience with your family.
I'm thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic experience using Kimkim, and Serendipity Adventures, to plan your trip. Our goal is to make the planning process as easy and convenient as possible, and I'm glad to know that you found it super easy not only to navigate the platform but to create a customized itinerary that suited your preferences.
It's wonderful to hear that you feel I was able to provide you with prompt responses and a wide range of options for lodging, activities, and transportation. I understand that coordinating multiple destinations can be challenging, but I'm glad that I was able to handle all these moving parts and ensure a stress-free experience for you and your family.

I heard that you had a great time swimming in the waterfall, and I hope that the parasailing was a super success. I hope that you enjoyed the upgrade at Esterillos and the Alma del Pacifico. They even said you were a lovely family!
I'm delighted that everything went smoothly during your trip, from the prompt and courteous drivers to the well-handled reservations. It's great to know that Alex, one of our exceptional drivers, went above and beyond to make your journey even more enjoyable. His thoughtfulness in stopping at a roadside stand to pick up a bag of rambutans for you and teaching you how to eat them truly reflects the level of service we strive to provide. What a great detail, and I’m happy that it’s a good memory for you.
Lastly, I'm grateful for your kind words about Wilman, who was available throughout your trip to address any questions or concerns you had. We believe in providing excellent customer service, and I'm glad that he was able to assist you and ensure a seamless experience from touchdown to departure. I’m sure he didn’t mind all your questions. In fact, I’m sure he will be glad to know that all of your children’s questions were answered. Yours as well!
Thank you once again for choosing Serendipity Adventures and Kimkim for your Costa Rica adventure. It was a pleasure assisting you, and I'm thrilled to hear that you had a memorable and enjoyable trip with your family. I'm happy to hear that you will use Kimkim again to assist you in planning your next adventure to Portugal with your daughter. Rest assured, Kimkim will strive to provide you with the same level of helpfulness and professionalism that you experienced with us in Costa Rica.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Holden Ketchum

We had a fabulous time in Costa Rica!
Costa Rica | Oct 6 - Oct 14, 2023

Alicia
Alicia O.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 15, 2023
We had a fabulous time in Costa Rica! We couldn't have done it without KimKim to help plan it! Everything was seamless, from the car pick-up, all the hotel check-ins, the excursion pick-ups, and even the car rental return! Holden was amazing helping us every step of the way! We absolutely loved the Tabacon Resort and the hot springs. We had a perfect afternoon spent in the spa with an amazing amount of rain coming down while we were getting messages in a covered hut! Then we rested in our... Read more

We had a fabulous time in Costa Rica! We couldn't have done it without KimKim to help plan it! Everything was seamless, from the car pick-up, all the hotel check-ins, the excursion pick-ups, and even the car rental return! Holden was amazing helping us every step of the way! We absolutely loved the Tabacon Resort and the hot springs. We had a perfect afternoon spent in the spa with an amazing amount of rain coming down while we were getting messages in a covered hut! Then we rested in our room for a bit and had one of the best meals of our life and the hotel restaurant. The seven course meal with the wine pairing was a perfect way to spend our anniversary! We had a blast on the white water rafting trip and saw so many cool animals. The driving in Costa Rica took a bit to get used to, using Waze was a great tip. I would not recommend driving at night in the rain though. I think the only part of the trip we could have skipped was the guided hike in the park. We did see a lot of beautiful animals, but it pushed our long drive day into the night and compounded with rain and inexperience driving in Costa Rica was bit scary for us! Once we go to the beach and the Banana Azul the weather was much better and we had a great time snorkeling and wondering around beach towns. We absolutely loved the the BriBri Chocolate tour, the family that we visited was so welcoming and we enjoyed seeing how simply and happily they lived. Our tour guide was also very informative and made us feel comfortable visiting their home. We enjoyed all the museums in San Jose and loved visiting the La Paz waterfall garden! We loved all the effort that was put into making our trip so special. We especially loved the anniversary decorations at the Hampton Inn the night we arrived. We couldn't be more happy and relaxed after a fun trip!

Hotel Reviews
Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport
Alajuela

We have never seen a hotel room decorated so amazingly for our anniversary! There was a hand written note, balloons, heart shaped confetti, towels folded into swans and wine! They really went over the top to make our anniversary special! The airport shuttle was so helpful to have and worked out so well for us! I would highly recommend this hotel!

Authenticity & Character
They went above and beyond to decorate our room for us!
Location
It is so close to the airport and the shuttle makes it so easy to get back and forth!
Staff
They were so genuinely sweet and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Fortuna

This is one of our favorite resorts we have ever stayed in! The staff was so genuinely sweet and helpful, the grounds were absolutely gorgeous and the room was new, beautiful and clean! We also had two of the best restaurant servers we have ever had in our lives! We also had a fabulous experience in the spa! It rained a ton while we were there and it only added to the fun of the experience!

Authenticity & Character
The people were so helpful, sweet, authentic and lovely!
Location
The hot springs make this location so amazing! I have never seen such an amazing garden and pool setting!
Staff
Davie was our waiter and he was one of the best we have ever had in our lives!
Cleanliness & Comfort
We loved the beds, pillows and the all extras like the beautiful razors and toothbrushes!
Activity Reviews
Sarapiqui Nature Hike at La Selva
Sarapiqui Nature Hike at La Selva
Costa Rica

It was a beautiful park, but for us the timing was not great!

Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River
Arenal/La Fortuna

We had a blast! It was so much and one of the highlights of our trip!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
BriBri Chocolate Tour  & Waterfall
BriBri Chocolate Tour & Waterfall
Costa Rica

We had so much fun on this adventure and I'm so glad we did it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Oct 17, 2023

Thank you very much Alicia, I am so happy that you had a great celebration for your anniversary. I'm glad that you appreciate the effort that was put into making your trip special, but remember, we did it together!

We are so happy we used KimKim
Costa Rica | Sep 24 - Oct 4, 2023

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Erika B.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 07, 2023

We are so happy we used KimKim to organize our honeymoon. The trip was wonderful. Everything was organized perfectly. All the excursions were fabulous, the people were so nice and accommodating and it was very well organized. There was no one hiccup. THANK YOU!

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Oct 08, 2023

Hola Erika,

We are absolutely delighted that you chose KimKim and Serendipity Adventures as a Local Agency to arrange your honeymoon, and we couldn't be happier to hear that your trip was such a success.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your memorable journey! 🌟🥂

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures

Amazing trip!!Thank you the excellent guides...
Costa Rica | Aug 22 - Sep 2, 2023

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Lakshmi M.
Fords, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 03, 2023
Amazing trip!!
Thank you the excellent guides and personalized itinerary
Read more

Amazing trip!!
Thank you the excellent guides and personalized itinerary

Hotel Reviews
Buena Vista Chic Hotel
Alajuela
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Manatus Hotel
Tortuguero
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rio Celeste Hideaway Resort
Bijagua
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa
El Castillo de La Fortuna
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Mangroove, Autograph Collection
Playa Hermosa
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Sep 03, 2023

Dear Lakshmi,

Your kind words truly warmed our hearts, and we are so pleased to hear that you had an amazing experience!

Thank you for choosing us for your adventure, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another fantastic trip in the future. Once again, your kind words are greatly appreciated, and they serve as a reminder of why we love what we do.

Wishing you many more incredible adventures ahead!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures, Costa Rica

Amazing Family Trip with Super Guides!
Costa Rica | Aug 5 - Aug 20, 2023

Jessica
Jessica M.
Watertown, WI | Reviewed on Aug 27, 2023
Charlotte and the team were always responsive and answered all of my many questions prior to the trip. Read more

Charlotte and the team were always responsive and answered all of my many questions prior to the trip.

Hotel Reviews
The Westin Golf Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal

The Westin was a great place to relax after 8 days of adventure in Monteverde and Arenal/La Fortuna. The grounds were very nicely maintained, the many restaurants ensured we didn’t get bored with the food over the course of a week, the staff were absolutely amazing - really friendly and helpful. Just a shout out to a few: Ruddy was a fun and knowledgeable instructor of yoga and water aerobics (do this! It’s so fun!), and Christopher, Bryan, Gabriel and Christian were incredible bartenders who knew our names and always greeted us with a smile, were really fun to chat with and also were great bartenders.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms seem to be partly updated. Nice bed and bathroom sink area, but the tables were scratched up. Minor, but worth noting.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Fortuna

The hotel and hot springs are nothing short of stunning. The grounds are beautiful. The walk to the pool, main building and hot springs are easy and so pleasant. The fact that the hot springs open to hotel guests two hours before the general opening allowed us to visit feeling like we had the place to ourselves. The secluded areas with cabanas and the plethora of flora makes it seem like you’re in a magic rainforest setting.

Authenticity & Character
Location
You can definitely spend several days here without having to leave the facility; however, if you’re interested in going to La Fortuna, you’ll need a car or an Uber. It’s about a 15 minute drive.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Ficus
Monteverde Costa Rica

This hotel exceeded our expectations. While the room decor is pretty basic, the bathroom is beautiful, the grounds are very nicely manicured and host many birds and wildlife, and the location was an easy walk to town but also at the top of a hill which afforded stunning sunset views. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Guided Rainforest Hike
Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Guided Rainforest Hike
Costa Rica

This was a great trip. You can’t believe how blue this water is until you see it in person. Stunning.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mariano is great. We loved having him as our guide for this trip as well as for the Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna waterfall hikes.
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

The volcano hike and waterfall hike (two different hikes in different locations on the same day) were both beautiful. They have completely different views but are equally nice. The power of the waterfall and the fact that you can swim in the water near it is really cool. Mariano was our guide, and he was awesome! He’s a seasoned guide with a deep knowledge not only of the flora and fauna but also the history and politics of the region. He took great photos and was patient while we swam. He also took us to some great restaurants.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We really enjoyed our time with Mariano. He’s a very interesting and funny person. We learned a lot, and got to enjoy some great music on our trips with him.
Transport
Mariano was a great driver. He arrived on time and always knew where he was going.
Mambo Combo: Canyoning and Rafting
Mambo Combo: Canyoning and Rafting
Arenal/La Fortuna

This was my family’s favorite adventure. The canyoning was gorgeous, in the cloud forest and down a waterfall through a series of rappelling and zip lining and features with walks along the river in between. The whitewater rafting was exciting. There were class 2-3 rapids which were just adventurous enough (a couple of us did bounce out into the water but it was fine). Mario was our whitewater rafting guide, and he was SO fun. This adventure also came with a meal which was delicious.

Quality of Experience
It was the perfect combination of beautiful scenery and adventure. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Food
This was some of the best food we had on the trip. Get the chicken. It doesn’t disappoint.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Lake Arenal
Stand-Up Paddleboarding on Lake Arenal
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide was friendly and took a lot of great pictures. The setting is pretty spectacular.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Night Walk: Children's Eternal Forest
Night Walk: Children's Eternal Forest
Monteverde

The guides were super but unfortunately the nocturnal animals were not cooperative.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Experience
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Experience
Monteverde

It was interesting and delicious!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sky Adventures: Tram,  Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Sky Adventures: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Monteverde

A great way to start the vacation! The cloud forest is gorgeous and looks spectacular from the top.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Sep 06, 2023

Hi Jessica,
Thank you so much for your review! We are very pleased to know that you had such a great time. We look forward to serving you again in the future.

Kind Regards,
Charlotte, and the team from Serendipity Adventures

We had an amazing time in Costa Rica. The peo...
Costa Rica | Aug 8 - Aug 17, 2023

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Cosimo F.
West Springfield, VA | Reviewed on Aug 26, 2023
We had an amazing time in Costa Rica. The people at KimKim (Fio, Nancy, and Charlotte) that put everything together, answered all of our questions, and helped us while we were there- they were just fantastic. Mariano from Serendipity took us on a hike over the lava fields in Fortuna and to the base of a waterfall to swim. He was incredibly funny and knowledgable and shared a delicious lunch with us at the Red Frog. We absolutely loved our canyoning tour and the whitewater rafting trip that... Read more

We had an amazing time in Costa Rica. The people at KimKim (Fio, Nancy, and Charlotte) that put everything together, answered all of our questions, and helped us while we were there- they were just fantastic. Mariano from Serendipity took us on a hike over the lava fields in Fortuna and to the base of a waterfall to swim. He was incredibly funny and knowledgable and shared a delicious lunch with us at the Red Frog. We absolutely loved our canyoning tour and the whitewater rafting trip that followed. The canyoning gave an amazing perspective of the jungle. Christopher was a great white water rafting guide. The Arenal Manoa hotel was very comfortable and the breakfast was delicious. We enjoyed our time at Monte Verde. The Cloud Forest Lodge was our favorite hotel. The staff were so attentive and the restaurant was amazing. Feeders right outside the dinning area let us watch tons of beautiful hummingbirds while we ate. Wilmer, one of the servers there, was the best and the kids adored him. We really enjoyed the aerial bridges and ziplining at Sky Adventures. We also had a blast going on the night walk in the Children's Eternal Forest. Walter was the best guide and taught us so much. We also really enjoyed our time at the coast at Playa Hermosa. The beaches were beautiful and we loved seeing the monkeys and iguanas in the trees. We had a wonderful snorkeling tour with Brian and Mario where we saw sea turtles and even held an octopus. The only drawback of the trip was that the roads at times were a little rough for driving, but our KimKim reps set us up with the right vehicle, so that it wasn't a big problem.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Bosque del Mar Playa Hermosa
Playa Hermosa

Good location right on the beach. Wildlife just outside the rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna

We only stayed 2 nights but it was lovely. Awesome hot springs with bar. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde

You can find places with fancier rooms or facilities but you won't find a staff anywhere that's nicer, friendlier and more attentive. Super recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A bit hard to get to especially at night but that's all of Monteverde. Amazing views from the restaurant.
Staff
Everyone was fantastic from the reception to the whole restaurant staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River, Class II-III
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River, Class II-III
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkel Tour Catalinas
Snorkel Tour Catalinas
Costa Rica

We loved this activity with Brian and Mario. Smooth boat ride with drinks and delicious fruit and snacks. We snorkel a lot but this was our first time in a tropical location and loved to see different kind of sea life, including holding an octopus in our hands :)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Adventures: Sky Trek, Tram, and Walk
Sky Adventures: Sky Trek, Tram, and Walk
Monteverde

We enjoyed the hike and aerial bridges. Our guide was great and we learned a lot about the forest. The zip-lining was a ton of fun. My 60+ aunt and 70+ uncle both loved the experience. And our 15y old son loved the optional free-fall at the end.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Night Walk in the Children's Eternal Forest
Night Walk in the Children's Eternal Forest
Monteverde

We really enjoyed our night walk. Our guide, Walter, was incredibly knowledgable, and we learned so much. We saw a lot of tarantulas which our 11y old daughter was very excited for.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Mambo Combo Canyoning and Rafting
Arenal Mambo Combo Canyoning and Rafting
Arenal/La Fortuna

Rappelling was so much fun. Thrilling but also felt very safe at all times. The waterfalls and hike through the forest were just beautiful. The whole staff was amazing. Rafting was also great (the favorite by far of our 15y boy). One of us fell off the raft but thanks to Christofer's guidance we were able to pull her back safely and she enjoyed the rest of the trip. Great lunch spot as well (best coffee).

Quality of Experience
Food
Best coffee I had in Costa Rica
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

Mariano was awesome. Very knowledgeable and funny, showed us beautiful places and took us to a great spot for lunch. I had told him I really like ceviche so he called the place in advance and they made up a ceviche recipe on the spot just for me! It was delicious :) The waterfall visit was one of our favorite activities.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Sep 06, 2023

Hi Cosimo,
It is great to hear you had such a fabulous time in Costa Rica,
It was a pleasure assisting you with this trip.

Kind Regards,
Charlotte

Sergio our initial contact person did a great...
Costa Rica | Aug 3 - Aug 12, 2023

S
Siang O.
New Braunfels, TX | Reviewed on Aug 13, 2023
Sergio our initial contact person did a great job making our travel itinerary. Since I do not know much about the country, I gave him a very vague description of what we like and do not like and from there he managed still to create a pretty well rounded list of activities for us to get to know Costa Rica. Nancy and charlotte: both of them took over since Sergio has a family leave, both of them were very responsive to our questions when we were stuck. Eg had a couple of questions and... Read more

Sergio our initial contact person did a great job making our travel itinerary. Since I do not know much about the country, I gave him a very vague description of what we like and do not like and from there he managed still to create a pretty well rounded list of activities for us to get to know Costa Rica.

Nancy and charlotte: both of them took over since Sergio has a family leave, both of them were very responsive to our questions when we were stuck. Eg had a couple of questions and issues arise during our trip and they managed to smooth it out for us to move on.

Overall I would definitely recommend Kim Kim and use Kim Kim again, it definitely has saved me from doing all the homework and research prior to the trip and just enjoy my vacation without trying to juggle too many things.

Hotel Reviews
Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport
Alajuela

We just stay here 1 night before our flight back home. Very standard Hampton in , clean, good breakfast and close to airport.

Authenticity & Character
Very standard Hampton in
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Congo Bongo EcoVillage Costa Rica
Manzanillo, Limon

This is an amazing location in the reserve. The people were nice and friendly, very helpful. The housekeeper washed our clothes daily and clean the villa. We were sleeping with the sound of wildlife. Saw lots of wild life, howler monkeys and many type of birds. The hammock was the highlight of this villa. We live in sweet dream house, it has 3 rooms, 1 of them has a/c. The location is cool enough, we did not use the a/c too much. A full function kitchen, outdoor sitting, dining, bbq area, walking trail and a waking path to the beach. Easy access to everywhere else. Will definitely return to this location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Villa Florencia
Turrialba

I think this hotel has a lot of potential. It is sitting in a beautiful land with lots of vegetation but not maintained enough. When we get there, we immediately had a bad feeling at the entrance compare to our experience from hotel savegre. We got into the our rooms, we have 2 rooms, both rooms bedsheets were not very clean, 1 if the rooms smell very damp and the bathroom were leaking. This location is definitely not as comfortable compared to hotel savegre. 1 night were so hot even with fan going, but I guess we cannot really change the climate. The food quality in their restaurant were pretty bad. We relayed our experience to travel agent, who then spoke to the owner/manager of the hotel and they acknowledged they knew about the leak in the bathroom and immediately change our room to a better room that smell much better with clean linen, they brought us a bottle of wine and cancel our bill of dinner the night before. We appreciate them trying but I think this location is a good location if they have enough staff and maintain better.

Authenticity & Character
It is a good location with lots of vegetation, need improvement project
Location
Need multiple improvement projects
Staff
The first night receptionist who checked us in were not very helpful or friendly with little help but once we complained, the new staff were friendly and nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Need lots of work.
Hotel Savegre
San Gerardo de Dota

One of the highlights of our trip. We opted to drive our rental car and the journey to San Gerardo hotel savegre was definitely not something you should try if you are not confident with your driving skill. We called the last 3-4 miles stretch down to the valley to the hotel “road to hell”, the unfortunate part was we got slightly delayed at the airport with looking for our rental car and getting sim card activated and wasted maybe 2 hours prior to leaving SJO, we got to San Gerardo when it was dark and that was definitely an adventure to get down to the valley. We couldn’t see much because it was dark but we definitely saw a huge tapir on our way to the hotel. Once we got to the hotel, we were immediately greeted by the security guard who guided us to the reception and from there we had our first meal in the hotel. Let me say, this hotel is very well kept, the restaurant is clean and upscale provided pretty good food and service. Our rooms were beautiful and cleaned daily. The following day when we have sunlight, we were amazed at how beautiful and serene the valley was. We did bird watching and some hikes around the hotel. Definitely a place we will revisit. Wish we have more time to do more of the hiking trail.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very serene, beautiful location. But the road to get there is not easy.
Staff
Everybody was very friendly, helpful and nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very well maintained.
Activity Reviews
 Exploring the Underwater Wonders of Cahuita National Park
Exploring the Underwater Wonders of Cahuita National Park
Costa Rica

Again slightly different from what was described in our itinerary, Itinerary: You will go snorkeling for about two hours in the most important Coral Reef of Costa Rica… You will discover the National Park by White Beach sector, up to Cahuita point, crossing through beautiful beaches to relax and swim in the calm water of the Caribbean Sea for a while. In spots between Cahuita Point and the town of Cahuita (3.5 km), you will be able to see various types of snakes (boas, bocaraca, bushmaster, eyelash vipers, etc.), sloths, white-faced and howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, raccoons, blue morpho butterflies among others, birds and many more such as medicinal plants, orchids, trees, ferns, vertebrates, invertebrates, sea, and earth shellfish. Our actually experienced were hopped on the pick up van, drop off, get on a boat to do snorkeling. It was a nice trip still. Maybe the exploring the national park part is on our own? But our ride got us back immediately? Maybe in the future better description eg we can take our own ride to the boat, a snorkel and explore the national park on our own?

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve & Waterfall
Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve & Waterfall
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

This is the description we have from the travel agent: Today you will visit the iguana zoo farm of the KEKOLDY territory, where an indigenous family is dedicated to the reproduction of the Green Iguana, a species that was in danger of extinction, and thanks to initiatives like these it has been recovering. Next, in the Bri Bri territory, you will visit an indigenous family that grows medicinal plants and will guide you through the usage of several tropical plants, followed by a demonstration of the production of chocolate. Cacao (chocolate) within the Bribri culture is very important since they use it for purification, food, and medicine. In the last stage of the tour, you will visit a waterfall where you can take a bath and have a small fruit-based snack. Finish the tour in a typical restaurant in the area where you have typical lunch. Our actual trip: only include the last stage hike of primary and secondary forest to the falls, our guide is very nice and knowledgeable, this is not an easy hike. Very slipper from rain night before, we saw wild life. The guide Mynor, driver fofo and host Hermano? Who serve us lunch were are amazing people. We love this adventure.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Organic Farm Tour with Lunch
Organic Farm Tour with Lunch
Turrialba

Again we had no expectations of this tour. We thought just another farm with lunch. We were so wrong!! We learn so much from this organic farm from zero to a full education center. So much knowledge and passion of the owner. We love learning her passion. Great lunch!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike Turrialba Volcano
Hike Turrialba Volcano
Turrialba

Very nice hike, unfortunately it was raining and foggy. But we love it. Very nice guide Gloria was very informative.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pacuare River Rafting
Pacuare River Rafting
Turrialba

One of the highlights of our trip. The guide were very knowledgeable and helpful. We felt very safe. And a nice lunch!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Thermal Hotsprings Hacienda Orosi
Thermal Hotsprings Hacienda Orosi
Costa Rica

A nice detour between San Gerardo to turialba. My husband said it feel like a heated pool rather than hot spring. The weather was not so friendly, it was raining. It is a beautiful place, the lunch attached was descent.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coopedota Coffee Tour
Coopedota Coffee Tour
San Gerardo de Dota

To be honest we went there with little to no expectations because the coffee shop where the coffee plantation tour attached to had some mixed review from google review. But once we met our guide everything changed, very knowledgeable guide, amazing tour with so much information from the fruits of coffee to the process and tasting of coffee. We learned so much!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quetzal Tour
Quetzal Tour
San Gerardo de Dota

Our guide brought binoculars and the super birdwatching magnified spotting scope. We were able to see several quetzals. Learn about them from the guide. Again just a beautiful place to be in.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Aug 25, 2023

Hi Siang,

Thank you very much for your detailed review, and all the photos.
We are glad you had a great overall experience, and we will pay attention to the experiences/sites that can be improved.

