Costa Rica pacific coast + volcano (9 days)
Costa Rica | Apr 29 - May 7, 2022

A
Audric T.
Canada | Reviewed on May 14, 2022

I’m usually very sceptical about booking vacation packages, but i have to say that i was really impressed with Randall and his service!

Whenever i go somewhere i’ll always look up top things to do, things to see, places to visit etc… Costa Rica seemed to have many top attractions depending on if you’re going to be staying on the Caribbean side vs the Pacific side. Randall helped us decide & pick hotspots that fit what we wanted to do.

We went right between the transition from the dry season to the rain season so we came prepared with raincoats and extra shoes (i suggest you bring a raincoat because weather is quite unpredictable, especially in the Pacific coast) . Weather was hot & humid. Usually starting off the morning with a bit of rain, some sun throughout the day, rain again in the afternoon, and a calm night.

As for the excursions, they were well planned and the guides were super friendly.

For those who have time to fully plan your trip, i would say you can easily look up pre-made travel itineraries (and tbh, i think this is what we’ll do if we ever go back to Costa Rica), but if you’re tight on time, or simply want an expert to plan your trip, Kimkim is amazing.

Tips if you’re travelling to CR:
- rent a car… just do it. The drive through the mountains and the forest itself is worth it
- pay in colones
- don’t know expect things to be “cheap”
- bring a raincoat
- go to eat where the locals eat… if you go to your typical tourist traps, food is 2x-3x the price, for literally the same food
- Visit Manuel Antonio

Hotel Review
Arenal Country Inn
Fortuna

Cozy bungalows with breakfast included. View of the volcano.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Arenal Volcano Hike & Baldi Hot Springs & Dinner
Arenal Volcano Hike & Baldi Hot Springs & Dinner
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Randall Jiménez
Randall
Randall Jiménez
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on May 18, 2022

Hi Audric,

I really appreciate your review about the trip that we organized for you and George in our country last month. It is great that my guidance has been useful for your vacation and that you have enjoyed all the activities suggested. I also bet that your tips will be really appreciated by future travelers.

All the best and Pura Vida!
Randall