Costa Rica Guides
Costa Rica Guides
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.8
15 reviews
Excellent
12
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3
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Peggy C
Erwin, TN
Mar 2020
Sergio guided our group for 10 days in various locations around Costa Rica. His itinerary and choices of places for eating, lodging, and sights was perfect for showcasing the varied geography, people and wildlife of Costa Rica as well as emphasizing local, family-owned businesses and those which support ethical, sustainable tourism. He is extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the country, and is upbeat and enthusiastic as well as genuine, warm, patient, and responsive. He is also passionate about doing everything possible to ensure that his guests get to see the country's amazing plants and animals.
This was my first trip to Costa Rica. I hope to return and will definitely seek out Sergio as my guide. I simply could not imagine anyone else could be better.
This was my first trip to Costa Rica. I hope to return and will definitely seek out Sergio as my guide. I simply could not imagine anyone else could be better.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mokinator10
Canada
Aug 2013 • Friends
Marbello Tours operates this trip...and Milton picked us up promptly as scheduled for a lengthy day of adventure. He drove the three of us thru Braulio Carrillo NP...so lush and gorgeous. We stopped at Rainforest Adventures...where Louis took over to give us a hike, aerial tram ride etc. I have already reviewed a portion of this day elsewhere on Trip Advisor. Suffice to say it was so well worth the start...in fact we would have been happy with all that we saw, if the day had ended there.
Milton then collected us again and drove us down to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica...where it was much more hot and humid. We stopped at Selva Verde...beautiful eco lodge...for a wonderful lunch, followed by some intense frog searching thru various ponds. We saw a lot of interesting local flora and fauna, and ended with a hike over a rather wobbly suspension bridge. Great fun.
We then drove to the Sarapiqui River, where we boarded a long boat for a ride in search of anything that moved. The boat captain, despite being ill was incredible at locating all sorts of wildlife and then trying to navigate the current to allow for photographic opportunities. Very enjoyable time.
The only downside to this day came at the end, when the car started overheating as it attempted the elevations of the central divide. Milton was right on the phone, and made it to the Rainforest Adventure area, where they attempted to fix the problem. Unfortunately this wasn't successful and we had to stop later. Milton had alerted his office, and it wasn't long until a new car was sent to collect us. No body's fault, just one of those things...we felt badly for Milton who was left on the mtn with his overheated car, as the rain started, until others could come and collect him and the car.
Despite the ending...we had a stupendous day...and seriously would have paid double for the wonderful experience that we were shown.
Thanks Milton.
Milton then collected us again and drove us down to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica...where it was much more hot and humid. We stopped at Selva Verde...beautiful eco lodge...for a wonderful lunch, followed by some intense frog searching thru various ponds. We saw a lot of interesting local flora and fauna, and ended with a hike over a rather wobbly suspension bridge. Great fun.
We then drove to the Sarapiqui River, where we boarded a long boat for a ride in search of anything that moved. The boat captain, despite being ill was incredible at locating all sorts of wildlife and then trying to navigate the current to allow for photographic opportunities. Very enjoyable time.
The only downside to this day came at the end, when the car started overheating as it attempted the elevations of the central divide. Milton was right on the phone, and made it to the Rainforest Adventure area, where they attempted to fix the problem. Unfortunately this wasn't successful and we had to stop later. Milton had alerted his office, and it wasn't long until a new car was sent to collect us. No body's fault, just one of those things...we felt badly for Milton who was left on the mtn with his overheated car, as the rain started, until others could come and collect him and the car.
Despite the ending...we had a stupendous day...and seriously would have paid double for the wonderful experience that we were shown.
Thanks Milton.
Written September 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We did the San Jose city tour first. They picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel and the whole tour was about 4 hours long. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. He was bilingual and easy to understand. We learned so much about Costa Rica, and had a great time doing so. The national theatre was my favorite part. It's an absolutely beautiful work of art.
The second tour we did was the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs tour. This was a long tour. About 13 hours. It was well worth it though. We drove through so many amazing towns with a stop in Sarchi to see the ox cart and go to this huge souvenir shop. We had lunch (which was REALLY good) at an Italian restaurant near the volcano.. I can't remember the name of it. Then we went to the view point closest to the volcano where the views were breath taking. From there it was off to the hot springs. Just a warning, there are lots of rocks in the Springs. It's not like a pool. Although they do have several pools if you prefer that instead. (I recommend giving the water slide a shot too.. it's fun for any age!) After 3 hours of complete relaxation in the hot springs we had a dinner buffet at the tabacon resort before heading home. It was very good as well.
