The hotel choices were outstanding...
Costa Rica | Mar 16 - Mar 24, 2026

Robert
Robert S.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2026

Our guides, most of them, were outstanding, knowledgeable, and helpful on educating us. One guide in Manuel Antonio Park was fairly new and he was basically following the other guides and setting up his scope near them, relying on their information. He was very energetic, though and we could tell he loved his job.

Our hotel in Quepos, Tabacon -- was simply outstanding and our room was THE NICEST SUITE we have ever had. The view of the volcano from our balcony was beautiful.
We realize now that we should have stayed longer in some areas, and less in others.

I so appreciate your on the spot messaging... it was nice to receive your emails quickly and you were so on top of everything. Great trip. We want to do more trips with KimKim!!

Hotel Reviews
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Fortuna

We had the honeymoon suite (been married 31 years!) but what an experience this room was. The balcony view of the volcano was simply amazing. The hotel offered everything we needed and more. Everyone was so knowledgeable and kind to us.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Hiking is nearby.
Staff
The cleaning staff were so accommodating and loved us being there.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde

This hotel was very nice. However, in comparison to Tabacon, the staff here really avoided us and were not that helpful nor kind. Often in entering the lobby, I felt like I was interrupting their day, and that they did not really want to assist us or offer any touristy information. I did leave a review of this and gave it to the front desk.

Authenticity & Character
Noise from the personnel working there.
Location
Staff
They need attitude adjustments.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was clean and comfortable.
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

Once again, the view from our room and balcony was awesome. Quite beautiful and luxurious.

Authenticity & Character
Really a great place, but probably more so for younger people... we are retired and go to bed early, but the bar noise was a bit much. If we had been situated further away, it would have been better, I think.
Location
Staff
Very accommodating to us. However, some seemed a bit burned out to deal with tourists. Just a hunch.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sloth & Bird Hike
Sloth & Bird Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide, Diego was just outstanding. He knew so much and showed us everything important.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch
Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch
Arenal/La Fortuna

Great hike. Our guide did not ensure that we all had water before we left for the hike, though. Thankfully, one of the hikers gave me a bottle of water.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
Monteverde

Ziplining was FANTASTIC. THOSE GUYS REALLY EARN THEIR PAY. I simply loved this activity and so glad that I did the "freefall," too. Very knowledgeable and happy personnel.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Eternal Rainforest Night Walk
Eternal Rainforest Night Walk
Monteverde

Unfortunately, this guide did not speak English well and had a tendency to speak to just the one in front of the group. So we often had to ask him to repeat and say again...

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Monteverde

Very good experience and saw some monkeys and birds. I enjoyed going over the 5 bridges in the clouds. Unique experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio

This tour was crowded with so many people. So many people on tours with guides, and our guide, unfortunately, did not really seem expert. He followed the other guides and seemed to just view from their perspective. He was very nice and energetic.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Adam Gomez