Profile photo for Bryan Leon
20232 messages
active 10 mins ago

Bryan Leon

Growing up in a coffee plantation area near San Jose, Costa Rica's vibrant capital, I was fortunate to have parents who instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for nature. As a certified eco-tourism guide with extensive travel experience throughout my country, I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge and expertise with others.

Whether you're interested in birdwatching, wildlife spotting, or simply immersing yourself in the stunning beauty of Costa Rica's forests, I can help you create an unforgettable itinerary that meets your interests and needs.

For me, hiking through the forest is not only a thrilling adventure but also a form of therapy that helps me connect with the natural world.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"As a specialist in naturalist tours throughout Costa Rica's diverse forests, I'm passionate about sharing the country's unique beauty and biodiversity with visitors. Whether you're interested in cultural immersion or thrilling adventures, I can design a customized itinerary that meets your needs and interests.

With my in-depth knowledge of Costa Rica's rich culture and history, I can recommend hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that will allow you to experience the authentic essence of this incredible country. Whether you're traveling as a couple, a family, or a work team, I can create a personalized adventure that will create lasting memories.

Having lived on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, I have extensive experience with local activities and can guide you to the best spots for surfing, snorkeling, hiking, and more. Let me help you discover the magic of Costa Rica!"

How did you get involved in travel?

"From a young age, I developed a deep passion for travel, immersing myself in various activities during my school vacations. Whether it was hiking through breathtaking landscapes, exploring on horseback, or indulging in refreshing swims in rivers, my love for adventure and exploration blossomed. As I completed high school, I knew that I wanted to turn this passion into a meaningful career in the field of tourism. It was during my studies, where I delved into courses centered around biodiversity and culture, that my fascination with the interconnectedness of these aspects grew even stronger.
"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One of my most unforgettable experiences occurred while working in Tortuguero, a small village located in the North Caribbean of the country. During one of my daily tours, I spotted a jaguar basking in the sun on a huge stone. Witnessing this wild cat in its natural habitat was an awe-inspiring moment that will forever remain etched in my memory.
"

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Favorite experiences

Corcovado National Park Hike from San Pedrillo Ranger Station

Embark on a thrilling adventure starting at Agujitas Beach on Drake Bay, where you'll explore the remote Corcovado National Park by boat and foot. After a 30-minute boat trip to the San Pedrillo Ranger Station, enjoy guided hiking through the park's rainforest and along its pristine coastline,...

Birdwatching in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Embark on an early morning birdwatching adventure in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a popular birding destination in Costa Rica. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, spot various species, including the resplendent quetzal, highland tinamou, and Chiriqui quail-dove. Don't miss the chance to...

Río Pacuare Whitewater Rafting

Located along Costa Rica's Caribbean slope near Turrialba is a deep gorge considered one of the best river-rafting sites in the world. The Río Pacuare runs 67 miles (107 km) from the Talamanca Mountains to the Caribbean in the southwest of the country. Along the way, it passes through some of the...

Snorkeling or Scuba Diving at Isla del Caño

Board a 30-foot Island Hopper for a scuba diving excursion in the Caño Island Biological Reserve. Dive into the waters surrounding Isla del Caño and explore the abundant marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and various fish species.  

Recent trip reviews for Bryan

Great Intro to Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Jan 25 - Feb 1, 2025

E
elisabeth c.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 08, 2025
This was a great way for us to get a feel for Costa Rica and an understanding of the available options for further travel. All of our tour guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic and their experience and sighting skills made a huge difference to how much we were able to see. Read more

This was a great way for us to get a feel for Costa Rica and an understanding of the available options for further travel. All of our tour guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic and their experience and sighting skills made a huge difference to how much we were able to see.

Hotel Reviews
Tenorio Lodge
Bijagua de Upala

Tenorio Lodge was my favorite of our 3 hotels. Small, owner operated and lovingly maintained it had an astonishing array of birds, from Toucans to Baltimore Orioles, coming in to enjoy daily feedings of bananas. Also sported a pair of resident sloths, and a tapir trail through the grounds. We stayed in Cabin #6 which was airy, comfortable and very private. Breakfast was excellent, if we went back we would probably go into Bijagua for dinner--we had a very tasty lunch at El Barrigon.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde

Very attractive hotel with comfortable and stylish room. The grounds right around the hotel were beautifully landscaped but we saw only an occasional hummingbird on the grounds. The trails were not very inviting--poorly marked, and the loop we followed wound along the service side of some of the buildings. The food was excellent, albeit expensive. Staff was helpful and efficient, but felt quite corporate compared to Tenorio Lodge where it felt like a family operation.

Bahia del Sol Hotel
Guanacaste

This hotel had a stunning location right on the beach, and beautifully landscaped grounds-- I found it odd that we didn't see any pollinators on the many tropical blossoms. The reception staff was very helpful. Our standard room was a let down from our first 2 hotels--primarily because it had no windows. The room itself was comfortable and stylish. We liked being able to walk around the town of Potrero Beach and had a couple of nice meals at the Shack and La Forketta.

Activity Reviews
Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Private Hike
Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Private Hike
Bijagua / Rio Celeste

It was raining, and the only trail open in the park was the waterfall walk, but our guide gave us a great tour. He spotted several snakes, I tasted a termite, we made it to the waterfall and back. Our driver was extremely attentive to wildlife along the road to the park and stopped so we could get a good look at howler monkeys and a king vulture. The fruit snack at the end of the hike was delicious, and we were delighted when the driver and guide accepted our invitation to lunch on the way back to the lodge.

Day at Selvatura including Hanging Bridges and Fauna Exhibitions
Day at Selvatura including Hanging Bridges and Fauna Exhibitions
Costa Rica

The hanging bridges walk was a chance to experience the grandeur of the canopy. I enjoyed simply breathing in the surroundings, but we would have understood what we were seeing much better with a guide. I would skip the sloth and reptile displays. The butterfly garden was worth a visit--we had a particularly good guide for the Fauna exhibits who had a special interest in insects. The next day we booked a last minute tour at the Monteverde Biological reserve, which I highly recommend. It was a nice complement to the canopy walk at Selvatura.

Palo Verde National Park Safari Cruise with Lunch
Palo Verde National Park Safari Cruise with Lunch
Costa Rica

This is remote--we enjoyed seeing the countryside, but it was a long time in the car. The boat tour itself was excellent, and the captain was very skilled at spotting wildlife and maneuvering the boat in close for a good look. It was in our favor that it was low tide and there was a breeze. The lunch and stops at a community center with a craft stand run by single moms as well as a stop to see traditional pottery were both quite interesting and a nice change from many of the souvenir shops with made in China goods.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 08, 2025

Hola Elisabeth!

Thank you so much for your kind words!

We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience and that our guides helped you get a true feel for Costa Rica. Their passion and expertise really do make all the difference, and we’re glad it enhanced your trip.

We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!

Pura Vida! Bryan

Great introduction to CR
Costa Rica | Jan 25 - Feb 1, 2025

R
Richard C.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Feb 04, 2025

All the individual guides and drivers were very good, especially those on the Rio Celeste hike, they were very thoughtful in dealing with the rainy weather. The accommodations were each very different, Tenorio Lodge had exceptional wildlife and birds.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 04, 2025

Hi Richard,

Thank you for your kind words! I'm so glad to hear that you had a great experience with the guides and drivers, especially on the Río Celeste hike. It’s wonderful that they helped make the experience enjoyable despite the rainy weather. Tenorio Lodge is indeed a special place for wildlife and birdwatching—I’m happy you got to experience that!

Wishing you many more amazing adventures ahead. Let me know if I can assist you in the future!

Pura Vida,
Bryan

Enjoyable trip to Costa Rica!
Costa Rica | Jan 21 - Jan 31, 2025

Judy
Judy J.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Feb 02, 2025
Overall our trip to Costa Rica arranged by KimKim (Serendipity Travel) was great!. The hotels were located in good locations and were comfortable. The staff were friendly For the most part, the local tours were fantastic! The guides were friendly and knowledgeable and truly loved their job and country! We saw sloths, howler, spider and capuchin monkeys as well as Macaws, and even one Toucan!! Read more

Overall our trip to Costa Rica arranged by KimKim (Serendipity Travel) was great!. The hotels were located in good locations and were comfortable. The staff were friendly

For the most part, the local tours were fantastic! The guides were friendly and knowledgeable and truly loved their job and country! We saw sloths, howler, spider and capuchin monkeys as well as Macaws, and even one Toucan!!

Hotel Reviews
Hacienda La Esperanza, Boutique Coffee Farm House
Cartago

One of our favorite places so far in Costa Rica. The house was beautiful, with art relating to the area and with a beautiful garden with many fruits, herbs, and local plants. The staff were friendly and cooked amazing meals for us! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend spending as long as you can here!

Authenticity & Character
The hotel was over 100 years old and filled with local art and history!
Location
The hacienda was located on a slight hill close to the town of Aquaires in a large garden setting.
Staff
The staff was lovely and cooked amazing meals!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
We stayed in the Coyote room with has a double bed (I swear it wasn't a queen), as well as another bedroom with three single beds. The bathroom was large and the shower was good!
La Mariposa Hotel
Manuel Antonio

We had a large room overlooking the Pacific. Unfortunately it was located right next to one of the bars that played music all day, but luckily went quiet by 6:00 pm. Since we were on the west side of the hotel, mornings were enjoyable sitting on our private patio, but by later in the day, it was way too hot to be outside. Breakfast buffet was good, nothing outstanding. The staff was friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
It's a fairly modern hotel with not a lot of character, but that's not necessarily a bad thing in this case, since the view was outstanding.
Location
The view over the Pacific was amazing. Fairly quiet neighborhood.
Staff
Not really.
Cleanliness & Comfort
While there was a loveseat in the room one could sit on, there were no end tables where you could put your drink. The window shade on the largest window overlooking the bar could not be closed (it appeared to be broken with no chain with which to raise or lower the shade). You could see the bar tenders/guests at the bar, so we always felt we had to be mindful of walking too close to the window that we needed to be dressed.
Hyatt Place San Jose/Pinares
San Jose

We only spent one night here on our way from the airport out of town. It was fine, nothing outstanding.

Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna

Nice bungalow in a resort 8 km or so from the main town. We had a premium room which included a jacuzzi tub (which was awkward to use when taking a shower) and a large patio with rocking chairs and hammock! It was quiet and private even though we shared a wall with one other unit.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful setting with bungalows scattered throughout the property so you always felt you had your own space.
Location
Far enough from town and the main road that it was quiet and very relaxing.
Staff
The cleaning staff came by our room twice a day!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed was comfortable and the room very clean.
Activity Reviews
Aquiares Coffee & Community Experience
Aquiares Coffee & Community Experience
Turrialba

We had a very informative tour of the coffee plantation and the process from planting to roasting the beans! Manuel was our guide and he did a great job explaining why their coffee is so good!!

Rain_Maker Night Tour with Traditional Dinner
Rain_Maker Night Tour with Traditional Dinner
Manuel Antonio

I'm not sure if we were expecting too much from this tour or it just wasn't the right one for us. I think it didn't help that they were late picking us up, the 12 passenger van was full and it took 45 minutes to get to the actual tour location. The "traditional dinner" consisted of rice, beans and meat so overcooked it was impossible to eat. Our guide was knowledgeable, but really into frogs... we saw a lot of frogs.

Food
Get a better cook!
Archaeological Tour of Guayabo National Monument
Archaeological Tour of Guayabo National Monument
Turrialba

Our guide was informative, but unfortunately it poured the entire time we were there which made it difficult to see the site fully.

Private: Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Private: Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

We had a fantastic guide, Bernardo, who could spot a monkey high up in the treetops! He was great at answering our many questions about the area and wildlife. We were fortunate to see not only Capuchin but also howler and spider monkeys.

Quality of Experience
The hanging bridges were a not to be missed experience!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Bernardo was outstanding. Personable and very knowledgeable about the park and wildlife.
Río Peñas Blancas Safari Float
Río Peñas Blancas Safari Float
Arenal/La Fortuna

Floating down a river in Costa Rica is a not to be missed experience! We had an excellent guide, Chris, and another couple in our raft who were fun to talk with. While we did float downriver a bit, there was also quite a bit of paddling to be done. Th raft was ok the first hour, but by the end of the second, we were all sore and anxious to get off the raft.

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio

This is a fantastic tour IF you have a guide! It makes the whole experience so worthwhile if you have someone who can not only find the wildlife you've come so far to see, but also the history of the park. Our guide was another gem who could spot wildlife and zero in on them with his telescope! We got some fantastic pictures of sloths and one Toucan!

EcoTermales Hot Springs Experience with Buffet Meal
EcoTermales Hot Springs Experience with Buffet Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna

There were several large hot spring pools cascading down a hillside with smaller, warmer pools scattered around. The dinner buffet was pretty good.

Local Flavors Cooking Experience
Local Flavors Cooking Experience
Manuel Antonio

Fun experience on the tour owners farm. There were only 4 of us on this tour so everyone got the chance to dice the veggies and stir the pots! Delicious food and we were given the recipes at the end!! It was fun to get out of town and see some of the countryside.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 04, 2025

Hola Judy!

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you had a great trip and enjoyed the hotels, tours, and amazing wildlife encounters. It’s wonderful that you got to see such a variety of animals—especially the toucan! 😊

I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, and if you ever decide to visit Costa Rica again, I’d be happy to help!

Pura Vida!
Bryan

Our first Costa Rica Trip
Costa Rica | Jan 22 - Jan 30, 2025

J
Junghee P.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jan 31, 2025
Our family of four adults chose Serendipity for our first trip to Costa Rica, and it exceeded our expectations. The trip was well-organized, with a nice mix of activities that perfectly matched our interests. We especially loved our stay at Royal Corin in La Fortuna. Some of the highlights included the scenic float trip in Arenal, hiking in Arenal and Manuel Antonio, and the fascinating coffee and chocolate tour. Everything was thoughtfully paced and seamlessly planned. We highly recommend... Read more

Our family of four adults chose Serendipity for our first trip to Costa Rica, and it exceeded our expectations. The trip was well-organized, with a nice mix of activities that perfectly matched our interests. We especially loved our stay at Royal Corin in La Fortuna. Some of the highlights included the scenic float trip in Arenal, hiking in Arenal and Manuel Antonio, and the fascinating coffee and chocolate tour. Everything was thoughtfully paced and seamlessly planned. We highly recommend Serendipity for an unforgettable Costa Rica adventure!

Hotel Reviews
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only
Fortuna

We loved staying here. The staff were attentive and the thermal hot springs were beautiful. Breakfast had some gluten-free options.

Authenticity & Character
Thermal hot springs were beautiful and enjoyable.
Location
Staff
Very attentive and helpful staff,
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ecotica
Manuel Antonio

The hotel was not close to the beach but was conveniently located near many restaurants and shops. The hotel grounds attracted birds and monkeys, making for some very entertaining wildlife watching. Manuel Antonio and the beach were just a short drive away. Breakfast was made-to-order, which often took 20-30 minutes after ordering our food, so we had to plan accordingly.

Authenticity & Character
Our room was spacious and beautifully decorated. It had no views though.
Location
Not too far from the town and had many restaurant choices closeby. Monkeys and exotic birds visited every evening and watching them was lots of fun.
Staff
The staff was very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Monteverde

The views from the room was amazing and we enjoyed the trails on the hotel grounds. However, the overall amenities of the hotel (like breakfast) was just average (when compared to other places that we have stayed).

Authenticity & Character
Our room had a nice view of the mountains.
Location
The hotel sat on a forested mountain slope and had hiking trails on the premises. Some rooms were located extremely high on the mountain and required a shuttle. While the location afforded beautiful views, people with mobility issues could find this hotel challenging.
Staff
The staff were friendly and were happy to engage in spanish language conversations with a non-native speaker.
Cleanliness & Comfort
At night, an upstairs banging noise (caused by a door or window perhaps?) during a windstorm was very noisy and it disturbed our sleep. The quality of breakfast food was average, when compared to other similar hotels worldwide.
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 01, 2025

Hola Junghee,

Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted that your first trip to Costa Rica with Serendipity exceeded your expectations. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the perfect mix of activities and had great stays at your hotels. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure!

Pura Vida!
Bryan

Tree top walk was extremely difficult for som...
Costa Rica | Jan 14 - Jan 19, 2025

H
Harry Z.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 20, 2025
Tree top walk was extremely difficult for someone our age especially with the heavy rain and wind at the time. The Coffee/Chocolate Tour was excellent. A mix up in the schedule made our check out at the hotel trying. The Safari River Tour was also great. Read more

Tree top walk was extremely difficult for someone our age especially with the heavy rain and wind at the time.

The Coffee/Chocolate Tour was excellent. A mix up in the schedule made our check out at the hotel trying.

The Safari River Tour was also great.

Hotel Reviews
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only
Fortuna

Excellent hotel with great staff, food and lovely rooms.

Authenticity & Character
The staff was fantatic!
Location
Close to town
Staff
Awesome!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms very clean.
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Monteverde

Nice room with a great view. Because of multiple unit levels getting around was time consuming as you had to wait for van transport. Dining room good and food tasty. Staff very polite.

Authenticity & Character
Nice modern design.
Location
Close to some shops.
Staff
Very polite.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room nice but decorated very plainly.
Activity Reviews
Day at Selvatura including Hanging Bridges and Fauna Exhibitions
Day at Selvatura including Hanging Bridges and Fauna Exhibitions
Costa Rica

Raining too heavily and difficult walk for someone my age.(75)

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very polite!
Transport
Good drivers and very safe
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica

Great guide.. extremely interesting tour.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Río Peñas Blancas Safari Float
Río Peñas Blancas Safari Float
Arenal/La Fortuna

Very enjoyable with much to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 20, 2025

Hola Harry!

Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the Coffee/Chocolate Tour and Safari River Tour. We’re sorry to hear the tree top walk and schedule mix-up posed challenges and will use your comments to improve.

Pura Vida!
Bryan

An Unforgettable Trip to Costa Rica with Serendipity Adventures and KimKim
Costa Rica | Dec 19 - Dec 31, 2024

Chen
Chen B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 19, 2025
Our trip to Costa Rica was an absolute dream come true, all thanks to the outstanding planning and support provided by Serendipity Adventures through the KimKim platform. From start to finish, their team ensured that every detail was perfectly tailored to our needs, and their expertise made our experience nothing short of extraordinary. A special shoutout goes to Bryan, Nancy, and Wilman from Serendipity Adventures. Bryan and Nancy did an incredible job organizing an itinerary that... Read more

Our trip to Costa Rica was an absolute dream come true, all thanks to the outstanding planning and support provided by Serendipity Adventures through the KimKim platform. From start to finish, their team ensured that every detail was perfectly tailored to our needs, and their expertise made our experience nothing short of extraordinary.

A special shoutout goes to Bryan, Nancy, and Wilman from Serendipity Adventures. Bryan and Nancy did an incredible job organizing an itinerary that captured the very best of Costa Rica—combining breathtaking natural beauty, thrilling activities, and cultural immersion. Every recommendation and arrangement felt thoughtful and personal, making us feel like valued guests rather than just tourists.

Wilman, our go-to guy during the trip, went above and beyond to make our journey smooth, fun, and memorable. His dedication to ensuring we had the best time was unparalleled.
Serendipity’s meticulous planning ensured we could relax and immerse ourselves in Costa Rica's magic without a single worry.

We’re deeply grateful to Serendipity Adventures and KimKim for creating an unforgettable journey. If you’re looking for an adventure that’s perfectly curated, filled with personalized touches, and guided by the most wonderful people, we wholeheartedly recommend them!

Pura Vida! 🌴✨

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 20, 2025

Hola 🌊

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your trip to Costa Rica exceeded your expectations. It’s our mission to create unforgettable, personalized adventures, and we’re so glad you felt cared for every step of the way. Your kind words inspire us to continue delivering exceptional experiences.

Pura Vida!🌀
Bryan

We’ve traveled to many locations around the w...
Costa Rica | Jan 3 - Jan 12, 2025

Russ
Russ D.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 17, 2025
We’ve traveled to many locations around the world and had many different travel groups set things up. No one even compares to the Kim Kim team and the Serendipity group from Costa Rica. Everything was perfect. Did everything we requested plus added many things that were a real bonus. Accommodations were all well above what we were expecting. I couldn’t give a higher rating to this group 10 for 10. Thanks again Kim Kim for your constant correspondence and professionalism. Read more

We’ve traveled to many locations around the world and had many different travel groups set things up. No one even compares to the Kim Kim team and the Serendipity group from Costa Rica. Everything was perfect. Did everything we requested plus added many things that were a real bonus. Accommodations were all well above what we were expecting. I couldn’t give a higher rating to this group 10 for 10. Thanks again Kim Kim for your constant correspondence and professionalism.

Hotel Reviews
La Mariposa Hotel
Manuel Antonio

Incredible hotel room overlooking the ocean 180° view all glass windows, beautiful pool credible restaurant. Truly a five star setting.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Mountain Paradise
Fortuna

Had our own separate conceited with two full bedrooms and our own pool. Also a beautiful view of the volcano. Excellent hotel five star.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Private location just outside of town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Koora Hotel
Monteverde

Incredible room, large two full bedrooms separate unit close to the pool spa. Very secluded beautiful five star.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff here couldn’t have been more helpful. And their system to communicate by WhatsApp was very easy to use. Marco, the manager was very helpful as well as Raquel
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Day at Selvatura including Hanging Bridges and Fauna Exhibitions
Day at Selvatura including Hanging Bridges and Fauna Exhibitions
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal ATV Adventure
Arenal ATV Adventure
Arenal/La Fortuna

Great terrain from large mud holes through the rivers and also seen sloths and monkeys. Great guides. Very modern machines.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Río Peñas Blancas Safari Float
Río Peñas Blancas Safari Float
Arenal/La Fortuna

Very calm and peaceful float. Saw a crocodile bats monkeys. The guide was very informative and helpful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

Very knowledgeable guide with a great personality. Did a wonderful job.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Río Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Río Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Arenal/La Fortuna

We are senior citizens and enjoyed this tremendously. It was supposed to be a 2/3 class ended up a class 3/4 but Carlos was incredible and was very helpful.. Carlos was the best river guide we’ve ever had around the world

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Experience (English Tour)
Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Experience (English Tour)
Monteverde

Learned a lot about coffee and chocolate. Very enjoyable tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset Sailing Cruise on the Brisa Elegante
Sunset Sailing Cruise on the Brisa Elegante
Manuel Antonio

Wow, what a great experience to go out off the coast and such a beautiful boat. Crew was super helpful and enjoyable, friendly.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 17, 2025
Dear Russ, Thank you so much for your kind words and glowing review! We are truly honored to have been part of your Costa Rican adventure and thrilled to hear that your experience exceeded expectations. Your appreciation means the world to us, as it reflects our commitment to providing personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. By choosing to explore Costa Rica with us, you’ve not only immersed yourself in our culture and natural beauty but also contributed to supporting local... Read more

Dear Russ,

Thank you so much for your kind words and glowing review! We are truly honored to have been part of your Costa Rican adventure and thrilled to hear that your experience exceeded expectations.

Your appreciation means the world to us, as it reflects our commitment to providing personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. By choosing to explore Costa Rica with us, you’ve not only immersed yourself in our culture and natural beauty but also contributed to supporting local communities and our economy. For that, we’re incredibly grateful.

We hope the memories you’ve made here—whether it was the breathtaking landscapes, the adventures, or the warm hospitality—stay with you for a lifetime. If your travels ever bring you back to Costa Rica, we’d be delighted to welcome you again.

Pura Vida and best wishes,
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures 🌋

Wonderful Costa Rican experience! Highly recommend!
Costa Rica | Jan 1 - Jan 9, 2025

S
SUSAN G.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 11, 2025
Bryan helped us craft an amazing Costa Rican vacation. He really listened and worked with us to create a wonderful trip that met our budget guidelines for our family of 5. We took multiple excursions and they were all top notch- really enjoyable. The communication we had before and during our trip was prompt and thorough. This greatly
put our minds at ease that any questions we had would be answered in a timely fashion and helped us prepare and enjoy our trip.
Our local contact... Read more

Bryan helped us craft an amazing Costa Rican vacation. He really listened and worked with us to create a wonderful trip that met our budget guidelines for our family of 5. We took multiple excursions and they were all top notch- really enjoyable.

The communication we had before and during our trip was prompt and thorough. This greatly
put our minds at ease that any questions we had would be answered in a timely fashion and helped us prepare and enjoy our trip.

Our local contact once we arrived was Willmen and he was fantastic! Once we were in Costa Rica, all communication was easily had through What's App. Willmen was always a text away and it was very much appreciated.

Other standouts included our driver for 2 portions of the trip, Alex. Such a fountain of knowledge, kind and a great driver. Alex worked diligently to alert us to any points of interest such as plants and wildlife and it was very interesting.

We will definitely use KimKim again to plan future trips.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
La Fortuna

Beautiful grounds, great food, friendly restaurant staff. Our room was close to the main buildings so we could walk back and forth which we liked, otherwise there was a reliable shuttle to take you around. Our room was comfortable with GREAT blankets, but there was obvious water damage on the wall under the air conditioner and a chunk of wall missing by the dresser. Not a deal breaker but unattractive. Our Springs experience was just okay. Lots of kids in inner tubes and float devices, empty drink cups stacked everywhere, and very strict towel staff who refused to change out our towels one day because "they aren't that wet". This was frustrating because we tried to dry our towels in the room the day before and after admitting defeat that they would remain damp, wanted to trade them in for some legitimately dry towels. Overall we enjoyed most of our stay here and the convenience of the location for sightseeing in the area, but would likely stay at a different resort in the future.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful flowers, cool birds . You really feel like you are in the rainforest
Location
Close to town and the excursions we took
Staff
Restaurant staff were friendly and pleasant
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pretty bathroom, nice extra blankets
Casa Conde Beach Front Hotel
Playa Hermosa

Great location for day trips, great food, friendly staff. The direct access to the beach was really nice. The beds were on the small side but comfortable. The grounds are pretty and well maintained . Overall the vibe was "quiet" which was what we were looking for. A very nice place to stay!

Authenticity & Character
Lots of woodwork throughout the resort which we loved. Really good pour over coffee made in front of you
Location
Close to excursions and the airport
Staff
Very friendly and pleasant
Cleanliness & Comfort
Always dry towels available, no obvious signs of garbage lying around
Activity Reviews
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
Arenal/La Fortuna

Very fun zipline with a great sky walk adventure! The only reason for 4 stars was that our Zipline portion didn't start until 1.5 hours after arriving (due to long lines?) and we missed our initial sky walk time. We were easily accommodated and attended a later Sky Walk which we enjoyed.

Quality of Experience
We liked the day it just lasted longer than we thought it would.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent and knowledgeable guides.
Transport
Easy pick up and drop off. Driver was exactly where he said he would be.
Palo Verde National Park Safari Cruise with Lunch
Palo Verde National Park Safari Cruise with Lunch
Costa Rica

This tour included lunch which was authentic and amazing. The boat tour was okay. We saw birds, bats and crocodiles. For the last 1/2 hour or so, the guides were chatting with themselves instead of us so not sure if they missed pointing things out to us or not. We were on the water for maybe 1.5 hours? Unfortunately it was nothing special.

Quality of Experience
Was shorter than what I thought it would be, not a lot of wildlife to see
Food
Authentic and delicious
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Seemed disinterested in us towards the end of the ride, chatting amongst themselves
Transport
Driver was great but roads super bumpy
Río Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Río Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure
Arenal/La Fortuna

I was fully expecting to not like this day but it was our favorite of the week! Wild ride on the water followed by a great lunch and unexpected lesson on how to squeeze juice out of sugar cane. Great day for our family of 5 adults!

Quality of Experience
Very experienced and fun to be around. Spot on directions on how to manage the ride and stay safe.
Food
Authentic and delicious.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Costa Rica

A great day on the water! The boat was very large and almost too crowded in my opinion. Beautiful views, decent snorkeling. Lunch was okay but served very late (well after 3pm). Overall the day was much longer than anticipated and we were brought to sure in the dark (no lights on the powerboat that brought us to shore). That was a bit unsettling but we made it back just fine.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful views- boat days are always fun days for us
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 13, 2025

Thank you so much, Susan!

I'm so happy to hear that you and your family had an amazing time in Costa Rica!

It was a pleasure working with you to create a trip that met your needs, and I'm glad Wilman and Alex made your experience even better. If you ever plan another adventure, I'd love to assist again!

Pura Vida!
Bryan - Serendipity Adventures 🌳🐜🦉

Exceptional Costa Rica Vacation Planning with Bryan and Wilman
Costa Rica | Dec 16 - Dec 22, 2024

R
Richard M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2025
Our family recently returned from an incredible vacation to Costa Rica, and we owe much of its success to the outstanding planning and support from Bryan and Wilman. From start to finish, they helped craft a seamless and unforgettable experience tailored perfectly to our interests. The itinerary they designed struck the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Highlights included:
- Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane Tour: A fascinating hands-on experience at North...
Read more

Our family recently returned from an incredible vacation to Costa Rica, and we owe much of its success to the outstanding planning and support from Bryan and Wilman. From start to finish, they helped craft a seamless and unforgettable experience tailored perfectly to our interests.

The itinerary they designed struck the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Highlights included:
- Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane Tour: A fascinating hands-on experience at North Fields Coffee that gave us insight into Costa Rican culture and farm-to-cup coffee production.

- Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk: Walking high above the rainforest was breathtaking, and the guide’s knowledge of the local flora and fauna made it even more enriching.

- Rainforest Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park: The stunning biodiversity, pristine beaches, and wildlife spotting made this one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.

Throughout the planning process, Bryan and Wilman were incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented.

They ensured every aspect of our trip—from the rental car to hotel bookings and tours—went off without a hitch. Their personalized recommendations truly made our vacation extraordinary.

If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, I wholeheartedly recommend their services. Bryan and Wilman made the entire process effortless and allowed us to enjoy Costa Rica’s beauty to the fullest.

Thank you both for helping us create lasting memories!

Hotel Reviews
Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience
San Carlos, Alajuela

Beautiful property and grounds. The thermal experience was wonderful to have right on site. Loved having breakfast each morning and watching all the birds.

Authenticity & Character
Grounds were beautifully landscaped and made you feel you were walking through the rainforest
Location
Easy to get to and very close to town.
Staff
Front desk folks were very nice and remembered us each time we came to the lobby
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable rooms
Hotel Costa Verde
Manuel Antonio

Gorgeous property and very unique accommodations

Authenticity & Character
Truly embraced the local feel of being in the jungle.
Location
Easy to find and close to many restaurants and the beach
Staff
Didn't interact much with the staff, but the front desk folks were very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice large rooms with space to hang out too.
Activity Reviews
Big Arenal Mundo Aventura Zipline + Tractor
Big Arenal Mundo Aventura Zipline + Tractor
Arenal/La Fortuna

Once in a lifetime experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide was very knowledgeable and enjoyable to talk with.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Farm Tour
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Farm Tour
Arenal/La Fortuna

The young lady that was our guide was very engaging and did an amazing job.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Wildlife Night Walk in Sukia Park
Private Wildlife Night Walk in Sukia Park
Manuel Antonio

Our guide had an incredible ability to find creatures in the dark. So worth doing this type of walk in the forest.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Adventure with Barbecue
Catamaran Adventure with Barbecue
Manuel Antonio

Wonderful boating experience and the views of the coast are incredible, but don't expect to have a great snorkeling experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

Andres was incredible. He was so knowledgeable and didn't rush us through the park. He really took the time to share things with us and helped with taking some amazing photos. He seemed to know all the other guides and loved how everyone seemed to work together to make it the best experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Was a bit challenging with returning to the hotel. Had to have cab take us back and it took a while to get it through the organization.
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 10, 2025

Hola Richard!

Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review.

It was truly a pleasure helping your family create such a memorable Costa Rican adventure! I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the balance of experiences and that the tours and activities made your trip special.

Wilman and I loved working with you, and it’s wonderful to know our planning made things smooth and enjoyable. We’d be delighted to assist you again if you ever decide to return for another adventure!

Pura Vida,
Bryan 🌿 Serendipity Adventures

Costa Rica should be on everyone's travel list. It is outstanding!
Costa Rica | Dec 14 - Dec 23, 2024

Sandy
Sandy Y.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2025
Our trip to Costa Rica was outstanding. From our accommodations, activities, and transportation, Serendipity Adventures was the local specialist who helped plan, organize and manage our trip. They made sure everything ran smoothly (Wilman, Bryan, and Nancy).
We loved our activities of hiking Arenal volcano, seeing the waterfall, ziplining and hanging bridges, night walks, seeing the animals, a coffee/chocolate/sugar cane tour (that we added last minute--and there was a lot of help...
Read more

Our trip to Costa Rica was outstanding. From our accommodations, activities, and transportation, Serendipity Adventures was the local specialist who helped plan, organize and manage our trip. They made sure everything ran smoothly (Wilman, Bryan, and Nancy).
We loved our activities of hiking Arenal volcano, seeing the waterfall, ziplining and hanging bridges, night walks, seeing the animals, a coffee/chocolate/sugar cane tour (that we added last minute--and there was a lot of help coordinating our transportation and timing), nature walks at the beach, etc. Wilman and Bryan also gave us many recommendations for restaurants and other activities when we had some free time.

Hotel Review
Arenal Paraíso Resort, Spa & Hot Springs
La Fortuna

This hotel had nice views of the volcano. And we enjoyed the thermal pools. However, we did run out of hot water for showers several times (there were 3 of us in a room). It was located about 10-15 minutes from town and restaurants.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
Arenal/La Fortuna

The ziplining had spectacular views of the volcano and the lake. And you went 45+ mph on the zips...super exhilarating. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Waterfall & Volcano Hiking Adventure with Lunch
Waterfall & Volcano Hiking Adventure with Lunch
Arenal/La Fortuna

Mariano was our guide and was very patient with our group of 12 taking photos and having fun. Seeing the volcano closer was very interesting.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Alex was awesome...he provided a lot of information.
Private Cloud Forest Night Walk
Private Cloud Forest Night Walk
Monteverde

Of all of the activities we did while in Costa Rica, this one ranked last on our list. It had just rained prior to us starting the night walk, so that may have affected the wildlife, but I was underwhelmed with what we found. Our guide was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, so that made the walk interesting.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio

Loved that we had 2 guides for our group of 12. And they made sure that all of us saw the animals and were satisfied before moving on. It was an interesting walk on the path, spotting all kinds of interesting wildlife, including sloths (with babies), monkeys, birds, lizards, etc.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 06, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words!

I’m thrilled to hear your trip went smoothly and that you enjoyed the adventures, wildlife, and local experiences. It was a pleasure being part of your journey, and I’ll be sure to share your feedback with Wilman and Nancy.

If you ever decide to return, we’d be delighted to help plan another unforgettable adventure.

Pura Vida! 🌿
Bryan - Serendipity Adventures