Pura vida!

Charlotte

A serendipitous Tropical Discovery in Costa Rica :)
Costa Rica | Jul 19 - Jul 26, 2023

Ingrid
Ingrid B.
Lafayette, CA | Reviewed on Aug 10, 2023
Our 8-Day visit to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica made us realize that life is good, it is very, very good.About the size of the American State of West Virginia, Costa Rica is a legend for its natural beauty, biodiversity and of course, its people.
It's our first time to use KimKim as a travel planner app when planning this trip. It matched us with a Costa Rican travel outfit, Serendipity Adventures. From the initial planning stage to the final execution, our local contact, Bryan...
Read more

Our 8-Day visit to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica made us realize that life is good, it is very, very good.About the size of the American State of West Virginia, Costa Rica is a legend for its natural beauty, biodiversity and of course, its people.
It's our first time to use KimKim as a travel planner app when planning this trip. It matched us with a Costa Rican travel outfit, Serendipity Adventures. From the initial planning stage to the final execution, our local contact, Bryan Leon, tailored our 8 day visit ( as per our request and budget) to include a good introduction to the country. He did this by letting us sample the unbelievable landscapes of Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio along with fun activities like trekking, zip lining, night walk in a cloud forest, guided nature hike ,and swimming in the ocean. Bryan was a complete pro in responding to our queries and a valuable local resource we truly relied on.In addition, Nancy and Charlotte from the main office in San Jose also made sure everything was seamless.
We had local guides who made sure that this trip was for the ages. Alex Quieros picked us up at our fantastic hotel in San Jose and drove us to Arenal where we experienced the rain forest and its wildlife. Alex was an awesome guide and driver. He conducted himself with professionalism, kindness, and charm. We felt very comfortable and safe with him. His driving skills were impeccable and he was a delight to talk to. Our second guide, Marianus ,took us on a volcanic hike and later a visit to the La Fortuna waterfall. He was engaging, immensely knowledgeable, and so much fun to be with. Our third guide, Andreas, was skillful at spotting wildlife with a tripod telescope. As both a certified guide and a researcher, he wowed us with his expertise in local flora and fauna.
In addition to the wonderful guides, Serendipity Adventures, made sure that we stayed at top-notched accommodations. Each of the places we stayed made thoughtful little gestures ( we were marking our wedding anniversary and we had bottles of wine waiting for us to enhance the celebratory mood).We were also impressed with the level of attention.
Overall, this short but immensely satisfying visit happened because of the expertise and professionalism of the crew at Serendipity Adventures. We can't wait to come back and we are already telling our friends and neighbors about our fantastic trip to beautiful Costa Rica. Pura Vida!

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Aug 10, 2023
Hola Ingrid, We're thrilled to hear that your 8-day visit to Costa Rica left such a positive impression! It sounds like your journey was filled with incredible experiences and memories. We're honored that KimKim connected you with Serendipity Adventures. We greatly appreciate your kind words about our guides. It's fantastic that they enhanced your experience with their expertise and enthusiasm. We're also delighted that the accommodations and thoughtful gestures added to the celebratory... Read more

Hola Ingrid,

We're thrilled to hear that your 8-day visit to Costa Rica left such a positive impression! It sounds like your journey was filled with incredible experiences and memories. We're honored that KimKim connected you with Serendipity Adventures.

We greatly appreciate your kind words about our guides. It's fantastic that they enhanced your experience with their expertise and enthusiasm. We're also delighted that the accommodations and thoughtful gestures added to the celebratory mood of your trip, making it even more special.

Thank you for sharing your unforgettable journey with us, and we can't wait to welcome you back to beautiful Costa Rica someday.

Pura Vida!
Bryan

Costa Rica a must see for nature lovers
Costa Rica | Jul 18 - Jul 31, 2023

Piper
Piper L.
Sunnyvale, CA | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2023
Of the places we went Tortuguero was the most off the grid, amazing and full of wildlife.
The Manatus hotel that included breakfast, lunch and dinner, and beautiful grounds, and great staff + boat tours, was a winner.
We enjoyed all the places we went in Costa Rica and all the places we stayed, and all of the tours and transfers from different places, everything was arranged and carried out to plan.
The El Tigre Waterfalls exploration, hike and horseback ride, was one of our favorite...
Read more

Of the places we went Tortuguero was the most off the grid, amazing and full of wildlife.
The Manatus hotel that included breakfast, lunch and dinner, and beautiful grounds, and great staff + boat tours, was a winner.
We enjoyed all the places we went in Costa Rica and all the places we stayed, and all of the tours and transfers from different places, everything was arranged and carried out to plan.
The El Tigre Waterfalls exploration, hike and horseback ride, was one of our favorite tours.
We really appreciate the KimKim team and the other related tour providers for making our trip a success.

Hotel Reviews
Senda Monteverde Boutique Hotel
Monteverde

Beautiful hotel was great restaurant, right at the edge of a nature preserve.

Authenticity & Character
A local dance group from the high school came to perform due to a special holiday.
Location
Because of nature preserve nearby, wild animals were walking and flying through the grounds.
Staff
Everyone was great, and special classes were provided like cocktail making and yoga.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maids would come to your room twice a day
Hotel San Bada Resort & Spa
Manuel Antonio

Hotel right at the edge of the national park, nice to have pool downstairs where you could order food and we enjoyed the restaurant at the top of the hotel with the great view.

Authenticity & Character
Being by the national Park you could see monkeys in the trees at the hotel.
Location
Staff
When we asked for someone to come up and work on our hot water problem, they did.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Fortuna

Very large complex, somewhat crowded not a boutique hotel. Having the restaurant and the vast hot tubs area was convenient though.

Authenticity & Character
One of the older hotels, historic had a butterfly garden and vast hot tub area, plus ponds with fish & iguanas.
Location
Closer to town
Staff
They should’ve offered to help with our luggage and take us to our room.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Manatus Hotel
Tortuguero

Great hotel, all-inclusive food, nice rooms and boat tours for wildlife viewing are included.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center
San José

Nice downtown hotel with rooftop restaurant and bar.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio
Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Manuel Antonio
Canopy Zipline Tour
Canopy Zipline Tour
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 El Tigre Waterfalls Exploration
El Tigre Waterfalls Exploration
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Monteverde
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica
Nature Safari Float and Tortilla Making
Nature Safari Float and Tortilla Making
Arenal/La Fortuna
Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Arenal Volcano
Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Arenal Volcano
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ecocentro Danaus Nighttime Rainforest Walk
Ecocentro Danaus Nighttime Rainforest Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nighttime Turtle Nesting Tour
Nighttime Turtle Nesting Tour
Tortuguero
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guided Boat Tour through Tortuguero Canals
Guided Boat Tour through Tortuguero Canals
Tortuguero
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Aug 25, 2023

Hi Piper,
Thank you for taking the time to thoroughly review the various parts of your trip.
We are glad you enjoyed your vacation so much.

Kind Regards,
Charlotte

Summer in paradise
Costa Rica | Jul 15 - Jul 30, 2023

sonali
sonali k.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 01, 2023
Thank you for an amazing holiday and for your responsiveness. Every tour and hotel was planned to perfection and provided us with a rich experience of this beautiful country Costa Rica. The waterfalls in La Paz waterfall gardens Were a treat for the eyes, waking up to the sounds of hummingbirds and the thermal springs at Tabacon in Arenal heart warming. Trips to the cloud forest made extra special by the tour guides, taking interest in explaining to us about the biodiversity and... Read more

Thank you for an amazing holiday and for your responsiveness. Every tour and hotel was planned to perfection and provided us with a rich experience of this beautiful country Costa Rica. The waterfalls in La Paz waterfall gardens Were a treat for the eyes, waking up to the sounds of hummingbirds and the thermal springs at Tabacon in Arenal heart warming. Trips to the cloud forest made extra special by the tour guides, taking interest in explaining to us about the biodiversity and sustainability. The cherry on the top was culminating in the end at the Arenal DeMas in Manuel Antonio-polite, welcoming staff, delectable dishes, the Pacific Ocean soothing for the eyes in the soul, and the tree hugging sloths all made for joyous end to this beautiful holiday .

Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Aug 25, 2023

Hello Sonali,
I am so glad you had such an amazing vacation.
We hope you'll come back soon for more!

Kind Regards,
Charlotte, and the team at Serendipity Adventures

From start to finish, this trip was everythin...
Costa Rica | Jul 5 - Jul 16, 2023

Darla
Darla D.
Canada | Reviewed on Jul 25, 2023
From start to finish, this trip was everything I could have asked for in a holiday. Charlotte and Nancy provided exemplary support throughout the trip and were available whenever I needed them. In my experience, there is no such thing as a trip that doesn't have some minor mishap here and there - Charlotte and Nancy were able to provide solutions to any small issues that arose quickly, such as rearranging tours so I could still do all I wanted if things were running late. They were... Read more

From start to finish, this trip was everything I could have asked for in a holiday. Charlotte and Nancy provided exemplary support throughout the trip and were available whenever I needed them. In my experience, there is no such thing as a trip that doesn't have some minor mishap here and there - Charlotte and Nancy were able to provide solutions to any small issues that arose quickly, such as rearranging tours so I could still do all I wanted if things were running late. They were tremendously helpful in making sure I was taken care of overall, communicating my dietary needs to the hotels and tours well in advance and also making suggestions while I was there if I fancied trying another activity. In the initial planning stages, Fiorella and Nancy designed a perfect trip tailored to everything I asked for on the KimKim survey and adapted it for me as we went along before Charlotte and Nancy took the helm seamlessly. I couldn't have done this myself - their expertise and rapport with their colleagues in the industry was invaluable in making sure everything went well.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the activities and hotels that were arranged for me through Serendipity Adventures and KimKim Travel. I stayed in San Jose for one night, Tortuguero for two nights, Arenal for three, Monte Verde for two and Celeste for another three nights. It was the perfect amount of time to spend in Costa Rica.

Special thanks as well to Marianus at Serendipity - he guided myself and a small group on a hike around the Arenal Volcano - his focus on explaining the history of the volcano, trees and wildlife provided me with a rich understanding of the region that complimented the hike perfectly.

I would highly recommend Serendipity Adventures in Costa Rica as your travel advisors and trip planners while you are there and further, KimKim Travel to anyone who wants to take the pressure and ease off planning a trip anywhere - I will be using their services again!

Hotel Reviews
Rio Celeste Hideaway Resort
Bijagua
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Belmar
Monteverde
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
Fortuna
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Manatus Hotel
Tortuguero
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hilton Garden Inn, La Sabana
San jose

IMPORTANT: if you are going to stay at this hotel, make sure you have all their contact information and the ability to call them from the airport if you are a little bit late arriving in case your driver decides to leave. When I arrived at the airport, the driver was not there - this was not Serendipity's fault (they reimbursed me for my taxi), it was the hotel's - my flight was delayed by forty-five minutes so I arrived according to that - not very late. Besides, their responsibility is to check flight times or wait! It was late, I was tired, I had all my luggage and limited Spanish. Thankfully I found someone who could speak English and they were very helpful - I managed to arrive. No real explanation as to why the driver wasn't there - he had actually been there and just left, apparently. This could have been an absolute nightmare. The hotel itself was a very nice, mid-range standard city center hotel.

Staff
The front staff was very apologetic about my no-show airport pickup and in following up as to what happened.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Guided Rainforest Hike
Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Guided Rainforest Hike
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Walk: Children's Eternal Forest
Night Walk: Children's Eternal Forest
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Monteverde Cloud Forest Guided Hike
Monteverde Cloud Forest Guided Hike
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sloth Tour
Sloth Tour
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike
Hanging Bridges and La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Boat Tour through Tortuguero Canals
Guided Boat Tour through Tortuguero Canals
Tortuguero
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tortuguero Village Visit
Tortuguero Village Visit
Tortuguero
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist

Wonderful experience
Costa Rica | Jul 6 - Jul 13, 2023

T
tyson h.
Cornelius, NC | Reviewed on Jul 19, 2023
The rafting and waterfall repelling was amazing and Alex and Andre were fantastic. We had a bit of an issue with our one hotel but Charlotte worked hard to rectify the situation. I would definitely use Kim Kim again in the future. Read more

The rafting and waterfall repelling was amazing and Alex and Andre were fantastic. We had a bit of an issue with our one hotel but Charlotte worked hard to rectify the situation. I would definitely use Kim Kim again in the future.

Hotel Reviews
Pacuare River Lodge
Bajo Tigre

Great kitchen/hang out area. The rooms were much better than camping. Kids loved the trail to the waterfall.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Los Altos Resort
Manuel Antonio

The room was great and loved the recreation room for the kids. The breakfast was very yummy and staff was super friendly. I took one star away because the gym had several pieces of equipment that were broken and need to be repaired.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Fortuna

Resort pools were great and staff was very friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center
San José

Great hotel and staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Transfer from San Jose to Pacuare River to enjoy Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River
Transfer from San Jose to Pacuare River to enjoy Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River
Costa Rica

Stops at waterfalls were great guides take great care of you. This was our favorite excursion.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Manuel Antonio

Monkeys sloths, and beaches what is not to love

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Adventures Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Sky Adventures Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Zip lines are high and fast, staff is friendly. The hike and bridges was ok but would not do again.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Canyoning Adventure
Canyoning Adventure
Costa Rica

Was a blast and my first time zip lining into a pool of water. Highly recommend this excursion.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Overnight Rafting on Río Pacuare: Day 1
Overnight Rafting on Río Pacuare: Day 1
Costa Rica

Great family trip guides were excellent

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 20, 2023

Hi Tyson,

Thank you for taking the time to review the individual services we had included in your trip plan. I am glad you loved almost everything!

From all of us at Serendipity Adventures, thank you for trusting us to handle your vacation time.

Kind Regards,
Charlotte

La Fortuna, Monteverde and Guancaste
Costa Rica | Jul 3 - Jul 11, 2023

Shannon
Shannon W.
Boca Raton, FL | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023
All the guides were great, so glad had private tours and transfers, learned so much more and experienced local places.
Loved the mombo combo in la fortuna.
The Springs is the most amazing resort I have ever been too!
The cave exploring was nothing like i have dine before.
All the guides were so nice, friendly and sensitive to the needs of my children.
Read more

All the guides were great, so glad had private tours and transfers, learned so much more and experienced local places.
Loved the mombo combo in la fortuna.
The Springs is the most amazing resort I have ever been too!
The cave exploring was nothing like i have dine before.
All the guides were so nice, friendly and sensitive to the needs of my children.

Hotel Review
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
La Fortuna

Estevan is the best! Service is the best I have ever had Most beautiful propery!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 20, 2023

Hi Shannon,

Thank you for sharing those notes, I am very pleased you enjoyed the trip we put together for you!

Kind Regards,
Charlotte

Working with KimKim and Serendipity Adventures made for a Wonderful Trip with my Family
Costa Rica | Jul 5 - Jul 13, 2023

T
Tabatha S.
Boise, ID | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023
I went into this without any knowledge of KimKim or using a service to plan our trip to Costa Rica. I'm more excited to use it again now that I understand the process and what to expect. We were routed to Serendipity Adventures to plan our trip and Bryan Leon was the organizer for the trip. He was very patient with me as I wasn't sure what our family wanted to do. He offered many suggestions, even events I hadn't considered that ended up being some of our favorite parts of the trip. First of... Read more

I went into this without any knowledge of KimKim or using a service to plan our trip to Costa Rica. I'm more excited to use it again now that I understand the process and what to expect. We were routed to Serendipity Adventures to plan our trip and Bryan Leon was the organizer for the trip. He was very patient with me as I wasn't sure what our family wanted to do. He offered many suggestions, even events I hadn't considered that ended up being some of our favorite parts of the trip. First of all, all of our transportation was either on time or early. They were all very knowledgeable and friendly. There was not one hiccup in our itinerary. It all went smoothly and if anything needed to be amended, they made sure it was taken care of.

