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Adventure Awaits!
Costa Rica | Dec 18 - Dec 26, 2025

Genevieve
Genevieve T.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Dec 30, 2025

Adam (and team) was an amazing, thoughtful and thorough local specialist. He listened attentively to our goals & expectations and executed planning with precision.
We had hiccups with the car rental- overall probably the most disappointing/disruptive part. Ti-Fakara (waterfall) lodging was “ON POINT!” Second lodging was memorable for phenomenal(!!!) restaurant and grounds- room was “meh.” Last hotel was, “eek 😬… “ I think we were looking for a more authentic and intimate experience (like Ti-Fakara)- maybe hard to do at this location? However, feedback is not to throw shade at the hard working people who are employed there- they were wonderful with what they have to work with.
The ADVENTURES were STANDOUTS! 💖Consistently Adam booked us with BEST outfits and guides- this was a steady experience across the various areas we traveled in Costa Rica. Quality guides, educated, committed, engaging and enthusiastic- the guides were overall just BEAUTIFUL people, inside and out- people who will not be forgotten, who genuinely love their jobs. The logistics were timed perfectly, managed and communicated seamlessly. As a family, the adventures of hiking in various areas, bird spotting, animal, botanical, frog, insect identification, zip lining, white water rafting, whale/dolphin watching, snorkeling, beach frolicking, sunset/moon/ star gazing, photography … are memories forever seared into our individual and collective hearts and minds. We desperately needed this time to reconnect and recalibrate within ourselves, each other and with the naturaleza.

Hotel Reviews
Ti-fakara Boutique Hotel
La Fortuna

Beautiful up to date inspiring room, quaint, secluded, with rainforest experience- lots of birds, sloth and monkey spotting. LOVELY breakfast dining, nice dinner experience- service staff had warm and kind hospitality. Awesome night time guided walk, attentive staff. Walking distance to Fortuna Waterfall. Overall, BEST lodging experience.

Authenticity & Character
Small, quaint, simple, attentive, good attention to detail, good quality of facilities and grounds! Ti-Fakara seems to understand what they have to offer and embrace it with simplicity and authenticity- not over-reaching- trying to be something they can’t, understanding there is a lot of competition and they offer a unique slice of experience.
Location
Away from downtown, walkable distance to Fortuna Waterfall, surrounded by rainforest.
Staff
Reception staff (Esther), wait staff (Antonio), electricians/maintenance and cleaning staff were particular standouts.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were so thoughtfully cleaned! So appreciative of the care put into the rooms.
Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde

This hotel stood out with its hiking grounds on site and its PHENOMENAL dining experience- breakfast and dinner. I am not a vegetarian or vegan and their menu was so inclusive and inspiring, I chose a vegetarian option one of the nights- probably my most memorable vacation meal.

Authenticity & Character
Room felt like a slightly upgraded dorm room. With limited toilet paper, and wanting us to throw toilet paper in trash, access to a bidet would be a thoughtful touch. I desperately wanted a more “Tico” experience- traditional rocking chairs would be a beautiful touch to the sprawling deck.
Location
Remote- limited opportunity to explore the town- almost required dine-in at restaurant (which wasn’t a “bad thing,” just got “spendy,” but worth it!) However, great opportunity for rooftop bonfire, landscape views, sunset and star gazing!
Staff
Addressed above. Wait and Restaurant staff was top-notch.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Chillier than expected- no heater- limited blankets. Traveled with carry-on, limited space for warm clothing, had to get creative. It was fine. Curious toilet paper practices, could be cozier. BEAUTIFUL soaps and lotion. We upgraded room, in exchange we received a massively huge bathroom with vapid space- it was really “strange,” design-wise. Deck/Patio could embrace more ambiance as it is stunning and has amazing potential- it does have a coziness, which could inspire guests to linger with morning coffee, etc. In room coffee access was also very limited/scarce.
Leyenda Boutique Hotel and Spa
Hojancha Guanacaste

Needs an update and a thorough cleaning.

Authenticity & Character
I absolutely adored the Christmas entertainment- almost all Spanish songs. Beautiful musical entertainment the instrument playing and singing. Really special/unique. Songs bellowed into the rooms/suites/outdoor patios, drowning out road traffic. I felt this hotel was very tailored to the American traveler, I felt sad/disappointed as I really wanted to feel more “Costa Rica” and less of an American experience. Felt like a mainstream cheap American hotel, copy and pasted in Costa Rica. It was a cheaper version (in all ways) of the bougie resort down the street, which neither experience was wanted by our family.
Location
Location is physically right on main road. One can hear road traffic and smell gas/exhaust even at the back of the hotel.
Staff
Great restaurant staff. Evening night staff was particularly kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Trash from former occupants was left in room. Bathroom was not clean with thoroughness/care. Felt creepy/weird. Chose to wear sandals in shower and opted out of using jacuzzi. Patio was so beautiful- and once again under amplified with cheap, uncomfortable, faded (old) plastic table and chairs. It was such a STUNNING patio and to look out on the beautifully kept grounds watching and listening to the birds could have been even more memorable, cozy, authentic. It was challenging to get enough coffee stocked in room. Zero privacy from other guests. Rooms and patios echoed with various aged human activity.
Activity Reviews
Arenal Volcano Hike & EcoTermales Hot Springs Visit with Meal
Arenal Volcano Hike & EcoTermales Hot Springs Visit with Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna

Herson was just the BEST guide. We saw so much and were provided so much knowledge and wisdom of the land. Beautiful views. Great exercise. Ecotermales was nice. Super touristy- as was everything in Fortuna. Glad we went in the evening. Meal was delicious. Staff seemed somewhat annoyed/exhausted of tourists. 😂

Quality of Experience
The hike of Arenal with Herson.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable and Engaging. Wanting to teach.
Transport
Nice vehicle, knowledge of roads, safe driving.
Río Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Río Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Arenal/La Fortuna

Maybe our best/most fond Costa Rica adventure… on par with the Arenal hike.

Quality of Experience
Food
LOVED the family style (all guides, all tourists and restaurant together as one) feel of this TRADITIONAL Costa Rican meal after whitewater rafting. A special memory!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We especially loved that Jorge was with us from pick up to drop off, meaning he was ALSO our white water rafting rover guide. He was spectacular! 🌟 Driver was knowledgeable of roads and very safe. Vehicle was comfortable.
Transport
Teamwork between drive and guide. Good knowledge of roads.
Self-Guided Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Self-Guided Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

Go early. Huge amounts of tourists. Staff seemed annoyed.

Quality of Experience
The beauty and power of waterfall and walk down and up masked any other “curiosity.”
Werner Sauter Biological Reserve Hike
Werner Sauter Biological Reserve Hike
Sámara

Christopher was a great guide. Great to be exposed to the land/botanical landscape of the “dry side” of the rainforest. Fun to get out, exercise, break a sweat and to be taught local knowledge.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Beaches Around Sámara
Explore the Beaches Around Sámara
Sámara

Really beautiful tropical experience. So many tourists. 😂

Quality of Experience
Setting. Landscape.
Private Boat Seaside Adventure (Seasonal)
Private Boat Seaside Adventure (Seasonal)
Sámara

Ok- next to the white water rafting… this experience might take the “gold star.” We were SO FORTUNATE to have Christopher as our guide once again, so he knew our family. He had a lovely crew. Josué and Yosuel (sp?). We had the most BEAUTIFUL experience and hands-down the best Christmas day of my life. Dolphins, whales, sea turtles, fish, invertebrates, coral reef. Snorkeling was top-notch and we tried out different locations.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
Monteverde

Everyone was very friendly and the views were beautiful. Also, a very informative nature walk with Alex. Would visit again.

Quality of Experience
See above
Guides, Drivers and Staff
See above
Transport
Local specialist: Adam Gomez
Adam
Adam Gomez
Local specialist in kimkim HQ | Replied on Dec 30, 2025

Thank you so much for the review, G! 🙌

I couldn’t agree more—Tifakara is truly a gem 💎, and I’m so glad you enjoyed your time there!

I agree, we have the best team, and I'm so glad we were able to assist you every step of the way from the planning process, booking team, and in-trip support!

Your feedback is incredibly helpful for future travelers, and I apologize for the issue with the car rental. We really appreciate you sharing that—it helps us continue improving the experience for everyone 😊

I hope to see you on a future adventure! 🙌

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