Costa Rican Vacations Reviews 

Gregory Smith planned an incredible first trip to Costa Rica for us. We shared our budget, dates, and activity level, and he put together the perfect itinerary. The excursions were awesome, everything ran smoothly, and the logistics were super reliable. It truly felt like white-glove service on a fair and reasonable budget. Highly recommend working with Gregory — having a local expert made all the difference!

I had a wonderful time in Costa Rica. The accommodations were amazing. Alice met me at the airport before customs, helped with my luggage and waited with me outside the airport until the hotel shuttle arrived. I was able to see so much of Costa Rica (Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and Corcovado/ Cano Island) with plenty of time to view wildlife/ marine life and explore the culture of this beautiful country. It was quite an enriching experience. Thank you!

Alice was very helpful in suggesting where to spend two weeks as our first time in Costa Rica. We started in the cloud forest of Monteverde, went to the rainforest at La Fortuna and ended on the beach at Guanacaste.
We enjoyed the excursions booked as the guides were on time, friendly and very knowledgeable. We're glad we did not drive!!
Minor hiccups were responded to quickly with WhatsApp.
Definitely recommend their service.

Jordan Gill is the best travel consultant we have ever worked with! Every detail of our trip was handled with care, making the entire experience seamless and unforgettable. From scenic drives past waterfalls and coffee farms to the warm hospitality at Volcano Lodge, everything exceeded expectations.

Highlights included the coffee tour at North Fields, spotting sloths and toucans with our amazing guide Roy, and an exhilarating rafting trip with Enzo and Johnny. Croc’s Hotel offered first-class amenities, while surf lessons with Nadine and MJ were pure joy.

This was truly a premier luxury travel experience, and we can’t wait to book our next adventure with this agency!

Jordan did an amazing job helping us plan our honeymoon! We had an amazing stay in the rainforest and the beach! Transportation and communication were great!

Our experience was flawless from beginning to end. From transportation and hotel arrangements to excursions and 24/7 customer service, we received exceptional treatment. Every individual we interacted with was courteous, professional, and punctual. This was my first time using a travel agency for a vacation, and it was worth every penny. Costa Rica Vacation Travel Agency ( Alice Palma was out agent) deserves full credit for coordinating this incredible trip — their attention to detail and dedication made it truly unforgettable.

We were really impressed with Costa Rican Vacations. As the designated 'person who always arranges things' it was a huge relief to send a few vague ideas to Greg, and receive a detailed itinerary with hotels, activities, and transfers, just a few hours later. Everything is customizable so I was able to tweak things, play with dates, and get exactly what we wanted. All the more impressive - this was a very much last minute booking and we left a few days later.
The trip itself was great, with a nice pace and some really great activities. We were met at the airport - actually before going through security, which meant we didn't have to run the gauntlet of people with signs selling taxi rides on our way out.
A few highlights - the frog tour with dinner was really special - a lovely family memory. We also had an amazing catamaran tour where we were the only people on a 55' catamaran, together with five staff! They spent the day plying us with cocktails and a delicious fish BBQ. The ziplining was both fun and a little terrifying.
The travel team also came into their own when my husband realized he'd left behind a specialized piece of equipment. Greg moved heaven and earth to find him a replacement and get it transported to us at our hotel. This really saved our holiday and went well above and beyond anything you could reasonably expect.
The travel team were great for smaller things too - everything from restaurant recommendations, to changing transfer times and re-scheduling activities. A real live human answered our messages promptly and sorted things out for us. It made life so much easier. It meant we could just relax and enjoy ourselves knowing they had our back.
I will definitely be checking out their offerings to other countries!

Caitlin Summer of Costa Rican vacations is a master planner! I had a 4-day 50th birthday celebration with 65 guests from the US. Caitlin seamlessly organized all of us through accommodations, events, tours, transfers, and provided personalized and prompt assistance for every single one of us. If you need an agent that will treat your event like their own, Caitlin is your girl.

From start to finish everything was flawless. My experience started with a personal phone conversation with Travel Advisor Caitlin Summer. I told her things I wanted to do and experience, my budget, and length of stay. Then she customized an itenerary with a quote. We worked together until I was satisfied.
After finalizing. I was put on an interest free payment plan. I was given a link to access my detailed itenerary, finance, fill in my travel information, and had a page for FAQs. Caitlin was always responded quickly when I had questions, and added on a tour I wanted to do very close to the departure date.
I had put on my form in the link that we were celebrating my granddaughter's graduation and 18th birthday. When we arrived at our first hotel, there was a very nice towel arrangement with flowers and a personal note recognizing my granddaughter's graduation and birthday.
Our itenerary had us staying four nights in La Fortuna. We did five activities, one with lunch included, and one with dinner included. We then transferred with a private driver to Manuel Antonio for three nights.
The hotels and tours Caitlin picked for us were great.
When we arrived in Costa Rica, someone was there holding a sign with my name and directed me to customs, then walked us to baggage claim, and walked us to our private transport in a very nice van for a three hour drive to the first hotel.
For every tour, we were picked up and dropped off at our hotel. They were always on time, addressed us by our name, very courteous and professional.
The itenerary Caitlin put together described every detail. It listed pick up times, description of the tours for the day, and how long they would last. It even said what you should bring for each particular tour. We did a lot and saw a lot, but it was spaced out enough that we weren't worn out and still had time to go to town and relax.
To summarize, I was so nervous and anxious about going out of the country for the first time. With Costa Rica Vacations everything was laid out in the itenerary so I knew what to expect. Everything went smooth and spot on with the Itenerary as planned.
While in the country, I had 24/7 support and every time I messaged, I got an immediate response. A couple of times, I wanted to change pick up times, and it was done, even if it was with another tour company. It was nice that I didn't have to worry about anything. We felt so safe and cared for and was treated as VIPs.
Costa Rica Vacations know what they're doing and plan everything to the last detail, accommodate changes, and even offer other things that you can decide to do or not do.
I have absolutely no complaints. It was an amazing trip and all we had to do was show up, and everything else was taken care of.
I have to recognize our private driver Giovanni who drove us on three hours to the first hotel, then a seven hour journey to the second hotel.
I'm sure all the drivers are great. Giovanni was exceptional.

Jennifer Floyd was our travel planner. She was infinitely patient in helping me craft a family vacation. We explored Arenal Volcano area from Tabacon and then spent the last few days renting a house in Tamarindo area. Our activities were great and the Costa Rican Vacations team was phenomenal. Thank you!

From the first call to the last minute changes we were making Eric Beedle was the perfect trip advisor for our family visit to Costa Rica
Pura Vida !!!!!

My husband and I spent 9 days in Costa Rica and Jordan Dill did an excellent job planning our adventure. She was challenged by the fact that we decided late that we'd like to go which meant she had to act quickly plus we changed our minds a few times! Jordan handled all flawlessly - hotels, excursions and transfers were all top notch. We visited waterfalls, hanging bridges, national parks, hot springs, beautiful beaches and more! It really helps to get the advice of someone who is so familiar with the area. We highly recommend Jordan Dill and Costa Rica vacations.

We had the absolute best vacation. From the very beginning of planning Jack from Costa Rican Vacations was incredibly helpful. He called me before putting together a package to ask what type of vacation we were looking for and answered my many questions extremely fast and always with such a pleasant attitude. He was honest and upfront and didn't push anything on us at all. We flew into Liberia and rented a car which was easy and affordable and drove to Tamarindo. We stayed at the lovely Jardin del Eden and it was the perfect location. The staff there was wonderful and the grounds were amazing. It felt secluded and away from the bustle but with just a very sort walk we were right in town or right on the beach. We loved the breakfast that was included each day and the dinner which was also included was delicious. I was concerned about the dinner because I can be a picky eater, but if I wanted to remove something from one of the options ,they were extremely accommodating. I had a pedicure at the spa was wonderful (I wish I remembered the woman's name) and Kevin the bartender who we chatted with a lot at the beach bar was great! I didn't understand the description of the beach garden but it was basically a pretty garden area, with bathrooms, a plunge pool, lounge chairs (with palapa umbrellas) and two big beds and a bar where you could order drinks and food. There was a gate and you walked a few steps down and were on the beach. which was public so it was really nice to have our private space with only hotel guests but be right there. The only thing that I would say needs improving are the rooms. They are clean and fine, but very basic compared to the rest of the grounds but because Jack told me in advance what to expect I was not at all surprised. I was glad we could walk right into town, and while we saved money with breakfast and dinner included, we were able to try local restaurants for lunch and got to experience the culture and people. We took a surf lesson while in Tamarindo and it was wonderful. We didn't realize it would be just the two of us and a teacher but it was and we learned so much! They were professional, organized and on time. We also did a catamaran sunset cruise which originally thought would be in the evening but it was in the afternoon so it was wonderful spending the day on the boat and then watching the amazing sun set. The boat wasn't super crowded (room for all) and included delicious drinks and good food. We stopped for awhile and were able to snorkel, use the pool noodles or lay on big rafts. It was a wonderful day and I would def recommend this company and excursion. The picked us up right at the entrance of our hotel and dropped us back later. The second part of our trip we stayed at Nayara Springs which was one of the nicest places I have ever stayed. Our room was amazing and the staff was wonderful. The hot springs and grounds were awesome (although the very hilly terrain makes it difficult to walk as much as we would have liked) but they have golf carts that will bring you anywhere and I don't think we ever waited for then 5 minutes! The restaurants was also fantastic. We did an excursion to the hanging bridges and it was professional and we had a great time. We had another excursion booked but when we realized we would be gone from the resort for an entire day we opted to cancel and we used our credit Nayara which worked out perfectly! I loved being able to use the chat option on Whats app while we were on our vacation. I chatted with Andrea a lot and she was extremely helpful and always answered right away, at all times of the day. I would use Costa Rican Vacations and Jack for any trip I plan in the future and would recommend him to anyone interested in planning. While I could have probably researched on my own, that would have taken an insane amount of time and I would never have know which tours to choose, etc. He was incredible from start to finish.

Caitlin booked us an amazing trip that was beyond our expectations. We will be back and hope to bring more family members with us on our adventures!

I recently booked a trip through Costa Rica vacations, and I was 100% happy with the experience.

I would highly recommend working with SHIONA BONILLA to book your trip! She was such a pleasure to work with. Highly responsive, caring and knowledgeable . We have two small children, and she helped plan our trip in a way that was a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure with age-appropriate activities. Everything was incredible, from the hotels we stayed at, the transportation, the excursions we booked, and the additional activities she mentioned.

I loved the peace of mind of booking through an established travel company, and the little things like them meeting us at the airport really added to the experience. Their customer service was impeccable.

Highly recommend!

Alice Palma planned an excellent vacation for a couple in their 40s. We mixed activities with relaxation and wonderful hotels. Transport was super comfortable and efficient. Great spot for an easy and activity filled time.

Alice Palma put together an amazing vacation that my daughter and I truly enjoyed. Everything from excursions, resorts, to making reservations at amazing restaurants. I would absolutely use her again to help me plan another vacation.

Eric Beedle planned our whole itinerary, from the hotels we stayed at to the activities we participated in. This was our first time visiting Costa Rica and everything was so relaxing and went so smoothly. We appreciated having a driver take us everywhere. The hotels were beautiful and kid friendly and the views were awesome! We all had fun zip lining and horseback riding and swimming in waterfalls. The country is friendly and beautiful and we will certainly be back!

Jordan put together an amazing trip to Costa Rica! She guided us through choosing activities, she listened to what we were interested in, and she always responded to any questions immediately! She made the planning process a breeze, and everything on our trip went seamlessly. Highlights for our family (with an 11yo and 9yo) were white water rafting, hiking with an amazing guide at Arenal, and everything about the service and quality of Nayara. We've recommended Jordan to three other family friends who have had equally amazing experiences working with her!

We have been home only four days and are still basking in the wonder and joy of our time in Costa Rica! Shay, your arrangements for us were absolutely perfect! Every place we stayed - from Villa Blanca to El Silencio to Margaritaville were so enjoyable! Each one was unique, each one building lasting memories one upon the next.

Some highlights:

Villa Blanca:
- superb accomodations - loved the individual "casitas" and the little fireplaces. Exquisite furnishings!
- great breakfasts!
- coffee plantation was AMAZING! The owner himself took us around - we learned so very much and so enjoyed he and his family! The grounds were beautiful, and the butterfly chapel was so beautiful!!!
- afternoon chocolate & coffee seminar at Villa Blanca - hosted by the resort. We were enthralled by the Vandola coffee pot - asked if we could purchase one - and a young man seated at the back said he could connect us with one - less than 2 hours later, he had one waiting for us at the front desk. When we inquired of how he was connected to Villa Blanca, he humbly said he was the owner!!! Zach was an incredible host and a super extra blessing to meet!

La Fortuna:
- superb accommodations again - lovely single homes with nice patios, beautifully landscaped
- Great breakfasts - including watching birds of all colors and kinds eating fruit in the trees just outside our windows
- Amazing hot springs just steps from our front doors - turned out to be better hotsprings than the tour we had of the one next door!
- Staff was so friendly and helpful - arranged a taxi for us to travel into town for shopping
- Butterfly Garden tour - amazing! Saw so many beautiful animals as well - great guide!

Playa Flamingo:
- van ride was difficult due to poor a/c in vehicle. Not sure if our questions to the driver were lost in translation, but it was very warm especially for those in rear seats
- Margaritaville ? WOW - what a place! As we left one place and traveled to the next, I kept thinking we would be disappointed - but the opposite was true - each place kept getting better and better. After we got to our room in Margaritaville, I stood on the balcony and cried - I felt overwhelmingly blessed - like who am i to be here? Thank you, thank you, thank you, Shay for your stellar work in all these arrangements!
- food was exceptional - breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- Tours with Jay - oh my goodness!!! Our tours with Jay (we added a second one the day before we left) were nothing short of INCREDIBLE!!!!! Jay was absolutely the best tour guide ever - so knowledgeable, so humorous, - just loved him! The river tour you scheduled for us was amazing, and then we got to talking with Jay about another tour the next day - and he took us to eco place with toucans and snakes and birds - and a juvenile sloth who hung within inches of our shoulders! Amazing! All four of us were/still are in awe of all that he showed us!
- Margaritaville gift shop - have to tell you - we took them up on a special offer for 9 pkgs of coffee, plus four other Britt gifts - free shipping. We were expecting it to arrive in about 2-3 weeks. Guess what? THEY ARRIVED TODAY!!!! Only 4 days from when we ordered them - from Costa Rica to Wisconsin!

Shay, our friends that you so graciously helped us add to the trip - Wayne and Judy - arrived home in Winnipeg, Canada - and texted us "Thank you for the greatest vacation we've ever had!" We believe the same - my wife was fully able to walk all the places with ease, and I took so many photos (over 1000) that I'll be processing your months to come!

Speaking of photos, I was quite concerned bringing my huge, expensive camera lens with me to Costa Rica, but I knew I'd be sorry if I didn't. So glad I brought it. But a quick story - on the last tour with Jay, I was exiting the van at the resort, concentrating on making sure we got the tip to both Jay and Israel our driver - that I forgot my lens in the van! I didn't realize it until much later that night, and by the time I retraced my steps, and called Jay's cell phone, he already knew and after saying "Hi, sir." he went on to say "It will be at the front desk tomorrow before you leave!" I later learned that he or Israel had found it, called the front desk and left that message, and the front desk had tried to call our room but we were out dining and walking on the beach, oblivious to what was missing. Sure enough, they had the lens for me the next morning as we left Playa Flamingo! I am so very impressed with Jay, Israel, their company, and Margaritaville - to get my lens back to me. But I should not have been surprised, after all - because all the people of Costa Rica we met were so friendly, so welcoming, so amazing!