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First, everyone at Kimkim listened to me care...
Costa Rica | May 18 - May 24, 2026

Yvonne Vizzier
Yvonne Vizzier T.
Memphis, TN | Reviewed on Jun 05, 2026

First, everyone at Kimkim listened to me carefully and were able to design the exact trip I requested. Overall every scheduled tour was really good with only one guide was a bit disappointing. Considering the number that we had is outstanding. The guide for the Volcano hike was outstanding. The raft guide was also very good especially with sighting animals. We really enjoyed the Jaguar Rescue which was my favorite tour even though there were no Jaguars! The number of animals was so varied it allowed us to see examples of just about every animal native to Costa Rica. The rate of release of rescued animals was extraordinary .

The volcano hike had planned paths that were good for a strong hiker but not a walker. For me the number of small rocks, extreme variation in walking elevations was extremely difficult. I should not have done it but I got through it and made finishing longer for the younger hikers. I think the description of that hike needs to include a caution. There was plenty of other things to see and paths to walk including a nice food/drink pavilion including restrooms.pp

I will likely use Kimkim to help me plan other trips.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Banana Azul
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

This was our favorite site as we were right on the beach, had great service and a good restaurant and bar. The layout is very tropical making fun for each of us. We enjoyed both pool and hot tub. Our last day there was a huge rain which ended up causing our cabin to be surronded by about 2 feet of water. So they moved us to the Tree House for our last night which was fun. For the move staff carried our luggage out of the cabin keeping everything dry. We missed the shower of the cabin and enjoyed the adventure of the event.

Authenticity & Character
It was not luxurious but very comfortable with everything we needed in “beach” location. In addition there were stations to refill our water bottles conveniently located.
Location
It was tucked in an easily accessible street and right on the beach.
Staff
Everyone made us feel that they existed to make us comfortable even with language difficulties.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We had no problems with the comfort and appreciated the explanation of the air conditioning system which made us very comfortable after and a day of activiies in the heat.
Hotel Arenal Lodge
Fortuna

We were not there in the tourist season and often felt like the only guests which affected the service. It was adequate. The restaurant menu was very limited and the site remote enough to make easy access of other restaurants difficult. The bar did make a really good mojito.

Authenticity & Character
facing the volcano was nice but walks around to exterior difficult to find.
Location
It was difficult to get transport to other sites.
Staff
The restaurant has own server in the morning and another in the evenings so we got to know them.
Cleanliness & Comfort
our room was spotless but with expected wear from age.
Local specialist: Adam Gomez
Adam
Adam Gomez
Local specialist in kimkim HQ | Replied on Jun 05, 2026
Thank you so much for your review! It really means a lot to hear that the trip came together the way you hoped it would! Designing it around exactly what you were looking for was the goal from the start. 🎉 The Jaguar Rescue Center is one of my favorite recommendations — people are always surprised by how much they love it even without the jaguars! And it sounds like the rafting and volcano hike guides made those experiences really memorable. I really appreciate your flagging the terrain and... Read more

Thank you so much for your review! It really means a lot to hear that the trip came together the way you hoped it would! Designing it around exactly what you were looking for was the goal from the start. 🎉

The Jaguar Rescue Center is one of my favorite recommendations — people are always surprised by how much they love it even without the jaguars! And it sounds like the rafting and volcano hike guides made those experiences really memorable.

I really appreciate your flagging the terrain and steepness of the volcano hike. I'll make sure that gets updated so future travelers can plan accordingly.

I hope to see you on another kimkim adventure! 🇨🇷

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