Travelers' reviews about Costa Rica

4.6
81 reviews
Dunks
5
Costa Rica
Couple
Amazing
The Pros:
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 Cons:
Nothing
Pura Vida
5
Costa Rica
Family
Traveled to Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, Arenal, Monteverde and Tamarindo. Each place offered something different, in views, temperatures, wildlife, people. Incredible trip!
The Pros:
The part like most was the Caribbean side. The part we enjoyed the less was the long days spent on the bus traveling between places.
The Cons:
Per se? None
Evaneos
Thank you for your feed back! See you around the world!
glyne
5
Costa Rica
Couple
We still can't believe everything we saw, everywhere we went - it was a dream. I can't wait to return. I would do it all again tomorrow!! From Tortuguero to Cahuita, then La Fortuna and Arenal volcano, to Monteverde, and back to San Jose for a few days. We were glad that we added in a city tour to get to know the capital and Costa Rica a bit more. All of the individual guides throughout our tours were fantastic. Very friendly, and all very knowledgeable. We really did discover the wonders of Costa Rica, its animals and birds, plants, the ecology of the country, and its people. And of course, we discovered PURA VIDA!
The Pros:
We had the most fantastic time visiting and touring around this amazing country. Every moment was just brilliant. It was above and beyond our expectations. We were amazed with how smooth our trip went, how well organised everything was, and the accomodations that had been arranged.
The Cons:
Having to leave and come home :-(
ND
5
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 Pros:
The many different experiences arranged for us
The Cons:
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
5
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 Pros:
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 Cons:
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
5
Costa Rica
Couple
We were given excellent advice about the itinerary and accommodation by the local agency.
The Pros:
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 Cons:
Nothing
Michel
5
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 Pros:
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 Cons:
nothing
BHL
5
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 Pros:
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 Cons:
The travelling. Would probably have slightly shorter journeys during our stay!!
lesabatier
5
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 Pros:
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 Cons:
Nothing..
Buspasswanderers
5
Costa Rica
Family
A great trip that more than came up to expectations.😄We enjoyed the variety of the places visited and were especially thrilled to see the unusual creatures and birds. A destination to be recommended
The Pros:
Excellent organisation and choices of where to send us. Wonderful wildlife with lots of opportunities to see it. Good hotels with lovely staff. We enjoyed having our own vehicle and the driving was no problem-- thanks for the map! Having at least 2 nights in most of the hotels was good. All transfers were excellent
The Cons:
It would have been easier to do the journey from Drakes Bay to Puerto Jiminez by road rather than a boat ride followed by a longer road trip. The vehicle from Puerto Jiminez back to San Jose (Easirider) was not really suitable for a 7 hour journey (3 of us have very long legs !)
Craven Cottage
5
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 Pros:
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 Cons:
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
5
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 Pros:
Wonderful country, amazing people friendly and helpful, spectactular wildlife. Excellent accomodation. First class support and guidance by incountry local travel agency.
The Cons:
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.
Jenni
5
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 Pros:
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 Cons:
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.
Travellingreg
5
Costa Rica
Solo
Monteverde Cloud forest canopy tour was super. Lodging at Dreams Lodge was really nice. Spent 4 nights in La Fortuna including New Years. What a party. Was able to book the rappelling tour down the waterfalls. The lead guide was Arturo. Really fun and a major adrenaline rush. Spent two days on Rio Pacuare that was really fun and exciting. Finally 3 nights in Puerto Viejo after only planning for 2. Coco Loco lodge highly recommended. Close to everything. Great people.
The Pros:
Monteverde, La Fortuna, Pacuare River rafting, & PTO Viejo: I loved them all. Please don’t make me rank them.
The Cons:
Return transfer from P. Viejo took almost 6 hours for the 4 hour trip. Many stops and driver seemed to get lost. No big deal overall.
Andy S
4
Costa Rica
Family
Costa Rica is a great country for a varied and interesting fly drive holiday. It is relatively small but has a lot of activities available and you can easily drive from coast to coast taking everything in. The rainforests and beaches were amazing (saw plenty of wildlife) and in the middle we enjoyed white water rafting and zip lining.
The Pros:
The trip was as expected. Very helpful local agents, Sandy & Sonia, who changed a couple of excursions around to suit weather conditions ( low rivers). Everything else ran to plan
The Cons:
Bit of a long wait for the car hire to complete - over 1 hour before we spoke to anyone and then another 45 minutes going through everything.