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active 23 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!
"

Top itineraries and travel advice

Favorite experiences

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...

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

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...

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

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 🌿

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 🌿

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

Mary
Mary D.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 21, 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 🦥🌋🦋

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
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

A wonderful first visit to Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Jan 31 - Feb 7, 2026

M
Mark S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 09, 2026
The itinerary that was planned for us enabled us to see three of the most interesting areas in Costa Rica - Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. All three hotels were luxurious and we used their restaurants and pools. All four drivers taking us between the airport and the three hotels were timely and efficient. The activities were strenuous for us older folks but we saw beautiful scenery, lush rain and cloud forests and all sorts of exciting spotting of animals and birds.
Bela led our...
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The itinerary that was planned for us enabled us to see three of the most interesting areas in Costa Rica - Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. All three hotels were luxurious and we used their restaurants and pools. All four drivers taking us between the airport and the three hotels were timely and efficient. The activities were strenuous for us older folks but we saw beautiful scenery, lush rain and cloud forests and all sorts of exciting spotting of animals and birds.
Bela led our first tour of hiking up Arenal Volcano and going down to the waterfall, with just one other couple. We had a private tour with Mariano to the Hanging Bridges near Arenal. We enjoyed the coffee and chocolate tour with Randy at Don Juan. Marvin guided us through the dark at the Children's Eternal Forest and showed us many nocturnal animals and birds. We walked around the Hanging Bridges on our own at the Selvatura Park and got a tour with a group of the Sloth, Butterfly and Reptile buildings. We had a very good private tour with Ivan at Manuel Antonio and got close-up views and pictures of sloths, monkeys and all kinds of other creatures through his long Zoom lens. The catamaran ride was very lively and fun, with dinner and dancing around the boat. Finally, Alex was very informative on our ride back to the airport.
There were only two minor inconveniences. We didn't get a note that the Hanging Bridges tour on Monday was changed from 8:00 to 10:00 but we found out when our concierge called the Serendipity Office. And our room (and apparently all the rooms) at the Sibu Lodge was much too chilly.

Hotel Reviews
Arenal Springs Resort
La Fortuna

Beautiful grounds and room. We had fine dinners at their two restaurants and swam in the "hot springs" pool. And the first thing we saw when we left our room was a view of the Arenal Volcano among the clouds.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Lush surroundings, a spacious room and views of the volcano.
Staff
Great breakfasts and dinner and the concierge called the Serendipity office to find out the starting time for our toor.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sibū Boutique Hotel
Puntarenas

Beautiful grounds. We enjoyed our two breakfasts and two dinners at the restaurant, which was just a few steps from our room. There was no pool or exercise room, but there was a shuttle to a sister hotel a few minutes away with those facilities. The only issue with the hotel is that the room was freezing the entire time. The staff told us that there is air conditioning but no heat in their rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Good views of the surrounding areas. I walked into town one day and it was extremely hilly.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Warmer rooms!
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

Great views of the ocean and sunsets. A very large and comfortable pool. We enjoyed breakfast, dinner and desserts at Le Papillon Restaurant. The room was very spacious and well-laid out, with a wrap-around balcony overlooking the pool and bar.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The highest point in town, for great views.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Huge king-size bed and a great shower - and the views!
Activity Reviews
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

It was very crowded, even at 8:00 in the morning - it took us 20 to 30 minutes just to get through the entrance to the Park. Ivan was an outstanding guide. He was able to identify many kinds of animals through his long Zoom lens and took pictures with our cameras through the view finder - so we have great photos of sloths, monkeys, crabs and many other forms of wildlife, along with palm trees. We stopped at the cafeteria a little over halfway through our walk and he got fruit and a fruit drink for us there. The best part was seeing close-up female monkeys carrying their babies on their backs through the trees near the beach.

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

There were a lot of people at the reception building and it wasn't clear to us for a while that we would walk around the cloud forest and the hanging bridges on our own - and then have a guided group tour of the sloth, butterfly and reptile buildings. We saw a monkey and a quetzal on our walk, by noticing where guides were pointing their zoom lenses. We had a very good guide (didn't catch his name) in the sloth and butterfly buildings.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We didn't know in advance that Selvatura Park provides bus transportation back to the hotels in town. We thought we would have to look for the same bus that picked us up.
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

The volcano hike was very strenuous for us, but we did the best we could. We saw ants, butterflies and a toucan. One of us went down the 500 stairs to the waterfall and swam a bit in the pool on the left, while the other stayed on top and took pictures.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bela was very respectful of what we could and couldn't do.
Transport
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

There was a lot of up and down hill walking. Mariano recommend the best hike for us so that we went over 3 of the covered bridges and saw a fair amount of wildlife.

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

Randy, the Don Juan tour guide, was very friendly and knowledgeable. We learned a lot from him on the process of growing coffee beans and cacao and how they turn into coffee and chocolate. We had a few hands-on activities, such as making our own chocolate bar or cookie. And we bought about 10 bars of chocolate at the gift shop to bring back to our friends and relatives.

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

Our guide Marvin was very patient and thorough in making sure we were safe walking in the dark and showed us many animals, such as lizards, birds and an armadillo. We had a little trouble adjusting to walking up and down in the dark, but we made it "out of the woods" safely.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Catamaran Tour with Meal
Costa Rica

The breeze made the ride very comfortable on a hot and humid day. We had great views of the towns, beaches and islands and got to see a few dolphins when we went out a few miles. Then we stopped at a cove for swimming and snorkeling. One of us did a little swimming with a life jacket, while the other took pictures of videos of all the younger passengers jumping or sliding into the water. Then we had a very tasty dinner of beef and vegetables on a skewer, pasta and fruit.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The van that picked us and others up from various hotels had mostly young and very loud passengers. When we got to the marina, it was unclear for a while where we should go - and where we would be picked up at the end. But it was well-organized and we made it on the boat and back to our hotel.
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Feb 17, 2026
Hola Mark, Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review of your Costa Rica journey. It truly means a lot to me to read about your experience and to know that you enjoyed exploring Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio, as well as the hotels, guides, drivers, and activities along the way. I’m especially happy to hear how much you enjoyed the guided experiences with Bela, Mariano, Randy, Marvin, Ivan, and Alex. Costa Rica’s nature and wildlife are... Read more

Hola Mark,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review of your Costa Rica journey. It truly means a lot to me to read about your experience and to know that you enjoyed exploring Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio, as well as the hotels, guides, drivers, and activities along the way.

I’m especially happy to hear how much you enjoyed the guided experiences with Bela, Mariano, Randy, Marvin, Ivan, and Alex. Costa Rica’s nature and wildlife are incredibly special, and it’s wonderful to know that you were able to experience the rainforests, cloud forests, wildlife sightings, and scenery so fully—even with activities that can be a bit demanding. Your description truly captures the spirit of the trip.

Thank you as well for sharing the two minor inconveniences. I sincerely apologize for the lack of notification regarding the change in time for the Hanging Bridges tour. This is something I will review with our operations team to ensure clearer communication moving forward. Regarding the temperature at Sibu Lodge, I appreciate you mentioning this as well; your feedback is very valuable and helps us better guide future travelers, especially those sensitive to cooler temperatures.

It was truly a pleasure assisting you with the planning of this trip, and I’m very grateful for your trust in Serendipity Adventures. Thank you again for your kind words and for allowing me to be part of your Costa Rica experience.

I wish you all the very best and hope Costa Rica will welcome you back again in the future.

Warm regards,
Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures – Costa Rica 🌿

Our trip to Costa Rica was absolutely amazing!
Costa Rica | Jan 24 - Jan 29, 2026

P
Patty R.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Feb 05, 2026
Our trip to Costa Rica was absolutely amazing! I have heard nothing but positive comments! El Lugar was so beautiful and the activities and the schedule were spot on. I think what also topped it off was your staff from Serendipity; everyone was so friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and we were all impressed with their keen eyesights as they could spy any bird from any distance!
Elana, Charlotte, Adrian, Jose and all the others were the BEST!
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Our trip to Costa Rica was absolutely amazing! I have heard nothing but positive comments! El Lugar was so beautiful and the activities and the schedule were spot on. I think what also topped it off was your staff from Serendipity; everyone was so friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and we were all impressed with their keen eyesights as they could spy any bird from any distance!
Elana, Charlotte, Adrian, Jose and all the others were the BEST!

Hotel Reviews
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
San José

The hotel was OK, but our room was very mildewy and caused us to wake up very congested. Also the lighting in our room was too dark.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room smelled like mildew, and didn't feel as clean as it should; maybe a bit dated???
El Lugar
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

BEAUTIFUL grounds! Our room was fabulous! Very clean and beautiful view. The property looks like there is still construction to be done. I hope it is able to get finished...it is beautiful there and having the horses and stables added a nice touch too.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Privately Guided Tour at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Privately Guided Tour at La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Costa Rica

Beautiful property. I could have spent more time there!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tirimbina Chocolat Tour
Tirimbina Chocolat Tour
Costa Rica

Very interesting tour and presesntation. Loved the interaction. It just got a little bit too long.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mistico Hanging Bridges, and Ecotermales Hotsprings
Mistico Hanging Bridges, and Ecotermales Hotsprings
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Feb 06, 2026
Dear Patty, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
We truly appreciate your kind words and are thrilled to hear that your trip to Costa Rica was absolutely amazing.
It’s fantastic to know that you enjoyed El Lugar, the activities, and the overall schedule, and that everything flowed just as planned. Your special mention of our Serendipity Adventures team means a great deal to us. Charlotte, Adrian, Jose, I and the entire staff are genuinely... Read more

Dear Patty,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
We truly appreciate your kind words and are thrilled to hear that your trip to Costa Rica was absolutely amazing.

It’s fantastic to know that you enjoyed El Lugar, the activities, and the overall schedule, and that everything flowed just as planned. Your special mention of our Serendipity Adventures team means a great deal to us. Charlotte, Adrian, Jose, I and the entire staff are genuinely passionate about what they do, and your recognition of their friendliness, knowledge, and incredible wildlife-spotting skills will certainly make their day.

It was an absolute pleasure to be part of your Costa Rica experience, and we are grateful for the trust you placed in us. We hope to welcome you back in the future for another unforgettable adventure.
Thank you so much 🙏🏼for this opportunity, Pura Vida!

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures 🌿

A great trip to Costa Rica thanks to KimKim / Serendipity Adventures
Costa Rica | Jan 24 - Jan 29, 2026

K
Karen A.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Feb 02, 2026
What a fantastic experience it was dealing with Serendipity Adventures in Costa Rica, the company recommended by KimKim Travel. I led a team tasked with providing a birding adventure for our community. From the start, Elena helped craft a 6-day/5-night trip that would work for 50 seniors from Florida. Charlotte and her team worked to execute this plan. In the end, we had 66 who wanted to join along.
The personal attention from landing until take-off was above and beyond. We had 2 buses and 4...
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What a fantastic experience it was dealing with Serendipity Adventures in Costa Rica, the company recommended by KimKim Travel. I led a team tasked with providing a birding adventure for our community. From the start, Elena helped craft a 6-day/5-night trip that would work for 50 seniors from Florida. Charlotte and her team worked to execute this plan. In the end, we had 66 who wanted to join along.
The personal attention from landing until take-off was above and beyond. We had 2 buses and 4 outstanding bird guides that stayed with us along the way. They provided additional bird walks around the hotel and resort in the morning and afternoons. Additionally, Serendipity had staff members who set up snack stations, went ahead to ensure we had easy access to our events, and helped out wherever needed. When some members inquired about ziplining, the activity was added to our itinerary, and many took advantage of the addition. The first night we stayed at the Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen by the San Jose airport. Then we headed out to the El Lugar resort, with a stop at the Las Paz Waterfalls for a few hours of animal exhibits and a scenic trail to see the waterfalls. The next days included a riverboat tour, a guided naturalist hike at La Selva Biological Station, a Cacao tour, a visit to the hanging bridges near Arenal Volcano, and a relaxing evening at the hot springs. Everyone raved about the quality of the trip. Thanks for everything!!!

Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Feb 02, 2026
Dear Karen, Thank you so very much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful, detailed, and wonderful five-star review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Reading your words truly touched our hearts. It was an absolute honor for all of us at Serendipity Adventures to work with you and to welcome such an incredible group to Costa Rica. From the very beginning, your vision of creating a meaningful birding experience for your community inspired us deeply. We were delighted to help bring that vision to life—first for... Read more

Dear Karen,

Thank you so very much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful, detailed, and wonderful five-star review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Reading your words truly touched our hearts.

It was an absolute honor for all of us at Serendipity Adventures to work with you and to welcome such an incredible group to Costa Rica. From the very beginning, your vision of creating a meaningful birding experience for your community inspired us deeply. We were delighted to help bring that vision to life—first for 50 travelers, and then proudly for a group of 66.

Costa Rica is not just where we work; it is our home. Sharing its extraordinary biodiversity, warm culture, and natural beauty—especially in a way that is comfortable, enriching, and personal for senior travelers—is something we are truly passionate about. Knowing that the care, attention, and teamwork from our guides, drivers, coordinators, and support staff made a positive difference from landing to take-off means more to us than words can express.

I will be sure to share your kind feedback with Charlotte, our birding guides, drivers, and the entire operations team. They will be incredibly proud to know that their extra bird walks, on-the-ground support, flexibility with added activities such as zip-lining, and attention to every detail helped create such a memorable journey.

Thank you again for your trust, your leadership, and for allowing us to be part of such a special experience. We hope Costa Rica will always hold a special place in your hearts, and we would be absolutely thrilled to welcome you and your community back anytime.

Please feel free to ask for me personally the next time you return to Costa Rica, or family or friends it would be a true honor to design another beautiful journey for you, exploring even more of our country’s amazing destinations.

With heartfelt thanks and pura vida always,
Thank you so much for this opportunity! Pura Vida !

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures Costa Rica 🦥

8 Fun days in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Jan 15 - Jan 24, 2026

Jim
Jim C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 30, 2026
Getting though Immigration/Customs was lengthy, and traffic made the trip from landing to our 1st lodging a 6 hour ordeal.
Volcano Lodge: Room was adequate, but the grounds were amazing - gardens and thermal pools.
Cloud Forest Lodge: Room was large and comfortable. Restaurant and staff were great
Hotel La Mariposa: Room was large and comfortable, great view of the ocean from the balcony. Dinner menu was lacking. Easy short walk to La Milagro for excellent dinners.
All 3 had great...
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Getting though Immigration/Customs was lengthy, and traffic made the trip from landing to our 1st lodging a 6 hour ordeal.
Volcano Lodge: Room was adequate, but the grounds were amazing - gardens and thermal pools.
Cloud Forest Lodge: Room was large and comfortable. Restaurant and staff were great
Hotel La Mariposa: Room was large and comfortable, great view of the ocean from the balcony. Dinner menu was lacking. Easy short walk to La Milagro for excellent dinners.
All 3 had great breakfasts
Both Kimkim and Serendipity kept us informed as we traveled. All transfers and pick-ups for activities were on-time.
Mariano led a nice hike through Arenal 1968, pointing out interesting features (although the clouds never let us see the volcano). We were never rushed, and enjoyed the waterfall. He was a trouper after his very long day getting us from the airport.
Moisses (Moi) was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide on the river float. He took the effort to separate us from the crowds of other rafts on the river - it was like we had the place to ourselves. Saw monkeys and a crocodile.
The Coffee and Chocolate (and sugar cane) Tour was interesting and tasty.
The Night Walk was a disappointment. Martin spoke very softly, especially for a group of 8-10 people. We never saw anything larger than a finger. Likewise, the Santa Elena hike never produced anything other than insects and plants. At least we could see the forest around us, unlike the Night Walk. I would suggest 1 or the other; not both - too similar.
Andres was an amazing guide at Manual Antonio. Seems like he knows every guide there and kept getting (and giving) tips on what to see and where. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Birds, monkeys and sloths
The Catamaran Tour was fun, and we got to see dolphins and whales. Unfortunately, recent rains meant limited visibility and not good snorkeling conditions. Good meal and very friendly crew.
RideCR had the most comfortable vans. We were pleasantly amazed at how courteous the drivers are in CR, especially given the narrow roads.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

Nice large corner room with balcony and views on 2 sides. Nice views to the ocean. Easy to get to other restaurants and shops by a short walk or the local bus ($1 per passenger, every 15-20 minutes). Very good breakfast. Did not seem like dinner choices were authentic/local.

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

Pleasant and welcoming staff. Large room. Emphasis on sustainability. Nice dining room. Good menu with varied, authentic options.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience
San Carlos, Alajuela

Adequate, small room. Beautiful grounds. Thermal pools were very enjoyable. Great breakfasts and enough choices of local dinner options.

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

Saw whales and dolphins. Surprisingly good meal.

Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Private Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

We had a great guide and saw lots of wildlife.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike**
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike**
Monteverde
Night Walk at Children's Eternal Forest
Night Walk at Children's Eternal Forest
Monteverde
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Arenal/La Fortuna
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna
Local specialist: Elena Mora
Elena
Elena Mora
Local specialist in Cartago, Turrialba | Replied on Jan 30, 2026
Hola Jim, Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review of your Costa Rica experience. I truly appreciate your feedback, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have assisted you with this journey. I’m glad to hear that overall you enjoyed the trip and that the accommodations, breakfasts, guides, and transportation met your expectations. It’s wonderful to know that you appreciated the gardens and thermal pools at Volcano Lodge, the comfort and... Read more

Hola Jim,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review of your Costa Rica experience. I truly appreciate your feedback, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have assisted you with this journey.

I’m glad to hear that overall you enjoyed the trip and that the accommodations, breakfasts, guides, and transportation met your expectations. It’s wonderful to know that you appreciated the gardens and thermal pools at Volcano Lodge, the comfort and service at Cloud Forest Lodge, and the ocean views at La Mariposa. I’m also happy that our coordination with Kimkim and Serendipity, as well as the punctuality of transfers and tours, contributed to a smooth experience.

Thank you as well for highlighting our guides. I will be sure to share your kind words with Mariano, Moisés, and Andrés—they will be delighted to know their passion, knowledge, and dedication made such a positive impact on your trip. Your comments about Andrés at Manuel Antonio and Moisés on the river float are especially appreciated.

I also value your honest feedback regarding the Night Walk and the Santa Elena hike. This kind of insight is extremely helpful and allows us to better guide future travelers in choosing experiences that best match their interests. Your suggestion of selecting one or the other is very well noted.

Regarding the catamaran tour, I’m glad you were able to enjoy the wildlife sightings and onboard experience, and I appreciate your understanding regarding snorkeling conditions, which can be affected by recent weather.

Thank you once again for trusting us with your Costa Rica adventure. It was truly a pleasure working with you, and I hope we may have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future for another unforgettable experience.

Warm regards and Pura Vida,

Elena Mora
Serendipity Adventures, Costa Rica