11 independent reviews for Costa Rica vacation, coast to coast
Reviews for Costa Rica vacation, coast to coast
Carol Parker review 25 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We all decided our trip was perfect in that we had a slower day, guided hikes looking for animals, followed by an active day ; i.e. white water rafting, ziplining , etc. We all enjoyed each day because they were so different. We took several different guided hikes and the guides did a great job listening to where we had been before and adapting what information they shared with us. We went to the Arenal area, Monteverde, and the Pacific Coast between Jaco and Quipos. My favorite was Monteverde but the kids and my husband's favorite activity was the white water rafting in Arenal.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We traveled during the beginning of the rainy season so came prepared. In general the mornings were beautiful and the rains did not begin until 3:00 in the afternoon. We did a night hike during gentle rain and it added to the adventure. Don't let the weather deter you from taking the trip. One of our favorite activities was canyoning; rappelling down a waterfall. It was a first class experience that I don't know is available very many places. We all felt very safe as first timers attempting this.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We only interacted with local people, most who were very proud of their country and eager to share it with us. Take the time to converse with the locals. I got an impromptu lesson on using my camera and my daughter got several refreshers on speaking Spanish.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic. We ranged in age from 11 to 66 and all had a great time.Jackie Southall review 10 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The diverse landscapes from hot beach to tropical forests with their hanging bridges to wet/windy cloud forest. The amazing birdlife and animals. A range of accommodation and excellent food.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Unlikely to see Arenal Volcano! Pre book tours before you go so you have time to research and make the best choice3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Conservation came across as very much part of the ethos where ever we went. The tour guides were all very keen to impress on us the projects being undertaken. It was very interesting.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent 2 weeks, we felt we saw a good part of Costa Rica.Andy Davies review 6 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We enjoyed the whole vacation exploring 4 different areas of this lovely country. Fabulous countryside, particularly in the Arenal and Osa Peninsula areas. Stunning wildlife, particularly the birds - we saw the Resplendent Quetzal along with a tapir that walked into camp - memorable wildlife moments.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Spend at least 3 nights in each aera to have time to explore and some time to relax. Take warm clothes for early starts & in cabins in San Gerado d Dota cloud forest as is at about 2200 metres - it was 5c at 06.00 in the morning (late January). We did take suitable / warm clothing, but the cabins were cold at night.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hard to say had reduced environmental impact due to two trans Atlantic flights of about 5500 miles. There's also additional traveling between different locations. However, all locations were investing in conservation, preserving the environment and wildlife, so we felt that our money was going to excellent causes that will protect the local CR environment. I believe that most of the employees were from the local communities.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
An excellent vacation at four lovely locations. All staff at each place were friendly and provided excellent service. We worked with an excellent tour organiser at the tour operator, and their local contact was excellent in discussing our needs and recommending locations. All travel arrangements to and from the UK, along with our internal flights and transfers ran without a hitch.Olivia Quinlan review 30 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All Brill .2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for early mornings and early nights!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great, great and greatSarah Fisher review 23 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Watching the turtles laying their eggs; seeing the quetzals2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
When traveling to hotels in Drake Bay (Osa peninsula), be aware you will probably need to wade ashore so dress appropriately3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Costa Rica is very eco-conscious and are clearly making a big effort to reduce their footprint4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
BrilliantKathy Hirst review 4 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visit to the cloud forest including seeing wildlife and visiting an organic coffee farm.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There was a lot of change in the weather as we moved venues. We had packed anoraks but really used them in the cloud forest where it was cooler and windier than we had anticipated.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Costa Rica relies on tourism for income. I imagine all tourism has a negative environmental impact. Cost Ricans are unusually conscious of their bio diversity and really proud to do anything to support it.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We all loved it.Daniel Chase review 16 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
White water rafting on the Pacuare River. Also, our stay at the Arenal Springs Resort and Spa, and a nighttime walk in the cloud forest.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't bother with San Jose. It's just a big, noisy, smelly, busy, dirty city. There is very little there of historical and cultural interest. We did not go to Liberia, but I would recommend looking into flying there instead of San Jose.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it's obvious that Costa Rica relies on environmental tourism, and that they are doing what they can to raise environmental awareness and preserve and improve their natural areas.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good. Responsible Travel and the operator did an excellent job for us. My only disappointment was that I somehow expected Costa Rica as a country to be more "together" and "mature".Phil Linley review 23 Dec 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing nesting green turtles in the dark on a remote beach2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
research Costa Rica well and then talk to a travel agent who can advise...we used. Good company3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes definitely...both economically and environmentally4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentJenny Crampton review 5 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The wildilfe was amazing2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Light quick drying clothing. It is very difficult to dry anything in the rainy season.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentAdele Burrow review 20 Aug 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many it's hard to choose... horse riding and the hot springs at Arenal were amazing & made for a very special birthday, the wildlife at Tortuguero was incredible and the catamaran tour at the beach... snorkeling, drinking rum punch and seeing a whale and her calf was quite something. We loved every part of the trip.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Add in time to relax at each destination as well as booking all the tours. .. we had at least 3 days in each main location with 2 days of activities and one to enjoy the hotel and surroundings.. and this worked really well, you could settle into the place and it meant a vacation with a fab mix of adventure and relaxation. Most people we met only had 2 nights and it seemed a bit rushed. Ask the tour operator for their opinion as they know the place best... we originally had found a place for white water rafting and they suggested another which gave us much more time on the water. Get to know the people working in the hotels and venture outside to find hidden gem restaurants. . That's one of the best things about Costa Rica... you feel really safe and can freely explore the areas around you.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to all... each place had an awareness of sustainability and encouraged guests to do their best. The staff all seemed happy and I liked that the final hotel added on a contribution to a local community charity. Sometimes it was hard to know who and what you should tip, in hindsight I'd probably get a bit more guidance on this before the trip.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely fantastic. .. and this still doesn't come close!Dee Stephens review 2 Mar 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Monkeys. Saw all four species and such fun! All the wildlife was spectacular, lots of it up close and easy to see. The local wildlife guides are brilliant and everyone in the country seems to know about and care about wildlife - wonderful!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take ear plugs - there are a lot of loud Americans in Costa Rica.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?
30 out of 5.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.
