Costa Rica Adventure

Costa Rica | Mar 24 - Apr 1, 2023

This trip was supposed to happen in 2020 so it was big deal to us to finally make it happen in 2023! Partly because with our kids finishing school and schedules not likely to align easily again it could be our last chance to have a full family vacation. I can't say enough about the organizing and how completely all the details were handled which started with Yuliana. And once in Costa Rica we were also fully supported by our local contact, Graciela. We had the best time and I am so grateful to everyone who made this happen. We loved the hotels in Tamarindo and the Arenal region. We have nothing but praise for our drivers, Gustavo Lopez, Greivin, Fernando and Lee. Having someone else do the driving made the trip that much nicer and these guys know how to navigate Costa Rican traffic! A special thanks to Greiven for stopping to show us a Macaw, Sloths, Coati and Lake Arenal (where we also had a great lunch) along the drive.

The Hotel Tamarindo Diria was beautiful, with great staff and location. Each day we enjoyed the amazing breakfast while taking in the view over looking the ocean as well as from our room and while chilling on the cabana bed (!!!).

The Hotel Los Lagos in the Arenal region was also beautiful with its multiple pools and the walking path up to the observation point. In this area we went on a guided hike with Mauricio, who is a wealth of knowledge on local animal and plants and a lot of fun to hang out with too! That day was full of Howler Monkeys, Sloths, birds of all kinds and an unbelievable amount of edible plants! Mauricio is full of knowledge including historical and current information.

While in this area we also had a great day of Ziplining and White Water Rafting where we also saw wildlife including a Tucan, both of which were amazing, totally safe and done with incredibly friendly and knowledgeable guides.

We will go back, even if we won't all go together. We fell in love with the country and the people.

Hotel Reviews

Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort

Tamarindo

Beautiful location, wonderful breakfast overlooking the ocean, great staff, awesome pools, cabanas and right on the beach!

Authenticity & Character

It's a lovely property with cool decorations as well.

Location

Right on the beach and in the heart of town.

Staff

So polite and friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean, nice rooms with everything you need.

Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort

Fortuna

Very beautiful property as well as location with the volcano in view and the natural hot springs.

Authenticity & Character

Great food and gardens.

Location

Wildlife around the property, walking paths including to Los Lagos and a view point for the volcano although you can see the volcano from practically anywhere on the property.

Staff

Friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms were very clean and the beds were great. They even made up some great towel animals for us each day!

Activity Reviews

Arenal 1968 Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs

Arenal/La Fortuna

The guide, Mauricio, is a wealth of knowledge, personable and fun to hang out with. The area was great to walk through, but with the guide, it became a real experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Eco Thermales buffet was awesome!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fernando was waiting for us at the end of each of the activities - no waiting and such a great singer too!

Zip Lining Adventure & White Water Rafting Class II & III

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport