Personalized trips to Costa Rica
for independent travelers

The trip was amazing. Our drivers, Daniel, Hugo, and Greddy, were all excellent and ensured we were comfortable as we made our way to our destinations. The itinerary created by Kim Kim was perfect and ensured that we were able to experience the beautiful countryside of Costa Rica.

Our family trip to Costa Rica was an incredible experience. We originally planned it for March of 2020. The world shut down a day before we were scheduled to leave. Our travel experiences did not disappoint and more than made up for the fact that we had to put our trip on hold. We are appreciative for Kimkim for honoring our plans and letting us postpone our trip. The itinerary for our replanned 2024 adventure was adapted to the fact that our kids are older and we had many adventures.
The first lodging we stayed at was Las Brisas de Arenal, a family owned hotel that consists of separate lodging buildings. Carlos and his family are kind and we still exchange what’s app messages with him. Our daughter (8 years old) fell in love with their dogs and we all loved the parrot Matilda. The picturesque surroundings are amazing and relaxing. Lounging in the hammock on the patio outside our room overlooking the Arenal volcano puff stream into the air was a wonderful way to siesta in the afternoons. The breakfasts of fresh fruit, coffee with warm milk, eggs and toast sustained us before our adventures daily.
Out first experience was a river float tour on las Peña Blancas. We saw so many animals including sloths, iguanas, toucans, monkeys, piranas, and other beautiful birds.
Other favorites was zip lining above the canopy and soaking in the hot springs. The volcano hike was a bit much in the heat of the afternoon for our kids.

After La Fortuna, we traveled south to Manuel Antonio. La Mariposa hotel was accommodating and we all love the breakfasts and swimming in the infinity pool each day. The view of the ocean, seeing the parrots and monkeys in the trees was like a dream. The surrounding beaches are beautiful. Restaurants are within walking distance. We went in a waterfall daylong adventure that was a family favorite, exploring 5 different waterfalls that included a natural waterslide, and a delicious lunch.
We learned so much information and history about Costa Rica on all of our planned trips. Everyone we met was kind. The culture and people are welcoming and shared so much of their beloved country.

We highly recommend traveling to Costa Rica, planning a trip with KimKim and learning about our world. Our trip expanded our horizons and we will look to take another family adventure in the near future.

Hotel Reviews

Park Inn San Jose by Radisson

San José

The Park inn was a good stop overnight in San Jose before going out the next day back to the US.

Authenticity & Character

The hotel seemed a lot like those in the States and met our needs.

Location

An ideal location with a quick van ride to the airport.

Staff

The staff were kind and accommodating

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms and common sizes are clean and comfortable

La Mariposa Hotel

Manuel Antonio

La Mariposa is within walking distance to many restaurants. We were comfortable in our room and loved the beautiful view of our room overlooking the ocean. The breakfasts were delicious . The staff were kind and accommodating.

Authenticity & Character

La Mariposa has character and charm.

Location

The location is a good spot. There is a shuttle to and from the beach multiple times per day. We had transportation arranged for our day trips which was a good plan.

Staff

The staff were all friendly and accommodating

Cleanliness & Comfort

The grounds and rooms were very clean.

Brisas Arenal

Alajuela Province, La Fortuna

Las Brisas de Arenal feels like our home away from home. A family owned and operated hotel that is surrounded by the beauty of Costa Rica! We would stay there again! Carlos and his family (including dogs) are friendly and made us feel welcome. We were able to relax there in between daily adventure around La Fortuna. We highly recommend Las Brisas.

Authenticity & Character

Family owned and operated. Genuine people centered. Beautiful!

Location

We traveled through the cloud forest to get to Las Brisas. All of our trip was planned with transportation arranged for day trips and the hotel wasn’t too far.

Staff

We really enjoyed getting to know the staff. We formed a connection that we keep to this day through what’s app messages.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our room was cleaned daily. It was comfortable and relaxing. We kept the AC on due to the heat and had no issues.

Activity Reviews

Catamaran Adventure with Meal

Manuel Antonio

The catamaran trip was a chance to be out in the ocean. We didn’t see any dolphins. The crew was friendly. The snorkeling portion was fast and we would have liked more time in the water. The slide in the boat was fun for the kids.

Quality of Experience

More time snorkeling

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Friendly and knowledgeable crew

Transport

Transport via van was efficient, close to our hotel.

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike

Manuel Antonio

The park was crowded given it was Easter week. We had already seen so many animals on our trip. The guided tour was worth it as we met people who visited the park without a guide and had trouble seeing animals.if we were to go again we would go for the beach alone. It was beautiful!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Self-Guided Manuel Antonio Beaches

Manuel Antonio

We ended up relaxing at the hotel, opting for the pool over more adventures to the beaches.

Sky Adventures Zip Lines

Arenal/La Fortuna

This was a family favorite! What an exhilarating experience! The whole excursion was fun and we highly recommended it.

Quality of Experience

We had never been ziplining before. Whizzing above the canopy was so fun.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Everything was fully explained.

Transport

The transport was easy and our ride back was timely.

Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hikes

Arenal/La Fortuna

The rainforest hanging bridges tour was a chance to see poison dart frogs in their natural habitat. We learned about the primitive and secondary forests and the importance of tourism in Costa Rica.

Quality of Experience

A great experience. So much fun and informative

Food

The food provided was delicious

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We learned so much about the history of Costa Rica!

Transport

Smooth and quick

Arenal Volcano Hike & Paradise Hot Springs & Meal

Arenal/La Fortuna

The volcano hike was in the heat of the afternoon and was a bit much for our 8 year old. We learned a lot! Would probably spilt this up as an excursion separate from others if doing it again.

Food

The food at the hot spring was buffet style and we all were very hungry. It was decent.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was knowledgeable

Transport

The van ride was smooth and quick

Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River

Arenal/La Fortuna

We loved the river float. We saw so many animals, sloths, monkeys, iguanas, lizards, fish, and birds. Our kids loved paddling the rafts and even had a chance to take a cold dip in the river. The river float was a perfect first adventure in Costa Rica. It was fun, relaxing, and we learned so much.

Quality of Experience

The experience really was wonderful! Seeing animals in their natural habitat that we would only otherwise see in a zoo was a really great experience.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guides and driver were friendly and knowledgeable. And they truly love what they do!

Transport

The transport was great. The air conditioned van was really nice.

The Serendipity team of Holden, Nancy and Wilman provided excellent advice and support for our trip to Costa Rica, both before and during our three weeks in CR. They were knowledgeable, friendly and always responsive. The Kimkim website made it easy to plan our visit and communicate. We had to make a few changes ‘in real time’; these were done promptly and professionally. Thanks for helping us have a great experience in Costa Rica!

Hotel Reviews

Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport

Alajuela

Very comfortable, clean. Excellent staff. Easy in and out.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Near the airport. A little tricky to find on googlemaps.

Staff

Very helpful and friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Issimo Suites Boutique Hotel & Spa—Adults Only

Manuel Antonio

Very nice hotel. Beautiful views to the ocean.

Authenticity & Character

Layout of hotel restaurant, pool area and our room.

Location

Staff

Randall in the restaurant was great!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Monteverde Lodge & Gardens

Monteverde

Nice room. Pretty grounds with trails. Comfortable restaurant and pool area.

Authenticity & Character

Natural setting with birds and some small mammals.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs

Fortuna

Nice room. Friendly, helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Off the main road. Pretty grounds.

Staff

Very attentive. Helpful during a temporary illness.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Grano de Oro Hotel

San José

Very nice hotel. Excellent staff and restaurant.

Authenticity & Character

Charm

Location

Easy to get to; near other restaurants.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rio Celeste Hideaway Resort

Bijagua

Beautiful room, great hotel staff, excellent food, very nice pool, pretty grounds with hiking trails. Saw a sloth when we arrived and colorful birds every day at breakfast!

Authenticity & Character

Design, rooms, staff, common areas, wildlife on grounds

Location

Lots to do and see. Rio Celeste river.

Staff

Very friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything!

Activity Reviews

Day at Selvatura including Hanging Bridges and Fauna Exhibitions

Costa Rica

Excellent variety of plants and animals. Awesome butterfly area. Very good lunch, too.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Cloud Forest Reserve Privately Guided Hike

Monteverde

Excellent hike with lots to see and learn.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide Andres was great!

Transport

Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Private Hike

Bijagua / Rio Celeste

A strenuous hike of 3+ hours. Go early!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide helped us with trail challenges, shared cultural info., , not much re: flora and fauna.

Transport

Tapir Valley Nature Reserve Night Walk

Bijagua / Rio Celeste

Very cool night hike! Saw tapir and her baby.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ecocentro Danaus Guided Rainforest Walk (without Transportation)

Arenal/La Fortuna

Excellent guide. Interesting place. Rained all morning!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff