27 independent reviews for Costa Rica highlights vacation & beach
Reviews for Costa Rica highlights vacation & beach
Annette Maas review 6 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All was great. Really loved the accommodation and locations.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so. Hoped that all accommodation would be owned by local people but this wasn’t the case. However the spa the spa we visited and one of the hotels we stayed in were family run businesses which is great. I realise that it might be impossible to stay in locally owned places in tourist destinations.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We loved the vacation and felt that it had been carefully curated. Only negative was that the private taxi journey back to the airport didn’t feel very safe as the driver went way to fast (100km per hour at times) as he was in a hurry to do another pick up. He was a skilled driver and very nice but he was using his phone and taking risks which felt unsafe compared to the rest of our trips.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Annette,
Thank you for your feedback, I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed your trip to Costa Rica with us! It's such a wonderful country and I'm really happy that
you got to experience so much of it.
Your feedback is invaluable to us to help with future trips. I am really sorry to hear about your return journey to the airport. I have raised this with our local
partners to make sure future trips run even smoother. They have taken it very seriously, especially as this has never happened before and our customers
safety is of utmost priority. Rest assured the suppliers have taken your feedback on board and will make sure it doesn't happen in the future.
I'm pleased you loved the choice of the accommodations we'd booked for you. Wherever possible, we do book family-run properties with local owners, and
we're always looking to expand our network of locally run hotels too.
Thank you once again for booking this trip with us and do keep us in mind for any further trips off to far-flung lands.
Best wishes,
Alice
Rosemary Lloyd review 24 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It's difficult to chose one part so I'll say the wildlife and the landscape.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Allow plenty of time to get from place to place, particularly if you are driving yourself. The road quality is poor but the other drivers are patient, and you have to learn how to.manage the pot holes/craters. Having said that, driving yourself gived freedom and independence. Don't expect a great culinary experience, the food was fresh and wholesome but rather repetitive!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, everyone from guides to the hotel staff were passionate about the environment and it was good to be able to support them and their local economy. We felt educated and more sympathetic to the needs of the environment. Flying there creates an negative impact obviously.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a great time and wished we could have stayed longer. All the pick ups, drop offs, hotel arrangements and trips happened as bookedPratyush Jaiswal review 25 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We loved our time in the mountains at San Gerardo de Rivas. The small town/village was perfect - not too busy with tourists and plenty of time to enjoy the flora and fauna.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Driving on narrow mountain roads can be a bit unnerving but everyone was patient and thoughtful. If you have the time, go to some not-so-popular place and stay for a while to appreciate the local life.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely most of the hotels and restaurants were locally owned and the people seemed to be happy with their life and community. Ojochal certainly did not feel local with plenty of expats but it didn't take long to get away to experience Pura Vida.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall we enjoyed our customized itinerary in not-too-popular locations and would be happy to return to Costa Rica.Chris Tyler review 22 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Monteverdi hanging bridges-forgot my fear of heights until halfway across first bridge but guide very patient.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you have enough time to fit everything in, we should have allowed a few more days3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people rely heavily on tourism and we received a very friendly welcome wherever we visited4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Would have given five stars but for poor beginning to vacation, local agent didn’t have welcome pack or tickets for trip next day,stressful day trying to sort outMicah King review 30 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
White Water Rafting and the Volcanic hot springs (with cocktails) in La Fortuna, touring the cloud forest and seeing the wildlife in Monteverde, and swimming in the sea and eating in great restaurants at Samara.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A 2 hour change over time at Houston is very tight. 3-4 hours would be better, especially as Houston has lots of interesting facilities. On both the outbound and return flight, we barely made the connecting flight (due to weather related delays). Also, take colones and dollars. We only took colones but found a significant number of places charged in dollars. While you can pay in colones, some dollars would have helped.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local tourism industry seemed to benefit from our custom, which seems to be a huge industry in Costa Rica. From an environmental perspective, I don't think we benefited the environment, but everyone in Costa Rica, including all the guides and hotels, were very aware and active in promoting conservation. There were activities we could have chosen which might have had a directly beneficial environmental impact such as coral planting.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall the vacation was outstanding. One of the best we've ever had. Thank you to the operator for a superb itinerary. Once in a lifetime!Ian Piddock review 8 Jan 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting Tortuguero and Corcovado Natiional Parks. Also the easy access to amazing animal and birdlife wherever you are in Costa Rica2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be aware that when you climb into the cloud forest the temperature drops considerably. We experienced 10C day time temp and 5-6C early morning bird watching ! Take layers to wrap up if necessary in this area.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - tourism is a major income driver for Costa Rica and the return of visitors is helping to keep local businesses afloat and continue funding for conservation projects4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
GreatIvana Davidovic review 11 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing and experiencing all the wildlife in its natural habitat. Great variety of landscapes.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The country is more expensive than you may think. If going to Monteverde, don't be put off by the rain. You can still do so many things3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think that tourism money is incredibly important for Costa Rica and I do think they are trying to be good custodians of what they have. But difficult to say how environmentally damaging some visits may be. There are also a lot of private nature reserves and I don't have enough info to know how well managed they are and is there enough state oversight.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I would say 4 and a half stars for sure. A few little niggles regarding the organisation, but not huge.Costa Rica is very expensive. Some prices on the level of London so something to bear in mind.Maggie Feeny review 12 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying in a cabin in Tortuguero hearing the Howler monkeys early in the morning overhead and kayaking along the nearby mangroves with an experienced guide to spot all the incredible wildlife there.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Use guides to help you see the wildlife as it can be so easily missed. Visit the thermal springs at La Fortuna whatever the weather, amazing! Also fantastic organic restaurant in La Fortuna well worth a visit especially if you're vegetarian. Loved the hanging bridges in Monteverde, you don't need a tour guide for this but he was very informative. I would suggest you stay at least 3 nights in any one location as there is a lot of traveling between locations and it gives you time to soak up the atmosphere.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think our visit supported local people if you are prepared to tip the wonderful guides often, eat out at the small cafes and restaurants. However increased tourism must be creating other environmental impacts on the climate which is concerning.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really memorable vacation, almost everything worked like clockwork, all the transfers and tours, hotels and eco lodges were well chosen in beautiful locations. The only change we might have made was not to go via Miami which was a nightmare to get through on time for our connection.Keith Chapman review 9 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wildlife, varied locations and the Costa Rica way of life. Fabulous.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Have a longer trip.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic. Both the operator and their Local Agent were superb.Doyin Lawunmi review 4 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The stay at Azania in Porta Viejo amongst the Eguti, early morning boat ride in Tortuguero spotting wildlife, the volcanic baths in La Fortuna and the Pacific beaches2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Costa Rica is an easy travel destination geared up to welcoming tourists in a holistic way, so relax and enjoy.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent support from the operator and their Costa Rican partnersKevin Reece review 20 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I really enjoyed all of it, I think I was most impressed by the tree top walk in Monte Verde although I really enjoyed the kayaking on Lake Arenal and the tour of Cahuita reserve too,2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would maybe try and find some way of fitting in Tortuguero, there may be more interesting places than Samara on the Pacific however Playa Carillo in the next bay to Samara is wonderful.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I did feel it benefited local people mainly as we tipped workers directly and obviously the tourism industry supports jobs. Apart from collecting waste for recycling I don't think much as done for environmental reasons and with "for sale" signs on lots of land I don't think much is being done for conservation in all honesty.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great. Loved it. One thing, the hotel we stayed in at La Garita is not really suitable. The pool is not really maintained properly and the rooms were "buggy". Staff were friendly though.Alexandra Scott review 20 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
loved the Boat transfer to Tortuguero and hanging bridges of Monteverde. Arenal Observatory lodge was fantastic and Samara Beach beautiful relaxing end to the vacation2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
cost of food and drink relatively expensive3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
excellentMary Hollebone review 24 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Most memorable place was Maquenque and most memorable day was trip out to snorkel off Isla de Cano, which was an extra tour.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
As this country has such variety, do a lot of homework before booking.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Only in the way that we bought food from locals and were sparing in our use of water.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very goodChris Grunsell review 30 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Wildlife2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
A ponchos is essential3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Quite possibly subject to our own air miles4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentRobin Baslaw review 1 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We received wonderful support from a local guide when we ran into health issues. She recognized the importance of getting my wife to a hospital asap and took care of everything, We loved our time at the Maqueneque eco lodge and learning from the local guides and our drivers.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ask for and follow the advise of the local people3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes I do4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
My wife is still quite ill- bronchial pneumonia. Unfortunately this came on the last 2 days of the trip and is still in recent memory. I'm sure once she recovers I will have better access to the happy memories from the trip.Bru Davys review 2 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Most memorable was seeing a sloth in the wild, moving and really close up which was a main aim of the whole party. Most exciting was the return boat trip from Tortuguera after heavy rain, when the river was in flood. The boat handling was excellent.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Try to learn a little Spanish. Although most people speak English, being able to speak some Spanish is a help. Generally smart clothes are not required. Pack what you really need and can carry as some transfers are not easy with really large cases!!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. All the guides etc were local and the hotels were smaller and privately run. The overall feel was that the trip helped both the continuing conservation and the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation overall was excellent. It was tailored to our own requirements and altered when required to meet a change in circumstance of one of the party. The hotels were just where we wanted and were all small, well run and comfortable. The trips, planned activities and transfers were as described and well organised. The guides for all the activities were very informative, enthusiastic and helpful. It was a fantastic trip and enjoyed by the whole party.Andy Nash review 20 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole vacation experience was excellent: well organised, interesting locations, first-class guides, good accomodation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't hesitate to book up. Choose the full-tour transport as it is well organised and takes away any stress.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This vacation fully supports the tremendous forward strides Costa Rica is making environmentally and definitely benefits the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A truly wonderful vacation that surpassed our expectations. Highly recommended.Rosie Castle review 27 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Two things - the early morning canoe trip into the jungle before anyone else was out, and the night visit to the beach where we watched a green turtle lay her eggs, both in Tortuguero.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Spend more time in fewer places! We visited 4 centers over 10 days and spent far too long in buses.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely! The local partner, organised our trips and transfers, and we were very impressed by their choices.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Costa Rica is a stunning country and we’d recommend it to anyone, particularly if interested in Wildlife.Nicholas Ayres review 8 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lots of memorable and exciting parts but seeing a turtle laying eggs at Tortuguero felt very special. We also greatly enjoyed a sunset horse ride in Monteverde overlooking the Pacific Ocean.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Allow a minimum of 3 hours for connecting flights in Miami. It should mean you make the flight and reduce the stress! US immigration and security can take a long time.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Generally yes. The trips organised by Ecole all seemed to have lots of local involvement. Although tap water is drinkable I felt the hotels could have had more water coolers to encourage using water bottles.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. I would have given 5 stars below but there was a problem with our connection in Miami (which the company dealt with).Gillian Slater review 28 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all very good. Seeing sloths and a Resplendent Questral were very exciting. There are such a variety of habitats, it is difficult to pick one out.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It can be cool in the evenings in the more mountainous areas, so take a few warm clothes. If you visit Manuel Antonio National Park, try to get the tickets in advance (I think you can only get them from the park) and get there by 7am.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Using inter bus between hotels for transport worked well and was carbon neutral. All the guides were local and the hotels/lodges were small and run by local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall very good.Jean-Marc Hodgkin review 27 Dec 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The abundance of nature living in harmony to humans was touching. The whole country has a culture of respect and tolerance for the environment and nature understanding the need to manage today for the benefit of tomorrow.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a Poncho.....everywhere. If it’s sunny and there isn’t a cloud in the sky - that pretty much means it’ll rain in about 45 mins :-) Keep moving every few days - the country is small but very diverse and there’s lots to see.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
A bit - hard to say. Locals benefited but traipsing tourists everywhere isnt ideal for conservation?4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing country, amazing animals and nature and fabulous people.Tracey Newbold review 29 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It is hard to choose between the many amazing experiences we had in Costa Rica. Our dawn kayak in Tourtuga National park spotting monkeys, sloths and caymen possibly stands out. Wiht our very own guide we were able to leave everyone else behind and truely experience this magical place at its best.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring plenty of clothes because it is wet and it can be hard to keep dry! Knowing Spanish also helps and is really appreciated by the locals.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - Costa Rica is all about the ecological environment- its protection is real to everyone and everyone strives to care for their environment and all that lives within it. The attitude and enthusiasm of all our young guides was inspiring.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had an amazing time- of course there were things we could do differently however we had such a wonderful and inspiring time that we will give it 10/10.Rob Roberto review 29 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Where to start? The riverboat ride in Tortuguero seeing sloths and howler monkeys? The hike on Arenal volcano learning about the 1968 eruption or the visit to the hot springs in Arenal? The night walk in Monteverde seeing the jungle night wildlife or the zip line rides at Aventura in Monteveede? The horseback ride in Manuel Antonio or the visit to the Kids Saving the Rainforest wildlife rescue center in Manuel Antonio? I choose them all!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The UK operator and the local partner ensured that the providers adhered to sustainable ecotourism precepts. The providers provided information to guests confirming these practices.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic! A most memorable and enjoyable adventure. The planning and logistics were wonderful. All transports and accommodations were exceptional. The activities pre-booked and available at each destination were diverse and fun. Highly recommend to all.Daisy Ilchovska review 1 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Traveling to the next place - Costa Rica is so diverse and awesome!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a rain jacket and plenty of sunscreen also - small dollar bills!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely, some of the local guides were really diligent about it.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was awesome - thank you for the great planning RT, we covered six areas in 12 days and your planning made that seamless.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Daisy,
Thanks so much for your positive feedback about your trip.
There is so much to see in Costa Rica so its really nice to hear that you felt like you got to experience so much of what the country has to offer without feeling rushed. I'm glad you needed the sunscreen and hope you didn't need the rain jacket too much - but without the rain the country wouldn't be so beautiful and green so I'm sure it was worth it!
It's really important to us to know that everyone we work with sticks to the high standards we set so it is great to hear your comments on the local guides. I will make sure to pass your comments on to our local partners as well.
Welcome home and I look forward to helping you with your next adventure!!
Kind Regards,
Rob
Angie Reay review 5 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Tortuguero National Park early morning canoe trip was the most memorable.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go a long as you possibly can as there is so much to see and do.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Tourism is definitely benefiting the local people and economy. The tours raise awareness of the conservation initiatives.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely amazing!Sandra Gill review 1 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wildlife all around us, if you stood still it came past you. Amazingly beautiful birds, stunning scenery and beautiful beaches. The accommodation, though on the basic side was right in the thick of it. You could wake with humming birds outside your door, monkeys swinging across your roof or frogs croaking and singing you to sleep. Most exciting was discovering animals and other creatures on our hikes and seeing Arenal volcano at close range as the clouds moved away in the evening sunlight. Most exciting but scary was the ziplining, especially the 1 km run. The hot springs at La Fortuna was a wonderful experience at night. Visiting the BriBri Tribe was a real insight into the culture and they were such wonderfully welcoming and friendly people. Visiting the Sloth Sanctuary is a must!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do your research, there are so many regions of Costa Rica with so many different things to see. Be prepared with clothing, torches, footwear, binoculars etc. Enjoy the wildlife and have a real interest in the nature around you. Spend time to look and listen for yourself, don't rely on a guide all the time, in fact don't use a guide at Manuel Antonio.Just enjoy discovering animals yourself. Be wary of going out in San Jose, don't wear jewellery, carry handbags or cameras. Muggings happen in broad daylight too! Check on the type of accommodation you need to be comfortable with, the Eco-lodges can be very basic though clean.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we were so impressed that Costa Ricans really care what happens to their country. They are so eco-aware. You need to follow their rules about litter, their environment and the impact tourism can have. The trip to visit the BriBri was a way to put money directly into their pockets by buying handcrafted souvenirs and chocolate. Their ethics about their country invoked respect and you take some of that knowledge away with you.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An amazing adventure. We loved the variety, the range of different regions each offering something new. We were never bored couldn't wait to get up each day and have a new experience. Th tours were all good and the guides knowledgeable. We learnt so much about the animals and the environment alongside finding out about Costa Rica as a country. The wildlife was second to none. The only downside was that the accommodation was probably a bit too basic to even be comfortable but the trade in was the fantastic location.John Davies review 27 Feb 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The night walk was a wonderful wildlife experience. Meeting the Ticos and feeling their pride in their country and how welcome they made us feel as tourists/guests was really special2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book in advance Learn some basic Spanish Take waterproof and warmer clothing than you think you may need for the volcanic area and cloud forest Use a rucksack rather than a wheeled suitcase! Use the Lonely Planet Guide3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to all of those - certainly hope so We travelled on the tourist buses which I guess was better than a hire car, but the latter would have been an advantage in some areas. We accept that flying to destination is not good from an environmental point of view, however.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A wonderful experience that makes us want to visit Costa Rica again (for longer)Read the operator's response here:
Dear John,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your vacation for us.
We're thrilled to hear that you're experience of traveling to Costa Rica with us was so incredible and that it has wetted your appetite for all things Costa Rican. It’s wonderful that you could see that our trips indeed benefit local people and that by traveling in small groups we do see to reduce the environmental impacts of tourism.
It really is a gem of a country isn't it with such diverse ecology and incredibly friendly locals. We've certainly found this ourselves on our own travels and adventures over there.
We hope you'll keep us in mind if you do plan to head over there again as we would love to help you plan another adventure meeting more Ticos and seeing more incredible wildlife!
Kind regards
Jo Ramsey
Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
