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Amazilia Travel

Amazilia Travel is a Destination Management Company and Tour Operator based in San Jose, Costa Rica. The company was established in 2006 and specializes in custom made itineraries and group travel throughout Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama. The founders are Naturalist Travel Guides with more than 20 years of experience organizing memorable trips and delivering world-class services focused on eco-tourism, bird watching and adventure traveling in every one of these exotic destinations.

The staff is capable to organize affordable trips considering the customer's desires and budget. Professional travel advisors will help travelers in every step of the way by answering all their questions about hotels, transportation choices and the best local expeditions. The company offers a wide selection of economy as well as luxury hotels around the region. All accommodations were visited by the staff and are permanently evaluated. All customers will receive a personal meet and greet at their arrival to the airport, as well as 24-hour assistance at each destination.

Amazilia Travel is part of the following groups: Costa Rica Travel Agents

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Recent Trip Reviews for Amazilia Travel

Great adventure in Costa Rica!
Costa Rica | Dec 9 - Dec 17, 2024

Jacqueline
Jacqueline G.
Acton, MA | Reviewed on Dec 20, 2024
My son and I truly enjoyed our adventure in Costa Rica. Olman put together a nice trip plan for us, and we appreciated his flexibility in changing the itinerary to better suit our needs. When all was said and done, we did hiking, hot springs, kayaking, lake crossing on a boat, and ziplining. We also squeezed in our own visit to the waterfall. All of our drivers were on time and, aside from one packed and stuffy ride heading to the lake crossing, the vans were comfy, especially Interbus. The... Read more

My son and I truly enjoyed our adventure in Costa Rica. Olman put together a nice trip plan for us, and we appreciated his flexibility in changing the itinerary to better suit our needs. When all was said and done, we did hiking, hot springs, kayaking, lake crossing on a boat, and ziplining. We also squeezed in our own visit to the waterfall. All of our drivers were on time and, aside from one packed and stuffy ride heading to the lake crossing, the vans were comfy, especially Interbus. The tour guides were knowledgeable, and everyone whom we interacted with was friendly. It was great having breakfast included at each accommodation, and having all the hotels be so different enriched the experience. We loved glamping in Arenal, the mountain hotel in Monteverde, and the small hotel near the beach - what a cool combination it provided, and ending at the beach was perfect. Even though we didn't see many animals up close (aside from a capuchin monkey and a caiman), it was interesting to hear what the guides had to say about the animals, and seeing the sloth from the binoculars was cool. Finally, everyone in the office was so responsive - whether speaking with Graciela or Adriana at dawn regarding our lost luggage or communicating with Olman to clarify with one of our hotels that breakfast was indeed included - we couldn't have been more pleased. We didn't have to worry about a thing, and everyone associated with our trip knew how to get a hold of us via Whatsapp to provide excellent communication along the way. Thank you, Olman and KimKim!

Hotel Review
Arenal Glamping
La Fortuna, Alajuela Province

We loved our first glamping experience at Arenal. Such an intimate setting with beautiful grounds and excellent service. They were even able to arrange for a yoga teacher to give a class after one of our excursions.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Dec 20, 2024

Hello Jacqueline,

I am so happy to know you had a great experience with your son.
Thank you for your review and for trusting in our services. It means so much to us, and we are thrilled to have been a part of your experience.

We hope to welcome you back again soon!

Pura Vida,
Olman

Exploring Costa Rica: A Journey Full of Wildlife, Culture, and Beauty
Costa Rica | Oct 25 - Oct 30, 2024

C
Chinami M.
Japan | Reviewed on Nov 01, 2024
I had an incredible trip to Costa Rica, and I cannot recommend it enough! My coordinator, Olman, did an amazing job organizing everything. One of the most unforgettable highlights of the trip was witnessing the incredible diversity of wildlife throughout the country, especially in Monteverde and Manuel Antonio, which were absolutely breathtaking. My driver, Alex, was exceptional. He shared fascinating insights about Costa Rican wildlife, culture, cuisine, and daily life, making the journey... Read more

I had an incredible trip to Costa Rica, and I cannot recommend it enough! My coordinator, Olman, did an amazing job organizing everything. One of the most unforgettable highlights of the trip was witnessing the incredible diversity of wildlife throughout the country, especially in Monteverde and Manuel Antonio, which were absolutely breathtaking.

My driver, Alex, was exceptional. He shared fascinating insights about Costa Rican wildlife, culture, cuisine, and daily life, making the journey informative and engaging. His knowledge and friendliness added so much value to the experience.

Overall, this trip was a perfect blend of adventure and learning. I left Costa Rica with a deeper appreciation for its natural beauty and culture, thanks to the excellent coordination and guidance from Olman and Alex.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Cipreses
Monteverde

I stayed at a lovely hotel in Monteverde, and it was a fantastic experience. The property is surrounded by beautiful greenery, which made for an incredibly relaxing atmosphere. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. Breakfast was delicious, offering a great start to each day. While the walk to the main souvenir shop area took about 15 minutes and included a steep slope, there were some convenient supermarkets and restaurants located near the hotel. Overall, it was a peaceful and enjoyable stay, perfect for anyone looking to unwind in nature while still having easy access to local amenities.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The window in my room was broken, which made it quite noisy when gusty winds blew into the room.
Karahé Beach Hotel
Manuel Antonio

I had an amazing stay at a beautiful hotel surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The location was fantastic, with easy access to the beach, which made it perfect for both relaxation and adventure. I even tried surfing right in front of the hotel, and the waves were powerful—perfect for a thrilling surf session! On top of that, one of the most memorable parts of my stay was the incredible wildlife. I was thrilled to spot wild sloths sleeping in the trees right on the hotel grounds, along with many wild monkeys, colorful birds, and iguanas. Exploring the property and observing all the animals was a delightful experience. To top it off, I was pleasantly surprised to see fireflies lighting up the garden at night—a magical touch that made my stay even more special. Overall, this hotel is a nature lover’s paradise and a great spot for surf enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of comfort and the wonders of wildlife. Highly recommended for anyone who loves being close to nature and the ocean!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Nov 13, 2024

Hi Chinami,

What an incredible experience in the tropics!
We are all thrilled to know you had a terrific time in the country.

Thanks once again for trusting in us and hope to see you soon here in Costa Rica!

Pura Vida,
Olman

Olman was an amazing tour guide to us.
Costa Rica | Oct 9 - Oct 15, 2024

Anitha
Anitha M.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024
Olman was so patient and responsive to all my questions. He listened to our requests about a specific type of itinerary and made great suggestions. The activities he suggested were perfect for my 10 year old and myself. The accommodations in both Puerto Viejo and Arenal La Fortuna were just what we wanted! Read more

Olman was so patient and responsive to all my questions. He listened to our requests about a specific type of itinerary and made great suggestions. The activities he suggested were perfect for my 10 year old and myself. The accommodations in both Puerto Viejo and Arenal La Fortuna were just what we wanted!

Hotel Reviews
Namuwoki Lodge
Puerto Viejo

This was a decent accomoodation and the staff were nice

Authenticity & Character
Location
A bit of walking from the beach and restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Glamping
La Fortuna, Alajuela Province

We absolutely loved this place! Hot tub was amazing. Hosts and reception staff were so helpful and friendly. The amenities were first class. The view was stunning! They arranged a firepit and gave us marshmellows. We played badminton and slept listening to the rain. The atmosphere in this location was so peaceful

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Oct 29, 2024

Hello Anhita,

Thanks for your review.
I am so happy to read you had a great in Costa Rica!

I loved Arenal Glamping too, it is a unique property!

I hope you can visit us once again shortly.

Best,
Olman

Impeccable choices by our friend, Yuliana, for Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Oct 12 - Oct 19, 2024

E
Erin L.
Brookhaven, GA | Reviewed on Oct 26, 2024
Impeccable choices by our friend, Yuliana, starting from pick-up at the airport. Her planning and attention to detail allowed my family to enjoy a vacation free from arguing, uncertainty or poor planning. Thank YOU! Costa Rica for a family of four to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday. Our two sons (16 & 13)came along for their second international trip. We started in San Jose to acclimate and pick up a rental. Hotel was perfect for one night with teens. Service was excellent and... Read more

Impeccable choices by our friend, Yuliana, starting from pick-up at the airport. Her planning and attention to detail allowed my family to enjoy a vacation free from arguing, uncertainty or poor planning. Thank YOU!

Costa Rica for a family of four to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday. Our two sons (16 & 13)came along for their second international trip. We started in San Jose to acclimate and pick up a rental. Hotel was perfect for one night with teens. Service was excellent and super helpful with car rental communicators. Alamo provided a new Toyota Rav 4 for our journey.

We ventured to La Paz Waterfalls for a stop off on the way to Arenal / La Fortuna. Fantastic spot and worth the time to explore the waterfalls and zoo.

Next stop was Arenal Parasido Resort in La Fortuna. Stayed in a villa ( 2 bd/ bath house with micro kitchen). Private and spacious with beautiful grounds. Zipline, safari river tour, eco thermal springs are some of the amazing activities we enjoyed. All companies provided were top notch!

Next area we explored was Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Parc. We stayed at Los Altos Resort in Quepos which was pure luxury! Accommodations were stellar including our own elevator, balconies off all rooms, 3 bd 3 bth, concierge service! Wildlife on the property rivaled the national park! Sloths, monkeys, macaw, agouti, toucans, hummingbirds and much more all on the property. Some of our favorite moments were observing the natural beauty poolside and experiencing wildlife completely free. Stunning views across the property. Staff was legendary and a pleasure to get to know. Breakfast was another standout.

Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde
Yuliana
Yuliana Valverde
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on Oct 29, 2024
Hi Erin,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review! I am thrilled to hear that you had a smooth and memorable experience. It sounds like the celebration of your husband’s 50th birthday was filled with incredible adventures and special moments!
I am glad you enjoyed the blend of nature and luxury, from the waterfalls at La Paz to the wildlife encounters at Los Altos Resort. It’s wonderful to know the accommodations, activities, and wildlife exceeded expectations for you and...
Read more

Hi Erin,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review! I am thrilled to hear that you had a smooth and memorable experience. It sounds like the celebration of your husband’s 50th birthday was filled with incredible adventures and special moments!
I am glad you enjoyed the blend of nature and luxury, from the waterfalls at La Paz to the wildlife encounters at Los Altos Resort. It’s wonderful to know the accommodations, activities, and wildlife exceeded expectations for you and your family.
If you ever plan to visit Costa Rica again, I would love to help make your next trip just as magical! Thank you for trusting us to be part of such a meaningful celebration.
Pura Vida,
Yuliana

Dream family vacation volcano to the beach
Costa Rica | Jul 17 - Jul 24, 2021

Jennifer
Jennifer P.
West Columbia, SC | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
Olman planned a dream vacation for our family. He managed to fit in all the excursions we wanted and all our transportation within the country. We were very impressed! Read more

Olman planned a dream vacation for our family. He managed to fit in all the excursions we wanted and all our transportation within the country. We were very impressed!

Hotel Reviews
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only
Fortuna

Beautiful, well appointed hotel. We loved the thermal pools and the swim up bar.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Monteverde

This hotel has beautiful views, but it was a little more rustic than I like. It is situated on a very steep hill, making it very difficult to walk the grounds. Thank goodness they have a shuttle bus to pick you up and drive you to the on site restaurant. The food was delicious.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel
Tamarindo

My whole family loved Capitan Suizo! Our room was beautiful and had a wonderful sitting area by the front door looking out into the gorgeous landscaping of the resort. The beach was awesome and had surf boards available. We also enjoyed the pool and bar area very much. The food was very good. The restaurant even cooked a tuna that we caught offshore fishing.

Authenticity & Character
The grounds were beautiful
Location
Right on a gorgeous beach! Can walk to stores and restaurants in town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arenal Volcano Extreme Zipline
Arenal Volcano Extreme Zipline
Arenal/La Fortuna

Nothing quite like soaring through the jungle over waterfalls! Awesome!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide was very informative and we learned so much about Arenal. We had an amazing hike even though it was raining!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Hanging Bridges Hike
Guided Hanging Bridges Hike
Monteverde

A must see if you love plants and wildlife. The cloud forest is like no other place on Earth.

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

This was so much fun! It is SO dark! The guides are superb!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Sailing Excursion & Snorkeling
Catamaran Sailing Excursion & Snorkeling
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

Simple beautiful! Worth the hike!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fishing on the North Pacific Coast
Fishing on the North Pacific Coast
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Sep 26, 2024

Hello Jennifer,

Thanks for your excellent review.
I am so excited you had a wonderful time in the tropics.

I look forward to planning a new adventure!

Pura Vida,
Olman

Amazing trip with amazing people! Second KimK...
Costa Rica | Jan 13 - Jan 22, 2024

J
Jacob S.
Shaw, DC | Reviewed on Sep 05, 2024

Amazing trip with amazing people! Second KimKim trip - both great!

Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde
Yuliana
Yuliana Valverde
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on Sep 05, 2024

Hello Jacob,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had another amazing trip with us and that both of your KimKim experiences have been great. It's always a pleasure to help create memorable journeys, and we look forward to planning more adventures for you in the future!
Best regards,
Yuliana

Wonderful 6 day vacation in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica | Aug 25 - Aug 31, 2024

Brittany
Brittany L.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 02, 2024
This was our first time in Costa Rica, and the entire experience was wonderful! We’re grateful to have worked with kimkim, especially Olman, who made planning so much easier. From the start, Olman was responsive and attentive to our travel requests, and his insights were invaluable when planning our activities. Everything during our vacation went smoothly—our transportation was always on time, our accommodations had amazing rooms with stunning views, and our prepaid excursions made... Read more

This was our first time in Costa Rica, and the entire experience was wonderful!

We’re grateful to have worked with kimkim, especially Olman, who made planning so much easier. From the start, Olman was responsive and attentive to our travel requests, and his insights were invaluable when planning our activities. Everything during our vacation went smoothly—our transportation was always on time, our accommodations had amazing rooms with stunning views, and our prepaid excursions made check-in easy. We appreciated Olman’s thoughtful itinerary, which included time to rest after travel and between activities. His planning helped us avoid fatigue and fully enjoy our trip. Graciela also reached out as a point of contact during our stay in Costa Rica, which provided a sense of reassurance even though we didn’t need any assistance.

Here are some specific highlights:

La Fortuna: It took about 2.5 hours to reach La Fortuna from San Jose airport. Our driver, Leo, was incredibly kind, pointing out sights and offering to stop along the way. We loved staying at Los Lagos. Our room was within walking distance of the hot springs with a view of Arenal Volcano. Our tour with North Adventures, led by Monica and Caylor, was exceptional. They even spotted a three-toed sloth on the way to an activity and stopped for photos. Monica seamlessly switched between Spanish and English for our small group and offered great food recommendations in La Fortuna. The included lunch at Restaurante Las Tablas provided incredible casado with fish and chilera.

Monteverde: The lake crossing from La Fortuna to Monteverde was stunning. We stayed at Hotel Ficus, and it was our favorite place during the vacation. The reception staff—Dylan, Aylin, and Anna—were extremely kind and helpful. The town was close enough to walk to and far enough to avoid traffic noise. We were also lucky with our tour guides at Don Juan, Treetopia (Jason, Sebastian, Greivin, Daniel), and the night tour with Cristian.

Gulf of Papagayo: Our hotel, Bosque Del Mar, had beautiful rooms and was just a short walk from the beach, which felt almost private due to the lack of crowds. It was farther away from stores so we needed to take a taxi but it wasn’t an issue. The reception staff was very helpful and assisted us in booking a last-minute catamaran excursion (Marlin Del Rey) on our final day. We saw whales and snorkeled, and it was the perfect way end to our vacation in Costa Rica.

Thank you to everyone who made this trip unforgettable. We look forward to visiting again!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Fortuna

We loved staying at Los Lagos. Our room was within walking distance of the hot springs with a view of Arenal Volcano. The hotel restaurant had delicious food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Access to hot springs, short driving distance to the town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Ficus
Monteverde Costa Rica

Hotel Ficus was our favorite place during our vacation. The reception staff—Dylan, Aylin, and Anna—were extremely kind and helpful. The town was close enough to walk to, yet far enough to avoid traffic noise. It had incredible views of the clouds and was close to amazing restaurants and a delicious panadería.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Dylan, Aylin, and Anna went out of their way to provide us recommendations and to help us with activities.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Bosque del Mar
Playa Hermosa

The hotel had beautiful rooms and was just a short walk from the beach, which felt almost private due to the lack of crowds. The reception staff was very helpful, assisting us in booking a last-minute catamaran excursion (Marlin Del Rey).

Authenticity & Character
Location
We enjoyed how close it was to the beach but wished it had easier access to more restaurants, grocery store.
Staff
In addition to the reception staff, the restaurant staff were extremely kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
El Silencio Volcano Hike & Visit to La Fortuna Waterfall
El Silencio Volcano Hike & Visit to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Food
The included lunch at Restaurante Las Tablas featured an incredible casado with fish and chilera.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our tour with North Adventures, led by Monica and Caylor, was exceptional. They even spotted a three-toed sloth on the way to an activity and stopped for photos. Monica seamlessly switched between Spanish and English for our small group and offered great food recommendations in La Fortuna.
Transport
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Experience
Coffee, Chocolate and Sugar Cane Experience
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Treetopia: Tram,  Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Treetopia: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
For the hanging bridge guided walk, Jason was very knowledgeable and pointed out birds we would have likely missed. We greatly enjoyed our time with Sebastian, Greivin, Daniel while ziplining.
Transport
Night Excursion at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde
Night Excursion at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cristian was very personable and knowledgeable. It was incredible how he could find insects, snakes, birds in the dark! He was very nice in helping all of us take pictures.
Transport
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Sep 02, 2024

Hello Britanny,

Thanks for your detailed review!
My team is so happy to know you had a wonderful time in Costa Rica exploring some of the most incredible destinations and enjoying unique experiences!

I am glad to know the vacation went smoothly and I hope you can visit us once again to continue exploring new adventures!

Thanks for trusting in us!

Pura Vida,
Olman

I usually do all of my own planning for trips...
Costa Rica | Aug 1 - Aug 9, 2024

Linda
Linda S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024
I usually do all of my own planning for trips to save money. In Costa Rica, I wanted to see the Turtles on the Carribbean side of Costa Rica, my husband is a geologist so the volcanoes were of interest, and our daughter wanted to surf in the Pacific. We had nine days to manage this so we needed a car for a portion of our trip. I knew a boat transfer was necessary to get to Tortuguero but was a bit confused about what to expect and how to book it. When I contacted KimKim, Olman was really... Read more

I usually do all of my own planning for trips to save money. In Costa Rica, I wanted to see the Turtles on the Carribbean side of Costa Rica, my husband is a geologist so the volcanoes were of interest, and our daughter wanted to surf in the Pacific. We had nine days to manage this so we needed a car for a portion of our trip. I knew a boat transfer was necessary to get to Tortuguero but was a bit confused about what to expect and how to book it. When I contacted KimKim, Olman was really helpful. He explained that it was more expensive to book many things on our own and after comparing prices, he was right, it was more affordable to go through KimKim and absolutely less hassle! Olman asked what we wanted to do and he put it all together. The price was a bit higher than what we wanted to spend so I asked for a manual shift car and a hotel change, which brought the price into line. A driver met us at the airport and took us to our hotel in San Jose. In the morning another driver took us to the dock in Tortuguero for our 1 hour and 40 minute boat ride to the eco lodge. A jungle walk, open lagoon boat tour, and boat to town was included with our hotel plus all three meals daily. We booked a night-time turtle tour and saw a 250lb. turtle laying her eggs and then using her flippers to camouflage her nest. It was a dream come true for me to see this. After Tortuguero, we traveled by boat to the docks then to Guapiles by motor-coach for lunch and to pick our car that had all fees paid and was gassed up and ready to go. Our hotel in La Fortuna was at the top of a hill with a wall of windows for a perfect view of Arenal Volcano. We took a mud bath there and swam in mineral hot springs. Our next day took us to 7 zip lines over the tree tops and then a walk with hanging bridges to see the flora and fauna at Misitco Park. After two nights we made our way to Tamarindo where we stayed on the hillside with a cooling breeze and an infinity pool. Our daughter got in 3 days of surfing and we all took a snorkel sunset cruise. All of our accommodations were top notch and the food was great at all of them. Our drivers met us as expected. The tours were all good and safe (zip-lining!). The Costa Rican's are happy, helpful and appreciate tourists. The country is beautiful and still wild. Go to see the turtles, monkeys, sloths and colorful birds. There is so much to do. Contact Olman because he will very graciously work with you to put together an affordable trip of a lifetime. I now need to see the turtle hatchlings make their way to the sea, so I will be booking another trip soon (and I will feel very safe traveling there by myself using drivers) and I will book through KimKim and Olman again!

Hotel Reviews
Park Inn San Jose by Radisson
San José

Beds were very comfortable and restaurant food was delicious.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pachira Lodge
Tortuguero

Pachira Lodge has their own boardwalk through the jungle where you will see monkeys, sloths and poison frogs! Three meals are served here and there is good variety and it all tastes delicious. We sat at each meal with another family to fill our table and it was fun getting to know them. Eco lodges do not have air conditioning but the overhead fan cools the room down at night where you will use a blanket.

Authenticity & Character
It's an eco lodge with monkeys playing in the trees.
Location
Staff
Oliver
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was as expected. Beds were comfortable.
Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa
La Fortuna

The glass walls made for a fabulous view of the volcano.

Authenticity & Character
It was one of the coolest rooms we ever stayed in with the big windows overlooking the volcano.
Location
Staff
Joseph was very friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great air conditioning and big towels for the springs.
Wyndham
Tamarindo

The room was big and the beds very comfortable. Loved the pool and swim up bar.

Authenticity & Character
Open air lobby overlooking the ocean.
Location
Located at the top of the hill there was a nice cool breeze.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Enjoy the Beauty of Tortuguero National Park
Enjoy the Beauty of Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero

Turtles, Turtles, Turtles. And monkeys, sloths, frogs and colorful birds. I need to go back. Soon!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All drivers and staff were very helpful and kind.
Transport
Very efficient.
Arenal Volcano Extreme Zipline
Arenal Volcano Extreme Zipline
Arenal/La Fortuna

7 ziplines!!! Lot's of staff to help everyone. They were wonderful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Aug 16, 2024

Hello Linda,

I hope you are doing great!
Thanks a lot for such an excellent and detailed review, I am so happy to know you had a terrific time exploring the country!

I can't wait to work with you in planning the next adventure to my country, let's hope it can be soon!

Pura Vida,
Olman

Everything went very well! Costa Rican people...
Costa Rica | Apr 12 - Apr 20, 2024

A
Anthony S.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024
Everything went very well! Costa Rican people are very friendly and helpful. Olman adjusted my itinerary to fit my wishes. I also met many pleasant fellow travellers during the tours. The guides on guided nature hikes are incredible. They can locate birds and other animals in the canopy or insects on trees that we would miss. Some could even imitate bird sounds enough to interact with the birds. One of the drivers on the shuttle buses between places in CR was especially interesting to... Read more

Everything went very well! Costa Rican people are very friendly and helpful. Olman adjusted my itinerary to fit my wishes. I also met many pleasant fellow travellers during the tours.

The guides on guided nature hikes are incredible. They can locate birds and other animals in the canopy or insects on trees that we would miss. Some could even imitate bird sounds enough to interact with the birds.

One of the drivers on the shuttle buses between places in CR was especially interesting to talk to and gave us many good tips. He worked for Interbus and his name was Alex. He speaks English fluently. With luck you'll he'll be your driver too.

The ziplining in Monteverde was fun and I highly recommend paying extra for the "Superman" harness that lets you lie prone as you zipline over the forest.

I miss the fruit in Costa Rica! It's something you can't take back with you. You can only encourage others to go there to try it.

Hotel Reviews
Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport
Alajuela

This is a modern hotel which is very convenient to the airport. The shuttle runs regularly. If you have a room which faces the railway line expect some noise, but there are few trains and it finishes early enough. A good restaurant with Costa Rican food a short walk away is "Rosti".

Authenticity & Character
For this type of hotel I don't expect authenticity and character.
Location
Good location if you want to be close to the airport. You can also take the train to/from the city although it doesn't run often.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dreams Lodge Monteverde
Santa Elena

This is a small family owned and operated hotel with a super friendly and helpful staff! If you have your own wheels it's easier to go to the center of town, otherwise it's a taxi or long walk. But it's also quiet so you will probably sleep better than at a hotel in town. The freshly prepared breakfasts (no buffet) were also good.

Authenticity & Character
This is a small family owned and operated hotel away from the center of town. I liked it.
Location
Far from the main town area but quieter and closer to nature because of that.
Staff
Very friendly and helpful staff. They really make you feel welcome and give you good advice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The only problem was that the small refrigerator in the room was noisy. So I unplugged it.
Hotel Magic Mountain
Fortuna

Spectacular view of the volcano from the room! The view changes depending on the cloud cover and the sun angle. The room was clean and comfortable. The music and partying at the swimming pool can be loud sometimes but it stops early enough that you can sleep. Fantastic breakfast buffet. Easy walk into town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Spectacular view of the volcano. Easy walk into town.
Staff
I wanted to leave a tip for housekeeping but the front desk could not make change for Costa Rican money.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
El Silencio Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs
El Silencio Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna

I have the impression that part of the hike was skipped because it was raining. Part of the group returned to the van early and the guide took us somewhere on a normal road, not a hiking trail.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Boat Safari
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Boat Safari
Arenal/La Fortuna

Fantastic! Saw many animals. The "surprise" at the end (after lunch) was also good but I don't want to spoil it here.

Quality of Experience
Food
The lunch was too rushed.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Excursion at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde
Night Excursion at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde
Monteverde

Very good tour. I would do it again and hope to see different animals next time. There are many people on other tours in the same area at the same time, so be prepared to be on a crowded trail. I would like to suggest a night tour with night vision glasses in a less crowded forest.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Selvatura Park Self-Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining
Selvatura Park Self-Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining
Monteverde

The zip lining and the hike through the forest and over the hanging bridges was fantastic! I highly recommend paying extra to be put into the "superman" harness for the last zip line so you can lie flat as if you are flying. A pity that they don't make a video of that for you, only the regular zip line at the beginning. The zip lining is rather rushed but they need to run many people through the system. Try not to lean back when you are zip lining because then you will start to brake with your brake hand to prevent yourself from leaning back further.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The road to the activity is in terrible condition.
Celeste River and Tenorio National Park Hike
Celeste River and Tenorio National Park Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna

Excellent guide! (Sorry, forgot his name.) And finally a good strenuous hike.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee & Chocolate Tour in Monteverde
Coffee & Chocolate Tour in Monteverde
Monteverde

The freshly made chocolate paste was amazingly delicious!! I wish there was more chocolate tasting instead of just coffee tasting (with 1 hot chocolate).

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

Great guide, wonderful experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Jul 30, 2024

Hello Anthony,

Thanks for your good review.
I am so happy to know your trip to Costa Rica was a great experience!

I am also thrilled to know you had incredible guides, drivers, and unique experiences.

I know you miss Costa Rica fruit, but that is another reason to come back in the future.

Pura Vida,
Olman

Costa Rica Family Vacation
Costa Rica | May 18 - May 25, 2024

Kevin
Kevin N.
Fruit Cove, FL | Reviewed on May 27, 2024
We had a fantastic time in Costa Rica and this is the second consecutive international trip we have used KimKim to make the arrangements. It saves considerable time doing research and hoping you are choosing the right hotels and experiences. Websites for vendors can be highly deceptive and using someone like KimKim who knows the country and various locations, resorts/hotels and excursion experiences is incredibly helpful. And never having to worry about transportation between locations,... Read more

We had a fantastic time in Costa Rica and this is the second consecutive international trip we have used KimKim to make the arrangements. It saves considerable time doing research and hoping you are choosing the right hotels and experiences. Websites for vendors can be highly deceptive and using someone like KimKim who knows the country and various locations, resorts/hotels and excursion experiences is incredibly helpful. And never having to worry about transportation between locations, airport, etc. is a huge relief when traveling in a foreign country. I would highly recommend KimKim.

Hotel Reviews
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Fortuna

This hotel was beautiful, the grounds were amazing and close to La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano. The villas were great and the staff was extremely friendly. We saw several other hotels in the area but I doubt any were nicer than Arenal Springs Resort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Tamarindo

Excellent location with plenty of dining options on the premises and close to other shops and restaurants. The facilities were great and staff was very friendly. Highly recommend the hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Arenal/La Fortuna

The walk through the park was fine, nothing super special but a relaxing couple of hour nature walk.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tamarindo Horseback Riding to Conchal Beach
Tamarindo Horseback Riding to Conchal Beach
Costa Rica

A very fun morning ride on some beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Very enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Zip Lining - Hanging Bridges & Aerial Tram
Zip Lining - Hanging Bridges & Aerial Tram
Arenal/La Fortuna

Very cool experience. The views from the gondola, zip lines and walking bridges were amazing. Our guide for the bridge and country tour was incredibly knowledgeable about both wildlife and the fauna and made it an enjoyable experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling to Catalina Islands
Snorkeling to Catalina Islands
Costa Rica

This snorkeling trip was one of the weaker ones we have been on. The company used caters principally to divers so a lot of time was spent dropping them off and picking them up. Our snorkel guides were very nice, no issues at all but the underwater snorkeling wasn't that great. And it took quite a while to get to the boat since you have about a 30 minute drive from Tamarindo Beach with the traffic, then stop at the dive shop to get fins, then shuttle to the beach where you have to go in groups out to the boat on small tender barge since the dive boat is not in a marina. And then all in reverse at the end. And no cocktails and limited snacks at the end. All of our other snorkeling trips have been on better boats and for snorkelers with nice amenities.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on May 28, 2024

Hello Kevin,

Thanks for your good review!
I am so glad to know you had a fantastic trip to my country.

I look forward to your new adventure!

Best,
Olman