Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Mar 31 - Apr 10, 2024

M
Meg R.
South Windsor, CT | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

Our trip to Costa Rica was amazing! We went for 10 days and spent time in San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal and Tamarindo. We stayed at Volcano Lodge in Arenal and Wyndham in Tamarindo and both were awesome. The CR travel used for our private transfers were amazing- very personable and allowed us to stop if we needed to and they showed us all around on our drives- stopping for fruit, wildlife. The excursions we booked were also wonderful. I highly recommend the zip line through SkyAdventures.

Hotel Reviews
Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
Alajuela

This hotel was fine. I wish we only stayed here one night as there is not much to do in this area and it is not a walkable area. The included breakfast was good with an omelet bar but the dinner and lunch we had here was just ok.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience
San Carlos, Alajuela

We loved staying here! The view of the volcano was incredible. All hotel staff were incredibly friendly. Breakfast and all meals were great as well as drinks at the swim up bar. Not too far from La Fortuna, Ubers were cheap if you don’t have a car. Our only complaint was how uncomfortable the mattresses were in our room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very uncomfortable mattress
Wyndham
Tamarindo

This hotel was awesome! We loved that we were in a secluded place with incredible views but also had access to downtown and the beach club for free with the hourly shuttle. Views at the pool can’t be beat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Doka Coffee Tour & Poas Volcano National Park
Doka Coffee Tour & Poas Volcano National Park
Costa Rica

Coffee tour was awesome! Our guide was so thorough and friendly. The volcano tour was not worth it in my opinion. You can only stay at the site for 20 minutes due to the gases and we could no see anything on the day we went. I would have preferred to transfer out of San Jose quicker than staying for this tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Highly recommend this zip line- the views were absolutely stunning and there is a restaurant/bar with amazing views of Arenal Lake and volcano where you can eat after. The hanging bridges were great and our tour guide was awesome however we did not see any wildlife.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Paradise Hot Springs & Meal
Paradise Hot Springs & Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna

These hot springs are gorgeous !! When we got to Costa Rica people seemed to recommend Tabacon or Eco Thermales the most for hot springs. We also had hot springs at our hotel (volcano lodge), so I am not sure this was worth it. The dinner included was not good. Food was cold, not many options, it’s buffet style.

Quality of Experience
Food
Good was cold! And there was barely any left when we got there
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Costa Rica

We loved this! Snorkel was great and so nice To get On the water.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Arenal/La Fortuna

This was amazing! One of the best parts of our trips. My partner and I had a blast making homemade tortillas and Casado.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Gustavo Camperos
Gustavo
Gustavo Camperos
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on Apr 24, 2024

Hello Meg!

This picture of the sun making the coffee look golden brown is so mellow; I love it! Your casado also looks amazing! 🍛 Now you can include some delicious tortillas in your menus at home :)