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  3. Tropical Treasures: A Vacation in Costa Rica🐜Arenal, Bijagua, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio

A Worry-free Vacation in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Jan 11 - Jan 22, 2026

H
Heather R.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

Just returned from 12 days in Costa Rica. I was overwhelmed trying to plan it on my own and KimKiim was fantastic. We had to make some last minute changes in terms of pick up times and Serendipity Tours, the local Costa Rica team, was super-accommodating and always available through WhatsApp, even after hours and on weekends. Everything went seamlessly. We stayed in four spectacular hotels - Tabacon Resort in La Fortuna, Rio Celeste Hideaway, Korea in Monteverde and Capitan Suzan in Tamarindo. Never thought that we would try zip lining but Treetop in Monteverde was fantastic. We felt safe, the team told us what to expect and we spent more than an hour and a half zip lining with an option to Bungee jump afterwards. Fantastic trip.

Hotel Reviews
Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel
Tamarindo

Stunning location. Just a heads-up that the new rooms are completely modern and stunning. We upgraded from a traditional room which was rustic. Well worth the upgrade. Excellent, helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful grounds. Quiet and private.
Location
10 minute walk into town and located at a quieter end of the spectacular beach.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The modern, new rooms are gorgeous. The traditional rooms seemed a bit "stodgy" and rustic. I understand the philosophy of the hotel but they have a "no tv" policy which is a bit outdated for clientele under age 70.
Koora Hotel
Monteverde

Incredible views from the suites. Great restaurant on-site.

Authenticity & Character
The resort makes the best of it's location with stunning views, gorgeous suites and beautiful paths around the grounds.
Location
stunning views of the Bay of Nicola. 10 minute walk into town which has plenty of great restaurants. Adjacent to a hiking trail which is accessible for a very nominal fee.
Staff
The front desk walked us through the resort to a back entrance on a lit, paved road into town. They were always available through WhatsApp to organize cabs and answer questions.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We were in a two-story room with two-story picture windows. Completely modern and comfortable.
Rio Celeste Hideaway Resort
Bijagua

One of the nicest hotels we have ever stayed at.

Authenticity & Character
Very Modern hotel with local Costa Rican character.
Location
The Rio Celeste area is a bit isolated but the hotel is in the middle of a rain forest with monkeys and other wildlife on the property. In addition there is a great one hour hike from the hotel directly to the Rio Celeste river.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel is designed to let guests enjoy amenities - even in the rain if necessary. Each cabin has a covered verandah where you can sit out rain or shine. The pool has discreetly covered loungers with towels always available and you can also sit there comfortably in the rain. Gorgeous Hot tubs and pool area.
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Fortuna

Luxury hotel with free access to stunning natural hot-spring complex.

Authenticity & Character
Modern rooms. Beautiful rainforest setting
Location
Five minute drive to the Arenal Volcano. 10 minute drive to La Fortuna. Manicured path leads downhill to the hot spring resort and they also provide a shuttle.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 23, 2026

Hola Heather!

Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We're so glad Kimkim and our Serendipity Adventures team could help make your 12 days in Costa Rica seamless and memorable, especially hearing you enjoyed the zip-lining and felt supported throughout. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures soon!

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
🌿Serendipity Adventures | Costa Rica

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