1. Costa Rica
  2. Costa Rica Trip Reviews
  3. dec 2025 costa rica

9 day Costa Rica Family trip
Costa Rica | Dec 21 - Dec 28, 2025

Wen-fang
Wen-fang L.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Dec 31, 2025

Via Kimkim, we booked our 9 day Costa Rica trip with Serendipity Adventures, a Costs Rica travel agency. Elena from Serendipity was super responsive in helping us customizing our trip and responding to all our questions. The trip was very well planned and fit our need. I would like to thank Adrien from Serendipity for her the assistance and support during our stay in Costa Rica. Her prompt responses were greatly appreciated when we encountered questions or issues. We felt we were in good hands with her help throughout the trip. Our local guide Sergio was awesome in providing helpful local information, including restaurants, local culture, etc. during the our ride/transportation between different destinations. We enjoyed this trip very much, and the journey definitely has become a beautiful memory that we will talk about for a long time. Both Costa Rica and Serendipity Adventures are highly recommended, and Kimkim made it possible!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

Great sunset view! Nice pool. Many good restaurants near by.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Paraíso Resort, Spa & Hot Springs
La Fortuna

Hot springs pools are fun to use. The hotel is directly facing the volcano ( although the clouds cover the volcano most of the time…) Great birding location! Room is outdated and felt cheap. About 10-15 minutes drive from the town. No other restaurants within walking distance.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Some staff are super nice but not all.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The air conditioner direct blow to the bed. Room design may be improved.
Koora Hotel
Monteverde

Awesome hotel with a superb restaurant! Outstanding services.

Authenticity & Character
cozy and nicely decorated room.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River
Arenal/La Fortuna

The white water rafting experience is awesome and one of the highlights of our trip. Highly recommended

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Stevens was awesome
Transport
The drive to the rafting location is long 2 hours one way!
All Day Adventure at Selvatura, including Zipline, Hanging Bridges, and Fauna Exhibitions
All Day Adventure at Selvatura, including Zipline, Hanging Bridges, and Fauna Exhibitions
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Food
The pre-purchase meal tickets have limited selection and seem the food quality and portion not as good as if one purchases at the restaurant
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Costa Rica

Great staff. Very good fish bbq. Not sure the snorkel gears are properly cleaned between use.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Dec 31, 2025
Hola Wen,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review of your Costa Rica trip. It truly means a lot to us.
I am delighted to hear that your 9-day journey was well planned and aligned with your needs, and that you felt well supported throughout the process. Your kind words about my assistance, as well as Adrian’s attentive on the ground support, are sincerely appreciated. I will be sure to share your feedback with him; he will be very happy to know... Read more

Hola Wen,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review of your Costa Rica trip. It truly means a lot to us.
I am delighted to hear that your 9-day journey was well planned and aligned with your needs, and that you felt well supported throughout the process. Your kind words about my assistance, as well as Adrian’s attentive on the ground support, are sincerely appreciated. I will be sure to share your feedback with him; he will be very happy to know her prompt help made a difference.

It is also wonderful to hear that Sergio enriched your experience with his local knowledge and insights during your transfers. We take great pride in our guides and partners, and feedback like yours reinforces the value of our team’s dedication.

Thank you again for trusting Serendipity Adventures and for booking through Kimkim. We are honored to have been part of such a meaningful family journey, and we would be delighted to assist you again in the future.

Thank you very much, Pura Vida!

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures Costa Rica

Read all Costa Rica reviews