Fantastic Costa Rica experience
Costa Rica | Dec 19 - Dec 26, 2022

Jaya
Jaya C.
Hermosa Beach, CA | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023

We decided to use kimkim for our Costa Rica trip in December. This was our first time and we had a fantastic experience with them. Jessica planned out a wonderful trip for us based on our likings and needs. She was flexible with changes and was prompt in her responses. We visited La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde and Guanacaste region. All the hotels and activities were as described. We enjoyed the safari float, zip lining and night time sloth observation a lot. We had one hitch with our hotel reservation not paid and had to pay out of pocket. But Jessica took care of it by immediately refunding! Overall, it was a very positive experience.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa
Fortuna

We got upgraded to this hotel with the views of Mount Arenal. Room was very convenient with Jacuzzi and perfect view of Arenal volcano. Staff were very courteous and helpful. Food was decent and vegetarian options were there. There is a gift shop and was quite helpful. Only issue was distance from the town. We got to use the Titoku springs for free and there was shuttle to take us and bring back. Over all a great place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was good mix of nature and modernization
Staff
Helpful staff including the housekeeping.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Property was well maintained and beds were comfortable
Hotel Bosque del Mar
Playa Hermosa

More like 3.5 stars. Hotel is set right by the beach and very convenient to hang out. Staff was very friendly. Food was average. They did try to accommodate vegetarian food for Christmas dinner. We had ocean suite but jacuzzi didn’t really work well but since was close to beach we didn’t bother complaining. Pool was average. Loved the sounds of ocean, birds, monkeys

Authenticity & Character
Casual vibes
Location
Close to beach but far from anything else
Staff
Accommodating and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
The jacuzzi was dirty and shower setting was very low
Senda Monteverde Hotel
Monteverde

Very nice property right next to the Aguti reserve. We could see lot of birds and Animals in the property. Food was fantastic and very accommodating to kids and vegetarians. There were daily activities for family. Our suite was far away from lobby which was little painful. Housekeeping was excellent and they even did laundry.

Authenticity & Character
Setting was beautiful and property was very beautiful
Location
Quick walk to town though uphill on the way back
Staff
Staff was quite friendly especially at the restaurant. Front desk was fine but seemed not so accommodating with checking out an hour late due to our morning activity
Cleanliness & Comfort
Housekeeping was excellent and very warm. Nightly warm hot bags, chocolates!!
Activity Reviews
Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. He took us around a private farm and we got to see two toed sloths, toads, bull frogs, red eye tree frog, sleeping toucans and more. He took great pictures and shared with us.

Quality of Experience
Knowledgeable and friendly
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
On time
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal Volcano Hike & La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

It was a small group hike. Guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Hiking was not very hard except for few areas. La Fortuna falls was 500 steps down and little challenging on the way back. Lunch afterwards was fantastic at the farm.

Quality of Experience
Food
Fresh and vegetarian friendly. Quite tasty
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Walk at Curi-Cancha Reserve
Guided Walk at Curi-Cancha Reserve
Monteverde

Felt like a small reserve compared to sky. We didn’t really see much more wildlife. It was raining quite a bit so that didn’t help. We saw a male quetzal, humming birds, few other birds.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staff could be more engaging
Transport
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Arenal/La Fortuna

Wonderful experience doing slow raft on the penas blancas river. We could see monkeys, toucans and few other birds. Carlos, our guide was fun and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Carlos was fantastic
Transport
On time and comfortable
Treetopia: Tram,  Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Treetopia: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
Monteverde

It was our first time zip lining and with a kid. Crew was very supportive and gave all safety instructions. They repeated every time and encouraged us. Views were amazing and needed for true cloud forest view. Main lobby staff was little rude and not accommodating. Our zip lining ended late and so we were late for hanging bridges guided tour but they had us wait an hour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nighttime Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Experience (Seasonal)
Nighttime Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Experience (Seasonal)
Costa Rica

We really wanted to do this adventure and we’re lucky to see a few turtles coming offshore. Couple didn’t nest but one did and we saw it digging in sand and laying eggs. It was surreal experience. You’re involved a car drive to a place and then a van drive with a group to a beach. Guide at the beach was knowledgeable but little rude. He was watching out for wild life which is very admirable but would have helped to know some of the rules/things before hand.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Costa Rica

Catamaran sailing adventure was good. Boat was clean and crew was quite friendly. Bar served drinks all the time. We got to see couple whales and sting ray but not much other wild life. It was more of party boat with music and alcohol. Would not recommend highly for kids. Snorkeling was ok. Was hoping to get some help from crew but there were lot of people on the boat so guess not possible. Food was basic but tasty. Sunset was very beautiful. It’s worth for a relaxed sailing and drinks and views.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Jennings