Kimkim Trip Reviews

Paula did a great job getting our trip planned, hotel, flights and excursions booked, pick ups to and from the various airports and cities we visited and put together a great itinerary for my son and I to enjoy and get a real feel for what Australia has to offer. Oh yeah - planned and booked our trip in less than 3 weeks. Surfing in Bondi, white water rafting excursion and snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, the shark cage dive in Port Lincoln and Ayer’s Rock were absolutely fabulous!! - It truly was an amazing trip for us. Thank you so much for helping us schedule this very memorable vacation in the land down under!! Good day!!

We are in complete awe of this Sahara wonder. Morocco is a feast for the senses. From the labyrinth of Marrakesh to the marvel of the Sahara and the High Atlas Mountains to the beauty of the coastline of Casablanca. we covered it all. We even enjoyed a break-fast for Ramadan with the most lovely family in Fez. Majid was a pleasure to work with and we really enjoyed our guide Mouad, who is kind, knowledgeable and always eager to help. Thank you for an epic adventure!

Our trip was wonderful. All the locations was eyes pleasing to see, especially Ha Long Bay and Trang An boat ride. All the tour guides were very informative and engaging, especially the tour guide (john) when we went to Mekong delta. All the hotels were very professional and cleanliness, especially Queen Ann hotel in Nha Trang, they gave us a really nice view of the beach on the 25th floor. I aslo appreciated my tour agent, Dat, for check in on us after every tour to see if everything was ok, that was nice of him. We will definitely plan to work with these tour agents again on our next big trip like this in the future, highly recommended.

Hotel Reviews

Queen Ann Nha Trang Hotel

Professional, friendly and cleanliness. Great view of the beach

Authenticity & Character

Near the beach and I was on 25th floor

Location

Beach view with walking distance to the beach and local street food

Staff

All staff were great

Cleanliness & Comfort

Comfy bed

Doria Cruise

Staffs were professional, friendly, informative and cleanliness

Authenticity & Character

Location

The cruise urrounded Ha Long Bay

Staff

Friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

San Premium Hotel

Professional and cleanliness, unfortunately no bath tub in my room since my wife do enjoy taking a bath

Authenticity & Character

Very close to a lot of tourists attractions and have good amount of local street foods

Location

Staff

Friendly and informative, they even let me know that I can leave my bags at the hotel when I checkout to go to Ha Long Bay for 1 night and then come back for it

Cleanliness & Comfort

Calista Sai Gon Hotel

Professional and cleanliness

Authenticity & Character

Breakfast was good with vietnamese food

Location

I like the street view

Staff

Everyone

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bed was comfortable

Activity Reviews

Islands And Snorkeling Tour

Nha Trang

The tour guide was informative, friendly, interactive

Quality of Experience

Food

I like that they place our table facing the beach, the food were ok for the most part

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We enjoy the boat ride to different islands

Lan Ha Bay – Dark & Bright Cave – Disembarking Doria Cruise

Vietnam

The tour guide was informative and friendly

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – Ba Trai Dao/ Tra Bau - Onboarding Doria Cruise

Vietnam

The tour guide was informative and friendly

Quality of Experience

I love that the staffs knew it was our honeymoon, so they place us near the window with the neon honeymoon sign on top, unfortunately it was dinnertime so outside was dark and couldn't see the beautiful view of Ha Long Bay

Food

The dinner was great for the most part

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Friendly

Transport

Day trip to Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu & Trang An & Mua cave)

Vietnam

The tour guide was informative, funny, interactive, engaging. The sightseeing were breathtaking

Quality of Experience

Boat ride and climbing the steps in Ninh Binh

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hanoi Half Day City Tour & Train Street

Hanoi

The tour guide was informative and nteractive

Quality of Experience

Train coffee

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mekong Delta Group Tour (My Tho - Ben Tre) (updated)

Ho Chi Minh City

The tour guide was informative, funny, interactive, engaging, and he sang for us

Quality of Experience

Sightseeing and my tour guide

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

They are friendly, funny, informative

Transport

Private Jeep Tour Saigon by Night: Foodie & City tour

Ho Chi Minh City

The tour guide was funny any interactive with us

Quality of Experience

Food

A lot

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Friendly

Transport

Jeep tour and sightseeing the city

Exploring Ho Chi Minh city Half Day Tour

Ho Chi Minh City

The tour guide was informative and friendly

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The tour guide was great and informative, but he checked his phone several times while taking is sightseeing, we had to stop and look around while he finish up what he was doing on his phone a few times

Transport

The outline of the trip was excellent. We were able to see and do a lot of fun and unique things. I am giving 4 stars due to a lack of attention to detail in certain aspects of the trip plan (e.g. transportation arrangements) and slow response to issues during the trip.

Activity Reviews

Abisko Northern Lights Adventure & Dinner Experience

Kiruna

Stunning location to view the northern lights!

Self-Ride Husky Adventure

Harads

Really enjoyed meeting Kim and his dogs. This was a highlight of the trip!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

New Zealand 2025

Liz did an amazing job of planning our trip to New Zealand.

She worked through all our wants and budgets quickly and was patient with us regarding changes (including some at the very last moment).

Our trip included three cities: Auckland, Tutukaka, and Rotarua. We had drivers for a group of 10 as well. Everything went smoothly and at no time were we in the dark of what to expect or had to wait on anything.

The hotels we stayed in were perfectly suited for our needs and were within walking distance of sights, activities, and restaurants.

Kelly was our driver for our rainforest hike and for our trip to Hobbiton and Rotorua. He was an amazing source of information about the places we were going to and answered all our questions.

Our other driver (to and from Tutukaka) was just as amazing. He chatted and joked with us on the long drive and made it a pleasant experience by stopping for a few breaks Ave suggesting the best place to grab a few pies for a snack.

We went on a snorkel trip while in Tutukaka; the weather was too rough so it was moved to another day. Rescheduling was easy and the travel company reached out and took care of everything for us. The trip was awesome once we were able to go.

We also kayaked at night to see the glow worms. The guide, Sam, was fantastic. One of us had never kayaked before and he was super patient and helpful.

Our last activity was a hike on Mount Tarawera. This was much more than expected from a physical sense. The 3 mile hike took a few hours and had us up a d down and even into the crater. While we would all recommend this, it is not an easy climb. Children and those not used to physical activity should choose something else. Our guides were fantastic and helpful throughout the entire experience.

We also visited Hobbiton, a few beaches, the aquarium, and explored local places off the beaten path. Liz made sure to build in some downtime for us to relax and find our own adventures.

We will be using KimKim again to plan our next vacation!

Joe and the rest of the Ireland Walk Hike Bike team were great and ready to help rejigger things where needed.

Activity Review

Belfast & Giants Causeway Day tour from Dublin

Dublin

Really enjoyed the tour guide’s stories and personal experiences related to the history of N. Ireland. The Black Taxi Tour of Belfast was throughly enjoyable and worth the day trip!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Surprisingly comfortable bus ride. Black Taxis were unique and fun.

Overall we had a good trip but a number of glitches from Kim Kim’s side made it more difficult. For instance, our rental car was in Auckland city center rather than the airport. When we called Monika to complain instead of owning it, she blamed others. We also worked hard to get SIM cards for our phones. Ultimately we were unable to get them. Not sure why. Also Monika seemed unsure of basic questions like are hiking poles available for rent at the Tongriro Crossing. In Monika’s defense she found the answer to those questions quickly and got back to us. Ultimately, we were expecting more.

Hotel Reviews

Naumi Hotel Wellington

6141

One room you could not fully open the bathroom door.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Park Hotel Ruapehu

National Park Village

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Lunch was not ready when it should have been.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Prince's Gate Hotel

Rotorua

Lovely, quaint good location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Tongariro Alpine Crossing - self guided - parking & shuttle to the start point

New Zealand

Challenging hike.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our shuttle driver was great.

Transport

Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hell's Gate

Rotorua

Guide was over the top. We paid for a pass for mud baths which we said we did not want.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Nocturnal Adventure Glow-worm Tour

Rotorua

The guide was great and the home amazing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My husband and I had an amazing honeymoon! Emerson had everything planned perfectly, and we never ran into any issues. Emerson was also very responsive throughout the trip and more than willing to help out when needed. Our tour guides were very kind, knowledgeable, and fun to be around. Thanks to Kimkim we had the honeymoon of our dreams! We’re already looking forward to our next trip coordinated by them. We highly recommend kimkim!!!

I had a great time in Canary Islands. It was my first time using Trip Plan app. I liked it. It allows to plan without surprise. I visited Tenerife first. The accommodation was strategic between the south where are the beaches and the north where is the capital and the natural park. I liked the day at Anaga park with spectacular views and the visit of Santa Cruz. The guide Irma was nice and knowledgeable. There was a small bump with Barranco Del Inferno. I appreciated that you offer a reimbursement right away. Very professional. I liked also the day at Teide volcano.
I really liked the choice of Lanzarote as the second island. I didn't know what to expect. A very pleasant surprise with a different feel from Tenerife. All small white houses. I liked the scenery and the Timanfaya national park especially.
Everything was well planned to the details.
Thank you again

Alain Giguere

Hotel Reviews

Barceló Tenerife

San Miguel de Abona

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Finca Isolina Hotel Boutique - Adults Recommended

Macher, Lanzarote

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Marco is a superstar

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Casona del Patio

Santiago de Teide

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Lanzarote Cruise Day Trip to la Graciosa

Lanzarote

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hiking Route to Adeje and Barranco del Infierno

Spain

Good hike. Unfortunately i was supposed to meet a guide which i never saw. I could still do the trek on my own and it was well appreciated I was reimbursed right away and i thought it was really professional

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

never saw him

Guided Visit through the Historic Streets of Santa Cruz

Spain

Irma was a great guide, dynamic and knowledgeable

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Outstanding experience working with Erin and Nara to plan an extended several week trip to Patagonia - Chile and Argentina.
The Kim Kim team offered exceptional communication and responsiveness in addition to detailed local knowledge regarding travel destinations and experience excursions.
They offered several suggestions that aligned with the interests that we expressed.
All details regarding numerous location transfers, local guide service and transportation were very well planned by Erin and Nara.
Great recommendations for local things to do at each stop along with great restaurant suggestions.
Very responsive support for questions that we had while in Patagonia on travel.
Overall, a great travel experience thanks to the efforts of the Kim Kim team we worked with.

Great trip! Well organized by KimKim, especially the guides who were all knowledgeable, friendly and spoke English, which was very helpful. The Perido Merino glacier was especially memorable.

Hotel Review

Hosteria Senderos

El Chalten

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Perito Moreno Boat & Walking Tour

El Calafate

Loved NZ - we had three targets for our trip; scenery, Māori culture and wine. Liz did a wonderful job balancing a lot of different options for us. We started thinking of a long Aus-NZ trip and she worked with us to trim it to a realistic timeframe. We only had a couple of true guided tours - in Rotorua the Kahukiwi afternoon with Patrick was eye-opening about current Māori life, visiting his tribe’s marae and taking time to understand the great significance of the marae to the culture. And then Paul with Appellation Wine Tours gave a great tour of Central Otago wineries. Lastly, Liz suggested Doubtful Sound for our Fiordland tour, instead of the much more heavily touristed Milford Sound. We did the overnight tour with kayaking and swimming in the Sound. We also managed to see albatross and fur seals. So, overall, great time!

Hotel Reviews

Sudima Auckland Airport

Auckland

Convenient, clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Rees Hotel

Queenstown

Can I give this six stars? Location is just OK, needed shuttle or car to get to town, but the view over Lake Wakatipu was gorgeous. Restaurant is extremely small, breakfast was hit-and-miss to get a table. Staff were wonderful, room was incredibly comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Distinction Te Anau Hotel And Villas

Te Anau

Great location on Lake Te Anau. Comfortable large room (we were in the villas), good amenities. Very close to the Main Street (restaurants and shopping), wonderful view out onto the lake.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rydges Wellington

Wellington

Comfortable hotel. Was a bit swamped with tour groups. No on-site parking, valet only (@NZ$45/ night). Short walk to the waterfront and cable car.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Park Hotel Ruapehu

National Park Village

Not much choice for this location. Room was small, bathroom was smaller! Dinner was wonderful

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sudima Lake Rotorua

Rotorua

Close to the lake (with the accompanying sulfur smell), a little bit of a long walk to town.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

M Social

Auckland

Very convenient, friendly staff, great food.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to ferries and CBD

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Boutique Wine Tour - Half Day

Queenstown (NZ)

Good small group. Paul (guide) was a wealth of knowledge about the wine business in NZ. Good selection of wineries. Would have liked to see more of the wine making process.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Navigator Overnight Cruise Return ex Manapouri -2Day/1Night - Private Cabin

New Zealand

We were extremely lucky with the weather, calm waters even out into the Tasman Sea. Opportunity for kayaking and swimming. Managed to see the fur seals, wrong time of year for penguins, and no sign of dolphins.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Te Anau Glowworm Caves - ex Te Anau

New Zealand

Unique glow worm life

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Introducing Te Papa Tour and Museum visit

Wellington

Good overview of the Museum, allowed for long follow-up once the tour was over.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Half Day Kahukiwi Experience

Rotorua

An in-depth look at current Māori life and culture. Patrick was our guide to his family/tribe, including a visit to his marae. Sometimes was a bit tough to hear about the darker side of Māori history.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

TE Puia: Te Ra Guided Experience 90 minutes) + Cultural Performance

New Zealand

Good mix of Māori culture and history.

Quality of Experience

While planning our trip, Katsu was wonderful. Very thorough and responsive. It seemed a bit expensive but with all his planning and ideas, we assumed it was going to be well worth it.
The ryokan he arranged for us in Hakone was run down but in a great location. He said it was one of he best in the all of Japan. Not true! Katsu did not tell us we would not have a private shower. The food at the ryokan was almost inedible. Katsu had said that he arranged for the hotel manager to take very good care of us. The man he named we never met.
The most disappointing part of the trip, however, was the private guided tour in Hiroshima. While Sanae was kind, she was also quite shy, had limited English and unfortunately, not very effective in her role. On the way to the garden, she did not explain anything about what we were seeing from the cab window. Once we arrived at the garden, she had no clear plan and simply followed us without being able to answer our questions. This could have been due to a language barrier, but it raises the question of why we were assigned a guide who wasn't fluent in English.
Our experience was similar on the bus ride to the museum. She remained silent and again did not know the answers to questions we asked as to what we were seeing from the window. When we arrived, she told us that talking was not allowed inside the museum, so she would wait for us at the exit. This left us wondering why she was with us in the first place if she wasn't able to guide us.
Afterward, we decided to continue exploring the park on our own and let her go home. We didn’t need her to accompany us further. She was supposed to accompany us to Miyajima the next day which we paid handsomely for but after the frustrating experience in Hiroshima we chose to do this on our own. We knew she would be unprepared for each site, nor be able to provide explanations. Our other guides we personally hired in Japan, didn’t just cover what we were seeing—they also connected it to Japanese culture, enriching our experience along the way. This is what we had come to expect and assumed, from what Katsu had said, would continue in Hiroshima.
Upon our return to the states, we explained all of this to Katsu and asked for a refund of the private tour of Hiroshima. His solution was to offer us another private tour when we return to Japan. It is very unlikely that I will return to Japan and if I did I would never use his services. Additionally, I will not recommend him or his company Next Japan Travel.

Othman was extremely responsive to any and all questions. The excursions were planned well and timed out really nicely. We had plenty of time to explore but plenty of time to do some relaxing too.

March 2025: Just returned from a 8 night trip to Japan with my husband and 20 year old son. It was FABULOUSly well planned by Leny! Her recommendations were spot on with our pre-trip discussions and expectations. Our hotels in Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto were lovely, in great locations and included a fantastic breakfast. Our private guides all spoke great English and were a delight to spend a few hours each day exploring local sights. Our transfers and daily reminders were flawless.

Trip Highlights:
Tokyo Tsukiji and Asakusa with Michiko
Tokyo Food Tour with Clara
Hakone Tour with Masa
Kyoto Arashiyama with Hiro
Koyto Dinner with a Maiko in Gion district with Josh
Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Shrine & Nishiki Market with Hiro
Nara with Yasuhisa

Plum blossoms were in bloom and beautiful :)

I highly recommend booking with kimkim!

Hotel Reviews

Mitsui Garden Hotel Roppongi Tokyo Premier

Tokyo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Blossom Kyoto

Kyoto

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Matsuzakaya Honten

Kanagawa

Destination experience of it's own!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel

Tokyo

Great location!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Nara Tour From Kyoto with English Speaking Guide (Private)

Japan

Yasu was an expert local guide and a pleasure to spend the day with!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Sushi Making Experience: Craft Authentic Sushi

Kyoto

Unique experience!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half-Day Kyoto Tour with English-Speaking Guide (Private)

Kyoto

Hiro was fantastic!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tea Ceremony in Kyoto (Private)

Kyoto

Unique experience!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hidden charms of Arashiyama

Kyoto

Hiro was great!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dinner with Maiko in a Traditional Kyoto Style Restaurant Tour (Small Group)

Kyoto

Josh was great! The dinner with Maiko was an amazing, unique experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Relaxing Evening: Private Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner

Hakone

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tokyo to Hakone Private Transfer: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Tour with English-Speaking Driver

Japan

Masa is a great driver and guide!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Best Of Shibuya Food Private Tour - Evening

Tokyo

Clara is a great guide!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half-Day Tokyo Tour with English-Speaking Guide

Tokyo

Michiko was a great local guide and knows how to get around the city with ease.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a fantastic time in Indonesia. Special thanks to Yuqqa. Everything went smoothly. In Medan we had Joel to guide us and the time in the jungle was amazing in Bukit Lewang. Ronie our expert guide in the jungle helped us to see Orangatans and Tomas monkeys. He also found giant ants for us and they were amazing and BIG!! In Bali our driver Roosna was great. Our VW buggy driver Dan was also great and we had a great exploration of Bali and even visited a family owned coffee plantation and drank Luak coffee and it was good. Our whole 31 day trip of Asia was fantastic and specifically Indonesia was a memory I will never forget. We even got a Balinese massage which made me sore for days. It was great.

Paula was absolutely amazing! She listened to understand my likes and to identify the activities that I would most enjoy.

Her knowledge and experience helped me plan an amazing trip.

Hotel Reviews

Desert Garden Hotel

Uluru

The Desert Garden Hotel in Uluru was fine overall, but my experience was marred by the check-in situation. While we knew check-in time was at 3 PM and we arrived mid-morning, other travel groups were prioritized and able to check-in early. This felt a bit unfair, although the accommodation itself met our expectations.

Laneways by Ovolo

Melbourne

The Laneways by Ovolo in Melbourne was a standout accommodation during my trip. The boutique style of the hotel was fabulous, and the staff went above and beyond by providing helpful directions and recommendations, not only to me but to other guests as well. It was a unique and memorable stay.

Peppers Bluewater Resort

Lake Tekapo

Peppers Bluewater Resort offered great views and was a very nice place to stay.

Sudima Auckland City

Auckland

I loved my stay at the Sudima Auckland City hotel. The hotel had a unique setup that I really enjoyed. It was a memorable experience, with no negatives to report.

Activity Reviews

Full Day Milford Sound - Coach/Cruise/Fly - Ex Queenstown

Queenstown (NZ)

The Full Day Milford Sound tour was truly amazing. The combination of traveling by passenger van, then cruising, and finally flying back offered spectacular views. I highly recommend opting for the flight return—it's very worth it.

Morning Lanes and Arcades Tour - Shared tour

Melbourne

The Morning Lanes and Arcades Tour in Melbourne was a lot of fun. I especially enjoyed the chocolatier visit and the morning tea stop.

Full-Day Great Ocean Road Trip

Melbourne

The Full-Day Great Ocean Road Trip was really good. I enjoyed the scenic views throughout the trip.

Daintree Rainforest Full Day Adventure by 4WD

Cairns

The Daintree Rainforest Full Day Adventure felt a bit too long for the amount of wildlife and sights we experienced. It involved a lot of travel, and while the lunch was a highlight, the day overall did not meet my expectations.

Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef (from Wharf)

Cairns

The Full-Day Outer Great Barrier Reef experience was fantastic. We thoroughly enjoyed the day spent exploring the reef.

A Night at Field of Light

Uluru

The Night at Field of Light in Uluru was fantastic. The combination of the desert dinner, the Field of Light display, and the stargazing experience made for a memorable evening. The guide was both informative and entertaining, enhancing the overall experience.

Glacier Boat Trip

New Zealand

The Glacier Boat Trip near Mt Cook was a bit of a letdown. Although the drive and views were beautiful, the trip itself didn't stand out compared to other Glacier tours I've done. I would suggest either combining this activity with something else in the area to make the travel time worth it or choosing another activity altogether.

Full Day High-Country Farm Tour & Arthurs Pass National Park

Christchurch

The Full Day High-Country Farm Tour & Arthurs Pass National Park with Canterbury Trails in Christchurch was outstanding. The host did a fantastic job sharing insights about the farm operation, culture, and business expansion plans, making it an informative yet entertaining experience. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting.

The Kimkim planned an amazing and affordable Costa Rican getaway to La Fortuna. Every detail was arranged from outings to transportation and went off without a hitch. Will definitely use Kimkim for future trips.

Our trip to Costa Rica was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, stunning views, and an incredible team that made every moment special. From the moment we arrived, the natural beauty of the country swept us away, and it felt like we were in another world.

Our hotel, perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offered some of the most breathtaking views imaginable. Each morning, we woke up to the sound of the ocean waves crashing below, and the sun casting golden hues over the water. It felt like paradise, as we enjoyed meals on the terrace, watching the colors change as the day unfolded. It was truly an oasis that allowed us to feel connected to the land in a way we never have before.

One of the highlights of our adventure was our guide, Diego. It was clear from the start that he was not just a guide, but someone who had a deep, almost spiritual connection to the land. Diego was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge, always pointing out things we would have never noticed on our own – from the smallest hummingbird to hidden sloths high up in the trees. He explained the delicate balance of Costa Rica's ecosystem and the importance of conservation, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the land.

Our driver, Alex, was a joy to travel with. He was not just a driver, but a passionate ambassador for Costa Rica, eager to share his love for his country. As we drove through the lush landscapes, Alex shared stories of the country’s history, culture, and customs. His pride for Costa Rica was contagious, and we felt so fortunate to have someone so personable and knowledgeable guiding us along the way.

We also had the pleasure of traveling with Oscar, our driver for one of the longer rides. Despite the long hours, Oscar kept us entertained and laughing with his witty humor and charming personality. He had a way of making even the most grueling five-hour journey feel like a fun adventure, keeping us in high spirits the entire way.

And then there was Elena, the mastermind behind our entire trip. She was nothing short of amazing. Elena meticulously planned every detail, ensuring that our trip was seamless and stress-free. When I fell ill before our first planned trip and had to postpone, she didn’t hesitate to reschedule everything for us without a second thought. She worked tirelessly to accommodate us, even adjusting our itinerary with Serendipity after we arrived exhausted, so that we could rest and fully enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica. Elena’s attention to detail and unwavering dedication made this trip unforgettable.

Between the wildlife encounters—like seeing monkeys swinging through the trees, iguanas basking in the sun, and the incredible birdlife—and the stunning vistas, this was a trip that will live in our hearts forever. Costa Rica’s beauty, combined with the genuine warmth and hospitality of the team, made it an experience that we will treasure for a lifetime. We left feeling inspired, grateful, and with a newfound love for this beautiful country.

Hotel Reviews

Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience

San Carlos, Alajuela

Gorgeous and surrounded by nature. However, if paying to stay at hotel, I don't think we should have to deal with busses full of day pass people using the facilities we are paying for- the crowds were very disappointing and would not have been a thing if the hotel just focused on its guests rather than allowing bus after bus to bring hundreds of people to use the hot springs that should be for hotel guests only. sadly we only got in the springs once due to the crowds

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Costa Verde

Manuel Antonio

The views were spectacular! Like nothing we have experienced. One worker, Oscar, was the only negative and reason for only 4 stars. He failed to tell us that we needed $300 cash to book the excursion, so we scheduled it but when we went to pay, he said it had to be cash. We had our credit card info stolen in La Fortuna so we had used almost all of our cash and could not pay this in cash. He was incredibly rude to use and wouldn't stop telling us that now the guide would have to pay out of pocket because of us. We paid a fortune for this trip so we obviously have no problem paying for our experiences, but this was not explained to us and sadly our last day, he continued to harass us about this even after we added a day because we did not want to leave this beautiful paradise.

Authenticity & Character

unique

Location

breathtaking views

Staff

everyone was wonderful except oscar at front desk, rude as explained above

Cleanliness & Comfort

perfection

Activity Reviews

Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Arenal Volcano

Arenal/La Fortuna

Most breathtaking views, guide, Diego was incredible and taught us so much

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Diego was one with nature- he taught us so much.

Transport

Alex is a doll

Catamaran Tour with Meal

Costa Rica

lovely views/fun vibe

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Stephen was incredible

Transport

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike

Manuel Antonio

Beautiful- had hoped to see more wildlife

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

oscar was the best driver! we hated to even say goodbye to him. loved him!

Transport

oscar was the best! we hated to even say goodbye to him. loved him!

Clemens planned a beautiful tour of Germany for our family. We spent 8 days traveling between Munich, Nuremberg, Frankfort and Berlin. Our favorite tours were the castle tours with Pedro, the food tour of Berlin with Alex and the Nuremberg tour with Kurt. All of the guides were very knowledgeable and the country that we saw is beautiful!
The only thing that I would change with the time we had was to reduce the number of cities by one. It was a lot to be hopping on a train every day or every other day. But, otherwise, great trip!