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Nuri R

Hello! My name is Nuria, from Costa Rica. If you are reading this, you are one step closer to having the time of your life in paradise.

I am very excited to accompany you in this amazing journey and work together to create the best plan for your holiday.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I have had the pleasure to do most things in Costa Rica from coast to coast. I mostly specialize on outdoors activities, unique experiences with nature outside of the normal range offered.

I especially love offering itineraries with alternative routes and outside of the usual touristic experience. I look for details that will make every experience different."

How did you get involved in travel?

"Since I was a little girl I have traveled the world and by getting to know new places I have learned how unique and beautiful my country is: Costa Rica. After living for some time in Europe, I realized how extraordinary Costa Rica is - from its very rich flora and fauna to the charisma and warmth of its people.

My lifestyle has allowed me to work in tourism and to be able to share with others the unique experiences that only Costa Rica can offer."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One of the most incredible experiences I have had in Costa Rica is when I visited a protected biological reserve for turtle spawning, incubation and hatching. We were woken up at the middle of the night because there was a massive hatching and they needed assistance to help the little turtles hatch, then get them safely through the beach to the water. Being there and part of such a spectacular event is an unforgettable time in life that made me feel connected to nature like never before."

Nuri is part of the following groups: Costa Rica Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries
Honeymoon itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Nuri

Amazing Honeymoon in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | May 17 - May 27, 2023

Virginia
Virginia P.
Jurupa Valley, CA | Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024
Booking our Costa Rican honeymoon through Kim Kim and using Nuria was one of the best decisions we made. It wasn’t just a trip; it was an expertly curated adventure. For anyone looking to celebrate Costa Rica, 10 day adventure, which was an unforgettable adventure I cannot recommend Nuria enough. We had day by day itinary with all the information needed, the car rental easy, driving through costa rica was breeze. Customer service was available, ensuring that any questions we had were... Read more

Booking our Costa Rican honeymoon through Kim Kim and using Nuria was one of the best decisions we made. It wasn’t just a trip; it was an expertly curated adventure. For anyone looking to celebrate Costa Rica, 10 day adventure, which was an unforgettable adventure I cannot recommend Nuria enough. We had day by day itinary with all the information needed, the car rental easy, driving through costa rica was breeze. Customer service was available, ensuring that any questions we had were answered promptly and any minor issues were resolved quickly via whatups. This peace of mind was invaluable, especially being in a foreign country and wanting to focus solely on each other. e found ourselves one day zip-lining through the canopy of Monteverde, and the next, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Papagayo. booked us into boutique hotels and secluded lodges that emphasized privacy and romance. Each location offered unique charms surrounded by the rich biodiversity of a rainforest.

Hotel Review
Chachagua Rainforest
La Fortuna

The location was secluded and a little further than other hotels or the city center. Accommodations were nothing short of spectacular, and it felt private, with lots of wildlife.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nuri R

Nuria went way beyond in helping me plan trip...
Costa Rica | May 16 - May 22, 2023

Wanda
Wanda H.
Lake Elsinore, CA | Reviewed on May 28, 2023
Nuria went way beyond in helping me plan trip. She even made several suggestions that were definitely much needed. Read more

Nuria went way beyond in helping me plan trip. She even made several suggestions that were definitely much needed.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs
La Fortuna

The location and setting were amazing with views of Arenal Volcano. I stayed in a stand-alone bungalow that was very comfortable. The staff were simply wonderful. The only negative was that the jacuzzi was drained but the natural hot mineral pools were excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Views of Arenal Volcano nestled in the jungle.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyndham
Tamarindo

The hotel is on a hill over looking the ocean. They offer an hourly shuttle but only to two different inconvenient locations. Also because it faces west for the incredible view there is no shade around the pool. The bed was very comfortable but the only covering was a very thick comforter so I asked for a lighter cover and they brought another heavy comforter.

Authenticity & Character
A very upscale hotel but not a lot of authenticity.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Horseback Riding at the Base of Arenal Volcano
Horseback Riding at the Base of Arenal Volcano
Arenal/La Fortuna

So so ride mostly through a flat open field.

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

This was by far the best zipline experience I've had!

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

I was pleasantly surprised to be the only one on the raft with the guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, pointing out things along the way I never would've seen. He also went into detail about these sights. At the end of the very relaxing float he took me to an eco farm for snacks made entirely from ingredients from the farm.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling  at the Catalina Islands
Snorkeling at the Catalina Islands
Costa Rica

This was billed as snorkling but really was a scuba trip that catered mostly to the scuba divers. The snorklers felt unimportant. There was no instruction on using the equipment.

Quality of Experience
This is the fault of the tour but the water was extremely choppy and not clear at all. I sat out the 2nd snorkle due to the water choppiness.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
More attention to the snorklers. My tube was faulty and the guy in the water with us didnt understand and kept trying to adjust the mask.
Transport
Palo Verde Jungle Boat Tour & Guaitil Pottery
Palo Verde Jungle Boat Tour & Guaitil Pottery
Costa Rica

The boat engine was so loud and the guide sat at the front talking with a group of photographers. I had to ask many times what he was talking about. Also it was billed as visiting an authentic Guantil Village to observe the generations old pottery making. There was no visit but a single guy who set up a table in the cafe where we lunched. He made a small clay pot and showed us photographs of the painting process. Very lame.

Quality of Experience
Food
The authentic meal at the end of the boat ride was very tasty (chicken, rice, beans) but by the time the chicken dish came to me there was only a skimpy leg. I asked for a bigger piece that all the others had but there was none.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The driver informed us there would be 1 maybe 2 stops. The 1st stop was a quick restroom break where he announced 10 minutes. The 2nd was at a souvenir shop/cafeteria. I thought it would be another 10 minute restroom stop but after a long time I couldn't find him so I asked another tourist and she said she didn't know how long the break was but the driver was in the cafeteria having lunch!!!
Transport
Local specialist: Nuri R
Nuri
Nuri R
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on May 29, 2023

Hello Wanda,

Thanks for visiting Costa Rica with us, and for taking the time to leave us this your feedback. It is great to know you had a great time here. I appreciate all your comments about the activities you did in Tamarindo, all of them will be helpful to continue creating the best experiences for our travelers.

I hope you could visit Costa Rica again in the future to explore different destinations!

Pura vida,
Nuria

Great Local Specialist who knows their country!
Costa Rica | May 8 - May 17, 2023

Touraj
Touraj K.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on May 23, 2023
This was my first time using KimKim to plan my trip and I travel to over 20 countries so far.
Pros: I can say there is a huge advantage by using KimKim cause they connect you with a local travel specialist who knows the county very well and can advise on best things to do, best tours to take and get you the best deals!
Nuria, is a great specialist and she takes the time to customize your trip to what you like and want to do and tries her best to accommodate all your needs. We went back and...
Read more

This was my first time using KimKim to plan my trip and I travel to over 20 countries so far.
Pros: I can say there is a huge advantage by using KimKim cause they connect you with a local travel specialist who knows the county very well and can advise on best things to do, best tours to take and get you the best deals!
Nuria, is a great specialist and she takes the time to customize your trip to what you like and want to do and tries her best to accommodate all your needs. We went back and forth several times to update and customize my itinerary and she replied very quickly in short notice and without any hesitation to help me plan my trip and answered every question I had. If you are lucky enough to work with her, I highly recommend her.

Cons: the only main downside I see with KimKim and honestly only thing that might prevent me from using it again is that they do not allow the travel specialist to provide the cost break down of your trip. This was a huge downside for me as it would not allow me to make informative decisions as what I would think is worth for the activities or tours I want to do. All I see is a package deal and cannot make informative decisions. For example, we love to do ziplining, but there would be decision making that I would want to do it, if I know the activity is $50 or $200! However, you can't see the breakdown, therefore you are making decisions blindly.

Tips: We loved the "El Tiger Waterfalls" in Monteverde and is a most see! As Nuria suggested, we did a by ourselves and did not get a guided tour. Because you want to take your time and really enjoy this wonderful place as you go through ~6 large waterfalls and several mini ones. Do the complete tour which comes with a 3km hours back ride at the end which is wonderful.
We also loved the "Manuel Antonio National Park", however, we felt a little rushed by using a guide. I would preferred doing by myself to take my time and really enjoy the amazing park. Although, having a guide is nice and they explain many things you counter, I would just suggest if you do use the guided tour just leave them at the "Manuel Antonio Beach" and do not continue with them the rest of the way back as it will be a rush walk back anyway. 10 to 15 min beach time at this wonderful beach does not do the justice and you want to kick back and relax and enjoy it.
Lastly, I suggest making it further south to the "Parque Nacional Marino Ballena". This National park has an beautiful very large beach that you can enjoy (check out the pictures on Google for yourself".

Pura Vida!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs
La Fortuna

Amazing and friendly staff and service. Loved the view and how this wonderful hotel looks and how the rooms are set up. Breakfast was local and very good as well. Hot Springs were daily filled, the hot spring water would be pumped from the underground to fill up the nice springs and then they dump it later on after midnight and get it ready for next day, which was great. Overall great hotel and loved it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the down and all other activities you would want to do.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cala Lodge
Monteverde

Over all great. Clean and nice rooms. Views were great and loved how the building was made. Loved the breakfast area and the view as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Espadilla Gardens Hotel
Manuel Antonio

We absolutely loved it. Very friendly staff. Clean room and amazing service. Not that many people and the pool area was great. Had everything we needed and could chill 24/7 by the pool if we wanted to, so a late night deep in the water was no issue and very enjoyable cause the water remained nice and warm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right next to the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Also a short walk to the beach, etc.
Staff
Leo was great and answered every question we had!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Diana our room service was great. She would make animal shaped with towels or do little surprises for us everyday!
Activity Reviews
Private: Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Guided Hike
Private: Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Guided Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna

Great hike and the tour guide was nice to explain to use regarding the area and show us all the cool things.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private: La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike
Private: La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna

You really don't need a guide for this hike. Do it by yourself and take your time to enjoy this amazing waterfall.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was a great person, however there is not much to explain for this area and does not require a guided tour.
Boating in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Boating in Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Arenal/La Fortuna

Amazing, and you get to see so many animals. If you came to Costa Rica to see different animals and spices, this tour is for you.

Quality of Experience
Food
I really enjoyed the testing after lunch and get to try the locally made Guaro, which is stronger but much smother what you can get at the stores. You get to learn about it too!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee Experience and Nighttime Nature Walk
Coffee Experience and Nighttime Nature Walk
Monteverde

The tour guide was great, however the season was not right as we could not see all the coffee making in action. Also, we were not lucky enough to see many things at the Nature Walk and you never know what you get to see, but overall was good experience.

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

Amazing, and you need a guide to explain you about the importance of these forest and all it has to offer.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Monteverde

Amazing zip lines and hanging bridges! You even get to do a Tarzan swing! Go Big or Go Home!

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

Felt little rushed by using a guided tour. Would have loved to enjoy more time specially at the beach.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Nuri R
Nuri
Nuri R
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 30, 2023

Hello Touraj,

Thank you so much for your feedback and all of your comments! It was truly a pleasure to help you make this fantastic trip for both of you and I dearly appreciate your detailed review and will take into account all of these comments for future travelers and to Kimkim team.

Pura Vida and all the best,
Nuria

Fantastic Honeymoon!
Costa Rica | May 6 - May 19, 2023

Greg
Greg M.
Charlotte, NC | Reviewed on May 22, 2023

We took a beautiful two-week trip in Costa Rica for our honeymoon. Our goal was to be able to have a memorable trip without all of the stress associated with booking guides, hotels, rental cars, etc. Nuria made it super easy for us to enjoy ourselves while still have a unique and amazing experience.

Would highly recommend our itinerary for anyone who has a passion for adventure. Great balance between relaxation and experience.

Local specialist: Nuri R
Nuri
Nuri R
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on May 22, 2023

Hello Caro&Greg,

I want to thank you so much your feedback about the trip and for sharing your experience! It really makes me so happy that you and Caro have enjoyed your honeymoon, I just hope to have the chance to welcome you again in a future in my country and meet you in person this time.

I wish both the best!
Nuria

Costa Rica Trip
Costa Rica | May 10 - May 17, 2023

C
Chakrapani S.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on May 18, 2023
Kim Kim arranged our trip to Costa Rica and it was flawless. Nuria, our Kim Kim organizer was exceptional and provided excellent suggestions and accommodated last minute requests with a smile. Highly recommend them and look forward to using them for our future holidays around the globe Read more

Kim Kim arranged our trip to Costa Rica and it was flawless. Nuria, our Kim Kim organizer was exceptional and provided excellent suggestions and accommodated last minute requests with a smile. Highly recommend them and look forward to using them for our future holidays around the globe

Hotel Reviews
Villas Sol Hotel And Beach Resort
Playa Hermosa
Authenticity & Character
Location
Nice rooms and staff
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Monteverde
Authenticity & Character
Location
Nestled within acred of natural beauty
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Coffee Experience and Nighttime Nature Walk
Coffee Experience and Nighttime Nature Walk
Monteverde

Jose our guide was so well equipped to create a wonderful learning expetience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Treetopia: Tram,  Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Treetopia: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Monteverde

We were scared to do zipline but the staff was very encouraging and at the end wanted to do it agai

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

Helen our guide was a sweet person and kept explaining things about the area and the wildlife around the falls with passion. Even helped us spot a sloth

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

Gerardo was such a wonderful guide. Was very accommodative to go slow as my wife was not 100% on this day. Highlight was the lunch at Jackaman restaurant which grows its own ingredients

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

Ceaser, our guide and paddle boat operator was so engrossed in helping us appreciate the experience and uniqueness and history of the area. Helped us spot many wonderful wild life

Quality of Experience
Calming experience to close out our trip
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Nuri R
Nuri
Nuri R
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on May 18, 2023

Hello Subbu,

So nice to hear back from you and receive such wonderful words and appreciation!

Thank you very much, I'm happy that you all enjoyed and had a fabulous time, and it was a pleasure planning this trip for all of you. You know where to find me, if & when you decide to visit again.
Wishing you all the best! Pura Vida!

Nuria saved our vacation - so glad we worked with her!
Costa Rica | Apr 1 - Apr 6, 2023

Spencer
Spencer G.
East Palo Alto, CA | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2023
Nuria was great - I wish we could work with her for all our trips!
Normally I book everything myself; but this trip came together on short notice, and I don't have any knowledge of Costa Rica, so I found KimKim and got connected to Nuria. She sent a first itinerary almost immediately, and it was very close - one iteration, then all booked, which was a good experience to start with. And I thought it would be done there. But as it turned out, there were some unforeseen issues on my side that...
Read more

Nuria was great - I wish we could work with her for all our trips!
Normally I book everything myself; but this trip came together on short notice, and I don't have any knowledge of Costa Rica, so I found KimKim and got connected to Nuria. She sent a first itinerary almost immediately, and it was very close - one iteration, then all booked, which was a good experience to start with. And I thought it would be done there. But as it turned out, there were some unforeseen issues on my side that required adaptation on-the-fly, and Nuria came through again in amazing fashion, saving what could have been a ruined trip. I truly don't know what we would have done without her. Thanks so much and pura vida!

Hotel Reviews
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Tamarindo

Very large property. Three pools, lots of rooms, big breakfast area, several different restaurants. Beachfront. Service was good, breakfast was good, and even though it was the most crowded time of year the only thing in short supply was pool chairs in the shade - everything else was quick and easy and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs
La Fortuna

Very pleasant small hotel (a dozen rooms or so). Onsite hot spring. Beautiful lush setting and very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Snorkeling  at the Catalina Islands
Snorkeling at the Catalina Islands
Costa Rica

José and the whole crew were great - extremely helpful and gregarious. But, there just wasn't that much to see; the water wasn't that clear, and apart from some reef fish nothing much showed itself. They definitely know what they're doing, so I'm confident they picked the best spot, and the equipment and everything else was great - so my guess is that the conditions around Tamarindo just aren't that great in general. If you're dying to go snorkeling, by all means go with this group; but if you've snorkeled elsewhere then maybe consider other activities around Tamarindo (of which there are many).

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horseback Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall
Horseback Ride to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

A great experience all around. Our guide was fantastic (I think his name was Joshua but I am not sure); the horses were delightful; the waterfall is very impressive. We did get rained on quite a bit, since it's the rainforest, even though it's the "dry" season. You will love it - and, do bring a poncho!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Nuri R
Nuri
Nuri R
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on Apr 10, 2023

Hello Spencer,

First of all, thank you so much for such a lovely review.

It was indeed my pleasure to put together this adventure for you and your daughter… and of course help with everything you needed!

I hope you guys can come back at some point and enjoy more Costa Rica! You were amazing visitors and I really hope we can see you here soon.

Pura Vida!

Costa Rica - Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Corcovado
Costa Rica | Feb 18 - Feb 26, 2023

Tara
Tara Z.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Mar 01, 2023
We had a fabulous time in Costa Rica, and really appreciated the planning help we received from Nuria. We particularly loved Sunset Lodge in Drake Bay, and the guided trip in Corcovado National Park. In Manuel Antonio, our lodging at Hotel San Bada was a wonderful location just steps from the park entrance and a short walk to the beach. Our night hikes were amazing, and we were happy with the choice to not use a guide inside Manuel Antonio NP. There were so many guides around that we didn't... Read more

We had a fabulous time in Costa Rica, and really appreciated the planning help we received from Nuria. We particularly loved Sunset Lodge in Drake Bay, and the guided trip in Corcovado National Park. In Manuel Antonio, our lodging at Hotel San Bada was a wonderful location just steps from the park entrance and a short walk to the beach. Our night hikes were amazing, and we were happy with the choice to not use a guide inside Manuel Antonio NP. There were so many guides around that we didn't feel like we missed anything.
Kimkim and our specialist Nuria were really helpful to us. I think the Corcovado region in particular would have been difficult to plan and navigate without inside knowledge.
I will say, however, that we learned a bit about ourselves while planning. In general, we like to make decisions based on value. The Kimkim system didn't allow us to do that since prices of individual activities and expenses aren't shared, and we found that to be a bit difficult. Whether or not we want to do something is often balanced with the cost tradeoff in a typical situation. With Kimkim, we didn't know the relative prices of trip components, so when it came time to trim or change, it was difficult. Ultimately, that has to do with our own travel and decision-making style, not a flaw with Kimkim.
The trip was amazing and everything came together without a hitch. All car pick ups and drop offs; boat transfers; activities; shuttles; etc. went smoothly. Thank you!

Hotel Reviews
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto
San José

This hotel was perfectly fine for what we needed. Nothing too fancy, but comfortable. A great place to stay before a flight.

Authenticity & Character
Kind of a chain/corporate feel, but fine.
Location
Near airport
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel San Bada Resort & Spa
Manuel Antonio

Excellent location right near entrance to Manuel Antonio NP. Comfortable room facing the ocean was great for early morning bird watching and howler monkey listening. Included breakfast was an excellent buffet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
right near national park; no need to drive
Staff
friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sunset Lodge
Drake

This place is absolutely beautiful and the hosts were wonderfully kind and friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
beautiful views
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Corcovado National Park Hike - Estación Sirena
Corcovado National Park Hike - Estación Sirena
Costa Rica

This was really a high adventure. We left Drake Bay very early in the morning (before 6am) via boat transfer to arrive as early as possible at the national park. Our guide was excellent and we saw some amazing animals including tapirs, spider monkeys, howler monkeys and more.

Quality of Experience
Food
We preordered restaurant lunch with our tour group in the morning and then when we returned to Drake Bay we all went to lunch together. It wasn't my favorite meal, but it was fine.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee Experience and Nighttime Nature Walk
Coffee Experience and Nighttime Nature Walk
Monteverde

This was excellent. The coffee and chocolate portions of the tour exceeded expectations and were really fun and engaging. The night walk was great! We saw lots of wildlife including kinkajous and vipers. We also enjoyed the gift shop.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hanging Bridges
Hanging Bridges
Monteverde

We did the self-guided trip to hanging bridges and really enjoyed it. It was nice to just listen to the birds and enjoy the quiet as we walked through the canopy. We didn't see lots of wildlife, but really enjoyed the experience.

Quality of Experience
Manuel Antonio Jungle Night Walk
Manuel Antonio Jungle Night Walk
Manuel Antonio

This was really fun! We had a private guide and he was really informative and great at spotting frogs, insects, snakes, etc. He was less interested in mammals, but we did see 2-toed and 3-toed sloths. He was really great with his spotting scope also and took photos with our phones through the lens for us, which was pretty cool.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling at Isla del Caño Biological Reserve
Snorkeling at Isla del Caño Biological Reserve
Drake Bay

This was so fun! We joined a small group on a catamaran for a morning of snorkeling and playing off the boat, with lunch included. The snorkeling was guided and we were tightly monitored and kept in a group. I hadn't experienced that before on a snorkeling trip, but it worked out. We saw a huge stingray, several turtles, and lots of fish. The visibility was ok, not amazing, but we all had a great day. We also saw turtles and dolphins from the boat.

Quality of Experience
Food
Lunch was served on the boat and was tasty
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Nuri R
Nuri
Nuri R
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on Mar 09, 2023

Hello Tara&Paul,

Thank you so much for your feedback, it really helps us to continue improving our services. It has been a total pleasure to help you plan your holiday.

I'm super happy to know that your family had a great in the tropics, looks like you enjoyed a lot Corcovado!I hope this won't be your last experience exploring Costa Rica.

Pura vida!

Wonderful last-minute 9 day get-away to Costa Rica!
Costa Rica | Feb 15 - Feb 23, 2023

Steven
Steven B.
Fort Lauderdale, FL | Reviewed on Feb 27, 2023
My wife and I had (both early 60's and fairly fit) had a truly wonderful and memorable trip to Costa Rica. I usually plan my own trips, but since this was kind of last minute, I left all the planning to Kim Kim and kept my fingers crossed. They put me in touch with their local specialist, Nuria, who did a great job tailoring the trip to what was important to us. Our tours and transportation were totally private (a wonderful splurge). All guides and drivers were super friendly, prompt, and... Read more

My wife and I had (both early 60's and fairly fit) had a truly wonderful and memorable trip to Costa Rica. I usually plan my own trips, but since this was kind of last minute, I left all the planning to Kim Kim and kept my fingers crossed. They put me in touch with their local specialist, Nuria, who did a great job tailoring the trip to what was important to us. Our tours and transportation were totally private (a wonderful splurge). All guides and drivers were super friendly, prompt, and knowledgeable; but a special shout out to Jacamar Naturalist Tours. These guys were 5 star! With 9 days of tours, and transportation to 3 towns and airports it was incredible that their was only one very minor glitch the entire trip (no biggie). We hiked to volcanos and waterfalls, saw wildlife that we wouldn't have noticed without the guides' knowledge and telescopic equipment, zip-lined, bungee jumped, rode horses, relaxed in Tabacon's hot springs, did a cooking class, a coffee/chocolate tour, and a city tour of San Jose. Nuria even went above and beyond by reserving a few restaurants for us. Accommodations: Finca Paraiso Mtn Retreat in the hills outside San Jose is an absolute 5 star gem. Their property and views are sublime. Tabacon Spa and Resort is also 5 star all the way. Our 3rd hotel, Hotel Senda in Monteverde is a bit more complicated. The service level is 5 star, but the rooms and the property landscaping is just 3 star. Having said that, we did really enjoy our time at Hotel Senda. Staff is very friendly and helpful, free laundry!, free snacks and beverages from the mini bar, hot water bottles left during turndown to warm your bed, etc. . Some nice touches. All in all, we loved our time in Costa Rica and would certainly recommend KimKim and Nuria. Pura Vida!

Hotel Reviews
Senda Monteverde Hotel
Monteverde

I am conflicted about this hotel. We DID enjoy our stay here but...for the high cost they command.. I'll nitpick a bit. First the good. The service was 5 star. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Nice touches include: FREE laundry returned folded in 12 hours, some free minibar snacks and beverages, and old style hot water bottles left near your pillow during the turn down service (must request turn downs). We also liked the ability to access the Aguiti Reserve for a hike, right from the property. The less good: Its an older property. The common buildings are decent but the rooms are in very old separate bungalows. Supposedly, they were renovated a few years ago, but not well. Grounds/Landscaping- This was our last stop in Costa Rica. The first two hotels had amazing manicured landscaping and flower beds. This hotel does the minimum, ie; cut the grass. So, mostly good, but visually this hotel needs some work.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Up a very steep hill from town. Easy walk to town, but a very athletic walk back. Think San Francisco X 2.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Finca Paraiso Mountain Retreat
Heredia

This hotel is an absolute gem! Gorgeous grounds, great owners/hosts, wonderful breakfasts. Loved the included wine happy hour watching the sunset with the owner/Ken along with the small group of other hotel guests from around the world. Can't say enough. Just go here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Fortuna

5 star hotel all the way. Wonderful breakfast buffet and of course those amazing thermal springs!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nuri R
Nuri
Nuri R
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on Mar 01, 2023

Hello Steven,

Thank you so much for traveling us and for taking the time to leave us this amazing review. I'll definitely pass your feedback to my colleagues. I was more than glad to assist during this time, and I am so happy that you had a great time here.

I hope you will visit Costa Rica in the future and can explore the different destinations in our beautiful country.

Pura Vida!

Nuria made booking an expansive trip across 3...
Costa Rica | Feb 8 - Feb 14, 2023

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Raya I.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Feb 15, 2023

Nuria made booking an expansive trip across 3 different areas of Costa Rica very easy. She provided various tour and hotel options and stayed reasonably within the budget we had initially discussed. Overall 10/10 would recommend!

Local specialist: Nuri R
Nuri
Nuri R
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 15, 2023

Raya,

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a total pleasure to help you plan this last minute getaway and I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
I hope your return soon to Costa Rica.

Nuria

This is the way to book a vacation!
Costa Rica | Jan 19 - Jan 25, 2023

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Luciano C.
San Diego, CA | Reviewed on Jan 27, 2023
Nuria was great and made sure I had an amazing trip! I did not have any time to plan my trip so I relied on Nuria to take care of it for me. This is definitely how I plan on handling future vacations! Nuria took care of EVERY DETAIL and made sure everything went to plan. Nuria checked in on us from time-to-time and let us know when one of our drivers was running late. I cannot stress how great it was to not worry about making plans and booking everything. Thank you, Nuria! Read more

Nuria was great and made sure I had an amazing trip! I did not have any time to plan my trip so I relied on Nuria to take care of it for me. This is definitely how I plan on handling future vacations! Nuria took care of EVERY DETAIL and made sure everything went to plan. Nuria checked in on us from time-to-time and let us know when one of our drivers was running late. I cannot stress how great it was to not worry about making plans and booking everything.

Thank you, Nuria!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín
Liberia

Absolutely would recommend the Hacienda Guachipelín to anybody! The hacienda is on over 3,000 acres of volcanic jungle. The rivers, waterfalls, hot springs restaurants, etc are all on the hacienda property. Since they own the land, they also run the activities/tours on it. It was great to wake up and walk to the included breakfast, then walk across the street to meet our guide for the day's activity. I wouldn't rave about the rooms, but I have no complaints. If I find myself returning to the area I will definitely be staying here again!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Every single person was eager to help and extremely friendly. The bartender, Gama, was great to speak to each night!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Monteverde Country Lodge
Monteverde

This is definitely a "last resort" hotel. It wasn't terrible, but it did fall short in several ways. No AC (not awful since it's pretty cool in Monte Verde) No heater (can be a problem) Very thin walls (people talking outside might as well be in the room) Awkward layout (the bed light switches are behind the pillows of one of the beds. No power outlets near the nightstand) Restaurant is too small to accomodate the included breakfast (food was good, but several people were allowed to serve themselves only to realize they had nowhere to sit)

Authenticity & Character
Location
It's about a mile from the town center and down a large, steep hill. About 15 minutes down, much more back up.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
It's noisy, no ac, no heater, had ants and spiders.
Local specialist: Nuri R
Nuri
Nuri R
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 30, 2023

Hello Luciano,

Thanks for such a lovely review and for trust me, it has been my pleasure to help you to organize this trip with your mom. I wish you both the best.

¡PURA VIDA!