17 independent reviews for Costa Rica tour
Reviews for Costa Rica tour
Pamela Singer review 31 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The various walks, especially the walk at night.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don’t begrudge the high prices. Costa Rica is doing good things and is worth it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Difficult to say, although I believe we supported local efforts to protect the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Wonderful.Pratyush Jaiswal review 25 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I really enjoyed all the natural gifts (forests, flowers, birds, animals) and the friendly people. It was easy to find the time and space to really absorb the surroundings.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for diversity - in the group, in the activities, and in the services you will encounter. The tour leader and the support staff are outstanding though. Your experience will be significantly enhanced if you can learn a bit of Spanish.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Generally yes. The tour leaders made us aware of the impacts of travel and how the local communities are dealing with that in a constructive way. We met some locals who clearly appreciated the benefits of thoughtful travelers, and made us feel welcome.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall it was a very enjoyable trip. Some of the accommodations were not what we expected, but everything else made up for it.Caroline Sweeting review 17 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Most exciting part was the tubing on Rio Celeste, although I have some huge bruises to show for it. The most memorable part was the close encounters with lots of wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Some of the hiking is pretty tough so take proper walking boots and a pole if you're a bit daunted by uneven surfaces and large steps.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Most of the accommodation seemed to be owned / run by local people, definitely the home stay, so hopefully some of the money paid will filter through. Traveling as a group and using public transport should have reduced our environmental impact hopefully. Not sure about how much of the entry fees to the National Parks goes towards conservation or if it's used for maintaining the paths, buildings etc. to attract more tourists?4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The trip was good, we had a great guide in Esteban, but we felt that although it gave us freedom there should have been more meals and trips included in the price.kathy jackson review 28 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Great guide, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful. Optional extras were great - canyoning, tubing, zip line and turtles a must!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack light including a light weight poncho3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, home stay was great and supported the community. We were encouraged to use water bottles and wildlife treated respectfully4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant 10/10Matthew Bradley review 20 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were so many highlights, it's really hard to pick one thing. The whole trip was very well thought out and put together and each national park had a different climate and range of wildlife. Watching sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach at Tortuguero was amazing, as was kayaking through the mangrove forest.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take plenty of shoes, waterproofs and an umbrella, we regularly got drenched and it was really hard to dry shoes and clothes out due to the high humidity. There were opportunities to get laundry done at some hotels, which helped.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local tour guides were carefully selected to support companies that were particularly mindful of the environment. We did a canoe trip that used an electric motor, had a homestay in a community where they'd developed an organic farm, visited a local restaurant run from a family home and used a local family kayak company where the wife cooked for us at their home.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A fabulous once-in-a-lifetime vacation, made all the better by our wonderful tour guide, Luz Amador. She was so knowledgeable and sensitive to the locals and environment, and her passion was infectious. Nothing was too much trouble - we only had to mention something or ask a question, and she was on it and putting plans in place! Thank you so much Luz!Alyson Cowper review 14 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Tortuguero. Just a fabulous place. Traveling around on boats, the small town. Just wonderful2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I packed too many warm things following your travel advice. It may have been cool for some people coming from tropical parts, but, for someone from Northern Europe it was never cool. Most people on the trip had packed woollens, coats etc. Never required3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We used some public t5ransport, then a homestay4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentAdrian Pickett review 12 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The colours, sounds and close encounters with wildlife in the rainforests and cloud forests. The most memorable moment was when we were on a small boat in a narrow canal in the rainforest; there was a thundering noise and then two tapirs sprinted out of the forest and dived into the water just behind our boat. One of the tapirs then swam underneath our boat to get back to land.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You will see lots of nature on this trip whenever you go. If you have the option pick a month when the turtles will be laying eggs or hatching on the Caribbean coast or the humpback whales will be passing the Pacific coast.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The trip benefited local people by using small local businesses, staying with families in a farming community, and providing the opportunity to spend time listening to the stories told by some of the indigenous people. We reduced our environmental impact by using public transport where practical and minimising waste. What became apparent was the way in which tourism enables Costa Rica to invest in its national parks, and how this investment makes a massive contribution to conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Loved itMichael Loughton review 3 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The guided tour of the Sloth trail in La Fortuna (which was not part of the tour)2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Costa Rica is expensive but to get the best out of a wildlife tour you do need an expert guide3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I believe benefited local people4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very goodKathleen Culliton review 25 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Too many to mention, really - it was all memorable! But maybe the cloud forest, the Cano Negro boat trip (brilliant guides), other mangroves boat trips, Copan, Tikal, the growler monkeys, Antigua & the Lenten procession ...2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Try to go on the tour guided by Luis!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - we went to locally run shops and restaurants4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant - when I got home, I felt there was nothing negative, though it wasn't perfect, of courseVanessa review 16 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the volcano Arenal in La Fortuna and the beach at Manuel Antonio. It would have been seeing the turtle but I missed that as I had already done it as a voluntary project the week before. The tour leader was excellent, knowledgeable about wildlife and could spot and identify it when we wouldn't have stood a chance!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
That it may be cooler in Monte Verde so bring some warmer layers too. Bring a water bottle to refill as the tap water is good to drink in many of the places and we also bought large bottles of water to share among the group and reduce waste.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes because we had local drivers at each place and used local guides. We also ate in a lot of local 'sodas'. As the conservation efforts are based on tourism I think that our trip benefited it. We were advised on how to behave in national parks so as not to have a negative impact. We refilled our water bottles to reduce waste.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good. It was a well-constructed/balanced itinerary and the guide couldn't have done more. A small group was beneficial for seeing the wildlife and all getting a chance to see in the telescope and to take photos. It would have been good to have more breakfasts and a couple more excursions included, e.g. the walks which all of the group did.Ian Halliwell review 8 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Costa Rica is a lovely place to visit but had we known it was so expensive we would never have signed up to a vacation that didn't have a lot of included activities and meals included.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check out the extra cost of your vacation before booking.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We loved the lodge on the river and the homestay but the other accommodation was not good. At the homestay we really felt a part of a community and felt engaged with it.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The worst value for money vacation we've ever had.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Ian,
We write with reference to your feedback regarding your travels with us on our tour “Classic Costa Rica”.
Firstly, we would like to thank you for your patience while we investigated the matters you have raised. Information such as yours is valuable to us as it assists in identifying areas which may require improvement while also serving to highlight areas where we are meeting, if not exceeding, your expectations. It is therefore disappointing to learn that there were some aspects of the journey, which let you down.
In Particular, that you found Costa Rica to be expensive and that had you known this in advance you would not have chosen to book a vacation with limited activities and meal included. Costa Rica is more expensive that other countries in Central America. Activities here cost more, as the country invests heavily in being environmentally responsible and sustainable. The national parks are all well protected and maintained and they offer a great infrastructure.
We are pleased to learn that you enjoyed the lodge on the river and at the homestay you felt engaged and part of the community, but disappointed to learn that accommodation was felt to be poor. Our aim is to use accommodation which is locally owned and managed along with showcasing the local character of the destination. While we do not provide you with luxurious properties, we do endeavour to provide a comfortable place to spend the night and a convenient base for your explorations.
We wish that every aspect had met with your expectations and sincerely appreciate your constructive comments and suggestions. While we can assure you that we will continue to work toward improvements, we also wish to offer you a 10% travel Voucher, should you choose to provide us with another opportunity.
Thanks,
Faye
Linda Whittingham review 26 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it was memorable...each place visited is so different... it's hard to choose. Monteverde for its lush vegetation, but boy can it get cold at night...and tortuguero for its wildlife.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared from some hilly walks, into and out if town...esp in monteverde...but it's all good exercise.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
In monteverde yes..the hotel matched the tips that were left to help support the national parks.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good...well worth it and the driving distances were not huge, with plenty of stops along the way.Fiona Weir review 29 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing turtles2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It can be very wet, be prepared3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is an important industry in Costa Rica so income important4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good, memorableKimberley and Barry Brown review 31 Mar 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
For my husband it was the amazing variety and beauty of the birds. For myself it was the excitement of seeing an armadillo at close quarters, although all the wildlife was extraordinary! I was also able to do the best zipwire course I've ever done in La Fortuna (although this was not strictly part of the booked tour). Soaring like a bird high above the rainforest was unforgettable.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Although mostly hot and sunny, Costa Rica can be surprisingly cool and wet on occasion, so pack with this in mind. Be prepared to pay quite high prices for guided tours etc, but they are well worth it for the knowledge and passion shown by the guides. Take sturdy shoes for jungle walks - they will be needed!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. Ticos are passionate about preserving their extraordinary environment and biodiversity. We certainly felt that our tourist dollars were mostly well spent, although we did wonder at the very high prices that some locals charged for tours, money which seemed to go directly to them rather than the wider community.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was certainly one of the very best vacations we have taken. Beautiful scenery, lovely people, delicious food and the most stunning wildlife and rainforest. Our wonderful guide, Jaime, really made the vacation perfect for us. Nothing was too much trouble and he would always go above and beyond to make sure everyone was having a great time.Chris Brougham review 15 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Mangrove tour in Quepos as wildlife was more accessible than in the forests. Zip lining.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
As no meals are included the cost of restaurants is approximately $10.oo-15.oo per plate. As portions are very substantial think twice about ordering a starter. Breakfasts are $6.oo Prices rarely include taxes. Alcoholic drinks are reasonably priced: beers app $1.50,cocktails $7-8.00. Not all tours accept credit cards. Throughout the 2 weeks costs begin to mount up.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. Costa Rica is the most environmentally sympathetic country I have visited.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
My only quibble is having to pay for breakfasts. These should be included as part of tour price even if it makes overall cost slightly more expensive. The tour leader, Wendy was first class.Janine Bolomey review 15 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Watching seaturtles laying their eggs on Tortuguero beach and the homestay2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Have enough money, as most activities are not included in the vacation3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The basic vacation was great. Very little culture but loads of fauna and flora. Disappointing that virtually nothing was included in the trip and had to be paid for locally. This added about $300 per person to the trip and we didn't do half of the activities on offer.Also only a couple of breakfasts were included in the trip price.Accommodation was great everywhere. Friendly people. Great group ranging from 17 to 67.Tour leader could have been a little more enthusiastic.ANGELA HOLLAND review 7 Apr 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The trip to Tortuguera via bus and finally the boat journey through the rivers and canals was magical and the "town" itself was wonderful, a naturalist's dream!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Expect to take lots of photographs, light but well considered luggage to reflect the different climates and the fact you have to carry it, and that the US dollar and local currency are interchangeable virtually everywhere.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To some extent through the tours. It was also down to what individuals chose to do or purchase.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I would rate it very highly from a planning point of view in that we saw a fair variety within the country, beyond that, I can only imagine it was similar but possibly less developed. This appeared to be a confident, democratic and safe country which provided little culture shock to anyone with even the most limited traveling experience. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the beauty of nature, birds and flowers, etc.Holiday Reviews
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