The Guided hikes, zip line adventure, waterfall and cultural experiences were fantastic. We visited a farm owned by the granddaughter of the original owner. Her and her husband were so gracious. They showed us around their farm, our teenage kids participated by pulling Yuka to make chips, mango for our salad, they milled sugar cane for juice and we picked a pineapple that we took back to our hotel. We ate a wonderfully home cooked meal, listened to Eli play and sing, we sang and danced with them and it felt like we were spending time with family. Our kids spoke Spanish and that was very helpful and made the experience that much better.

Our surfing lessons by Glen were fantastic. We felt very well taken care of by him and his staff. We even went back later in the week and really enjoyed our time on the beach. I highly recommend working with Bryan and the others from Serendipity to plan an educational, adventurous and well organized trip in Costa Rica. We felt safe and the locals really love and care about their beautiful country.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

It was at the top of a hill and we needed to walk up many steps and hills. Not an issue for us, we liked it, but for others that have an issue ask for a room in the main hotel area. The view from the hotel was spectacular. The breakfast wasn't our favorite, but it was fine as they provided a number of options. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. We loved that the hotel itself had a lot of wildlife. We saw a sloth, two macaws, toucans, spider monkeys and a white-faced monkey right there at the hotel. That was exciting.

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna

The staff was so friendly and so helpful. The room was clean and very comfortable. The best part was the breakfast. It was THE best included breakfast I've ever had at a hotel or resort before. It had everything you could think of and it was fresh and they took a lot of pride in the presentation and service. It was impressive. We also loved the spa services. We had a perfect view of the volcano.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It's a little further from LaFortuna, but never a problem.
Staff
The staff was so helpful and friendly. I would talk with the staff about some of the adventures we went on and if they weren't aware of it, they wanted to know how it went later. They were polite and kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide Mariano was a pro from start to finish. He was our personal guide for many hours that day and ended with a nice lunch at a really great restaurant in La Fortuna. He was very knowledgeable and taught us about the fauna and flora in the park. We walked about 2 1/2 miles while he explained all that we were seeing and hearing. After a very hot and humid hike, we went to the waterfall. It was so beautiful and so refreshing. We LOVED it. Mariano was patient, he helped connect us with others to book additional adventures, he was a terrific guide.

Cultural Experience
Cultural Experience
Arenal/La Fortuna

We cannot say enough about our time at the Farm. Eli and Esteban were so wonderful. They both, along with their friend who helped cook the meal and the dancers that performed, made the experience unforgettable. It really helped that our two teenage kids could speak Spanish. It allowed them to practice and to communicate with Esteban in a way that my husband and I could not. It's always fun to see wildlife, zipline, hike, and be adventurous, yet, taking the time to learn and experience the culture of Costa Rica from the food, the land, the music, the dancing, the singing to just being with a Costa Rican family and connecting was so magical. We loved every minute of it.

Quality of Experience
Food
The food was cooked by Eli and her friend and it was made on an outdoor grill box. The food came from their farm and it was all so delicious. We loved that my son pulled a Yuka plant from the ground and she used it to make chips for the homemade guacamole. They accommodated for the two vegetarians in our family and everything was so yummy. Best meal of our trip.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Esteban picked us up from our hotel and took us home. He stopped to buy fruit along the road that we had never seen before, he even cleaned a bathroom before we used it. He went above and beyond to make us comfortable.
Transport
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

The guide for our hike was so knowledgeable and really eager to point out and tell us about the jungle and the animals. You could tell he loved what he was doing. The zip line was so much fun. Well worth it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 18, 2023
Hello Tabatha, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We are absolutely delighted that your trip to Costa Rica surpassed all expectations. Our commitment to providing seamless and enjoyable travel experiences fills us with pride, and we're thrilled to know that everything, from transportation to guided hikes, zip line adventure, waterfall visits, and cultural experiences, went smoothly. The authentic interactions with the locals, like visiting the farm owned by the granddaughter... Read more

Hello Tabatha,

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We are absolutely delighted that your trip to Costa Rica surpassed all expectations. Our commitment to providing seamless and enjoyable travel experiences fills us with pride, and we're thrilled to know that everything, from transportation to guided hikes, zip line adventure, waterfall visits, and cultural experiences, went smoothly.

The authentic interactions with the locals, like visiting the farm owned by the granddaughter of the original owner and savoring a home-cooked meal while immersing yourself in their culture, added an extra touch of magic to your journey.

We're so pleased to hear that you had an amazing time during the surfing lessons with Glen and his staff, and that you felt well taken care of.

Thank you for highly recommending Serendipity Adventures as the go-to for planning educational, adventurous, and well-organized trips in Costa Rica. We can't wait to assist you in creating more unforgettable memories during your future travels.

Wishing you safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon! 😊
Bryan

This was the most organized trip I've ever ta...
Costa Rica | Jun 24 - Jul 2, 2023

G
Guillermo T.
West Whittier-Los Nietos, CA | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023
This was the most organized trip I've ever taken. The team was very communicative and responsive. They were also able to modify changes we requested for different with times. All the drivers were professional and on time at each point. The hotels were all great and waiting for us, no issues with check in. The activities are all great top notch tour guides. If anything we had a lot of similar activities, but that was more our doing than theirs. Safari Float(Diego & Mariano) and Volcano... Read more

This was the most organized trip I've ever taken. The team was very communicative and responsive. They were also able to modify changes we requested for different with times. All the drivers were professional and on time at each point. The hotels were all great and waiting for us, no issues with check in. The activities are all great top notch tour guides. If anything we had a lot of similar activities, but that was more our doing than theirs. Safari Float(Diego & Mariano) and Volcano Hike(Mariano) were amazing. It's impressive to have a 10 day trip without a single hiccup. Great job by Bryan, Charlotte and the whole team. I would gladly recommend this team for a Costa Rica Tour.

Hotel Reviews
Studio Hotel
San José

Very clean and good location 20 minutes from airport. Only issue is hotel restaurant was blah and very pricey, outside of that it was great.

Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel San Bada Resort & Spa
Manuel Antonio

Great location for park and beach. Rooms are a bit worn, but functional. Pool Bar was great, the whole staff was amazing at both bars had great bartenders, I believe Estrella was one gal and Josue upstairs.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Monteverde Costa Rica

Clean, nice pool area covered. Rooms worked, nothing amazing. Friends enjoyed spa. Great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only
Fortuna

Amazing. Everything was great from check in to check out. Jose at the pool bar, everyone at the restaurant. Everyone at reception. Rooms were comfortably with amazing shower. I would be happy stay here again. Pools are fed by hot springs so they are warm. We were a group of adults. Not really a kid property more relaxing adult. You can not really walk to town or restaurants but taxi's are always readily available and its a short drive. Views from room are great, not one complaint.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

Great experience saw lots of animals but far away. Tour guide was a little snotty and rude to other people.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Canopy Zip Lining Tour, bridges, and Fauna Exihibitions at Selvatura
Canopy Zip Lining Tour, bridges, and Fauna Exihibitions at Selvatura
Monteverde

Amazing, would do it again, best zip line activity, give yourself time to do the bridges and sloth exhibit. Best place to get close to sloths.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Walk in the Children's Eternal Forest
Night Walk in the Children's Eternal Forest
Monteverde

Guide was very knowledge able and although we saw about 15 animals its hit or miss and most need to be seen through a telescope.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

We saw about 12 sloths, but far away. If you want to be close look for conservatory. Also seeing sloths could be a miss. But the end of trip coffee and snack was nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Volcano Hike and Hot Springs
Volcano Hike and Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna

Mariano was amazing, slow paced walked but did have some tough parts. Great guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Arenal/La Fortuna

Very relaxing, saw lots of wild life. Mariano and Diego were great. A surprise snack was lovely. Would recommend especially if you don't want to do rapids but want to be on the water.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 18, 2023
Hola Guillermo, I'm thrilled to hear that your experience with our team was exceptional! It brings us great joy to know that you found the trip to be the most organized you've ever taken. Our commitment to clear communication and responsiveness allowed us to accommodate the changes you requested seamlessly. We're glad that all the drivers were professional and punctual, ensuring smooth transitions throughout your journey. It's wonderful to hear that the hotels were up to your expectations... Read more

Hola Guillermo,

I'm thrilled to hear that your experience with our team was exceptional! It brings us great joy to know that you found the trip to be the most organized you've ever taken. Our commitment to clear communication and responsiveness allowed us to accommodate the changes you requested seamlessly.

