Pacific Trade Winds
Pacific Trade Winds
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7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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About
Pacific Trade Winds is your one stop source for private tours and adventure travel in Costa Rica. Take a private tour to Arenal Volcano and then unwind in tropical hot springs. Hike through the jungle to a gorgeous celeste blue waterfall surrounded by emerald green rainforests. Our all-inclusive tours will allow you to unwind on beautiful tropical beaches after touring, exploring and adventuring the rainforest and volcanoes. We'll take you to Costa Rica's top destinations such as Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Puerto Viejo, Tamarindo, Samara or the Osa Peninsula. Certifications include ICT, Canatur, BBB and more.
Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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(88 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
1,003 reviews
Excellent
987
Very good
12
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Neal Treibley
5 contributions
Dec 2022
My new husband Neal and I are so grateful for Pacific Trade Winds. They built us a dream honeymoon vacation that was absolutely flawless. Every step of the way they were by our side making us feel comfortable and ensuring we would have the trip of a lifetime. Their customer service is by far the best we have ever received from any company. They respond to emails within minutes and are always available by phone. We made multiple changes to our itinerary, even adding excursions while we were in Costa Rica and they pulled every single one off to perfection. Every tour company/excursion they helped us choose was AMAZING. And the Amor Arenal resort they highly recommended was the most beautiful place we've ever stayed in.
There are so many people that helped us from Pacific Trade Winds but we want to give a huge shout-out to Marianela, who went above and beyond to help us every single time. We also had incredible customer service from Lorena, Yirleny, Hazel, Esteban, and Maria who was the one who built our vacation package for us. If you're looking for the stress-free vacation of a lifetime, we highly recommend you book with Pacific Trade Winds
There are so many people that helped us from Pacific Trade Winds but we want to give a huge shout-out to Marianela, who went above and beyond to help us every single time. We also had incredible customer service from Lorena, Yirleny, Hazel, Esteban, and Maria who was the one who built our vacation package for us. If you're looking for the stress-free vacation of a lifetime, we highly recommend you book with Pacific Trade Winds
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
madhav s
1 contribution
Nov 2022
Terrific customer service from get go. I might have exchanged almost 50 emails through out the process and they are very caring, professional, attentive and responded back in less than 30 mins for every email. I am able to reach them on phone 24*7 and I had great experience with each and every person whom I spoke to.
They are also very accomodative and took care of my last minute requests which were not easy. Another great advantage with PTW is that the prices are as same you tried to book on your own so you will be relaxed understading that you were not overcharged for their commisions. Their website, vouchers are all top notch where you get complete details on your hotels, transportation, activities with no ambiguity. Transportation vehicles, courtesy of drivers, punctiality are all 5 stars.
I am super impressed by Pacific Trade Winds and would highly recommend this company for anyone who are looking for an amazing, stress free and reasonable prices.
They are also very accomodative and took care of my last minute requests which were not easy. Another great advantage with PTW is that the prices are as same you tried to book on your own so you will be relaxed understading that you were not overcharged for their commisions. Their website, vouchers are all top notch where you get complete details on your hotels, transportation, activities with no ambiguity. Transportation vehicles, courtesy of drivers, punctiality are all 5 stars.
I am super impressed by Pacific Trade Winds and would highly recommend this company for anyone who are looking for an amazing, stress free and reasonable prices.
Written November 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
P3terBach
Willimantic, CT28 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, Pacific Trade Winds will take great care of you. They provide excellent communication, recommend hotels that are exactly what you ask for, and work with the most professional service providers for rides, excursions, and more. Totally satisfied!
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jen
11 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This company made life SO easy when planning a 10 day family vaca. Anytime I had a question, they would ALWAYS respond right away.
I let them know everything we wanted to do on each day, it was that simple. The fact that you can create your own package is ideal!
This was our 2nd trip to CR, this time with our teen and 10 year old, so it had to be exciting and nice accommodations!
I read each experience review on their website.(ATV, sailing, horseback riding, waterfalls, hot springs). Then I read online details to plan each day and the 3 different areas we visited. La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio and Alajuela.
Our favorite was La Fortuna, the volcano, waterfalls and hot springs are beautiful!
"The Springs Resort" is awesome (but expensive). So we got a one-day adventure pass to enjoy their amenities (river tubing, wildlife sanctuary, wall climbing) and lunch. The package lunch was AAA all the way.
