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Couldn't have done it without you
Costa Rica | May 13 - May 20, 2023

D
Debra B.
Fruit Cove, FL | Reviewed on May 25, 2023

Never would have been able to put this together myself. When I tried to determine where to go/what to do on my own I just got overwhelmed, but Yuliana put together an unforgettable trip. We had a great time with Mauricio (guide) and Fernando (transport). Really appreciate the expertise of all involved in planning and execution of this trip. Thanks so much!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Fortuna

Loved the atmosphere and the individual cabins. Walking the hills to the cabins was the only drawback, when you were already sore from hiking.

Authenticity & Character
Loved the atmosphere and the individual cabins
Location
seemed pretty centrally located to the activities that were planned
Staff
all were very kind and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
were very clean, beds creaked a little and the hills to walk to the cabins were a little steep when sore from hiking
Parador Nature Resort & Spa
Manuel Antonio

Was everything you wanted in a vacation stay -- food, drinks, pool, beach access, central to other places you might want to visit

Authenticity & Character
It was very comfortable even for a large "upscale" environment
Location
Central to area places to visit
Staff
Very kind and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
Parque del Lago Boutique Hotel
San José

Cute little hotel for an overnight stay. Didn't get the opportunity to explore the area, so unable to report anything outside of rooms, receptions, and restaurant. Rooms were a little small for the amount of furniture in the room, but not a significant negative, just an opinion. Dinner in the restaurant was REALLY GOOD!!

Authenticity & Character
Staff
kind and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Had a good night sleep and was clean
Activity Reviews
Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

This was my favorite feature although the steps to get there and return were intimidating, it was worth it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The amount of knowledge of the area and the history....it was an educational experience
Transport
Fernando our driver
Arenal 1968 Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs
Arenal 1968 Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna

The hot springs were awesome and relaxing, especially after 2 days of hiking. Was less impressed with the Arenal 1968 Hike, if I had know what it was fully, I would not have opted to do it, but thought it was a "had to do" activity....spent most of the time watching my steps to make sure I didn't slip and fall so even if there was a lot to see (which I don't think there was) I wasn't seeing anything but my feet. One of the younger member of our group did fall

Quality of Experience
Hot Springs was fun; 1968 Hike, not so much
Food
Dinner was good, but wasn't fully ready for a 6pm dinner (we had not eaten since breakfast) and some items were not at a proper temperature.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mauricio and Fernando were great!
Transport
Catamaran Adventure with Snorkeling
Catamaran Adventure with Snorkeling
Manuel Antonio

Always love these...so relaxing

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center
Visit to Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Although it is stated that drivers may not be bilingual, if the tour group is not bilingual, would be great to try to be sure there was a way to communicate. Makes it difficult to know what is going on when you can't converse with the person driving you to and from locations.
Transport
There was a mishap with the transport from the hotel where we were ready to go at the designated time and got picked up 45 minutes later. I had the hotel call to find out what was going on and had we known we could have stayed in the air conditioned room vs waiting in the open air (pretty warm) reception area. That transport took us to the Rescue, then we changed to another transport that was unmarked -- a little creepy when neither driver was biligual and we were not, so we really didn't know what was going on.
Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde
Yuliana
Yuliana Valverde
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on May 25, 2023

Hi Debra,
I hope you are well.
Thanks for your time and leave us these important comments and experiences you had with us. Will be helpful to continue growing and give our best service to our travelers.
I was more than glad to assist you during this time, and I hope you and your family had a good time here.
Maybe you could visit Costa Rica in the future again. :)
Best regards from Costa Rica,
Yuliana

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