Pura vida -- Costa Rica -- Love the Kimkim Experience
Costa Rica
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Aug 12 - Aug 19, 2023
I normally like to plan my own trip. Because it is my first time in Costa Rica and not speaking any spanish, I decided to use a travel agent. I am so glad that I found Kimkim. Kimkim's approach of connecting me with a local specialist - Gustavo made a whole thing work and worry free.
First there are lot of pre-curated tour information to give me some general ideas to work with Gustavo, then he sent me some initial choices which allows me to start to ask questions. He was always very prompted with my questions, we were able to refine and make quick decisions. It only took us a few days from start to finish to determine our trip, versus, it would have taken me months if I would do it on my own.
Second, some of the boutique hotels Gustavo found for me, I don't image that I would be able to find it on my own. I was very impressed by Rio Perdido Hotel and Thermal River recommendation. It is in the middle of no where has to go through some very bumpy road. Gustavo took care of booking all the transportation in and out which made it worry free. The other boutique hotel Tierra Magnifica is not even listed on Expedia. I am grateful that Gustavo picked out those hotels for us which made the whole trip experience unique and magnificent. As those hotel small as it, they offer very unique environments and yet with great restaurants, I can just take my camera and walk around grounds, I will see magnificent birds and animals.
Third, Gustavo picked some awesome tours with very early start time (6:30am, 6:45am). I didn't start to appreciate until I get there which only a local specialist can call it out. As the weather in August, it often rains hard in the afternoon, early morning tours guarantee better weather. The tour options are great, met with my family's interests. We had a great time with all of them. The planned timing is also great for example going to hot spring on the first day after the long flight and car ride. Our favorite activity is the Rafting on Rio Tenorio
As for feedback, I wish I didn't book a tour ahead of time during my stay at Rio Perdido -- as there are so much to do within the resort. I have to say the waterfall expedition tour would be a great option if the transportation to the Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin didn't take up that much time (1.3 hr one way)
There was one small hiccup at the last day. On my itinerary it listed 9:00AM pick up from the hotel, however, the driver is confirmed as 11:00AM. Didn't cause any issues, but want to mention it for completeness.
Overall, the trip was a great experience for my family. I would recommend Kimkim to my friends and will definite use it again.
Hotel Reviews
This is a very unique hotel, right next to a Thermal River. We had a center bungalow and an east bungalow. The bungalow is nested in the jungle. It has a rustic feel outside, however, once you get in, everything is ultra model. There are windows along 3 sides of the room. The outdoor rain shower is super cool. Center bungalow gives a more unique experience with the out-door shower.
From our bungalows, there is a great view of Arenal. The ground is amazing, we didn't use any of the pool facility as we were busy with the activities. The menu of the onsite restaurants is on the pricy side.
It is a very small boutique hotel (14) rooms. Free laundry service is also great. The view of the hotel is magnificent.
Activity Reviews
The activity is super cool and something to brag about. Love the man-made Dam effect, got a really cool video out it.
The springs resort is beautiful, the spa setting is beautify. I am glad that Gaustavo picked the activity here for us to enjoy the view and food without needing to pay the exorbitant hotel room.
Maybe it is during the low season, it is like a private tour. There were no other people around the first 2 waterfalls, it was a bonus.
It was a nice day walk. The guide told us due to the rain, the sloth went up high and curled into a ball. We were lucky enough to catch a 2 toe-sloth in a slight lower position. Was able to see a red frog, lizzard and few other birds.
This is our favorite activity of the trip. It has the right balance of thrill and easiness. It was our kids first time rafting, the level 1-2 rapids are good learning ground. The river is warm and beautiful, there were good swimming spots a long the way. As the end, there were 3 level 3 and 1 Level 4 which adds the thrill.
The guide is knowledgeable about the animal. We were able to see a lot of water birds and crocodiles. The fresh coconut water is very refreshing.