We stayed at the Arenal Kioro, gorgeous views, hot pools and breakfast was excellent! For dinner go to a local restaurant in town.
We had been to Monteverde too in the past, zip lining, white water rafting, great location.
I added Manuel Antonio, but would skip if I had to do it again. Coming from Florida we expected nice beaches like ours. But it wasn't clear, kind of murky yucky water in that area, couldn't see anything snorkeling. Manuel Antonio park was really overcrowded and just a little trail and small beach.
The best thing about the area was a restaurant called "Ronny's". The owner made sure every dish was prepared perfectly and we were entertained by a fire show. Open air seating, beautiful views....and affordable prices.
While we were in Alajuela our last stop, we did the Poaz Volcano, Doka Coffee plantation and waterfall tour. That was SO worth it, the falls were amazing and wildlife exceptional. Our guide Martin was the best, so knowledgable and funny as heck.
Good way to wrap up the trip was relaxing in style before a long flight back. If you stay in Alajuela/San Jose stay at the Sheraton!! 5 stars and only $180/night in July. New hotel with a robes and slippers waiting. Fun Casino located inside adjacent to the hotel! Unwinding from the adventures, our last day we spent at the HUGE Multiplex mall by the hotel (4 levels). So many restaurants to choose from!
I would give Pacific Tradewinds 10 stars if I could. I never worried once, they communicate with your transportation, vendors and make certain all details are covered with your experience.
Again, they always responded and answered anytime day or night. You will have the adventure you have always wanted!
I let them know everything we wanted to do on each day, it was that simple. The fact that you can create your own package is ideal!
This was our 2nd trip to CR, this time with our teen and 10 year old, so it had to be exciting and nice accommodations!
I read each experience review on their website.(ATV, sailing, horseback riding, waterfalls, hot springs). Then I read online details to plan each day and the 3 different areas we visited. La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio and Alajuela.
Our favorite was La Fortuna, the volcano, waterfalls and hot springs are beautiful!
"The Springs Resort" is awesome (but expensive). So we got a one-day adventure pass to enjoy their amenities (river tubing, wildlife sanctuary, wall climbing) and lunch. The package lunch was AAA all the way.
We stayed at the Arenal Kioro, gorgeous views, hot pools and breakfast was excellent! For dinner go to a local restaurant in town.
We had been to Monteverde too in the past, zip lining, white water rafting, great location.
I added Manuel Antonio, but would skip if I had to do it again. Coming from Florida we expected nice beaches like ours. But it wasn't clear, kind of murky yucky water in that area, couldn't see anything snorkeling. Manuel Antonio park was really overcrowded and just a little trail and small beach.
The best thing about the area was a restaurant called "Ronny's". The owner made sure every dish was prepared perfectly and we were entertained by a fire show. Open air seating, beautiful views....and affordable prices.
While we were in Alajuela our last stop, we did the Poaz Volcano, Doka Coffee plantation and waterfall tour. That was SO worth it, the falls were amazing and wildlife exceptional. Our guide Martin was the best, so knowledgable and funny as heck.
Good way to wrap up the trip was relaxing in style before a long flight back. If you stay in Alajuela/San Jose stay at the Sheraton!! 5 stars and only $180/night in July. New hotel with a robes and slippers waiting. Fun Casino located inside adjacent to the hotel! Unwinding from the adventures, our last day we spent at the HUGE Multiplex mall by the hotel (4 levels). So many restaurants to choose from!
I would give Pacific Tradewinds 10 stars if I could. I never worried once, they communicate with your transportation, vendors and make certain all details are covered with your experience.
Again, they always responded and answered anytime day or night. You will have the adventure you have always wanted!
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Keith P
5 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
This trip was planned for May 2020, however the world came to a screeching halt then.
Gretchen and her team at Pacific trade winds pushed our vacation out first one year and then a second year based on our vaccination status here in the US.
Finally we were able to make this trip happen in April/May 2022.
Throughout this entire process Gretchen and her team kept us in the loop in fact they exceeded our expectations because while other friends were experiencing price hikes due to a similar situation, we did not experience any of that with either transportation, or properties that we stayed at.
This was our first trip to Costa Rica, although we are experienced travelers in other countries. Truthfully our expectations were that there would be “hiccups“ with regard to timely arrival of transportation and/or reservations made over 2 years ago.
I am thrilled to tell you that none of that was the case, everybody arrived on time and in many cases early, the activities & properties that we stayed at… No “hiccups“. Everything exceeded our expectations.
We were happily surprised that there were literally no issues. The only, and I mean only, thing that could’ve gone better is if the Aranel volcano was not cloud shrouded for the days we were there. I imagine if we would’ve reached out to Gretchen and her team, they would have somehow cleared the clouds lol
I cannot express our happiness with the way this over two years sojourn was handled and completed. I have already referred a number of my colleagues and friends to utilize pacific tradewinds.
Quite literally, there are no words to express how much fun and how happy we have been with our experience at Pacific Tradewinds and their partners throughout Costa Rica.
Best regards and thank you
Keith
Gretchen and her team at Pacific trade winds pushed our vacation out first one year and then a second year based on our vaccination status here in the US.
Finally we were able to make this trip happen in April/May 2022.
Throughout this entire process Gretchen and her team kept us in the loop in fact they exceeded our expectations because while other friends were experiencing price hikes due to a similar situation, we did not experience any of that with either transportation, or properties that we stayed at.
This was our first trip to Costa Rica, although we are experienced travelers in other countries. Truthfully our expectations were that there would be “hiccups“ with regard to timely arrival of transportation and/or reservations made over 2 years ago.
I am thrilled to tell you that none of that was the case, everybody arrived on time and in many cases early, the activities & properties that we stayed at… No “hiccups“. Everything exceeded our expectations.
We were happily surprised that there were literally no issues. The only, and I mean only, thing that could’ve gone better is if the Aranel volcano was not cloud shrouded for the days we were there. I imagine if we would’ve reached out to Gretchen and her team, they would have somehow cleared the clouds lol
I cannot express our happiness with the way this over two years sojourn was handled and completed. I have already referred a number of my colleagues and friends to utilize pacific tradewinds.
Quite literally, there are no words to express how much fun and how happy we have been with our experience at Pacific Tradewinds and their partners throughout Costa Rica.
Best regards and thank you
Keith
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Candice S
Philadelphia, PA5 contributions
Dec 2022
Pacific Trade Winds exceeded every expectation and provided our group of five a 12/10 experience. They helped me plan every detail of this trip to ensure it was the best birthday getaway ever! From private transportation, phenomenal hotels, exciting tours with the best guides to continuing the service by checking in on us while we were in Costa Rica, PTW blew me away! They responded to emails promptly and clearly, were extremely understanding of what I was looking for, and offered exceptional services. I would 100% use Pacific Trade Winds again!
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Okkie17
Cairns, Australia47 contributions
Aug 2022
Once we decided that Costa Rica was going to be our destination, we set out to find out what we wanted/needed to see. Googled and sent off a few queries to various companies. Pacific Trade Winds were one of the first to get back to us, and certainly the most informative.
They suggested some itineraries, and we were able to taylor make them to suit our requirements (less $$ on hotels, leaving us more $$ for tours and meals).
Nothing was too much of a problem, and despite the 16 hour time difference between Australia and Costa Rica, communication was always prompt and efficient!
I cannot recommend PTW highly enough, they made our holiday a dream!
They suggested some itineraries, and we were able to taylor make them to suit our requirements (less $$ on hotels, leaving us more $$ for tours and meals).
Nothing was too much of a problem, and despite the 16 hour time difference between Australia and Costa Rica, communication was always prompt and efficient!
I cannot recommend PTW highly enough, they made our holiday a dream!
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
barbara
4 contributions
Oct 2022
We booked through Pacific Trade Winds, and are so glad we did! Andres V seemed to understand exactly what our family was interested in, and he created an itinerary that was perfect for our family. When an unexpected event made us regroup and reschedule, the "dream team" was there to help every step of the way. They rebooked accommodations and tours, and made recommendations based on the change in the time of year we were coming. Marianela was patient and kind. Yirleny answered emails during off hours and weekends. All arrangements were ideal for our family and we had the best week ever! I highly highly recommend using Pacific Trade Winds if you are considering a trip to Costa Rica- it makes sense to get the advice of folks in Costa Rica who know the country, and they are The Best!
Written October 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tiffani G
36 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
We booked our entire trip to Costa Rica through Pacific Trade Winds. We were referred from a friend who had booked through them previously and had good things to say about them. They made the entire process very easy and took care of everything from start to finish for us. We just told them what our budget was, what type of activities we were interested in and the kinds of hotels we wanted to stay at and they put together a sample itinerary for us. We made a few adjustments which was quick and easy. They were always prompt with communication responses for answering questions. When the travel regulations changed immediately before our vacation and the CDC began requiring a negative COVID test before returning to the United States they were able to help us get one scheduled at a clinic just 20 minutes from our hotel, which was a life saver. They took a potentially stressful situation and resolved it before it even became an issue. We had great experiences at all the places we stayed and all the activities they set us up with. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to travel to Costa Rica without the headache of having to book and schedule everything yourself. I highly recommend them and if we ever travel back to Costa Rica would use them again in a heart beat.
Written February 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your vacation and our services! We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed a stress-free visit and that everything went so smoothly - mission accomplished! I will pass your comments along to our staff. Thanks again and ¡Pura Vida!
Written February 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sumeet C
2 contributions
Aug 2021
One of the best trips we have had so far...not only is CR a great place to visit, Pacific TW made this trip so smooth and enjoyable. From setting up the itinerary, to making modifications, to response time, availability at all times of the day, advise in what made sense and what didn't...I would rate them as the best travel service I have ever worked with. They made lovely recommendations for the entire family, helped us pick the best options (and their website gets credit for that), and it was truly a great value for our money, and time well spent. Highly recommend working with them
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cheryl P
Chicago's North Shore, IL17 contributions
I will be in Tamarindo for 5 days what would you suggest that my family do , during our stay. We are very active . There are 3 of us. We have been to Arenal already.
2ecotravelers
East Palo Alto, CA9 contributions
Surf lessons
How do I know this company isn’t scamming everyone? I’ve never booked through any agency or travelled. Any and all advice is welcomed and appreciated! I’m travelling in less than a month and would like to book ASAP.
Having a hard time taking the plunge!
Beth H
Dayton, OH21 contributions
I understand your concern. I felt the same way when we were planning our trip. I started putting together a plan and I was overwhelmed trying to do it myself. When I connected with Pacific Tradewinds it seemed too good to be true and I kept waiting for something to go wrong. That never happened. Tourism is a huge part of the Costa Rican economy and a big part of the reason is because they know how to do it right. I've not worked with any other travel agency in Costa Rica - why should I when this company is so good.They provided the most trouble-free vacation I have ever had and at a great price. After we got home I went online to add up the cost of everywhere we stayed and everything we did along with the transportation they provided and it was more than what we paid Pacific Tradewinds. They have relationships with many hotels and businesses that provide the best rates and they pass it on to you. From my personal experience I will tell you that these guys are the real deal and they know how to do it right. Read other reviews, but know that I will be using them exclusively for any travel in Costa Rica. One note - if you are traveling soon I suggest you contact them ASAP because that will give them the opportunity to get you good accommodations for the best rates. If you wait too long things will fill up and they will have to take what's left and that may mean higher prices. I wish you the same experience we had visiting Costa Rica, it was the best vacation I have ever had and Pacific Tradewinds is the reason why.
sewart01
Silverton, OR81 contributions
What activities did you do and where did you go?
jonna242
Roatan, Honduras68 contributions
By Far our most favorite thing was the rafting trip and then another gentler inner tubing float. It was fun and so beautiful! We loved the Volcanic hotsprings - whether at the resort or hiking out to more natural ones. The one thing I wish we had done was the excursion where you do river rappelling. Next trip!
Margee K
Pfafftown, NC62 contributions
Hi, my husband is 63 and I am 55. I have a bad ankle and it swells with extensive walking. What would you recommend for the two of us? I really want to see sloths, monkeys and anything along those lines. Thank you!
jeffreylk
Boca Raton, FL140 contributions
If you are able, the hanging bridges in Arenal and Monteverde are not strenuous. Also, there is a very flat walk at Manuel Antonio.
If Arenas Del Mar at Manuel Antonio fits into your budget, you will see monkeys and
Sloths on the property without walking at all. The
Monkeys are right on their
Beach.
Mangrove tours are also a good
way to see wildlife.
Ask PTW for their recommendations.
sunNotts
notts11 contributions
Hi, How did the company make the refund, we have an issue at the moment with one of the airports closed so they owe us 700 dollars. They said they cannot refund on the card we paid with and want to keep our money for "incidentals " on the trip, then send us a cheque at the end of the trip,for the remainder. Obviously as its in dollars its no good to us in UK after the trip
ptwcostarica
Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Hello sunNotts, The reason it cannot be refunded on your card (at least not recommended) is that it is an international transaction. In Costa Rica, this is an extremely lengthy and costly process, requiring extensive documentation. It takes an average of 3-4 months through Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (the national bank) and something that we do not have control over. For that reason, nearly everyone prefers a check, which can be expedited if necessary. If a refund is warranted, you can receive your money now, but that vast majority of clients prefer to wait until their trip is over so they can use the money for incidentals (without losing credit card acceptance fees from the vendors). In Costa Rica, the banks only offer credit card acceptance for the US dollar or Costa Rican colon. We accept payments in US dollars which is why it is refunded in US dollars and can easily be exchanged for other currencies. Our Customer Delight Team will be happy to answer any other questions. We are here to assist you in any way we can. Have a wonderful day and pura vida! ~Pacific Trade Winds Management
womuji
Nashville, TN24 contributions
Hi, I have never used travel planner before. How much is the planning fee for PTW? And how is the payment for the whole trip handled? Prepaid?
Pacific_Trade_Winds
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica43 contributions
Greetings from Costa Rica! There is no charge for our services, in fact our prices are almost always less than retail.
We do offer payment plans, depending on your travel dates.
Our policies depend on those of each individual hotel, tour, and transportation included in your custom itinerary, so it would depend on the options you select.
Please check our website where you can see our toll free phone number and email address if you have any further questions. We are happy to help you plan your perfect trip.
Joseph Indo S
16 contributions
My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica for the first time and looking at activities. Any recommendations of best adventure tours? (ie. Zip line, Rafting, Canyoneering, Rappel, etc)
We also love animals, would love to do any interactions with wildlife (ie. Sloths, Monkeys, etc)
Any tips would be much appreciated!
lorihowes1
St. Catharines, Canada11 contributions
We did tours to see animals. However, we saw more animals while we were moving around the country - sloths hanging from trees at the public Manuel Antonio Beach, and families of whitefaced and howler monkeys crossing the roads. Hummingbirds. The thing is that here, the whole country is a jungle. You're visiting their habitat.
Our hotel in Manuel Antonio was called The Falls and the courtyard was a manicured jungle with lots of creatures wandering around. You never knew what your were going to see around the corner.
James M
Salem, MA7 contributions
Hello. My wife and I are leaving tomorrow for Coasta Rica and we are having trouble getting through to Pacific Trade Winds. None of the phone numbers are currently working that I've called. They have been very good thus far. We have never done a trip like this so I'm nervous and want to make sure someone will be there when we arrive in Coasta Rica. Any thoughts and help would be much appreciated. Sincerely JIM
aggie14
Belfast, UK26 contributions
we travelled with them last year.they were excellent or more.relax and enjoy.
Sonal S
Cary, NC1 contribution
Can we add additional items - like tour the Manuel Antoni National Park - on the last day of a tour? ("Simply Paradise" tour, last day is relaxing on beach)
ptwcostarica
Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Hola sonalstarr, All of our tours can be customized. However, the Simply Paradise goes through Tamarindo, which is approximately 5 hours from Manuel Antonio. I would recommend giving us a call (toll free direct to Costa Rica, 1-866-853-9426) so we can customize your tour to your exact needs. Our (bilingual) representative will ask you some key questions and answer any that you have. We will then we will send you a plan with ideas that is 100% tailored around your needs.
Sonal S
Cary, NC1 contribution
I'm interested in booking the Simply Paradise 8-Day Tour for my family. My questions is, for the last 2 days at the beach, can we choose to do something else? Like get a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park?
Mary R
Pittsburgh, PA111 contributions
I believe that the Simply Paradise tour takes you to Tamarinda - which is nearly five hours from Manuel Antonio. If you have not yet paid for your trip you should ask for at least one night, preferably two in Quepos and the park tour to be added to your itinerary, if that is what you really want to do. The tour is great but a lot of extra travel to get there. Otherwise there are other national parks closer to where you will be staying. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is near an active volcano and also home to much wildlife. At any rate email pacific trade winds, or call them toll free, they are very accommodating!