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active 7 hours ago

Elena Mora

"I was born in Costa Rica and grew up on my family's sugar and coffee plantation farm in the mountains of Turrialba. From an early age, I learned from my family to deeply cherish and respect our nature and wildlife. With 25% of our territory dedicated to protected areas and national parks, our commitment to conservation is a treasured legacy for future generations. With over two decades of experience in the tourism industry, I am dedicated to crafting extraordinary, personalized travel experiences in my beloved homeland. My passion lies in designing custom itineraries that enable travelers to fall in love with this beautiful country, which holds a special place in my heart. My goal is to provide an authentic 'Pura Vida' experience, paying attention to every detail to ensure unforgettable memories.I am excited to share my love for Costa Rica with you, creating an experience that will captivate and inspire. Let me help you discover the magic of this remarkable land and make your travel dreams come true!."

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in creating bespoke travel plans for Off the beaten track adventures, Unique locations, for families, couples, and small groups. Each itinerary is carefully tailored to your preferences, ensuring a unique and immersive experience. Count on my local expertise to suggest the best experiences and hidden gems in each area, ensuring your trip is nothing short of extraordinary. ""

How did you get involved in travel?

"My fascination with new places and cultures began in childhood and has grown into a career focused on sustainable tourism. I am dedicated to preserving Costa Rica’s natural beauty while offering travelers enriching experiences. My goal is to make your journey enjoyable and impactful, supporting local communities and protecting the environment."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One of my most unforgettable experiences was a visit to Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park. Watching dolphins, encountering a jaguar, and snorkeling at Isla Del Caño were truly remarkable. Corcovado, with its extraordinary biodiversity and pristine landscapes, exemplifies the natural wonders of Costa Rica and remains one of my favorite destinations.

I am excited to share my love for Costa Rica with you, creating an experience that will captivate and inspire. Let me help you discover the magic of this remarkable land and make your travel dreams come true!
"

Elena is part of the following groups: Costa Rica Travel Agents, Costa Rica Family Travel Agents, Costa Rica Luxury Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Best of Costa Rica - 14 Days
This two-week itinerary includes many of Costa Rica's greatest hits. You'll venture into the country's most beautiful national parks and enjoy zip-lining adventures, nature...
10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Travelers with more than a week to spend in Costa Rica have time to experience more of what makes the country so exceptional. These unique 10-day itineraries lead you through...
Costa Rica Highlights: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 9 Days
The jewel of Central America, Costa Rica offers everything—cities, beaches, and many unique ecosystems to explore. This itinerary encompasses the country's most spectacular...

Favorite experiences

Turtle Nesting & Hatching in Tortuguero National Park
Turtle Nesting & Hatching in Tortuguero National Park

Unlike many national parks in Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is unique in that it almost exclusively revolves around the water. The best way to explore this 120-mile (312 sq km) protected area is by hopping in a canoe and navigating the network of arterial waterways that snake around the...

Scarlet macaw
Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge Hike

Embark on a guided hike through the breathtaking Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge in Southeast Costa Rica, home to white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and lush rainforests. Spot rare wildlife, such as turtles and manatees, and learn about the refuge's history from your expert guide. Enjoy a snack at the...

Santa Elena Birdwatching & Jungle Hike
Santa Elena Birdwatching & Jungle Hike

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is a 766-acre protected area and is home to hundreds of exotic birds, including the resplendent quetzal, hummingbird, black guan, toucanet, and more. You can also see mammals like howler monkeys, agoutis, coatimundis, tapirs, and pumas. Enjoy a birding and...

Brave the whitewater on Río Pacuare
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...

Recent trip reviews for Elena

Our family of four (two adults, two kids ages...
Costa Rica | Apr 1 - Apr 8, 2026

Walt
Walt I.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2026
Our family of four (two adults, two kids ages 11 and 12) just returned from an 8-day trip to Costa Rica — our first time — and it was incredible. Elena, Nancy & Adrian at Serendipity Adventures planned everything: airports transfers, two fantastic properties (Arenal Springs Resort and Hotel La Mariposa), and a full slate of daily adventures across Arenal/La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. The itinerary was perfectly paced. We hiked Arenal Volcano and the La Fortuna Waterfall and walked the... Read more

Our family of four (two adults, two kids ages 11 and 12) just returned from an 8-day trip to Costa Rica — our first time — and it was incredible. Elena, Nancy & Adrian at Serendipity Adventures planned everything: airports transfers, two fantastic properties (Arenal Springs Resort and Hotel La Mariposa), and a full slate of daily adventures across Arenal/La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio.

The itinerary was perfectly paced. We hiked Arenal Volcano and the La Fortuna Waterfall and walked the hanging bridges above the rainforest canopy with our excellent and personable guide Mariano, we went whitewater rafting on the Sarapiquí River (Flow Trips was great!), flew through the trees on Sky Adventures zip lines, explored Manuel Antonio National Park with a guide (big shoutout to Soccio and his son/CR's next best guide, Luther, from Endemic Birds), and wrapped up with a catamaran cruise. Every activity was age-appropriate and kept the whole family engaged. All pickups, transfers, and logistics were handled seamlessly — we never had to figure anything out on our own.

There was one minor hiccup on our first full day where a miscommunication about pickup time caused us to miss an excursion, but Elena and Adrian jumped on it immediately and made adjustments to make it right. That was the only issue across the entire trip, and how they handled it actually reinforced our confidence in them.

If you're considering Costa Rica and don't want to deal with the stress of coordinating everything yourself, I'd highly recommend Serendipity Adventures. Elena was responsive, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and clearly knows the country inside and out. We'd book with them again without hesitation.

Hotel Reviews
Arenal Springs Resort
La Fortuna

The FOOD!!!! But, also, everything else. Well done everyone who works at the resort. The views, the hot springs, gardens, wildlife, friendly faces, yummy food, helpful coordination, all of it. We loved the animals made from blankets by housekeeping =) 10/10 would recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

I've rated everything else about our Costa Rica trip very highly because we had a truly amazing trip overall. Hotel La Mariposa was beautiful -- it has the best panoramic views around -- and, truly, our room was perfectly nice and we had no major issues. I want to give credit to 99% of the staff for being friendly, helpful, and housekeeping was excellent. But, overall, the hotel sure is leaning heavily on that stunning view... The restaurant in particular needs improvement. At the same desk where I made our dinner reservation for our grand finale-- our last dinner of the trip, to be had watching the exquisite sunset over the ocean, when we showed up to that desk at said reservation's time, they treated us as though WE had made some mistake when the reservation was missing from their paperwork. Begrudgingly, it seemed, they sat us despite our "missing" reservation-- but behind other tables and poles, blocking that sunset view. Unfulfilled promises of homemade bread. Drinks stamped with past expiration dates. Cold entrees. Inattentive service. Bland meals. Bland welcome drinks. The pool is illuminated at night, neat... but what's with the strobe effect?! (Read the room, this isn't a rave crowd.) Our shower had weak water pressure, low temperatures, and gross mold and mildew all over the caulking. I know these are all nitpicks, but they're so easy to solve that it was frustrating. It just felt like they're depending on that stunning view to make up for mediocrity elsewhere.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Apr 09, 2026
Hola Irby, Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ !
We are absolutely delighted to hear that your family’s first trip to Costa Rica was such an incredible experience. It was truly our pleasure to plan your 8-day adventure. Knowing that you enjoyed your stays at Arenal Springs Resort and Hotel La Mariposa, as well as the exciting activities in Arenal/La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio, means the world to us. Your kind words about Mariano, Soccio, Luther, and... Read more

Hola Irby,

Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ !
We are absolutely delighted to hear that your family’s first trip to Costa Rica was such an incredible experience.

It was truly our pleasure to plan your 8-day adventure. Knowing that you enjoyed your stays at Arenal Springs Resort and Hotel La Mariposa, as well as the exciting activities in Arenal/La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio, means the world to us. Your kind words about Mariano, Soccio, Luther, and the exceptional service provided by Flow Trips and Endemic Birds will surely be shared with them—they will be thrilled to receive your recognition.

We are especially grateful for your understanding regarding the minor hiccup on your first full day. Providing prompt solutions and ensuring your satisfaction is always our priority, and we are pleased that our response reinforced your confidence in our team.

Thank you for highlighting the efforts of Nancy, Adrian, and the entire Serendipity Adventures team. Your recommendation is the highest compliment we could receive. It brings us great joy to know that every detail—from logistics to age-appropriate adventures—contributed to a seamless and memorable family vacation.

We would be honored to assist you again on your next journey to Costa Rica. Until then, we wish you and your family many more wonderful adventures together.

Warmest regards, Pura Vida!

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures Costa Rica 🦥🌋🦋🐒

Read all Costa Rica reviews

BEST VACATION OF MY LIFE. Traveling with Ki...
Costa Rica | Mar 21 - Mar 30, 2026

Ellen
Ellen M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2026
BEST VACATION OF MY LIFE. Traveling with KimKim is a dream. No stress about making big decisions, getting reservations or planning activities. In the past, I've hit a wall vacation planning - not knowing what hotels to stay out, what to do - I would just get overwelhmed and shut down. I plan to travel the world now with KimKim. Our trip to La Fortuna, Monteverde and Tamarindo was beyond exquisite. I was travelled with my 15 year old daughter and we came home closer than ever before.... Read more

BEST VACATION OF MY LIFE.

Traveling with KimKim is a dream. No stress about making big decisions, getting reservations or planning activities. In the past, I've hit a wall vacation planning - not knowing what hotels to stay out, what to do - I would just get overwelhmed and shut down. I plan to travel the world now with KimKim.

Our trip to La Fortuna, Monteverde and Tamarindo was beyond exquisite. I was travelled with my 15 year old daughter and we came home closer than ever before. Hiking, white water rafting, ziplining, sloths, hotsprings, anteaters, rare birds, climbing a volcano, surfing, watching baby turtles hatch, shopping, sun tanning, kayaking, eating, making friends, and most importantly memories that will last a lifetime.

Our local guide Elena was beyond extraordinary. She was available at the drop of the hat via Whats App. She provided fantastic recommendations and helped with last minute reservations.

For the hotels : The Arenal Springs Resort was fantastic. PERFECT for families and for couples. Rooms were the best on our trip. You get your own private condo like structure which provides a sense of privacy - with a view of the volcano. Breakfast was great. Hot springs were to die for. Location fantastic.

Sibu Hotel Lodge was boutique and had a gorgeous restaurant. All teak tables and interior that rivals an NYC hotspot. You get access to a nearby sister hotel with a pool, jacuzzi and spa. View was fine but very centrally location.

Diria Hotel in Tamarindo was great. Elena booked us a beachfront room with a view. I would've NEVER done that on my own and it made all the difference. We were right on the beach with astonishing sunsets. She connected us with a local surf instructor who took us sea kayaking and then taught us how to surf the next day. Nico was so awesome. We were both able to actually surf at the end of the lesson. Priceless. The turtle tour was fine. I gave Elena my feedback and she handled it immediately.

Elena also rented a car for us. I was hesitant to drive on roads, but she encouraged us to do it (plus its cheaper than a driver). BEST DECISION. We had freedom when traveling between cities and got to stop and take pictures of the breathtaking landscape. People do not drive fast so you can really control the car on the roads up and down the mountains. My only criticism is that I would've driven to the zipline park in Monteverde instead of getting picked up at the hotel by a shuttle bus. It would've given us more freedom to leave when we wanted to.

Activity Reviews
All Day Adventure at Selvatura, including Zipline, Hanging Bridges, and Fauna Exhibitions
All Day Adventure at Selvatura, including Zipline, Hanging Bridges, and Fauna Exhibitions
Costa Rica

I would've driven to the location instead of taking the shuttle bus.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our tour guide Bella was outstanding. He was able to spot animals and birds that were SO FAR AWAY. The hike was fantastic. Very interactive and fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River (Class III-IV)
Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River (Class III-IV)
Costa Rica

We had our tour guide Bella again. He was so much fun and awesome. Challenging - but not too challenging. LOTS OF LAUGHS.

Quality of Experience
Bella
Food
SO GOOD. Real Costa Rican food.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgable and kind.
Transport
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Photo taken by Ellen M
Photo taken by Ellen M
Photo taken by Ellen M
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Mar 31, 2026
Hola Ellen, Wow 😍! thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful words ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Reading your review truly means the world to Serendipity, specially me. I’m absolutely delighted to hear that your trip to Costa Rica was such a special and memorable experience for both you and your daughter. Creating meaningful moments, especially those that bring families closer together, is exactly what we strive for—so it’s very rewarding to know that your journey had that impact. It was a real... Read more

Hola Ellen,

Wow 😍! thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful words ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Reading your review truly means the world to Serendipity, specially me.

I’m absolutely delighted to hear that your trip to Costa Rica was such a special and memorable experience for both you and your daughter. Creating meaningful moments, especially those that bring families closer together, is exactly what we strive for—so it’s very rewarding to know that your journey had that impact.

It was a real pleasure assisting you throughout your trip, and I’m so glad you felt supported every step of the way. Thank you as well for your trust and openness—especially with the car rental decision! I’m thrilled it gave you the freedom to explore and added to your overall experience.

I also truly appreciate your detailed feedback on the hotels and activities. It’s wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed Arenal, Monteverde, and Tamarindo, and I’m especially happy that the beachfront room and your time with Nico made such a difference. Your note about the zipline transportation is very valuable, and I will absolutely keep that in mind for future recommendations.

Thank you again for choosing to travel with us and for taking the time to share your experience so beautifully. It would be an honor to assist you with your future adventures, here in Costa Rica.

Wishing you and your daughter many more amazing journeys together!

Thank you so much for this opportunity🙏🏼👌🏻🦋,
Muchas gracias, Pura Vida!

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures, Costa Rica 🦥

Read all Costa Rica reviews

This was a great trip for us and our 13 year old grandson. ...
Costa Rica | Mar 13 - Mar 20, 2026

Martin
Martin L.
Drexel Heights, AZ | Reviewed on Mar 27, 2026
This was a great trip for us and our 13 year old grandson. Kim Kim was so helpful in planning everything and all the details were taken care of with no glitches. The local guides were absolutely amazing. Roy who took us around the park at Arenal was very friendly and knowledgeable. Our grandson said how much he learned from him. Socio was absolutely the best at Manuel Antonio NP. He was so quick to locate and point out animals in the trees and on the ground. Numerous other guides we... Read more

This was a great trip for us and our 13 year old grandson. Kim Kim was so helpful in planning everything and all the details were taken care of with no glitches. The local guides were absolutely amazing. Roy who took us around the park at Arenal was very friendly and knowledgeable. Our grandson said how much he learned from him. Socio was absolutely the best at Manuel Antonio NP. He was so quick to locate and point out animals in the trees and on the ground. Numerous other guides we met that day all said that Socio was the best guide around, and we agree. The events we booked (white water rafting with Waves and zip lining at Sky Adventures) were exciting and conducted in a professional manner. This is the 4th trip that Kim Kim has put together for us and we will definitely keep using them in the future. We have recommended them to numerous people (and think we should be getting a finders fee!).

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

Fantastic view of the bay and beach below. Very caring staff. Clean and well appointed. Very nice swimming pool. The cat in residence was a nice touch as well as the young sloth that slept above the veranda. They were also very accommodating with us hanging out at the pool till it was time to leave for our late night flight back to the US.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Springs Resort
La Fortuna

Beautiful facilities and grounds. Very attentive staff. Great view of the volcano. Excellent pools.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Costa Rica

We had a nice calm day. Were able to see dolphins close to the boat. The staff was very helpful when learning that our grandson has celiac disease and can't have gluten. The snorkeling was good and the food was too,

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

This was one of the highlights of the trip. The park is filled with many different kinds of animals. We wouldn't have seen many without the expertise of Andres Martin Socio, our guide. I can't say enough positive things about him and what he shared with us. He showed us sloths, igauanas, bats, land crabs, numerous birds, lizards, orchids, and all sorts of plants. The park is beautiful, and if you can request him as a guide, absolutely do so.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

I was impressed by the thoroughness of the staff in getting us ready and checking the equipment at each transfer point. There are 7 zip lines, one that is a half mile in length, so it was exciting! Definitely something we would do again,

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River (Class III-IV)
Whitewater Rafting Sarapiqui River (Class III-IV)
Costa Rica

Great fun in excellent weather. Our boatman, Antonio was skilled and gave us a terrific experience. The water level was a little low so we scrapped over some rocks, but had a very fun time.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

The hike was very interesting. Roy was a great guide. The walk down to the base of the waterfall was memorable because the 515 steps down and back up contributed to sore legs the next couple of days, but totally worth it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
Photo taken by Martin L
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Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Apr 04, 2026
Hola Terry, Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful feedback, it truly means a lot. I’m absolutely delighted to hear that you and your grandson had such a memorable experience together. It’s especially rewarding to know how much he enjoyed learning from Roy and that Socio made your visit to Manuel Antonio so special, he really is exceptional at what he does! I’m also very happy to hear that all the logistics ran smoothly and that you enjoyed the activities at Arenal. Creating seamless... Read more

Hola Terry,

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful feedback, it truly means a lot.

I’m absolutely delighted to hear that you and your grandson had such a memorable experience together. It’s especially rewarding to know how much he enjoyed learning from Roy and that Socio made your visit to Manuel Antonio so special, he really is exceptional at what he does!

I’m also very happy to hear that all the logistics ran smoothly and that you enjoyed the activities at Arenal. Creating seamless and meaningful travel experiences is always our goal, so your kind words are greatly appreciated.

Thank you as well for your continued trust in us and for recommending our services to others, that is the highest compliment we can receive. We would be honored to assist you again on your next adventure!

Warm regards,

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures Costa Rica

Couldn't have asked for a better family trip ...
Costa Rica | Mar 5 - Mar 14, 2026

Nicole
Nicole M.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Mar 16, 2026
Couldn't have asked for a better family trip to Costa Rica, and so grateful for all the help, responsiveness, and attention from Serendipity Adventures. Elena really helped narrow down our itinerary providing multiple updates based on our specific needs accounting for two couples, three seniors (66, 69, 77) and one person with mobility issues. Our accommodations were perfect, and exceptionally nice facilities. The activities were the perfect balance of seeing a lot and not overdoing it... Read more

Couldn't have asked for a better family trip to Costa Rica, and so grateful for all the help, responsiveness, and attention from Serendipity Adventures. Elena really helped narrow down our itinerary providing multiple updates based on our specific needs accounting for two couples, three seniors (66, 69, 77) and one person with mobility issues.

Our accommodations were perfect, and exceptionally nice facilities. The activities were the perfect balance of seeing a lot and not overdoing it for the older couple.

Our favorite guide was Roy who was with us for the arenal volcano hike and Arenal Hanging Bridges tour over two days. Such a resource of knowledge, passion, attention, and friendliness! All guides were excellent and the parks were all great to visit exceeding expectations.

Adrián was also very helpful during the trip getting back to me very quickly and willing to check on last minute adjustments and requests.

Hoping to be able to enjoy Corcovado next time around and will certainly work with Serendipity Adventures again and recommend them to anyone traveling to gorgeous Costa Rica. Pura Vida!

Hotel Review
Hampton by Hilton San José Airport
Alajuela

Very convenient for arrival and departure nights so close to airport. Kind and courteous staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to airport
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Mar 16, 2026
Hola Nicole, Thank you sincerely for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review of your experience in Costa Rica ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ . Your kind words truly mean a great deal to all of us at Serendipity Adventures. It was a genuine pleasure assisting you in planning this special family trip. Knowing that the itinerary worked well for your group, especially considering the different preferences and mobility needs, is incredibly rewarding. Our goal is always to create experiences that... Read more

Hola Nicole,

Thank you sincerely for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review of your experience in Costa Rica ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ . Your kind words truly mean a great deal to all of us at Serendipity Adventures.

It was a genuine pleasure assisting you in planning this special family trip. Knowing that the itinerary worked well for your group, especially considering the different preferences and mobility needs, is incredibly rewarding. Our goal is always to create experiences that allow every traveler to enjoy Costa Rica comfortably while discovering the beauty, wildlife, and culture that make our country so special.

I am also delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience with Roy during your time in Arenal. He is truly passionate about sharing his knowledge of Costa Rica’s nature and ecosystems, and I will be sure to pass along your kind compliments to him. Adrián will also be very pleased to know that his assistance during your trip helped make your journey even smoother.

Thank you again for trusting Serendipity Adventures with your Costa Rica vacation. It was an honor to be part of your travel experience, and we are deeply grateful for your recommendation.

We would be absolutely delighted to assist you again in the future, perhaps next time exploring the incredible biodiversity of Corcovado, one of the most extraordinary places in Costa Rica.

Until then, we wish you many wonderful travel memories and hope to welcome you back to our beautiful country someday.
Thank you very much for this opportunity, Pura vida!

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures Costa Rica

Read all Costa Rica reviews

It is with great pleasure that I am writing t...
Costa Rica | Feb 13 - Feb 22, 2026

C
Carol J.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 01, 2026
It is with great pleasure that I am writing this review. The service we received from KimKim and from Elena in Costa Rica was superb. Our family went to Costa Rica to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Every place we went we were greeted with decorations and treats, organized I imagine by Elena. We were 11 people. Transportation was on time and comfortable. Freddie our driver who took us to and from Monteverde, was great. Our guides were informative. Andres, also known as “Sosio” in... Read more

It is with great pleasure that I am writing this review. The service we received from KimKim and from Elena in Costa Rica was superb. Our family went to Costa Rica to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Every place we went we were greeted with decorations and treats, organized I imagine by Elena. We were 11 people. Transportation was on time and comfortable. Freddie our driver who took us to and from Monteverde, was great. Our guides were informative. Andres, also known as “Sosio” in Manuel Antonio was patient kind and fun. We had an extraordinary time on the catamaran. I would greatly recommend doing that. Above all, I would say that every interaction with Elena was pleasant, helpful, productive and timely.
We wish all of you great success. You deserve it!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

The hotel was beautifully situated, designed and maintained!

Authenticity & Character
Location
It has panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean
Staff
Pleasant and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything.
Arenal Springs Resort
La Fortuna

Even in the rain, the hot spring pools were gorgeous.

Authenticity & Character
Vegetation and birds added to our experience.
Location
Staff
From porters to front desk to restaurant staff, all were attentive and pleasant, embodying “ours vida.”
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Costa Rica

The boat was clean. The crew were wonderful. We saw whales. What could be better?

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
It was punctual and easy.
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica

Our guide was wonderful. We had children with us and the guide made it especially fun for them! The chocolate was delicious.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

We saw very little in the way of animals.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
There were communications issues about arranging drivers.
Transport
As above.
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

Our guide showed us a variety of animals that we would never have spotted, with lots of information about each animal and its habits.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide, Andres, was personable and knowledgeable, sharing information and locations with other guides.
Transport
Worked smoothly.
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Mar 02, 2026
Hola Carol. It truly means so much to read your beautiful review ⭐⭐⭐⭐, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to share your experience. It was an absolute honor to assist you and your wonderful family in celebrating such a special occasion. Knowing that your husband’s birthday trip was filled with meaningful moments, warm welcomes, and memorable experiences brings me great joy. Your kind words about the decorations, transportation, guides, and overall organization truly... Read more

Hola Carol.

It truly means so much to read your beautiful review ⭐⭐⭐⭐, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to share your experience.

It was an absolute honor to assist you and your wonderful family in celebrating such a special occasion. Knowing that your husband’s birthday trip was filled with meaningful moments, warm welcomes, and memorable experiences brings me great joy. Your kind words about the decorations, transportation, guides, and overall organization truly mean the world to me.

I will be sure to share your compliments with Freddie, Andrés (“Sosio”), and the rest of our team — they will be so happy to know they helped make your journey extraordinary.

Hosting your group of 11 was a true pleasure, and I am grateful for the trust you placed in us. Thank you again for your generosity, your warmth, and your recommendation.

We would be absolutely delighted to welcome you and your family back to Costa Rica anytime.

With sincere gratitude, Pura Vida!

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures 🌿

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Serendipity and Costa Rica - Caribbean side
Costa Rica | Feb 13 - Feb 22, 2026

David
David R.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026
Serendipity did a fantastic job organising our trip in Costa Rica- plenty of planning discussion on the hotels, schedule and wildlife experiences.. Elena and Nancy were extremely helpful and had lots of useful suggestions to make sure we had plenty of bird watching, nature tours, and visits to Guayabo monument and Turrialba volcano. The trip was amazing and we had great fun managing to dodge between the rain showers even in Tortuguera which provided excellent photographic opportunities on... Read more

Serendipity did a fantastic job organising our trip in Costa Rica- plenty of planning discussion on the hotels, schedule and wildlife experiences.. Elena and Nancy were extremely helpful and had lots of useful suggestions to make sure we had plenty of bird watching, nature tours, and visits to Guayabo monument and Turrialba volcano. The trip was amazing and we had great fun managing to dodge between the rain showers even in Tortuguera which provided excellent photographic opportunities on the boats to get close to wildlife, including sloths! Adrian was on hand via the WhatsApp link and was extremely helpful in suggesting additional trips and making sure our pick-ups went to plan. All accommodation was spot on - clean, spacious with great restaurants - lots of rice and beans! All our guides were really knowledgeable and highly motivated. All in all a wonderful holiday, thank you KimKim and Serendipity!

Hotel Reviews
Hampton by Hilton San José Airport
Alajuela

Close to airport and welcoming, frequent shuttle. Special Valentine's breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel
Puerto Viejo

Fabulous jungle setting, restaurant and beach across the road but very easy access.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to get access to Cahuita and Manzanillo parks. Try Nenas restaurant close by for rice and beans!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rancho Naturalista
Cartago

A wonderful place for bird watching and knowledgeable guides ! Meals at set times on shared tables, so plenty of opportunity to talk with other guests

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tortuga Lodge & Gardens
Tortuguero

Superb room overlooking the river, excellent food and great guides (Manuel and Bernardo). Fantastic boat trips getting close to wildlife.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Turire
Turrialba

Wonderful hotel full of character and with fabulous gardens. Huge room and great service.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Guided Boat Excursion Through the Tortuguero Canals
Guided Boat Excursion Through the Tortuguero Canals
Tortuguero

Boat trips allowed you to get close to wildlife and great opportunities for photography

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Cahuita National Park Excursion + Group Snorkeling
Private Cahuita National Park Excursion + Group Snorkeling
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

The Park was good and the guide excellent - saw 10 sloths and 2 snakes but relatively few birds, great path by the sea. Part of the track was closed due to wet weather. Our snorkeling was cancelled due to poor visibility following turbulent sea.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Hike Turrialba Volcano
Private Hike Turrialba Volcano
Costa Rica

Once the cloud cleared (luckily) great views and an interesting hike around the side of the volcano seeing the dead forest and new agriculture.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Archaeological Tour of Guayabo National Monument
Archaeological Tour of Guayabo National Monument
Turrialba

Interesting - you do need a guide to understand the history and what remains of the structures.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Roseta was especially enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the archaeology and birds. Sergio was a great and safe driver and took us to an authentic Soda cafe for lunch.
Transport
Private Birding at Rancho Naturalista
Private Birding at Rancho Naturalista
Turrialba

Thoroughly enjoyed the bird watching- from the early morning feeding of the birds in the garden to the walk around the estate.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fabian was an excellent guide - spotted lots of birds we would have missed.
Transport
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Feb 24, 2026
Hola David, Thank you very much for your beautiful and detailed review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It is extremely rewarding to know that the planning process, hotel selections, wildlife experiences, and specialized visits, including Guayabo Monument and Turrialba Volcano, met your expectations and contributed to a memorable journey. We are especially pleased to hear that even the changing weather in Tortuguero became part of the adventure... Read more

Hola David,

Thank you very much for your beautiful and detailed review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It is extremely rewarding to know that the planning process, hotel selections, wildlife experiences, and specialized visits, including Guayabo Monument and Turrialba Volcano, met your expectations and contributed to a memorable journey.

We are especially pleased to hear that even the changing weather in Tortuguero became part of the adventure and enhanced your wildlife photography opportunities. Costa Rica’s biodiversity never fails to impress.

Your kind words about myself, Nancy, and Adrian mean a great deal to our entire team. We are committed to providing attentive service, seamless coordination, and meaningful travel experiences, and it is gratifying to know that this was reflected throughout your trip.

On behalf of everyone at Serendipity Adventures, thank you for your trust and for allowing us to be part of your Costa Rica holiday. It was truly a privilege to assist you.

We hope to welcome you again in the future.
Thank you so much for this opportunity, Pura Vida!

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures 🌿

Read all Costa Rica reviews

Elena was amazing. Knowledgeable and very ple...
Costa Rica | Feb 6 - Feb 15, 2026

Mary
Mary D.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2026
Elena was amazing. Knowledgeable and very pleasant to work with. She planned my bucket list trip of a life time exactly with precision and left no detail out. She included all of the activities that were important to me as well as my Niece and Great Niece that made this such a memorable experience We had a private guide “Andy” who was so gracious wonderful. He shared his time and years of experience with a passion. He is an A+++ and represented your company very well Our drivers were... Read more

Elena was amazing. Knowledgeable and very pleasant to work with. She planned my bucket list trip of a life time exactly with precision and left no detail out. She included all of the activities that were important to me as well as my Niece and Great Niece that made this such a memorable experience

We had a private guide “Andy” who was so gracious wonderful. He shared his time and years of experience with a passion. He is an A+++ and represented your company very well

Our drivers were also amazing. Everything about Costa Rica was magical and special

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

Wonderful accommodation. Staff were very nice and helpful Loved our resident 5 month old two toed sloth Lucy who visited daily Pool area was lovely and made it easy to meet other guests have drinks and relax

Authenticity & Character
Location
Situated beautifully on landscape. Felt private and had access to wildlife. Breakfasts were great
Staff
All were accommodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was great. Wonderful view.
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Monteverde

All staff were very helpful and the location was wonderful. Quaint and welcoming and nestled into a lush landscape. We were welcomed at our first breakfast with a stunning rainbow 🌈 Loved the night walk. Highly recommend the zip line experience and walking through the cloud forest and hanging bridges

Authenticity & Character
The spa was a wonderful addition. After a day of walking we loved our massages and hot tub
Location
Quaint and tucked into the landscape.
Staff
Everyone
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hampton by Hilton San José Airport
Alajuela

Close to airport. Clean and friendly. Only there overnight to arrive and leave

Authenticity & Character
Location
Location and optional restaurants close bu
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
ATV Adventure Manuel Antonio
ATV Adventure Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio
Quality of Experience
Sadly I rolled my ATV into a creek and broke my foot
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Costa Rica

Great staff. Great food. We enjoyed snorkeling and swimming off the boat before the bbq. Watching the sunset and the dolphins was so special

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio

Our guide was great. He was able to find many species for us. So many creatures, so little time

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cloud Forest Reserve Privately Guided Hike
Cloud Forest Reserve Privately Guided Hike
Monteverde

We did not have a guide. We chose to do this walk by ourselves and loved it

Quality of Experience
The view, the smell, the mist on my face. It is awe inspiring
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Countryside Horseback Ride
Countryside Horseback Ride
Monteverde

The farm was amazing. Greeted by goats dogs chickens and the barn cat The cowboys were wonderful and the scenery and ride was beautiful. Such vistas!! The farm was all organic and we were treated to a drink and lovely snack after the ride We even got to milk a cow and bottle feed a calf

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
All Day Adventure at Selvatura, including Zipline, Hanging Bridges, and Fauna Exhibitions
All Day Adventure at Selvatura, including Zipline, Hanging Bridges, and Fauna Exhibitions
Costa Rica

The team that conducted the zip line adventure were excellent. Friendly and funny. Very informative and careful with safety

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Walk at Children's Eternal Forest
Night Walk at Children's Eternal Forest
Monteverde

Hard to get good photos in the dark. The guides were very helpful in assisting Guide was good but wished we could have seen more frogs

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Drivers were interactive and provided information about Costa Rica
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Feb 26, 2026
Hola Mary, Reading your message truly means the world to me 💛. Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. It was an absolute honor to plan your bucket list trip, and knowing that it was everything you envisioned, and more, is the greatest reward I could receive. I’m especially happy that Shannon and Lauren were able to share in such a meaningful and memorable experience with you. Creating journeys that bring families together in a special way is exactly why I love what I... Read more

Hola Mary,

Reading your message truly means the world to me 💛. Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. It was an absolute honor to plan your bucket list trip, and knowing that it was everything you envisioned, and more, is the greatest reward I could receive.

I’m especially happy that Shannon and Lauren were able to share in such a meaningful and memorable experience with you. Creating journeys that bring families together in a special way is exactly why I love what I do.

I will be sure to share your wonderful feedback with Andy. He is truly passionate about what he does, and I know your recognition will mean so much to him. I will also pass along your kind words to our drivers, they take great pride in ensuring every transfer is smooth, safe, and comfortable.

Costa Rica has a magical way of touching hearts, and it brings me so much joy to know it touched yours. Thank you sincerely for trusting me with such an important trip. It would be my pleasure to assist you again whenever you’re ready for your next adventure.

With gratitude 🙏🏼, Pura Vida!

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures

This trip was the AMAZING!
Costa Rica | Feb 6 - Feb 15, 2026

Deb
Deb
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Feb 20, 2026
This trip was the AMAZING!
Elena really listened to us and created a custom curated itinerary that perfectly met our needs and desires. Best travel agent I’ve ever worked with. The hotels we stayed at were awesome! Arenal Springs Resort in LaFortuna, Cloud Forest Lodge in Monte Verde, and Hotel La Mariposa in Manuel Antonio ( my fav! - incredible view, wonderful room, and fabulous dining area).
We had a driver, Alex, who was very personable and taught us a lot about Costa Rica. Loved... Read more

This trip was the AMAZING!
Elena really listened to us and created a custom curated itinerary that perfectly met our needs and desires. Best travel agent I’ve ever worked with. The hotels we stayed at were awesome! Arenal Springs Resort in LaFortuna, Cloud Forest Lodge in Monte Verde, and Hotel La Mariposa in Manuel Antonio ( my fav! - incredible view, wonderful room, and fabulous dining area).
We had a driver, Alex, who was very personable and taught us a lot about Costa Rica. Loved having him as our driver! The car was comfortable, clean, and well maintained. We felt very safe riding with Alex.
We went on a river float with Flow Trips. What a great team! Our guide was very knowledgeable and took care to position us so we could see the animals along the way. It was a very enjoyable outing. Highly recommend Flow Trips.
We went on a night hike in Monte Verde with Bosque Eterno de Los Ninos. Very knowledgeable guide who made sure we got to see lots of different animal life.
We did an all day Adventure at Selvatura Park, including zip line, hanging bridges, and butterfly and sloth exhibitions. Exhausting, but so worth it!
We had another driver, Andres, who was very professional and a pleasure to travel with. Did some stops that made the long ride so fun! Again, the car was comfortable, clean, and well maintained.
In Manuel Antonio we went on a morning hike in Manuel Antonio National Park with Endemic Bird. This was my husband’s favorite outing. Highly recommend Endemic Bird! We also went on a sailboat sunset tour with Planet Dolphin. What a great way to end our stay! If you’re in Manuel Antonio, do a catamaran tour. You will love it!
When we return to Costa Rica, we will definitely use Serendipity Adventures!

Hotel Reviews
Arenal Springs Resort
La Fortuna

Loved the hot springs! The staff were so friendly and professional. The facility is very well maintained and soooo beautiful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The view of the volcano
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were a bit uncomfortable, but fine. Could hear our neighbors in the bathroom - a bit faint, but made us a bit uncomfortable.
Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde

Beautiful view of nature. Wonderful restaurant! Room was very comfortable and felt very private.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Dirt road to get to hotel.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

Beautiful location, fabulous view, amazing dining area. Very responsive staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
All Day Adventure at Selvatura, including Zipline, Hanging Bridges, and Fauna Exhibitions
All Day Adventure at Selvatura, including Zipline, Hanging Bridges, and Fauna Exhibitions
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
1
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
1
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide at Arenal Volcano was keenly aware of our surroundings and was able to show us some animal life we never would have noticed on our own. La Fortuna waterfall was worth all 500 steps down and 500 steps back up!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Walk at Children's Eternal Forest
Night Walk at Children's Eternal Forest
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Feb 20, 2026
Hola Deb, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It truly means a lot to know that your experience in Costa Rica met your expectations and that the itinerary was a perfect fit for your interests and travel style. I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stays at Arenal Springs Resort in La Fortuna, Cloud Forest Lodge in Monteverde, and especially La Mariposa Hotel, the views there are indeed unforgettable! I’m also very glad to know that Alex and Andrés helped make your... Read more

Hola Deb,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It truly means a lot to know that your experience in Costa Rica met your expectations and that the itinerary was a perfect fit for your interests and travel style. I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stays at Arenal Springs Resort in La Fortuna, Cloud Forest Lodge in Monteverde, and especially La Mariposa Hotel, the views there are indeed unforgettable!

I’m also very glad to know that Alex and Andrés helped make your transfers comfortable, safe, and enjoyable throughout the journey. It’s always our goal to ensure that every part of your trip, from logistics to excursions, runs smoothly and enhances your overall experience.

It’s wonderful that you had the opportunity to enjoy such a variety of activities, from the river float and night hike in the cloud forest to your adventure day at Selvatura and your guided visit to Manuel Antonio National Park. Ending your stay with a sunset catamaran tour sounds like the perfect finale!

On behalf of our entire team at Serendipity Adventures, thank you again for trusting us with your travel plans. It was truly a pleasure assisting you, and we would be honored to help you plan your next Costa Rica adventure whenever you decide to return.
Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Pura vida!
Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures 🦥🌋🦋

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See it all in Costa Rica - Monkeys and Sloths, Coffee and Chocolate, Sun, Sand, and Waves - Fun Filled Days
Costa Rica | Feb 7 - Feb 13, 2026

Cathy
Cathy T.
La Plata, MD, USA | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2026
We enjoyed our trip to Costa Rica. Elena was always readily available if we needed something during the trip planning stage. Once in Costa Rica, Adrian was very responsive and adaptable when we needed to modify our itinerary on short notice. Totally accommodating. Both he and Elena responded to our text or chat messages within seconds or minutes at the most. Very impressive. Our tour guides were excellent, especially Olman, who we had for our Manuel Antonio National Park tour. He knew all... Read more

We enjoyed our trip to Costa Rica. Elena was always readily available if we needed something during the trip planning stage. Once in Costa Rica, Adrian was very responsive and adaptable when we needed to modify our itinerary on short notice. Totally accommodating. Both he and Elena responded to our text or chat messages within seconds or minutes at the most. Very impressive.

Our tour guides were excellent, especially Olman, who we had for our Manuel Antonio National Park tour. He knew all the ins and outs of spotting wild life. He is clearly an expert and had a very kind and patient demeanor and a passion for his work. Because he had a such a high-quality spotting scope we did not even need our binoculars. He was able to take expert quality pictures for us.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

The location was the best part. Most unbelievable views of the Pacific Ocean, the mountains and the beach. Indescribable. The front desk staff, however, or not the best. They seemed annoyed by questions and small requests. There were a few exceptions. For example, the upstairs bartender was very friendly, and one or two of the waiters were.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Unbelievable views and monkeys right outside your hotel room. And the hotel cat gets an A+.
Staff
The attitude of the staff at the reception desk. Most of the waiters and bartenders were friendly, except for one in particular, but the staff at the front desk were not very good with friendliness. They would seem annoyed by questions or requests.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We were put in what was clearly one of the older outdated rooms. The view was spectacular, but the hotel was cheap on things like toiletries and the electric outlets need to be updated. Charger chords wouldn’t even stay in them. They really need to update the older rooms.
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only
Fortuna

The thermal pools were awesome. Never crowded- no fighting for space or chairs. The hotel staff were sooooo wonderful. Eager to please and assist with anything; they all seemed genuinely appreciative of their guests being there. The breakfast buffet was like nothing you would find in the USA. Highest quality fruits and vegetables, cheeses, made to order omelettes, Costa Rican, coffee, as well as some American favorites, like bacon, eggs, and pancakes.

Authenticity & Character
The hot spring pools, hot tubs, saunas, and jungle feel of the place.
Location
A little too close to the busy road. While trying to listen to the sounds of nature the loud trucks passing by interfered a bit.
Staff
So attentive and eager to please.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Costa Rica

Fun! The sunset was unbelievable. The dolphins, the swimming, the diving and going down the high, steep slides. Made me feel like a kid again.

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

Our tour guide, Olman, was excellent. He knew all the ins and outs of spotting wild life. He is clearly an expert in his field and had a passion for his work. Because he had a such a high-quality spotting scope we did not even need our binoculars. He was able to take expert quality pictures for us.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica

Our tour guide was GG (a nickname, not sure what his full name was) and he was excellent. Patient, knowledgeable, humorous. And the fresh brewed coffee was spectacular. This was such an informative and educational tour. I never expected to learn so much about coffee. I was wrong on so many things I thought I knew about coffee!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't great while we were there so we couldn't see the volcano. The guide, however, was excellent. Mariano. Very experienced and knowledgeable great personality. Funny.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mariano was an excellent guide. He made the experience as best as it could be in spite of the weather.
Transport
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Photo taken by Cathy T
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Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Feb 23, 2026
Hola Cathy, Thank you very much for your thoughtful and detailed review. It truly means a lot to know that you felt supported both during the planning stage and while you were here in Costa Rica. Providing prompt communication and being adaptable to changes is very important to us, so your recognition of that effort is sincerely appreciated. I will be sure to share your kind words with Adrian — he will be very happy to hear that his responsiveness made a difference in your... Read more

Hola Cathy,

Thank you very much for your thoughtful and detailed review.

It truly means a lot to know that you felt supported both during the planning stage and while you were here in Costa Rica. Providing prompt communication and being adaptable to changes is very important to us, so your recognition of that effort is sincerely appreciated.

I will be sure to share your kind words with Adrian — he will be very happy to hear that his responsiveness made a difference in your experience.

And of course, Olman will be especially touched by your comments. He is indeed passionate about wildlife and loves sharing his knowledge of Manuel Antonio with our guests. We are fortunate to work with guides who care so deeply about what they do.

Thank you again for trusting us with your 20 Wedding Anniversary trip. It was truly a pleasure assisting you, and we hope to welcome you back to Costa Rica in the future.

Pura Vida,
Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures 🦥

Great but some failures
Costa Rica | Jan 10 - Feb 12, 2026

C
Christopher M.
Italy | Reviewed on Feb 13, 2026

4 of the 6 places we stayed were great but the first one in La Fortuna was only "OK" and the one we were first put into in Tamarindo was terrible and known by all locals to be unacceptable. Almost all of the tours we were booked for were very good but often the details we were given were totally wrong (3 hour plans were actually 5/6 hours in actuality). And one in Tamarindo did not even occur despite our wasting time because of messed up pickup due to our lousy location.

Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Feb 17, 2026

Hola Mr. Magee

Christopher thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

While we are pleased that the majority of the hotels and tours were very good, we regret that certain aspects did not meet your expectations.

We continuously work with our partners to maintain high standards and clear communication, and your feedback will be part of that review process.

We appreciate the opportunity to have assisted with your trip.
Thank you very much, Pura Vida!

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventure