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Costa Rica Self-Drive Family Trip: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, and Tamarindo
Costa Rica | Apr 8 - Apr 18, 2023

S
Sandra H.
Rolling Meadows, IL | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2023

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort
Fortuna

A nice hotel but in dire need of remodel. Breakfast food was good but I would not recommend eating dinner at the hotel. Large pool area with multiple lounging areas but not enough lounge chairs.

Authenticity & Character
The setting is beautiful with amazing views of the volcano and lush landscaping.
Staff
Friendly and accommodating staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was clean but worn. The bathroom sink and vanity is outdated, chipped and generally worn. The hotel only provided one towel per person and one had towel for all of us. We could have used more hand towels and wash cloths.
Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde

A very comfortable lodge with large well equipped rooms and bathrooms. The bed linens were soft and beds were very comfortable. We loved sitting on our porch and watching the birds. Great hiking trail access and the restaurant is top notch.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was not easy to get to the hotel but once we arrived, we loved the location!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Mariposa Hotel
Manuel Antonio
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
While comfortable, this hotel was not particularly clean. The bed linens were scratchy and the quilt needed to be laundered. Needed additional towels for drying hands and washcloths would have been nice.
Poas Volcano Lodge
Vara Blanca

A charming hotel in the middle of nowhere.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great views of the volcano and nice hiking trails
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable bed and a nice bathroom
Activity Reviews
Private Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
Private Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
Costa Rica

This was a nice guided walk although our guide was a little aggressive with us at the beginning. We saw frogs, a toucan, two kinds of sloths, and many birds.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Peñas Blancas River Nature Float (La Fortuna area)
Peñas Blancas River Nature Float (La Fortuna area)
Costa Rica

This was a relaxing way to observe animals and plants in the area.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Walk on a Coffee Plantation
Night Walk on a Coffee Plantation
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sky Adventures: Sky Trek, Tram, and Walk
Sky Adventures: Sky Trek, Tram, and Walk
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Catamaran Adventure from Manuel Antonio
Catamaran Adventure from Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica

This activity did not meet our expectation. I did not expect to be on a party boat with 150 other guests.

Quality of Experience
not enough fruit and snacks, loud music, not enough shaded spaces, lots of drunk people
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Damas Island Kayaking
Damas Island Kayaking
Manuel Antonio
Quality of Experience
Food
We had a lovely lunch after the excursion in the restaurant. Food was great.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
our guide was very nice but struggled with sharing info in English. We crossed paths with other guides who were providing a lot more info to their groups.
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
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