We're glad that all the drivers were professional and punctual, ensuring smooth transitions throughout your journey. It's wonderful to hear that the hotels were up to your expectations and that the check-in process went without a hitch.

Your kind words and appreciation for the efforts of our team mean a lot to us. We strive to create memorable trips for our clients, and your satisfaction is our greatest reward.

Thank you for your glowing recommendation! We would be more than happy to welcome you back or assist any of your friends or family with a memorable Costa Rica tour in the future.

Safe travels and see you again soon! 😊
Bryan

Thanks to Bryan and Nancy and the entire team...
Costa Rica | Jul 4 - Jul 11, 2023

Jerome
Jerome D.
Fairfield, CA | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023
Thanks to Bryan and Nancy and the entire team who helped make our Cost Rica Bird Watching journey truly memorable! We are amateur birders who saw 100 new species. KimKim matched us with expert, patient and friendly guides who answered our many questions. All the transportation was on time, professional and safe. The accommodations were wonderful. Many many thx! Read more

Thanks to Bryan and Nancy and the entire team who helped make our Cost Rica Bird Watching journey truly memorable! We are amateur birders who saw 100 new species. KimKim matched us with expert, patient and friendly guides who answered our many questions. All the transportation was on time, professional and safe. The accommodations were wonderful. Many many thx!

Hotel Review
Rancho Naturalista
Cartago
Authenticity & Character
Location
perfect amount of remoteness
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 17, 2023
Dear Jerome, Thank you for taking the time to share your incredible Bird Watching journey with us. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that Serendipity's team played such a significant role in creating a truly memorable experience for you. It's truly amazing to learn that as amateur birders, you were able to spot a remarkable 100 new species during your journey. We sincerely appreciate your kind words and the trust you placed in our services. Assisting you in creating an unforgettable... Read more

Dear Jerome,

Thank you for taking the time to share your incredible Bird Watching journey with us. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that Serendipity's team played such a significant role in creating a truly memorable experience for you.

It's truly amazing to learn that as amateur birders, you were able to spot a remarkable 100 new species during your journey. We sincerely appreciate your kind words and the trust you placed in our services. Assisting you in creating an unforgettable birding experience was an absolute pleasure for us. Our ultimate goal is to leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the magnificent birdlife of Costa Rica.

Should you decide to embark on another adventure or require any assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would be more than delighted to help you plan your next exciting trip.

Pura Vida!
Bryan and the entire Serendipity Team

Outstanding trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Jul 6 - Jul 13, 2023

Christina
Christina H.
Cornelius, NC | Reviewed on Jul 16, 2023
The planning experience with Serendipity Adventures through KimKim was excellent and everything went very smoothly. We only had one issue before the travel regarding an accommodations booking mistake, but they worked hard to find a solution and I was satisfied by their resolution. The in-country support was also good - we had communications many days to answer questions and make adjustments, and Charlotte was responsive even throughout the weekend. Our tourguides through Exploradores (Andrés... Read more

The planning experience with Serendipity Adventures through KimKim was excellent and everything went very smoothly. We only had one issue before the travel regarding an accommodations booking mistake, but they worked hard to find a solution and I was satisfied by their resolution. The in-country support was also good - we had communications many days to answer questions and make adjustments, and Charlotte was responsive even throughout the weekend. Our tourguides through Exploradores (Andrés and Alex) and Maquique Adventures (William and Kenneth) made the experiences so special and personal, and I especially enjoyed talking with our Serendipity transport driver Alex as he drove us across the country. Would absolutely use these companies again and recommend!

Hotel Reviews
Pacuare River Lodge
Bajo Tigre

This was one of the best parts of our trip. Glamping with the tourguides as hosts, making delicious meals and great company.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Los Altos Resort
Manuel Antonio

Luxurious accommodations and wonderful amenities in the rooms, with snacks and drinks and a full kitchen. There was so much to do at the resort itself, from the game room to the gym to the pools and trails and beach.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walkable to many restaurants and only 10m fro Manuel Antonio park
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Fortuna

Nice mix of resort accommodations and family friendliness. Only inconvenient thing is that the rooms are very far from the lobby, pools, and restaurants so you need to call for a transport every time you need to go to/from your room. Plan for an extra 15m for any activity on both ends

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center
San José

Very convenient location and helpful front desk staff. I especially appreciated the 24/7 coffee and tea station in the lobby, and loaner umbrellas!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to shopping district and food
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 20, 2023

Hello Christina!
Thank you for your review, kind words, and nice pics!
It was a pleasure to assist you, and I am glad everything turned out so well.

Kind Regards,
Charlotte

Costa Rica - Pura Vida
Costa Rica | Jun 29 - Jul 9, 2023

A
Allan A.
Lebanon, NH | Reviewed on Jul 15, 2023
Wilie from Serendipity was wonderful. He went way over and above wonderful to accommodate and help each one of us in the group. Our group was diverse but with more seniors then young people he actually assisted us and particularly me on and off the bus. Beside his help he is a very smart, well informed guide with spot on answers of facts and information. His knowledge of Costa Rica history and Central American politics is amazing. Our driver was great and I liked the fact that they ate their... Read more

Wilie from Serendipity was wonderful. He went way over and above wonderful to accommodate and help each one of us in the group. Our group was diverse but with more seniors then young people he actually assisted us and particularly me on and off the bus. Beside his help he is a very smart, well informed guide with spot on answers of facts and information. His knowledge of Costa Rica history and Central American politics is amazing. Our driver was great and I liked the fact that they ate their meals with us. We were a family group and they became part of the family. Our trip was a little different because we primarily were there for my grand daughter's Bat Mitzvah. The day went off better then we even planned and the services and celebratory dinner will be memorable to all of us. The sites were well planned and either every tourist gets to see Sloths, Anguti, coatimundi, Tuocans, monkeys wild pigs, whales or we were the luckiest tourists to visit Costa Rica. The hotel accommodations were wonderful, the food, the amenities and the people were so helpful and friendly except for the driver on the return trip from horseback riding (not everyone is entitled to a bad day)when you work with the public.
The trip will remain memorable to all of us and Pura Vida to our new Tico friends.

Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 20, 2023

Hi Allan,
I am so happy to know that you treasure a agreat colection of special memories from this trip. It is also especially nice to know that you found so many Tico friends (that aspect says a lot about you too)!
We enjoyed working with your large family group, and hope you come back soon on another Serendipity Adventure. :-D

Kind Regards,
Charlotte

Kind Regards,
Charlotte

The top three activities for me were the Hang...
Costa Rica | Jun 29 - Jul 9, 2023

Gay
Gay R.
Portugal | Reviewed on Jul 10, 2023
The top three activities for me were the Hanging Bridges, the rafting, and the afternoon on the catamaran. Thanks for suggesting such great excursions. Read more

The top three activities for me were the Hanging Bridges, the rafting, and the afternoon on the catamaran. Thanks for suggesting such great excursions.

