Costa Rica July/August Travel
Costa Rica | Jul 29 - Aug 6, 2024

Juan
Juan R.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024

This is the first time we have utilized "kimkim" services, and we are absolutely impressed with the level of service, professionalism and how easy they made our Costa Rica travel. We traveled to Costa Rica at the end of July, and it was our first international trip traveling with our kids. Our travel specialist helped us create an itinerary that allowed to see various parts of the country. We went canyoning, horseback riding, we hiked near a volcano, we dove into natural thermal waters, we visited the hanging bridges, kayaked, snorkeled in a beautiful beach and so much more. It truly made our experience an unforgettable one. We will definitely be utilizing their services in the future.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Fortuna

Beautiful hotel located at the base of a dormant volcano. Our room had a direct view to the volcano from the back porch. Moreover, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful, and the place has a heated pool with a jacuzzi for those that enjoy night swim. The food was good, but I recommend everyone to visit "La Fortuna" town, as they offer a vast variety of places to eat at a better price. Finally, the only thing we regret was not staying here longer!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great view and peaceful.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Ficus
Monteverde Costa Rica

Great location! This hotel is only minutes away from the "downtown" portion of town. Dylan and Ana were extremely helpful, professional and courteous! There was a day we had additional idle time, and they recommended us a "forest night walk", and even helped us set it up. The rooms were very comfortable, and clean and the only time we needed assistance, they responded in very short time.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to various coffee shops, restaurants and local shops.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto
San José

We only stayed one night, but the rooms had ample space, were comfortable and clean. Breakfast service was good, with plenty of options and the staff was friendly as it was professional.

Authenticity & Character
Pretty average, but not bad for a short stay.
Location
Close to the airport, but about 30 minutes away from the capital's downtown.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The only aspect i would recommend, is to install extractors in the bathrooms.
Leyenda Boutique Hotel and Spa
Hojancha Guanacaste

Hotel is located about 10 minutes away from the beach. Rooms were comfortable and clean, and the hotel has a nice pool at a very convenient spot. The hospitality staff was very helpful, and extremely hard working as they seemed to do a bit of everything.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Transportation is limited, but manageable.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Canyoning in the Lost Canyon
Canyoning in the Lost Canyon
Arenal/La Fortuna

First time doing this!! Our whole family enjoyed it! The staff was extremely helpful, especially since it can be a bit of intimidating at the beginning.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour & Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour & Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna

What made this tour different was out guide, otherwise it would've been just a normal hike. Sergio provided us with a historical background of the park and the composition of the forest as we walked through. He had vast knowledge of the area's flora and fauna, and even provided us interesting details of Costa Rica's drive to protect their natural resources. He definitely connected with us!

Quality of Experience
Food
Food was provided at the end of the tour, and it was delicious.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horseback Riding in the Cloud Forest
Horseback Riding in the Cloud Forest
Monteverde

The farm has a gorgeous panoramic view. It was a peaceful tour, as our guides only helped us control our horses. Maybe I was expecting some information or any background conversation, but I wouldn't want that to take away from how great the experience was.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hanging Bridges
Hanging Bridges
Monteverde

Our guide Dio was great! Very knowledgeable and attentive. We were able to see wild sloths, various bird species, reptiles and mammals.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Experience
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Experience
Monteverde

We loved this tour!! Diego (son of the owner) was extremely attentive to our group. He took his time to answer every question we all had, as he showed us his farm. We loved the ending with freshly made coffee, chocolate and light snacks. 100% recommend this for coffee and chocolate lovers.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Isla Chora Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour
Isla Chora Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour
Sámara

If you want to have fun while exercising, i definitely recommend you this tour. The guides take you to a tour to a nearby island full of crabs, and where you can occasionally see wild iguanas. The snorkeling experience was OK, since the water current lifted some sediments from the bottom, and we were not able to see many fishes. It still was a worthwhile fin experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama