Our experience was amazing. Our guide, Alfred...
Costa Rica | Dec 8 - Dec 16, 2022

Nancy
Nancy T.
Ocala, FL | Reviewed on Dec 23, 2022

Our experience was amazing. Our guide, Alfredo was fantastic in La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano area. Jose gave a wonderful tour in Corcovado National Park. I felt communications were not well communicated , as some timings were not correct. Giving us more complete details would have been helpful. We had to call to verify info that was incorrect and our call was not returned when they said they would call.

Hotel Reviews
Las Caletas Lodge
Puntarenas

The accommodation was rustic, but very clean. There was no air conditioning, only ceiling fans. The staff was wonderful as was the food. The rooms would have been more comfortable with more fans and better lighting. The view from the hotel was wonderful with lots of local monkeys and wildlife. Daniel was great and very helpful!

Authenticity & Character
The wildlife
Location
A dock for landing.
Staff
Daniel was the best. Everyone else was very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, but needed more fans and better lighting in clothing storage areas.
Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa
La Fortuna

We loved the private cabanas, the pool, pool bar and hot tub. We did not have wifi in the rooms, only common areas. This meant we could not reach our other friends unless we knocked on their door. There were several huge roaches in our room. The front desk didn’t seem too concerned. Overall I liked the resort, but they could address the above issues.

Authenticity & Character
Loved the view of Arenal Volcano and local flowers
Location
Good location
Staff
They were helpful, if needed
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bugs in room, pillows were huge and hard. They were not comfortable to sleep on. The bed was comfortable.
Karahé Beach Hotel
Manuel Antonio

Our rooms were on the second floor, centrally located. They were clean and very convenient to the beach. I would’ve liked one more day there.

Authenticity & Character
Situated amongst the trees with lots of wildlife.
Location
Good beach location, but needed taxis to go everywhere.
Staff
Friendly reception and waitstaff very attentive at beach and restaurant. Our waiter Juan Carlo(I think) was great at dinner.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were comfortable, air conditioned and good wifi.
Autentico Hotel
San Jose

Very nice and modern hotel with good air conditioning and wifi. It was comfortable with a nice pool in downtown San Jose

Authenticity & Character
Comfortable for shuttles to next location
Location
Easy walk to a few restaurants, but far from the airport
Staff
The restaurant staff was very nice and they all worked very hard.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice clean rooms and showers
Activity Reviews
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Arenal/La Fortuna

Priscilla was fantastic. She guided us through preparation of an authentic Costa Rican meal. Her partner assisted with making tortillas and coffee. The meal was delicious!

Quality of Experience
Learning about new foods and eating an authentic meal.
Food
All of the food was good!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All of our drivers were very good. I felt completely safe. The guides were excellent.
Transport
Some of our transports were very long, but it was the only way to get to different locations. I did not like the water landings.
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Just do it. I’m afraid of heights, but psyched myself to focus and keep moving. The bridges did sway while walking on them, but I felt safe. It is a lot of up and downhill , if that is a problem for you. I really felt like I had met my goal by completing the walk.

Quality of Experience
Our guide would stop and show us hidden wildlife through his scope and helped you get good photos.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everything
Transport
Good drivers
Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour & Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal Volcano Hiking Tour & Paradise Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna

It began to rain as we started, so we chose the shortest of 3 hikes. Fortunately, the rain stopped shortly after we started. We saw cows and lots of birds and monkeys. There is a nice little bar at the top where you can stop, rest and rehydrate if needed before finishing the hike.

Quality of Experience
The hot springs were much needed after hiking. There was a bar there if you wanted to buy a drink. The locker rooms were small, not much room to change in and out of bathing suit. I found the handicapped bathroom stall to be more spacious and private and had hooks to hold your clothes.
Food
The food at Paradise Hot Springs was fair
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guide and driver
Transport
You drive a while up and down winding roads to get there
Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Dec 27, 2022

Hi Nancy,
Thank you very much for your feedback. I really enjoyed preparing your trip plan, and I'm very happy you had an amazing experience.
About timing, I'll talk with our operations department because every small change was informed by WhatsApp. Thank you for giving me this feedback.
Best regards,
Diego.