Travelers' reviews about Costa Rica
66 reviews
Costa Rica
According to your desires
Dunks
Costa Rica
Couple
Amazing
The best parts:
Dear Sonia,
We are now home safely, after a strange journey through empty airports ! The ground crew at Juan Santamaria stood on the runway and waved us off with the Costa Rican flag as we taxied off as one of the last flights to leave. Sue and I both work in hospital so life is very different for us now, but everything is under control at present and we are well refreshed after our amazing holiday !
Thank you so much for arranging a wonderful itinerary and being so supportive, reassuring and helpful when things were changing on a daily basis and our natural instinct was to try and get home. Everyone we came across were so very helpful and friendly, the drivers were all excellent at a time when everyone was feeling a bit anxious. I would especially mention our local guide who ran Rana Roja in Tortuguero who looked after us so well. It was an amazing experience in Tortuguero, being the only tourists in the rain forest ! Aguila de Osa in Drakes Bay was also a highlight as were all the National parks we visited in Manuel Antonio and Osa peninsula before they shut down because of the virus.
I hope you and your family and staff are all well and that things can return to normal soon. We had an amazing unique experience and will be in contact about arranging another trip next year to see some more of your beautiful country.
Muchos gracias and Pura Vida !
Alan and Sue
The worst parts:
Nothing
ND
Costa Rica
Couple
We had a fantastic time in Costa Rica, the holiday of a lifetime. The itinerary and excursions organised were perfect, and we got to experience so much of Costa Rica in 2 weeks. It also allowed us a little time to organise our own excursions and experiences. Our favourite location was the beautiful Monteverde, and we also thoroughly enjoyed the rafting at sarapiqui. We also booked an afternoon sea fishing at Tamarindo, which was my own personal highlight.
The best parts:
The many different experiences arranged for us
The worst parts:
Somewhat lacking information on the service receipts for hotels and excursions i.e. hotel check in times, pick up locations. This led to some confusion in one instance over whether we were to be collected, or had to drive to our excursion as I was given different information by 2 different Evaneos representatives, and I had to contact my representative the day before the excursion.
Hev
Costa Rica
Family
We loved the activities, in particular zip lining and Selvatura Park on Monteverde, the horse riding with Martin Horse, also the wildlife in Manuel Antonio. All the destinations - Tortuguero, Cahuita, Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio - are fantastic places with amazing wildlife.
The best parts:
The people were so friendly, wildlife was amazing, and hotels very comfortable. Everything was very smooth and well organised and it was a relaxing holiday. All the different activities were well planned and exciting.
The worst parts:
Wouldn’t change anything, however the longer drive to and from Cahuita and the traffic was hard going, but would not change anything / the destinations. The heat in Manuel Antonio meant that we did not have the energy to do very much, but such a beautiful location.
Sheffield Travellers
Costa Rica
Couple
We were given excellent advice about the itinerary and accommodation by the local agency.
The best parts:
Being in fascinating jungle environments and seeing may different animals and birds. Experiencing the remoteness and beauty of Pirate Cove as well as the luxury of the the M**** hotel with its infinity pool and the Hotel C**** with its exotic surroundings and beach bar.
The worst parts:
Nothing
Michel
Costa Rica
Private group
heard about t destinations from family and friends
beautiful landscapes
animals
plants
beach
one outstanding hotel is Pacuare Lodge- only regret of the trip is that we could not stay longer there
The best parts:
beautiful country
very professional travel agency which organized every step of the trip superbly
charming competent driver
most of the hotels very good,even stunning
The worst parts:
nothing
BHL
Costa Rica
Family
Overall, our trip was amazing. The Costa Rican people are all so proud of their beautiful country and are keen to make your stay as memorable as possible. We stayed in a selection of three types of accommodation, the rainforest at Sarapiqui, La Fortuna and the beach at Samara. We completed many activities during our stay such as white water rafting, canopy tour, horse riding, nature tours and a boat trip. We had an amazing time!,
The best parts:
During the trip, everything was extremely well organised. The transfer drivers and hotel staff were all so kind and welcoming and we always felt safe. We loved staying in the rainforest and the amazing wildlife and all the trips and excursions that were available. The weather was fantastic.
The worst parts:
The travelling. Would probably have slightly shorter journeys during our stay!!
lesabatier
Costa Rica
Couple
Our favourite moments were Drakes Bay on the Orsa Peninsula and Arenal Springs; the former was totally beautiful.. the whole country was friendly, no litter anywhere and people seemed very proud of their heritage and their eco credentials.. We will be back..
The best parts:
Totally outstanding, Sonia our local agent gave us more than we could every expect. Everything was handled in a highly professional way and a couple of quirky problems were sorted straight away. We could not recommend her agency enough..
The worst parts:
Nothing..
Canadiangal
Costa Rica
Family
We travelled to Arenal, Monteverde and Playa Carillo. We loved all the nature we saw and everything was booked perfectly.
The best parts:
I was very pleasantly surprised with the quality of everything on our trip. The accommodations were clean and well maintained the activities booked were exactly what we were interested in. It was so helpful to have Viviana available to answer our questions before and during the trip. The hotels and the transportation and the local agency work together seamlessly. From Canada, we have few tour agents that have an itinerary for Costa Rica that isn’t an all inclusive. I’m glad I found the local agency and trusted them with my holiday.
Craven Cottage
Costa Rica
Couple
Costa Rica is amazing. The scenery, wildlife, climate and food were out of this world. But the highlight for us was the friendliness of the people
The best parts:
All of it was brilliant. Sensoria outing was fantastic- brilliant guide Joaquin. River and Catamaran trips were relaxing- Ziplining was a little more hair raising but still fun and exhilarating. All hotels were top notch in their different ways. J*** was the highlight- pure paradise. All transfers went like clockwork
The worst parts:
Nothing
Evaneos
Dear Sallie, Thank you so much for your positive feedback. Great to read you've had such a great holiday in Costa Rica! Hope to see you back at Evaneos. Kind regards, Team Evaneos UK
Petebog
Costa Rica
Couple
We met people in Argentina last year and they suggested we try Costa Rica for the wild life and scenery.
It was way beyond our expectations in every sence.
The highlight was our time in Arenal, the accomodation at El Silencio del Campo was stunning, beautiful birds everywhere and igunas wandering around the hot pools.
The quality of service we received from our local agency, in Cost Rica was first class in every sense.
The best parts:
Wonderful country, amazing people friendly and helpful, spectactular wildlife.
Excellent accomodation. First class support and guidance by incountry local travel agency.
The worst parts:
Long road trips between destinations, unavoidable given the road network in Costa Rica.
Rip off taxi drivers in Manuel Antonio who chare $10 for a three minute drive from our hotel up the hill to the main road where the restaruants and bars are,
Full minibus trip from Monteverde to Arenal over unpaved roads. Unavoidable due to the minibus, boat, minibus aspect of the journey apparently.
Willy Mac
Costa Rica
Couple
We had quite an active schedule (for a 70 year old couple), 6 stops in 19 nights. But our agent had planned the travel itinerary very well so we were not overly stressed. We enjoyed the differences between different parts of this fairly small country. The Caribbean flavour of Puerto Viejo on the southeast coast was enjoyable.
We found the guides for all tours were very knowledgeable, and had a keen eye for finding wildlife that we would never have noticed.
The best parts:
Meeting the people of Costa Rica. They were very friendly, helpful and well aware of the importance of tourism.
The wide variety of everything in a fairly small country: climate, geography, animals and vegetation.
Seeing the sloths, monkeys, etc. in there natural habitat.
The transportation system works well - vans and small buses show-up on time, for those not on a full tour.
The worst parts:
The traffic around San Jose out to the other areas can be very slow.
We happened to both get a stomach illness for a few days - perhaps from water in a remote village.
The humidity can be uncomfortable on both coasts, but ceiling fans help when there is no A/C.
VP
Costa Rica
Family
We have been to Manuel Antonio, Monteverde and Arenal Volcano. Our favorite place was Manuel Antonia, our favorite tour was the Farm tour near Arenal Volcano. We especially liked that our tours were always with a small group and knowledgeable guide.
The best parts:
Everything was wonderful and well organized. We love our hotels and the tours. Our drivers were all very professional and friendly. Sonia was available for questions during our trip and answers came promptly. Our Costa Rica trip was one of the best vacations we ever had.
The worst parts:
Nothing
Natasha
Costa Rica
Solo
Costa Rica was the perfect destination to explore traveling alone.
I went to 3 places and each one had amazing adventure and discoveries.
The hotels were clean, comfortable and safe.
I fell in love with the wonder of the rainforest, the peace of the beaches and in awe of the environmental respect and conservation. This was motivating and eye opening that even though I live in a privileged country - there is much to be learned from Costa Rica.
I didn't know produce tasted so good - the pineapple was better than Hawaii! And warm milk for your fair trade coffee! Yes please!!
The wildlife was amazing and I think I can still hear the birds.
The best parts:
The ease in which I travelled - everything was on time and in order - I felt safe.
I loved the authenticity of the trip - it was everything I asked for - there was enough structure of planned activities but also enough personal time to explore on my own.
The worst parts:
The hotels I stayed in had no dinner options - I was apprehensive to be out alone looking for a place to eat dinner but I managed.
It ended up being good experience and taking me out of my comfort zones.
Samson12Roaming
Costa Rica
Solo
Everything was exactly as I had hoped and I had a fantastic holiday.
The accommodations were excellent. The hotel at Pirate Cove was my favourite because of the location, but all of lodgings were great - clean, with friendly people who went out of their way to ensure I enjoyed my stay.
The homestay was very nice - I liked the fact that my room was in a separate building so I didn’t feel like I was imposing on the family or getting in their way.
The hike from Dota to Providencia was beautiful. We saw lots of birds and got laughed at by some cheeky monkeys. The route was not too difficult, but challenging enough so I felt a sense of accomplishment by the time I arrived at the village!
The waterfalls by Providencia are lovely and my guide, Alfonso, took good care of me. He had a lot of interesting things to say about the mountains and the animals and plants that live and grow there.
The best parts:
The people, the climate, the accommodation, the food.
The worst parts:
Nothing
Jenni
Costa Rica
Family
Again too many to list but I'll try.
Wildlife...monkeys, bats, caimans, tarantulas, sloths, butterflies, frogs, toucans, parrots, etc
Food...tried many of the local dishes, fruit, coffee, everything we had was amazing
Accommodation...loved, loved, loved all the choices. Every hotel was very different but all were incredible
All the staff, at the hotels, driving the buses, at the restaurants...we really had no bad experiences
The best parts:
So many of them.
The Itinerary was exactly what we were hoping for. The food, accommodation, transportation and above all, the support from Lou and Latitia was amazing.
The worst parts:
I would give this a 10 out of 10 so it is being really picky to say anything negative but I will suggest a couple of minor things.
The itinerary was a little confusing some days, some of it was in french so hard for us to read. On the days it said 'no transportation', it would have been helpful to elaborate. Such as Rincho, there actually is transportation, a shuttle takes you to different locations so it would have been helpful to know this and possibly include a shuttle schedule and park map as provided from the hotel. Other locations, would be helpful to include best options, bus, taxi, hotel shuttle, etc.
