Best of Costa Rica: Nature Encounter & Relaxation
Costa Rica | Jan 31 - Feb 14, 2023

Garritt
Garritt V.
Wenatchee, WA | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2023

We had a wonderful first trip to Costa Rica thanks to Olman! He was extremely helpful setting up just the right mix of adventure and relaxation. All of our accommodations, activities and transportation were prearranged adding to the ease and enjoyment of this trip. A special shout out to our Drivers Douglas, Fernando (1), Fernando (2) and Roberto, and to our Guides Kevin, Scott, Ureas, Franklin and Wilton for sharing their knowledge about their country and putting up with our poor español. Our trip included stops in San Jose, Tarcoles, Manual Antonio, Monteverde, La Fortuna, Tenorio, Tamarindo and Liberia. Activities included crocodile watching, ziplining, hanging bridges, canyoning, sunset catamaran sailing, tours of the Arenal and Tenorio volcanos and a soothing soak at the Ecotermales Hot Springs. The people of Costa Rica are most gracious and welcoming. We always felt right at home; so much so that we are already planning our return. Pura Vida!

Hotel Reviews
Parador Nature Resort & Spa
Manuel Antonio

The views from this resort are spectacular. The food was excellent, the staff was courteous and the vibe was laid back and quiet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The staff was extremely helpful, especially Michael and Nelson
Hotel Lomas del Volcán
Fortuna

The grounds are breathtaking. You are surrounded by rainforest wildlife. The bungalows are quaint and comfortable. The food is amazing; especially the morning fruits and juices.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Our housekeeper had tremendous towel art.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tenorio Lodge
Bijagua de Upala

Christine is an incredible hostess. Set in the low rainforest, you awaken to the Howler monkeys, Toucans and a host of other amazing birds. And with the family style dining, you make new friends from around the world.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Jungle Crocodile Safari
Jungle Crocodile Safari
Monteverde

A fun and memorable experience traveling up and down the Tarcoles River. We saw a few crocodiles and a lot of native birds. This activity includes an trip into a Mangrove forest.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike
Costa Rica

Our guide Kevin was excellent. He was extremely knowledgeable about the native plants and animals. On this hike we encountered Monkeys, Sloths, Toucans, Red Eye Frogs, Land Crabs and much more. Make sure to pack your swim suit. The water at Playa Manual Antonio is warm and refreshing.

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

We had a great time with our aipline guides Scott and Ureas. The scenery is amazing, the lines are long and fast and you are left wanting to go again. The Hanging Bridges are a unique experience. Be prepared to have a little bounce in your step as you cross several bridges suspended over the tropical cloud forest.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal 1968 Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs
Arenal 1968 Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs
Arenal/La Fortuna

Even though the Arenal Volcano had it's head in the clouds the views from the vistas were breathtaking. Our guide Franklin was the absolute best. His knowledge and passion for the area was infectious. It was a great learning experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Canyoning Adventure
Arenal Volcano Canyoning Adventure
Arenal/La Fortuna

Wet, Wild & Wonderful. What an incredible experience as you rappel down through a tropical canyon with waterfalls on either side of you. The guides are fun loving, professional, safety conscious and make it a day you won't forget.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Celeste River and Tenorio National Park Hike
Guided Celeste River and Tenorio National Park Hike
Costa Rica

A very beautiful walk through the rain forest with multiple vistas from which to view the Celeste River and Waterfall. We also had a lot of fun with our driver Fernando and our guide Wilton. They really added a touch of Pura Vida to our day!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Feb 22, 2023

Hello Mary & Garritt,

Thanks for your kind words.
I am so happy to read that your experience in the tropics was terrific.

Looks like you had a lot of fun and met a lot of people.

I am going to send your good review to all the guides!

Sunny regards from Costa Rica!
Olman