Our entire experience was amazing.
Costa Rica | Dec 28 - Jan 8, 2026

Rhea
Rhea H.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 16, 2026

Our entire experience was amazing. From our drivers, to the activities and the choice of accommodations!
We had a holiday we will never forget!
I/We were highly satisfied with Gustavo and KimKim.......I will recommend them over and over again!

Hotel Reviews
Occidental Tamarindo All Inclusive
Tamarindo

Second stay here - highly recommend for family holiday

Authenticity & Character
We like the charm of a smaller area
Location
We were happy with the location. A simple Uber ride into Tamarindo when we wanted to head out. We had a variety of animals that we saw right on site which was a thrill...monkeys, racoons, iguanas, and a large variety of birds
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was taken care of every day early. We had 3 rooms between the family, and the other 2 mentioned that there rooms could have been cleaned more often, or earlier. The sliding doors on the bathrooms do not slide well. Ours was particularly loud and difficult to close. One other room had the same issue.
Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport
Liberia

The check in time was quite lengthy, but the accommodations were great

Authenticity & Character
Location
One night stay near the airport...had a great location
Staff
Only issue was time to check in .....well over half an hour....even if they had offered a complimentary drink while in line, or a "sorry for the wait" would have been nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Paraíso Resort, Spa & Hot Springs
La Fortuna

Highly recommend! The rooms were great - each family with our own bungalow was wonderful. The spring fed pools were very enjoyable. The food was good (in some cases a little pricey) but not having to leave resort to eat is a bonus. The Uber to La Fortuna was a great option. Definitely recommend Restaurante Fortuneno.....we spent New Years Eve with them for dinner and it was amazing! Tomahawk steak was a highlight.

Authenticity & Character
Authenticity & Character
Location
Location
Staff
Great service for meals......as in many swim up bar situations.....the bartenders OFTEN pretended not to see you, so service there was sub-par
Staff
Great service for meals......as in many swim up bar situations.....the bartenders OFTEN pretended not to see you, so service there was sub-par
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
Arenal/La Fortuna

Amazing for 10 y/o to 60 y/o. Quite an adventure. The length and heights were thrilling!! Our granddaughter (15) was feeling ill at the beginning of the adventure. Light headed and faint (found out during holiday she had pneumonia)! The first aid care there was top notch. Our daughter is a nurse and she said they were absolutely professional and spot on with care. They took her aside, gave her juice and chocolate, and kept her until vitals were all regulated. She was an amazing trooper and was able to finish all of the ziplines and the walking tour after. They allowed us to carry on even though this made us a bit later than scheduled. The walking tour afterwards was supreme!! Our guide was so knowledgeable and we found many, many animals and plants. Eyebrow snakes, monkeys, tarantulas, bat falcon and more!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We waited a while longer than we would have liked for return transport. Minor inconvenience, so no real issue
Transport
Self-Guided Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Self-Guided Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our family enjoyed this very much!! Swimming at the bottom of the waterfall was unforgettable!

Quality of Experience
Self-Guided Beach Day from Tamarindo
Self-Guided Beach Day from Tamarindo
Tamarindo

We walked along the beach - it does go into Tamarindo that way, we did not go all the way this time, we had on a previous trip and it is great. Taking an Uber into Tamarindo was inexpensive and very convenient. There is much to see there

Quality of Experience
Lost Canyon Waterfalls & Rappelling Adventure
Lost Canyon Waterfalls & Rappelling Adventure
Arenal/La Fortuna

Adventurous and soo much fun! A treat from 10 y/o to 60 y/o

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Self-Guided Snorkeling Day
Self-Guided Snorkeling Day
Tamarindo

We used this as a free day and a couple went to town, 4 went deep sea fishing, and we took a estuary tour on a boat to see monkeys and crocodiles

Self-Guided Visit to the Tamarindo Market
Self-Guided Visit to the Tamarindo Market
Tamarindo

We went to the food truck area and enjoyed different meals before heading out on a nigh walk about. Friendly and safe town for the whole family

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Gustavo Camperos