40th Anniversary in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Jan 17 - Jan 26, 2023

Iris
Iris M.
Harbeson, DE | Reviewed on Jan 27, 2023

This was my husband's and my first time to Costa Rica. We were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and it was an amazing experience. Sergio planned a wonderful trip and really personalized it for us. For the most part we had private or semi private transfers and/or tour guides and it really allowed us to interact with them and get a lot of information.
Our driver from San Jose to Arenal/La Fortuna was Charlie with Ride CR. He was great. We arrived at the airport at 1:30pm and we were hungry and he was kind enough to take us to a Soda (local outdoor diner) for pina coladas and traditional meal of casadas. It was delicious and a wonderful way to begin our trip. It was a 2 and 1/2 hour drive to the hotel but it flew by with our conversations with Charlie.
We arrived at our hotel The Springs Resort & Spa and were greeted by Antonio who gave us a yummy tropical drink and then a tour of the hotel and he then delivered our luggage to our room. Our room was spectacular with a huge picture window framing the volcano with a view from our bed. The balcony with hammocks was a great way to see and watch the animals. On our first morning we were able to hear howler monkies, so cool.
Our second day we went on a Safari Float tour with our tour guide, Carlos and one other couple. We saw monkies, sloths, birds and other animals. Carlos spotted animals and would stop and point them out for us. That afternoon we went on a Coffee & Chocolate Tour at Don Juan's and Maria was excellent at explaining the growing and processing from start to finish. We even got to make our own chocolate. We topped off the evening with dinner at Las Ventanas at the hotel and it was very good and beautiful views.
Our third day we went on a Private Hanging Bridges Walk. Our driver Paulo and guide Kenneth couldn't do enough for us. Kenneth pointed out many animals, insects and plants and also would show us through a scope and then was kind enough to take pictures for us through the scope. After the tour, Paulo had a delicious spread of refreshments consisting of fruit, drinks and chips.
The fourth day, we took a lake crossing a drive to Monteverde. The boat ride across the lake was beautiful but the van ride was a little scary because the roads aren't paved and very narrow but the drivers seem to know what they're doing.
We stayed for two nights at the Hotel Belmar and had a fabulous view with sunsets and at night the stars were so brilliant. I wish I could remember the names of all the staff because they were all so attentive and the food served at the restaurants was amazing. We did ziplining in Monteverde and it was exhilarating and I highly recommend that you overcome your fears and give it a try. You won't regret it.
Our final leg of the trip was spent a Playa Hermosa and we stayed at the Hotel Bosque. The location is perfect for swimming, animal watching and the restaurants along the coast are fabulous. We ate at several of them and we were not disappointed. We would recommend Roberto's, La Casita Del Marisco (had a 4 lb whole redsnapper and it was fabulous), and the Restaurant El Velero. The staff at the Hotel Bosque were very attentive and made a real effort to remember your name and interact. Roland and Diego were especially helpful.
Our driver to the airport was Jose with 3Monkies. He was really made a point to interact with us and give us information for future visits.
I know this is a long review but I hope it is helpful in making a decision to visit and enjoy this beautiful country. Thank you Sergio for planning such a memorable vacation.

Hotel Reviews
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
La Fortuna

Wonderful views and rooms are beautiful. Staff were very helpful and friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Belmar
Monteverde

Hotel location, rooms and dining were fabulous.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Bosque del Mar
Playa Hermosa

Our room was ready as soon as we arrived. Although there were a couple of things that didn't work when we arrived. They were repaired promptly. The staff made an effort to remember your name and make sure you were happy. Roland and Diego were exceptional.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our tour guide Carlos was very knowledgeable and made sure we saw as much wild life as he could find.

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

Very informative. Maria our tour guide was very knowledgeable

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Hanging Bridges Walk
Private Hanging Bridges Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Paulo and Kenneth made this such a memorable time. From the time we were picked up from the hotel they made an effort to point out animals and vegetation

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Enjoy the Thermal Hotsprings at your hotel
Enjoy the Thermal Hotsprings at your hotel
Arenal/La Fortuna

We only used the springs once during our stay because we were so busy but definitely worth seeing The whole hotel is beautiful .

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Treetopia Zip Lines
Treetopia Zip Lines
Monteverde

The weather wasn't ideal but the experience was so wonderful. The staff is very capable and professional.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset Catamaran Sailing Tour
Sunset Catamaran Sailing Tour
Costa Rica

The boat ride was very smooth and the staff very accomodating. Lots of food and drink served throughout. Beautiful sunset

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Sergio Bolaños
Sergio
Sergio Bolaños
Local specialist in Limon, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 30, 2023

You are welcome Iris, it was my pleasure! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and for taking the time to leave us a review. Muchas gracias!