Sergio was terrific in helping plan a trip for my husband and myself to Costa Rica. We were to be in CR for about two weeks and he had to work out an itinerary that involved a commitment in Playa Hermosa, near Santa Teresa. The arrangements were ideal and proceeded seamlessly with an abundance of good suggestions. Accommodations were all excellent. Throughout the trip, Sergio was available to help or answer questions and was always accommodating. He is also very knowledgeable and knows... read more
Sergio was terrific in helping plan a trip for my husband and myself to Costa Rica. We were to be in CR for about two weeks and he had to work out an itinerary that involved a commitment in Playa Hermosa, near Santa Teresa. The arrangements were ideal and proceeded seamlessly with an abundance of good suggestions. Accommodations were all excellent. Throughout the trip, Sergio was available to help or answer questions and was always accommodating. He is also very knowledgeable and knows his country extremely well.
We flew from Denver to Liberia, where we were met by our driver, who took us to Monteverde, which was fantastic. Sergio convinced me to do the zipline above the cloud forest, and I was happy he did. Our privately guided hike was perfect with an extremely knowledgable fellow, who managed to find exotic birds, even one quetzecoatl.
Drivers were arranged to and from our assorted destinations, always punctual, and excellent and friendly. Our stay in Playa Hermosa (near Santa Teresa) was independent and I do not especially recommend that nor Santa Teresa unless the objective is to surf. Getting around means negotiating mud during rainy season and flying dry sand in summers with the smell of gasoline from zooming dune buggy vehicles.
Our driver picked us up from Playa Hermosa and drove us to a private island to Isla Chiquita, which is a fabulous resort with kayaking, whale watching, and a host of other activities. It was great and I would not mind returning.
So all and all a superb holiday with Sergio making ideal choices that were efficient and made the best use of time as he needed to plan around Playa Hermosa.
Hotel Reviews
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Monteverde
The hotel is well situated with beautiful surroundings. Not a luxury hotel, but adequate. The staff was always available and very helpful. I was quite happy with the restaurant and menu choices.
Authenticity & Character
A pretty hotel with stunning grounds.
Location
Short distance to all of the sites and forests.
Staff
They were available and did their best to make you comfortable and to address any concerns.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Accommodations were roomy and pretty
This is a private glamping hotel off on a tiny island, which is leased from the government. It is quite top notch with lots of staff always available and doing their utmost to make sure your stay is perfect and wonderful, which it was. The glamping tent was beautiful, roomy, spotless, and very private surrounded by jungle--quite idyllic. There were plenty activities to keep us busy for four days. The hotel is immaculately maintained with gorgeous plantings and flowers everywhere.
Location
Isla Chiquita is in the middle of a jungle and extremely safe, not a thing to worry about. No need to lock up anything.
Staff
Staff was always there wanting to be sure that we were happy and doing everything we wanted. They bent over backwards. Everyone seemed happy, calm, and never rushed,
Activity Reviews
Cloudforest Reserve Privately Guided Hike
Monteverde
Our guide, Andreas, was great and very interesting. He is extremely knowledgeable about all of the plants, vegetation, and wildlife in his region, as well as the history. He loves what he does and loves sharing information, which is obvious. It is great to have a guide to provide information about plants and their habitats and can spot birds and animals which are camouflaged in trees.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Isla Chiquita Optional Activities
Isla Jesusita
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bioluminescence & Sea Life Tour
Isla Jesusita
Totally enjoyable and a fun thing to do in the evening. We even saw a manta ray.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sky Adventures: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Monteverde
This was totally fun. I can't think of improvements other than the hanging bridges are kind of sketchy for overweight people.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They all had a good sense of humor and made everything fun.
Transport
We had a private driver to take us there and to our next destination, and I recommend that.
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica
This was great, entertaining, and educational. I will be ordering chocolates and coffee directly from Don Juan. I never knew anything about coffee making processes, the holy coffee, in particular. And their chocolates are fabulous.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Sergio Bolaños