Hotel Reviews
Baldi Hot Springs Resort, Hotel & Spa
Fortuna

The pools are amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Westin Golf Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal

The Westin cannot accommodate the number of guests staying there. We tried making reservations for dinner when we arrived, but there was nothing available before 8:45 pm even for two people. The buffet restaurant (no reservations needed) is not air-conditioned. The cooking classes were booked for weeks. There are not enough bathrooms by the pool, and the toilets were often plugged up.

Authenticity & Character
Loved seeing the coatimundis, howler monkeys, and iguanas.
Location
It’s an hour from the airport, but that was okay.
Staff
Everyone was friendly and patient, especially the wonderful shuttle drivers.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Except for the bathrooms by the pool, the resort was clean and comfortable. The accessible single person Bathroom by the Bamboo restaurant was always clean. Glad we discovered it.
Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 10, 2023

Hi Gay,

Thank you for submitting a review, I will make sure to share your comments with both hotels.
I am glad you enjoyed the excursions so much!

Kind Regards,
Charlotte

We started out with Sergio and he was amazing...
Costa Rica | Jun 29 - Jul 9, 2023

Lauren
Lauren A.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Jul 09, 2023
We started out with Sergio and he was amazing. He was very responsive and helped us plan an amazing trip for a very diverse group - we had vegans in the group and we also had some elderly people, including my dad who had mobility challenges. He also helped select restaurants. We were celebrating a life event and Serendipity scheduled an amazing private dinner at La Divina Comida in San Jose. I could not have been happier with the restaurant and private room. It exceeded our expectations.... Read more

We started out with Sergio and he was amazing. He was very responsive and helped us plan an amazing trip for a very diverse group - we had vegans in the group and we also had some elderly people, including my dad who had mobility challenges. He also helped select restaurants. We were celebrating a life event and Serendipity scheduled an amazing private dinner at La Divina Comida in San Jose. I could not have been happier with the restaurant and private room. It exceeded our expectations. Sergio laid the framework for managing this diverse group. Charlotte wasn’t as responsive as Sergio (I would have liked her to respond to messages more quickly) but the transition was pretty smooth overall.

Our guide was Willy. He was outstanding. He was incredibly friendly and flexible. He handled our diverse group so well and the trip was really seamless. At times serendipity brought in additional guides to allow the group to enjoy activities despite some mobility challenges. Our favorite activities were the hanging bridges, the raft tour, the catamaran cruise and horseback riding. The only constructive feedback I have is to not do the lava hike in Arenal on the same day as the hanging bridges. We ended up shifting toe La Fortuna Waterfall hike to another day because we were exhausted after the hanging bridges and lava hike - and ran out of time. There’s no way we could have handled all 3 activities on the same day.

We would definitely recommend Serendipity and would work with them again.

Hotel Reviews
The Westin Golf Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal
Playa Conchal

We loved this all Inclusive! The rooms are lovely and the grounds are beautiful with lots of wildlife. We enjoyed the pool and beach and we thought the food was pretty good. We would consider returning to this resort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff was attentive and friendly and went the extra mile
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable beds, nice toiletries and excellent water pressure in the shower!
Baldi Hot Springs Resort, Hotel & Spa
Fortuna

We loved the hot springs. We had a nice room On the fourth floor but the first floor rooms my relatives had weren’t as nice. The hotel was very stingy with towels and the shower had no water pressure. It took forever to bathe and the water was never warm. If you lost your room key (a plastic card), they charged $10. Toiletries were cheap. The food at breakfast was decent but we ate dinner in the restaurant one night and it wasn’t great. I wouldn’t stay at this hotel again.

Authenticity & Character
The hot springs were awesome! Our room was great but room quality is uneven.
Location
The location was fine. It wasn’t in the middle of town but wasn’t far either.
Staff
Staff was friendly but the hotel rules were not. They were very stingy with towels.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds weren’t that comfortable, the showers had no water pressure and were never hot enough and the toiletries were cheap. It felt like we were roughing it.
Grano de Oro Hotel
San José

This hotel was so beautiful. It feels like a classic hotel from the turn of the 20th century. The rooms are lovely, included breakfast wonderful and staff friendly. We absolutely loved the gardens outside with the covered walkways. We even enjoyed the jacuzzi on the roof one evening!

Authenticity & Character
The old world feel and friendly boutique service makes this hotel stand out.
Location
Staff
Staff was friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were charming. The restaurant was beautiful.
Activity Reviews
Private Sunset Catamaran Sailing Tour
Private Sunset Catamaran Sailing Tour
Costa Rica

This cruise was spectacular. The food and drinks were good and plentiful, the catamaran clean and beautiful, the swimming cove pristine. We saw whales and dolphins, a double rainbow and beautiful sunset. This was a magical end to our trip.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horseback Riding Beach Tour
Horseback Riding Beach Tour
Playa Conchal

We loved the horseback ride on the beach. The sights were beautiful. The beaches were practically empty and the guides took great photos. However, I had to knock off a star because we had a horrific experience getting back to the resort. We were driven around for almost an hour only in a crowded van to return to the horseback riding place. The driver then refused to drive us back to the resort and we had to beg to get taken back.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guides were great but the driver was rude and unprofessional.
Transport
Private Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Private Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Costa Rica

We loved the cloud forest and wished we had more time there! We saw lots of wildlife including a quetzal, three wattled bellbird, capuchins, and agouti. The trail was walkable and the views great. I wish we had more time in Monteverde.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We were able to get a golf cart for my parents so they could enjoy the trail too!
Transport
Sloth Tour
Sloth Tour
Arenal/La Fortuna

It was a lot of fun to “hunt” for sloths in La Fortuna and see them in their natural habitat. We had a specialty guide for this tour and he taught us a lot about sloths and was great at spotting them!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ella's Bat Mitzvah Ceremony
San José
Private: Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Private: Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Arenal/La Fortuna

This raft safari was another highlight of our trip. We loved seeing howler monkeys and white faced capuchins and other wildlife. We also loved the picnic our guides set up on an overturned raft with fresh watermelon, pineapple and Costa Rican candies.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Arenal Volcano
Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Arenal Volcano
Arenal/La Fortuna

The hanging bridges was possibly our favorite activity of the trip. Warning: the bridges are a bit scary. But the views are incredible. We saw lots of wildlife - spider monkeys, pit vipers, and lots of birds. The lush rain forest is classic Costa Rica. We thought the lava hike of Arenal Volcano was challenging - a tough activity to do after the hanging bridges. The views were pretty but the path was tough for our group. We ended up shifting the La Fortuna waterfall to the next day.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica

This was a very interesting experience. Our tour guide was great and we loved learning about chocolate and coffee making. We preferred the Chocolate part of the experience because the coffee grown at this location isn’t actually the coffee sold or tasted during the tour. The best coffee is grown at higher elevations. It’s also quite hot and there are lots of mosquitos!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was great!
Transport
Explore Barrio Amon with your Dedicated Guide
Explore Barrio Amon with your Dedicated Guide
San José

We loved this! I learned a lot about the history of Costa Rica and enjoyed seeing the old part of the city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jade Museum Tour
Jade Museum Tour
San José

The carvings are interesting to see, but the experience is similar to other museums I have been too. It reminded me of a smaller version of the Museo de Oro in Bogota

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Willy was great
Transport
Museum of the Jewish Community of Costa Rica
Museum of the Jewish Community of Costa Rica
San José

This isn’t for everyone but we loved it! We really enjoyed the artifacts documenting the journey of the founders of the Jewish community from Poland to San Jose and the tour of the synagogue.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Charlotte Törnqvist
Charlotte
Charlotte Törnqvist
Local specialist in Turrialba, Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 16, 2023

Hi Lauren,
Thank you for your review and for sharing all those beautiful pictures.
For us at Serendipity Adventures it was a pleasure to work with you on planning this trip.

Pura Vida!
Charlotte