Amazing Adventure into the Rainforest and Relaxation at the Beach!
Costa Rica | Feb 10 - Feb 16, 2026

Nancy
Nancy E.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

Wow! What an incredible adventure into the rainforest and beautiful Pacific coast. Holden planned our trip with so many amazing experiences: Safari float down a river in the rainforest, night hike to see cool frogs, the most unusual snakes and a sloth, a cooking class, a hike in the Arenal Volcano area and hike through the Hanging Bridges. Our guide from Serendipity was a local named Mariono. He was amazing! Shared so much of what we were seeing on our hikes, the history, culture and so much fun. The logistics were smooth with no problems. What a great way to see a country and experience its treasures without wasting time on logistics of where to go or where to have dinner. Our hotels were fantastic. The Arenal Manoa Hotel hot spring pools were beautiful and fun to relax in. The lushness of the vegetation around our rooms were also unique and cozy. The Bosque del Mar hotel at Playa Hermosa was beautiful and right on the beach. Our drivers got us everywhere we needed to be on time. I am so impressed with the trip this team put together for us! Thank you!!!!

Hotel Reviews
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna

Beautiful trail by pool with hot springs. Lovely breakfast spot overlooking the Arenal Volcano. We loved the location and pool areas were lovely. Great pizza!

Authenticity & Character
Lush landscape and hot springs were in a spectacular setting
Location
East to get to the areas we were visiting.
Staff
Very friendly and easy to communicate with.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice rooms with a private porch
Hotel Bosque del Mar
Playa Hermosa

Most beautiful view of the beach from open-air breakfast area. Quiet beach - much better than the beach in Coco. Rooms were large with a nice sitting area overlooking the pool.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Private Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Arenal/La Fortuna

Really nice hike and learning about the area. Wish the rain would have given us a break so we could have seen the whole volcano, but still worth doing in the rain.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mariono was punctual and a knowledgeable guide.
Transport
Private Organic Cooking Class
Private Organic Cooking Class
Arenal/La Fortuna

The two women who lead the tour of the farm were knowledgeable and passionate about organic farming.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Private Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Arenal/La Fortuna

We got to see a monkey, sloth, toucan and caymen (alligators). Beautiful to see the scenery on the water. Mariono was a great guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Excursion in Rainforest and Wild Frog Sanctuary
Night Excursion in Rainforest and Wild Frog Sanctuary
Arenal/La Fortuna

I was not sure what to expect, but this was way cooler than I was expecting. Our guide, JP, was amazing. I am not sure how he found all of those small frogs, snakes and spiders.

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

One of my favorite tours in the Arenal area. Just beautiful to walk among the canopy on solid ground or on the bridges. Mariano shared many details of what we were seeing. I have a fear of heights, but did not feel scared on the bridges as there is a railing to hold onto.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mariano was great!
Transport
Introduction to the Gulf of Papagayo
Introduction to the Gulf of Papagayo
Gulf of Papagayo

It was a three hour drive and our driver shared many stories about what we were seeing. It seemed more like a necessary drive with good information versus a tour. Mariano selected a beautiful spot for lunch for us by a river.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Costa Rica

Beautiful trip on a sailing ship to a snorkeling area, beach and water caves.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 17, 2026

Hello Nancy
Thank you for your kind words. That's wonderful that you had a great adventure together and enjoyed all the beauty of Costa Rica. It sounds like you had the best time. It was a pleasure to work with you throughout the process.

Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures