I'm a passionate Costa Rican travel specialist. While I savor the rhythms of life through my drumming and a delightful cup of coffee, my true calling lies in exploring the world and collecting unforgettable experiences. I find joy in the simple pleasures like hiking in the mountains or basking in the serenity of a beach sunset, yet I also thrive on the thrill of more adventurous pursuits, such as rappelling and ziplining.
My role as a travel specialist is to share my in-depth knowledge and expertise about Costa Rica and its myriad wonders. Together, we'll craft a transformative journey that leaves an indelible mark on your life, igniting a desire to return and delve deeper into this enchanting natural paradise.
Costa Rica eagerly awaits your arrival. The Pura Vida is calling.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"
My expertise lies in crafting unforgettable adventures and immersive cultural experiences. With a degree in sustainable tourism, my primary objective is to meticulously curate a well-rounded journey, seamlessly blending the charms of the mountains, the allure of the beach, and the rich tapestry of Costa Rican culture. This includes carefully chosen destinations that not only highlight the country's top attractions but also underscore the importance of preserving and cherishing our precious natural resources. Your trip will be a harmonious exploration of the very best that Costa Rica has to offer."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I come from Dota, a picturesque town known for producing some of the world's finest coffee. My fascination with nature and the allure of discovering hidden gems within the mountains began in my childhood. This early passion steered me towards a career in tourism, which I pursued not only during high school but also at the university. For the past decade, I've been immersed in various tourism-related activities, and my unwavering source of motivation has always been the embodiment of the "pura vida" spirit"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"One vivid memory etched in my mind is my initial visit to the awe-inspiring Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes right here in Costa Rica. The enormity of these natural wonders left me feeling insignificantly small, yet simultaneously filled with an overwhelming sense of excitement. Witnessing the sheer beauty of the volcanoes, alongside the flourishing wildlife and the untouched nature surrounding them, was a transformative experience.
From there, our journey led us to the coastal gem of Puerto Viejo in Limón. As the day waned, we found ourselves on the beach, serenading the setting sun with our melodies. The harmonious fusion of music and the mesmerizing backdrop of the sunset created an unforgettable moment.
An unforgettable experience for me."
Jean Carlo's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries
Honeymoon itineraries
Recent trip reviews for Jean Carlo
Costa Rica July/August Travel
Costa Rica
|
Jul 29 - Aug 6, 2024
Juan R.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024
This is the first time we have utilized "kimkim" services, and we are absolutely impressed with the level of service, professionalism and how easy they made our Costa Rica travel. We traveled to Costa Rica at the end of July, and it was our first international trip traveling with our kids. Our travel specialist helped us create an itinerary that allowed to see various parts of the country. We went canyoning, horseback riding, we hiked near a volcano, we dove into natural thermal waters, we...
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This is the first time we have utilized "kimkim" services, and we are absolutely impressed with the level of service, professionalism and how easy they made our Costa Rica travel. We traveled to Costa Rica at the end of July, and it was our first international trip traveling with our kids. Our travel specialist helped us create an itinerary that allowed to see various parts of the country. We went canyoning, horseback riding, we hiked near a volcano, we dove into natural thermal waters, we visited the hanging bridges, kayaked, snorkeled in a beautiful beach and so much more. It truly made our experience an unforgettable one. We will definitely be utilizing their services in the future.
Hotel Reviews
Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Fortuna
Beautiful hotel located at the base of a dormant volcano. Our room had a direct view to the volcano from the back porch. Moreover, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful, and the place has a heated pool with a jacuzzi for those that enjoy night swim. The food was good, but I recommend everyone to visit "La Fortuna" town, as they offer a vast variety of places to eat at a better price. Finally, the only thing we regret was not staying here longer!
Location
Great view and peaceful.
Hotel Ficus
Monteverde Costa Rica
Great location! This hotel is only minutes away from the "downtown" portion of town. Dylan and Ana were extremely helpful, professional and courteous! There was a day we had additional idle time, and they recommended us a "forest night walk", and even helped us set it up. The rooms were very comfortable, and clean and the only time we needed assistance, they responded in very short time.
Location
Close to various coffee shops, restaurants and local shops.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto
San José
We only stayed one night, but the rooms had ample space, were comfortable and clean. Breakfast service was good, with plenty of options and the staff was friendly as it was professional.
Authenticity & Character
Pretty average, but not bad for a short stay.
Location
Close to the airport, but about 30 minutes away from the capital's downtown.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The only aspect i would recommend, is to install extractors in the bathrooms.
Leyenda Boutique Hotel and Spa
Hojancha Guanacaste
Hotel is located about 10 minutes away from the beach. Rooms were comfortable and clean, and the hotel has a nice pool at a very convenient spot. The hospitality staff was very helpful, and extremely hard working as they seemed to do a bit of everything.
Location
Transportation is limited, but manageable.
Activity Reviews
Canyoning in the Lost Canyon
Arenal/La Fortuna
First time doing this!! Our whole family enjoyed it! The staff was extremely helpful, especially since it can be a bit of intimidating at the beginning.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour & Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna
What made this tour different was out guide, otherwise it would've been just a normal hike. Sergio provided us with a historical background of the park and the composition of the forest as we walked through. He had vast knowledge of the area's flora and fauna, and even provided us interesting details of Costa Rica's drive to protect their natural resources. He definitely connected with us!
Food
Food was provided at the end of the tour, and it was delicious.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Horseback Riding in the Cloud Forest
Monteverde
The farm has a gorgeous panoramic view. It was a peaceful tour, as our guides only helped us control our horses. Maybe I was expecting some information or any background conversation, but I wouldn't want that to take away from how great the experience was.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hanging Bridges
Monteverde
Our guide Dio was great! Very knowledgeable and attentive. We were able to see wild sloths, various bird species, reptiles and mammals.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Experience
Monteverde
We loved this tour!! Diego (son of the owner) was extremely attentive to our group. He took his time to answer every question we all had, as he showed us his farm. We loved the ending with freshly made coffee, chocolate and light snacks. 100% recommend this for coffee and chocolate lovers.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Isla Chora Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling Tour
Sámara
If you want to have fun while exercising, i definitely recommend you this tour. The guides take you to a tour to a nearby island full of crabs, and where you can occasionally see wild iguanas. The snorkeling experience was OK, since the water current lifted some sediments from the bottom, and we were not able to see many fishes. It still was a worthwhile fin experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Awesome experience throughout
Costa Rica
|
Jun 5 - Jun 15, 2024
Terry M.
North Atlanta, GA
| Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024
Whitewater was excellent especially our guide Roberto
Arenal Hot Springs Hotel was amazing as were all our activities there.
Manuel Antonio Karahe Hotel is very dated but a beautiful place outside of the rooms. Our guide on the hike through the National Park was beyond spectacular
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Whitewater was excellent especially our guide Roberto
Arenal Hot Springs Hotel was amazing as were all our activities there.
Manuel Antonio Karahe Hotel is very dated but a beautiful place outside of the rooms. Our guide on the hike through the National Park was beyond spectacular
Hotel Reviews
Hotel Presidente San Jose City Center
San José
Nice place for a stopover. Rooftop bar is spectacular despite the rain
Cleanliness & Comfort
No place to sit and relax with a desk
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna
We loved this place. Best staff I've ever seen. So friendly and helpful. Great room and great views of Arenal. Highly recommend.
Staff
I'd give a six if I could
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Monteverde
Disappointed especially after Arenal Hot Springs. Too many steps to get to the room. Food selection/quality was not good. Pool was loud with a bunch of kids. Hard to relax. Courtesy transport
was very good. Disappointing
Karahé Beach Hotel
Manuel Antonio
Rooms are dated and need an upgrade. Property needs a facelift. However, the grounds are beautiful. The pool was fun as was the bar/restaurant. Needs mor food selection at breakfast. Stunning beach.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto
San José
This was a dumpy old hotel. Horrible food and beverage selections. Do not recommend.
Activity Reviews
Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River
Costa Rica
A very well run, fun day on the river
Guides, Drivers and Staff
ROBERTO!!!
Treetopia Hanging Bridges
Monteverde
Guides, Drivers and Staff
La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hiking Tour
Arenal/La Fortuna
Very strenuous but worth it!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Arenal Volcano Guided Walking Tour
Arenal/La Fortuna
Tougher hike than described but well worth it!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Birdwatching tour by the Arenal Lake
Arenal/La Fortuna
A nice easy hike but unfortunately didn't see a lot on this particular day.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Costa Rica
If I could give a six I would.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
ours was a 7
Catamaran Adventure with Meal
Manuel Antonio
A nice relaxing way to end the trip
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Jean Carlo Ilama
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica
| Replied on Jun 27, 2024
Hola Terry,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m thrilled to hear that you had an excellent time on the whitewater tour and that Roberto made it an exceptional experience. I’m also glad to know that you enjoyed your stay at the Arenal Hot Springs Hotel and all the activities there. It’s fantastic to hear that the highlights met your expectations.
Regarding your stay at the Karahe Hotel in Manuel Antonio, I appreciate your feedback about the rooms. While it’s a beautiful place...
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Hola Terry,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m thrilled to hear that you had an excellent time on the whitewater tour and that Roberto made it an exceptional experience. I’m also glad to know that you enjoyed your stay at the Arenal Hot Springs Hotel and all the activities there. It’s fantastic to hear that the highlights met your expectations.
Regarding your stay at the Karahe Hotel in Manuel Antonio, I appreciate your feedback about the rooms. While it’s a beautiful place overall, I understand the importance of having comfortable accommodations. I’ll take your comments into consideration for future recommendations.
Thank you again for sharing your experience. It was a pleasure assisting you with your trip, and I look forward to helping you plan your next adventure!
Best regards and Pura Vida from Tropical Paradise,
Jean Carlo
Overall a great experience. Was surprised by ...
Costa Rica
|
May 4 - May 11, 2024
Bruce C.
Dallas, TX
| Reviewed on May 13, 2024
Overall a great experience. Was surprised by lack of wildlife due to abundance of humans at the national parks compared to my travels to CR 25 years ago.
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Jean Carlo Ilama
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica
| Replied on May 15, 2024
Hey Bruce,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! I'm delighted to hear that overall, you had a fantastic time during your trip to Costa Rica.
It's fascinating to hear your perspective on the wildlife and human presence at the national parks compared to your visit 25 years ago. The increase in tourism has undoubtedly brought changes to our natural habitats, and your observation sheds light on an important aspect of our evolving landscape.
Your feedback is incredibly...
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Hey Bruce,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! I'm delighted to hear that overall, you had a fantastic time during your trip to Costa Rica.
It's fascinating to hear your perspective on the wildlife and human presence at the national parks compared to your visit 25 years ago. The increase in tourism has undoubtedly brought changes to our natural habitats, and your observation sheds light on an important aspect of our evolving landscape.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share it. If there's anything else you'd like to add or any further feedback you have, please feel free to reach out. We're here to ensure that your next Costa Rican adventure surpasses all expectations!
Warm regards and Pura Vida,
Jean Carlo.
Adventurous Family Vacation in Costa Rica: Well Planned and Thoughtful Scheduling
Costa Rica
|
Mar 22 - Mar 31, 2024
Catherine W.
Wolf Trap, VA
| Reviewed on Apr 03, 2024
Our family of 5, including 3 kids ages 10 and under, had a wonderful 10-day trip visiting three towns in Costa Rica. Everything was perfectly planned and scheduled with the tour operators and the needs and interests of our family considered in the planning. Thank you, Jean, for your local expertise, lining up such a great schedule and considering the variety of activities and scheduling our tours with such great operators! We loved that so many of our activities were with smaller family-owned...
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Our family of 5, including 3 kids ages 10 and under, had a wonderful 10-day trip visiting three towns in Costa Rica. Everything was perfectly planned and scheduled with the tour operators and the needs and interests of our family considered in the planning. Thank you, Jean, for your local expertise, lining up such a great schedule and considering the variety of activities and scheduling our tours with such great operators! We loved that so many of our activities were with smaller family-owned businesses and not with large crowds.
We will definitely be working with KimKim for future similar trips!
Hotel Reviews
Fonda Vela Hotel
Monteverde
Authenticity & Character
Beautiful property with a truly local feel right in the rainforest.
Location
Quiet location right in the rainforest with lots of wildlife. Hiking trail around the property and a very nicely maintained pool and grounds.
Staff
This hotel has the most friendly and accommodating staff! There were many who spoke fluent english.
La Fortuna Downtown Boutique Hotel
La Fortuna San Carlos
Located right downtown in the heart of LaFortuna. Lots of restaurants and activities nearby to soak up the local culture. Smaller rooms, but, in a perfect location for getting around town and exploring other areas.
Authenticity & Character
Small hotel with historical styled rooms and corridors. We loved the windows overlooking the street with seats to people watch.
Location
Centrally located in LaFortuna.
Staff
Friendly hotel staff
KC Hotel San Jose
San José
Authenticity & Character
Lovely property with nice features throughout and a fun tropical vibe.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved the room setup with two separate bedrooms for families. Squeaky clean location with a beautiful pool area.
Activity Reviews
Arenal Volcano Guided Walking Tour
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Our guide made this a fun, informative and funny trip for everyone.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sloth sanctuary tour
Monteverde
Sloths were beautiful and the highlight. It was a short experience when compared to the transportation, lines and wait times. Visit the sloths at another location that isn't the Adventure park.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Fun adventure where we were able to see lots of insects and critters. Seeing the rainforest at night was a real treat and nice contrast to other the daytime hikes.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Experience
Monteverde
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hanging Bridges
Monteverde
Fun experience with a different view of the cloud forest. Our guides was great for a bigger group ensuring he rotated through the front and back of the group. Climbing the ficus tree at the end was an unexpected and fun surprise!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike
Monteverde
Lovely location with lots of animals and we had an amazing guide!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Jean Carlo Ilama
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica
| Replied on Apr 04, 2024
Dear Catherine
Thank you for sharing your experience of your recent trip to Costa Rica with me. I'm thrilled to hear that your family had a fantastic time exploring Costa Rica.
It's wonderful to know that everything was well-planned and tailored to suit your family's needs and interests. I'm glad you enjoyed the variety of activities and the personalized tours with smaller family-owned businesses, offering a more intimate experience.
Your feedback means a lot to me, and I'm excited to...
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Dear Catherine
Thank you for sharing your experience of your recent trip to Costa Rica with me. I'm thrilled to hear that your family had a fantastic time exploring Costa Rica.
It's wonderful to know that everything was well-planned and tailored to suit your family's needs and interests. I'm glad you enjoyed the variety of activities and the personalized tours with smaller family-owned businesses, offering a more intimate experience.
Your feedback means a lot to me, and I'm excited to hear that you're considering working with KimKim for future trips, thank you again for your comments and Pura Vida!
Warm regards,
Jean Carlo
The trip to Costa Rica was wonderful but ther...
Costa Rica
|
Feb 11 - Feb 17, 2024
Jacqueline B.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Feb 21, 2024
The trip to Costa Rica was wonderful but there were two things to mention that could have been communicated better. One, on the horseback riding trail, Jackie's horse, Roro, stopped for a drink of water and ended up laying down and rolling Jackie off into the creek. Thankfully, she did not get hurt, just soaked. The tour guide said she should have pulled back tight on the reins but he didn't tell Jackie to do that before it happened. Jackie has only ridden a horse three times in her life. It...
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The trip to Costa Rica was wonderful but there were two things to mention that could have been communicated better. One, on the horseback riding trail, Jackie's horse, Roro, stopped for a drink of water and ended up laying down and rolling Jackie off into the creek. Thankfully, she did not get hurt, just soaked. The tour guide said she should have pulled back tight on the reins but he didn't tell Jackie to do that before it happened. Jackie has only ridden a horse three times in her life. It is concerning because there were two teenaged children on that ride, too. No one was told to pull back on the reins to keep the horse from taking a bath.
The other to mention was the trip to Poas volcano. We were not told to bring rain gear and it was raining the day we went. We were fine but walked up to the overlook but could not see anything because it was very cloudy, rainy and windy. We would have been fine if the trip to the volcano had been cancelled since it was raining. Other than that, the trip was fantastic! Thank you!
Hotel Reviews
Hotel Costa Verde
Manuel Antonio
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto
San José
Activity Reviews
Horseback Riding, Tocori Mountain & Waterfall
Manuel Antonio
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Free Day in San Jose
San José
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling
Manuel Antonio
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Costa Rica
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Doka Coffee Tour & Poas Volcano National Park
Costa Rica
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Jean Carlo Ilama
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica
| Replied on Feb 23, 2024
Dear Jaqueline,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of your recent trip to Costa Rica. We sincerely appreciate your feedback and the trust you placed in us to make your journey memorable.
Your insights are invaluable to us, and we're grateful for the opportunity to improve our services. We'll certainly take your comments into consideration as we continue to enhance our offerings for future travelers.
Once again, we appreciate your feedback and hope to have the pleasure...
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Dear Jaqueline,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of your recent trip to Costa Rica. We sincerely appreciate your feedback and the trust you placed in us to make your journey memorable.
Your insights are invaluable to us, and we're grateful for the opportunity to improve our services. We'll certainly take your comments into consideration as we continue to enhance our offerings for future travelers.
Once again, we appreciate your feedback and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Costa Rica for another unforgettable adventure in the future.
Warm regards and Pura Vida,
JC.
Amazing time in Costa Rica - Kim Kim was perfect
Costa Rica
|
Jan 13 - Jan 21, 2024
Matt P.
Atlanta, GA
| Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024
My wife and I had an amazing time in Costa Rica. Our local specialist, Jean Carlo, was so attentive and had great suggestions. He made planning this trip so much easier than any other vacation we have ever been on. Can't recommend Kim Kim and Jean Carlo enough! The Arenal Amor Hotel was the nicest resort we have ever stayed at and we wish we never had to leave. Our other resorts, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens and Arenas Del Mar Beachfront Resort were also beautiful with amazing service. While...
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My wife and I had an amazing time in Costa Rica. Our local specialist, Jean Carlo, was so attentive and had great suggestions. He made planning this trip so much easier than any other vacation we have ever been on. Can't recommend Kim Kim and Jean Carlo enough! The Arenal Amor Hotel was the nicest resort we have ever stayed at and we wish we never had to leave. Our other resorts, Monteverde Lodge & Gardens and Arenas Del Mar Beachfront Resort were also beautiful with amazing service. While traveling just the two of us, we appreciated the group shuttles from one destination to the next as it alleviated the stress of renting a car and navigating. Our favorite activity was the Combo tour in La Fortuna of Hanging Bridges, Volcano Walk and La Fortuna Waterfall as everything was so cool and our guide was very knowledgeable.
Hotel Reviews
Amor Arenal
La Fortuna, San Carlos
This is the best resort we have ever stayed at. Highly recommend as it is well worth the cost to have your own bungalow and to stay at this beautiful resort.
Location
In the heart of the jungle with unobstructed volcano views.
Staff
Everyone we encountered was top notch.
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Monteverde
Beautiful grounds and wonderful staff.
Arenas del Mar Resort
Manuel Antonio
Easily the best beach resort in this location. Direct access to a "private" beach that is stunning. Worth the cost.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom occasionally had a sewage smell and the restaurant was a bit warm at night but everything else was great.
Activity Reviews
Hanging Bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall & Arenal Volcano Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna
Our favorite activity of the trip. Hanging bridges and the waterfall were amazing. Our guide was so knowledgeable.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Did not see as much wildlife as we hoped (a bunch of spiders and frogs) but still had a great time and saw some pretty birds such as a Tucan.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Zip Line (Canopy) Monteverde
Monteverde
Had a great time, just my wife and I with two guides who did a great job making us feel safe. Pretty views.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Jean Carlo Ilama
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica
| Replied on Feb 14, 2024
Dear Matt,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It warms our hearts to hear that you and your wife had an amazing time in Costa Rica. I'm genuinely delighted that I could assist you in planning your trip and that you found the suggestions helpful. Your kind words about Kim Kim and my services mean a lot to me.
I'm overjoyed to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Arenal Amor Hotel and that it exceeded your expectations. It's fantastic that you also had great experiences at Monteverde...
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Dear Matt,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It warms our hearts to hear that you and your wife had an amazing time in Costa Rica. I'm genuinely delighted that I could assist you in planning your trip and that you found the suggestions helpful. Your kind words about Kim Kim and my services mean a lot to me.
I'm overjoyed to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Arenal Amor Hotel and that it exceeded your expectations. It's fantastic that you also had great experiences at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens and Arenas Del Mar Beachfront Resort.
I'm glad the group shuttles made your travels stress-free, and I'm elated that the Combo tour in La Fortuna was a highlight for you both. Your enjoyment means everything to us.
Thank you once again for choosing us to help create your Costa Rican adventure. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!
Warm regards,
Jean Carlo
Family trip to Costa Rica, Dec 2023
Costa Rica
|
Dec 19 - Dec 27, 2023
Mary C.
Chandler, AZ
| Reviewed on Dec 31, 2023
Just back form our amazing trip to Costa Rica. We spent 8 wonderful days there and many thanks to Kim Kim travel (and our expert Juan Carlo, for organizing this trip. The service provide by Kim Kim was excellent - they spent alot of time finding out what we wanted to do on our trip and then organized our itinerary to match. Everthing ran like clockwork - all transport was on time and so clean and comfortable. All tours and guides were amazing (expecially Kristal in Arenal). We enjoyed every...
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Just back form our amazing trip to Costa Rica. We spent 8 wonderful days there and many thanks to Kim Kim travel (and our expert Juan Carlo, for organizing this trip. The service provide by Kim Kim was excellent - they spent alot of time finding out what we wanted to do on our trip and then organized our itinerary to match. Everthing ran like clockwork - all transport was on time and so clean and comfortable. All tours and guides were amazing (expecially Kristal in Arenal). We enjoyed every minute of every day and hope to return to Costa rice someday soon. It is an amazing country with so much diversity in landscape - beautiful rain foreats , wildlife, coastline,beaches, activities - and amazing people. Everyone we interacted with was friendly and helpful and so proud of their beautiful country.
Thank you Kim Kim for giving us such an amazing experience. Mary Culloty and family.
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Jean Carlo Ilama
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica
| Replied on Jan 02, 2024
Dear Mary,
I'm thrilled to read your glowing review of your recent trip to Costa Rica! It warms my heart to know that you and your family had such an incredible experience during your 8 days in this beautiful country. Costa Rica's diverse landscapes, including breathtaking rainforests, captivating wildlife, and stunning coastlines, truly make it a unique destination.
Your kind words serve as a testament to our commitment to creating personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. It...
Read more
Dear Mary,
I'm thrilled to read your glowing review of your recent trip to Costa Rica! It warms my heart to know that you and your family had such an incredible experience during your 8 days in this beautiful country. Costa Rica's diverse landscapes, including breathtaking rainforests, captivating wildlife, and stunning coastlines, truly make it a unique destination.
Your kind words serve as a testament to our commitment to creating personalized and unforgettable travel experiences. It would be a pleasure to welcome you and your family back to Costa Rica for another adventure in the future.
Thank you for choosing Kim Kim, and I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your positive feedback.
Warm regards,
Jean Carlo
Amazing trip thanks to the great planning / coordination from Jean Carlo and the KimKim team!
Costa Rica
|
Nov 30 - Dec 4, 2023
Stephen L.
Newark, NJ
| Reviewed on Dec 08, 2023
Jean Carlo was so helpful throughout the process of planning our trip to Costa Rica. We were able to customize almost every part of our trip to be just as we wanted, and he was there to guide us every step of the way. As a result, our trip ended up being fantastic as all the activities were fun and the transportation was timely / comfortable. The trip went exactly according to plan, allowing us to be as stress-free as possible. I honestly don't have any complaints about either the planning...
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Jean Carlo was so helpful throughout the process of planning our trip to Costa Rica. We were able to customize almost every part of our trip to be just as we wanted, and he was there to guide us every step of the way. As a result, our trip ended up being fantastic as all the activities were fun and the transportation was timely / comfortable. The trip went exactly according to plan, allowing us to be as stress-free as possible. I honestly don't have any complaints about either the planning process or the trip itself and will certainly recommend this service to anyone else planning to visit Costa Rica.
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Jean Carlo Ilama
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica
| Replied on Dec 08, 2023
Dear Stephen, thank you for sharing your positive experience planning your Costa Rica trip. I'm thrilled that the customization met your expectations and that everything went seamlessly. Your satisfaction is our priority, and I'm glad we contributed to a stress-free and enjoyable journey. Your recommendation means a lot, and we'd be delighted to assist you or anyone you know in the future.
Pura Vida - Jean Carlo
Jean Carlo and the Kim Kim team were fantastic!
Costa Rica
|
Nov 7 - Nov 17, 2023
Peter S.
Newark, NJ
| Reviewed on Nov 20, 2023
Jean Carlo and the Kim Kim team were fantastic! We worked with him to plan an incredible trip, and everything happened on time, and without fail. It was so easy to plan a terrific vacation, and we will be using KimKim to visit other countries for sure!
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Jean Carlo Ilama
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica
| Replied on Nov 21, 2023
Dear Peter and Lauren,
I genuinely appreciate your generous words! Assisting you in planning your remarkable trip was a true pleasure. I'm delighted that everything unfolded seamlessly and adhered to the schedule, ensuring a memorable vacation for both of you. Your trust means a lot to us, and I'm thrilled that everything exceeded your expectations.
Warm regards and Pura Vida,
Jean Carlo
The entire trip was very well planned by Jean...
Costa Rica
|
Nov 10 - Nov 16, 2023
Jane K.
Canada
| Reviewed on Nov 17, 2023
The entire trip was very well planned by Jean Carlos, it went off without a hitch. The drivers were all wonderful in particular, Otto on our mtn bike ride. We were lucky to be just the 3 of us. The zip lining was amazing, my first time, Sky Adventure were very safety conscious and encouraging. The bridge walk was okay, nothing exciting, it would have been good to walk down/up to the falls. Loved white watering, another excellent company - our guide Micheal was so much fun, but also very...
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The entire trip was very well planned by Jean Carlos, it went off without a hitch. The drivers were all wonderful in particular, Otto on our mtn bike ride. We were lucky to be just the 3 of us. The zip lining was amazing, my first time, Sky Adventure were very safety conscious and encouraging. The bridge walk was okay, nothing exciting, it would have been good to walk down/up to the falls. Loved white watering, another excellent company - our guide Micheal was so much fun, but also very safe. Hotel Auténtico was great, and we enjoyed the pool at Arenal Country Inn. Jackie at the front desk of the Country Inn was delightful, always smiling.
Hotel Reviews
Arenal Country Inn
Fortuna
Nice location away from the busyness of La Fortuna. Jackie at the front desk is a lovey greeter and hard worker.
Good location but not many restaurants around and the vote one is expensive. Fully recommend a Mexican one nearby El Mananitos, hard working man and great food.
Activity Reviews
Backroad Mountain Biking Around Lake Arenal
Arenal/La Fortuna
Otto was a great guide and provided a lot of local knowledge as well as a Spanish lesson. Hood bikes and pace, he found us a well hidden sloth
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very safely conscious
Free Day in San Jose
San José
Busy and noisy, preferred the area around La Fortuna
Visit Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River
Costa Rica
Would love to have done a 2 day, 1 night lodge stay (instead of the day in San Jose.)
Quality of Experience
Our guide Michael
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Jean Carlo Ilama
Jean Carlo Ilama
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica
| Replied on Nov 24, 2023
Dear Jane,
We're absolutely thrilled to receive your positive feedback! Your comments about the well-planned trip, wonderful drivers, and fantastic experiences, especially with Otto on the mountain bike ride and Michael during white-water rafting, make us ecstatic. We're glad to know that safety was a priority during the zip-lining adventure.
We appreciate your honest feedback about the bridge walk, and we'll certainly consider ways to make it more exciting. It's heartening to hear that...
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Dear Jane,
We're absolutely thrilled to receive your positive feedback! Your comments about the well-planned trip, wonderful drivers, and fantastic experiences, especially with Otto on the mountain bike ride and Michael during white-water rafting, make us ecstatic. We're glad to know that safety was a priority during the zip-lining adventure.
We appreciate your honest feedback about the bridge walk, and we'll certainly consider ways to make it more exciting. It's heartening to hear that Hotel Auténtico and Arenal Country Inn, along with the delightful Jackie at the Country Inn, contributed to your overall enjoyment.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience, and we can't wait to host you on more adventures in the future!
Best regards and Pura Vida,
Jean Carlo
