Holden Ketchum
I have lived in Costa Rica for seven years and made it my home. My role is to help travelers connect to the activities and experiences that will bring them the most joy and provide lasting memories. Costa Rica is a unique travel destination and I hope that my clients will get to know its many qualities by making up-close and personal connections through the activities in their personalized trip plans.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in Costa Rican highlights. Additionally, I like to recommend unique places that are less frequented but offer peace and quiet for those looking to leave the crowd behind. I love sharing places where travelers can experience the biodiversity of Costa Rica, relax in peaceful places, and enjoy delicious food. Ask me where the best cheesecake can be found!"
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have been traveling my entire life. I have lived in multiple states in the USA (California, Texas, Florida, Alaska, Arizona, and Washington State) as well as other countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Costa Rica. I completed my undergraduate degree in Paris. Being a student of history and cultural studies allowed me the opportunity to travel extensively across Europe: everything from modern museums and castles to ancient ruins and cave painting sites.
I began my new life in Costa Rica eight years ago, and I have been traveling and exploring here ever since. I have worked in travel marketing as a way to connect people to the adventures and experiences that are available to them here in Costa Rica. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"My favorite place in Costa Rica is San Gerardo de Dota, which is a hidden cloud forest not far from Cartago. On a trip last year, as we were hiking through the forest, we saw a pair of quetzals in an aguacatillo tree. We sat quietly at the side of the trail and watched them eat their fill. Eventually, the male flew from tree to tree calling to the female. The usual light mist was falling, but the sun still sent sparkling rays through the canopy. The sights and sounds were incredible, and we were all alone in the forest with them. As an avid birdwatcher, this was unforgettable for me."
Holden's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Set in Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo is a dreamy coastal escape with long white-sand beaches known worldwide for surfing. It's idyllic for relaxing and offers several...
Travelers to Costa Rica typically plan a trip for 8 to 10 days when combining both Arenal/La Fortuna and Monteverde with Manuel Antonio. If you're not interested in Manuel...
Volcanos define the landscape of Costa Rica, these volcanos created the fertile valleys and diverse ecosystems of the country. If you want to truly experience Costa Rica's...
Favorite experiences
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 Holden
Again, working with KimKim was a fun and rewa...
Costa Rica
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Dec 14 - Dec 20, 2024
Thank you Fredric, I'm glad to hear that you had another amazing trip with Kimkim and that Serendipity Adventures was able to provide excellent service along the way.
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
Amazing 10 days in Costa Rica!
Costa Rica
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Dec 4 - Dec 13, 2024
Thank you for your review Joey, I'm glad to hear that your trip was a massive success. That is what we always aim for. Thank you for your feedback, it is very helpful in our process to make sure everything is 100% in the future.
Sincerely
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
A Great Week in Costa Rica!
Costa Rica
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Nov 17 - Nov 23, 2024
Thank you, Karen. I'm glad to hear you had a great time and you didn't let the weather stop you! We all appreciate your kind words.
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
Aft 87 years of age I experienced my goal of ...
Costa Rica
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Nov 11 - Nov 18, 2024
That's great, Jan!I'm happy we could help you meet these wonderful life goals. 🦥 I hope you have great photos to share with family and friends!
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
Costa Rica Honeymoon
Costa Rica
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Nov 12 - Nov 19, 2024
The KimKim team helped make planning our Costa Rica honeymoon amazing! We gave them our budget and what all we wanted to do and they made it happen! It was so easy and so nice to have every detail planned out for you. It was so helpful to have a point of contact during our trip as well. Will be using KimKim for all our trips from here on out!
Thank you Brooke, I hope you both have great memories of Costa Rica to last a lifetime!
It was a pleasure to help you celebrate 🦋
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
Amazing fast paced short visit to Costa Rica
Costa Rica
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Sep 5 - Sep 9, 2024
Thank you Pat for your review. I'm glad that you had a great time on your short adventure to Costa Rica and that Mauricio helped you to see a lot of wildlife. That's why we always recommend a guided tour. There's so much to see!
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
Unforgettable Arenal/Tortuguero adventure during Green Season
Costa Rica
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Sep 11 - Sep 17, 2024
Thank you for the review Lori! 🦋
I'm glad you had a great time in Costa Rica and that we were able to make a memorable trip extension. I'm glad we were able to Tortuguero into your plans!🐢
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
Amazing trip
Costa Rica
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Aug 14 - Aug 21, 2024
I highly recommend them to anyone planning a trip! Read more
Hello Nathalia
I'm glad you received amazing service from our team and that our drivers gave 100%.
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
KimKim and Serendipity adventures are awesome!!!
Costa Rica
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Aug 9 - Aug 16, 2024
Thank you Vijay for taking the time to review your trip with us. I'm very happy to hear your family enjoyed your time in Costa Rica 🇨🇷 and that you rated your tours so highly. I'm glad you liked the views from your hotel balcony in Manuel Antonio and the hot springs in Kioro!
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
We had an amazing time! The tours were exactl...
Costa Rica
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Aug 3 - Aug 10, 2024
Hello Amanda! Wow!look at all those stars! I'm so glad you all had a great time!
Thank you for taking the time to write a review 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures