Costa Rica September 2026
Costa Rica | Aug 29 - Sep 4, 2026

L
Lisa R.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026

We had a fabulous trip to Costa Rica all thanks to Bryan, who planned it, and the local Costa Rican team with Serendipty Adventures led by Adrian, who helped make it happen. The trip was so unique and a special way to celebrate our anniversary. We went to Tortuguero, La Fortuna, and the cloud forest. Adrian, who was in regular contact with us, seamlessly pivoted behind the scenes to change the itinerary when flooding affected the coast. Our driver Alex was a wonderful guide throughout the trip and taught us about local history, agriculture, flora and fauna. He had an eye for the camouflaged sloths and numerous birds. He added special touches by stopping to purchase traditional snacks.

All of our guides were exceptional in their kindnesss, thoughtfulness and knowledge.
Ricardo knew just where to find two-toed and three-toed sloths and taught us about their uniqueness.
We went bird watching with David, who carefully traversed the muddy forest to find a variety of beautiful birds.
Uber gave us a tour of his family's organic farm where we learned the Spanish names for all of the roots and herbs and pressed sugar cane for juice. His mother guided us in cooking a delicious traditional meal, and his father made a special chocolate heart for our anniversary! Finally, Luis took us on a river trip in Tortuguero where he found monkeys, iguana, sloths, and numerous birds.

This was a one-of-a-kind trip arranged and executed by a talented team where we met some of the nicest and knowledgeable people who really took pride in sharing their country with us.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Presidente
San José

The hotel is beautiful, rife with local plants.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It is centrally located in San Jose.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Manatus Hotel
Tortuguero

This is a beautiful hotel right on the river. We loved seeing the monkeys swinging from the trees!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lomas del Volcán
Fortuna

This hotel is really a resort at the base of the volcano. It is a gorgeous property with a large heated pool, heated jacuzzi, and cold pool. The rooms are individual cabins that are truly luxurious. The breakfast buffet is the best we had with delicious local fruits, all kinds of breads and pastries, an omelet station and waffle iron with fresh juices and coffee. They gave me gluten free bread and delicious gluten free pancakes, which was an extra special treat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The location near the volcano and numerous parks for walking, ziplining, horseback riding, and sloth seeing is ideal.
Staff
The staff was very helpful and attentive to our needs.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Guided Boat Excursion Through the Tortuguero Canals
Guided Boat Excursion Through the Tortuguero Canals
Tortuguero

Ricardo was very knowledgeable about the animals and astute at finding monkeys, sloths, iguanas and birds.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private: Birdwatching in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park
Private: Birdwatching in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park
Arenal/La Fortuna

We arrived at 5:30 in the morning for a private tour led by David. He deftly brought us through the park, a virtual forest, and found numerous birds that we had never seen. He was very kind to take stunning pictures through his binoculars to keep for memories.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our drive Alex was always prompt and happy to see us.
EcoTermales Hot Springs & Meal
EcoTermales Hot Springs & Meal
Costa Rica

The springs were beautiful and delightful after a long day of travel.

Quality of Experience
Food
The buffet had a wide variety of food, but most was pretty bland.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
Private Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

This walk was very exciting as we got to see several two-toed and three-toed sloths.

Quality of Experience
The guide Ricardo was very knowledgeable and taught us about the sloths lifecycle, digestive system, and habits.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Organic Cooking Class
Private Organic Cooking Class
Arenal/La Fortuna

The walk through the farm led by Uber was thoroughly enjoyable as he picked several roots and had us figure out what they were by feel and taste and then taught us their Spanish names. We then pressed sugar by hand and drank the juice. Later we went to his family's home, where his mother guided us in making tortillas and a traditional meal. We were touched at the end of the meal when they gave us a chocolate heart made from their own cocoa beans for our anniversary.

Quality of Experience
Food
The food we prepared was the best Costa Rican meal we had during the trip.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Uber and his family were so welcoming and informative.
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Sep 07, 2026

Hola Lisa,

Wow! thank you for sharing this! I'm so happy you had such a special anniversary trip.
I'll be sure to share your kind words with Adrian, Alex, Ricardo, David, Uber, Luis, and the whole team. They'll be so glad to know they made your experience unforgettable.

We'd love to see you again in Costa Rica!🐦
Pura Vida!
Bryan