It is a must do tour for sure. Pura Vida!
The second tour we did was the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Hot Springs tour. This was a long tour. About 13 hours. It was well worth it though. We drove through so many amazing towns with a stop in Sarchi to see the ox cart and go to this huge souvenir shop. We had lunch (which was REALLY good) at an Italian restaurant near the volcano.. I can't remember the name of it. Then we went to the view point closest to the volcano where the views were breath taking. From there it was off to the hot springs. Just a warning, there are lots of rocks in the Springs. It's not like a pool. Although they do have several pools if you prefer that instead. (I recommend giving the water slide a shot too.. it's fun for any age!) After 3 hours of complete relaxation in the hot springs we had a dinner buffet at the tabacon resort before heading home. It was very good as well.
It is a must do tour for sure. Pura Vida!
Written April 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KatAtSwat
Philadelphia
Jan 2015 • Couples
MiZa started off the tour by introducing everyone by name. It was a nice way to get started considering we were about to spend about 10 hours together. MiZa was interactive and engaging from start to finish. With a friendly sense of humor he quizzed the group on Costa Rican culture and fun facts.
Our first stop was the Three Generations Coffee Plantation at Doka Estate. We had a buffet style breakfast including gallo pinto, fruit, plantains, guanabana juice and a selection of coffees to taste. When all were satisfied we took a tour of a fair trade coffee-producing process. It was quite educational.
We then headed towards Poas Volcano. We took a short break at Fresas de Volcán, a store selling souvenirs, freshly picked strawberries, Costa Rican wine (with tasting), and cheese.
On arrival at Poas National Park we walked approximately 1 mile on a gentle slope through increasingly misty weather. Remember, the area is considered bosque nuboso (cloud forest). It was chilly and I would recommend wearing a fully rainproof jacket and at least a long sleeved shirt and pants. Unfortunately, the cloud cover never lifted so we did not get a view of the crater. We waited 10 minutes at the site hoping for circumstances to change, but they never did. We then took a much steeper uphill walk towards the lake viewing site. Though we were told you would be able to see the Caribbean Sea and Nicaragua on clear days this site was also cloudy. After 10 minutes we went back to the bus. We did not stop at the souvenir shop here.
At this point it was almost lunch time and we had about 5 hours left on our trip. We were confused about how our time would be spent, but a beautiful site was awaiting us. We took a short ride to Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. We knew we would be seeing waterfalls but there was so much more. The site was basically a zoo with animals that had been rescued. There were monkeys, butterflies, frogs, snakes, mountain cats, and tropical birds. Lunch was a delicious buffet-style affair with many options for food and drink. This was all included in the price of the tour.
The tour of the park ended with seeing three of the waterfalls on the property. This part of the tour included steep up and downhill slopes and stairs. We ended at a gift shop that was pretty expensive, but offered to send your packages around the world for you.
Overall we would recommend this trip. It was worth the price even without views of the volcano. Obviously that would have been priceless.
Our first stop was the Three Generations Coffee Plantation at Doka Estate. We had a buffet style breakfast including gallo pinto, fruit, plantains, guanabana juice and a selection of coffees to taste. When all were satisfied we took a tour of a fair trade coffee-producing process. It was quite educational.
We then headed towards Poas Volcano. We took a short break at Fresas de Volcán, a store selling souvenirs, freshly picked strawberries, Costa Rican wine (with tasting), and cheese.
On arrival at Poas National Park we walked approximately 1 mile on a gentle slope through increasingly misty weather. Remember, the area is considered bosque nuboso (cloud forest). It was chilly and I would recommend wearing a fully rainproof jacket and at least a long sleeved shirt and pants. Unfortunately, the cloud cover never lifted so we did not get a view of the crater. We waited 10 minutes at the site hoping for circumstances to change, but they never did. We then took a much steeper uphill walk towards the lake viewing site. Though we were told you would be able to see the Caribbean Sea and Nicaragua on clear days this site was also cloudy. After 10 minutes we went back to the bus. We did not stop at the souvenir shop here.
At this point it was almost lunch time and we had about 5 hours left on our trip. We were confused about how our time would be spent, but a beautiful site was awaiting us. We took a short ride to Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. We knew we would be seeing waterfalls but there was so much more. The site was basically a zoo with animals that had been rescued. There were monkeys, butterflies, frogs, snakes, mountain cats, and tropical birds. Lunch was a delicious buffet-style affair with many options for food and drink. This was all included in the price of the tour.
The tour of the park ended with seeing three of the waterfalls on the property. This part of the tour included steep up and downhill slopes and stairs. We ended at a gift shop that was pretty expensive, but offered to send your packages around the world for you.
Overall we would recommend this trip. It was worth the price even without views of the volcano. Obviously that would have been priceless.
Written January 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Feb 2019 • Friends
Honestly this tour was the best thing we did in Costa Rica. It's a bit expensive but definitely worth it. If the weather is good you can see clearly volcano and enjoy waterfalls. Our guide was very good, knowledgeable and patient. Thank you Alejandro!
Written February 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NJTravellingfool
Ridgewood, NJ
Sep 2014 • Friends
I took two tours with Costa Rica Guides that were very different results. One tour went to Irazu Volcano and other sites and had only 6 people. The tour guide met me at the hotel as it was on the way. He spoke English well and was entertaining and well informed. In fact, he was the tour guide for the Lenkester Gardens and showed to be very knowledgeable about their mission and plants.
The second tour was to Poas, Doka and La Paz waterfall. Being on the opposite side of town, arrangements were made to meet the start of the tour in a more central area. The tour had over 25 people and it spent the first hour and a half picking up people at their hotel. It was not overwhelming negative since it allow me to see more of the city of San Jose.
The people on the tour were half native English speakers and the other half were Spanish. The guide for the first half of the trip did alternate between languages, but later was more comfortable in Spanish. The driver did a fine job and drove well throughout and the tour guide did make sure everyone was taken care of responsibly.
The second tour was to Poas, Doka and La Paz waterfall. Being on the opposite side of town, arrangements were made to meet the start of the tour in a more central area. The tour had over 25 people and it spent the first hour and a half picking up people at their hotel. It was not overwhelming negative since it allow me to see more of the city of San Jose.
The people on the tour were half native English speakers and the other half were Spanish. The guide for the first half of the trip did alternate between languages, but later was more comfortable in Spanish. The driver did a fine job and drove well throughout and the tour guide did make sure everyone was taken care of responsibly.
Written December 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lynn m
Irvine, CA
Jul 2014 • Family
We arrived in the morning in San Jose and with only an afternoon to start our exploring in Costa Rica, we hired a guide Erick Hidalgo from Costa Rica trip guides to take us to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. He picked us up on time from our hotel and we spent a delightful trip while he shared all kinds of information about Costa Rica and his culture and kept our 16 year old sons interested the whole time. Along the way, he stopped and bought us delicious strawberries which we happily enjoyed. He guided us through the whole La Paz gardens which was so breathtaking, taking pictures of our group and helping our sons to have butterflies and toucans on their arms. We ate a wonderful lunch there and Erick never tired of our endless questions. What a fabulous start to an amazing vacation in this beautiful, friendly country. Erick can be reached at Erick@costaricatripguide.com or +506 2238 6227
Written August 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Voyageur du Monde en solo
New Orleans, LA
Jun 2019 • Solo
I did this tour on my bday and enjoyed it.
Our tour guide Filander was great at making sure we saw everything.
The boat ride, Gondola aerial tram , the hanging bridge and the butterfly garden all was amazing to see.
We stopped to eat some amazing fruits..my favorite was peach palm..
Puerto Viejo.
Also had a great lunch was surprised with cake and candle for my bday.
Awesome tour, love the rain forest experience and you will enjoy it as well.
The tram ride through the forest was so relaxing.
Our tour guide Filander was great at making sure we saw everything.
The boat ride, Gondola aerial tram , the hanging bridge and the butterfly garden all was amazing to see.
We stopped to eat some amazing fruits..my favorite was peach palm..
Puerto Viejo.
Also had a great lunch was surprised with cake and candle for my bday.
Awesome tour, love the rain forest experience and you will enjoy it as well.
The tram ride through the forest was so relaxing.
Written June 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cburns101
Fort Myers, FL
Mar 2015 • Couples
We had Erick Hidalgo of Costa Rica Trip Guide pick us up from the airport. He was on time holding up a sign for us. It was an hour and a half drive to our hotel and Erick gave us alot of information on the way there. He even stopped at a Soda resturant and told us about the different kind of food which one was called a Casado which from that day on we ate it every day. Then we had him pick us up at our hotel when it was time to go home. He gave us a tour of downtown San Jose and again he stopped at another resturant before dropping us at the airport hotel. He was so full of information both times he drove us. Were planning another trip back in July and we will defiently be contacting him to be our driver.
Written April 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flowerskahukuj
Alexandria, LA
Aug 2013 • Couples
The trip takes all day but it is a day well spent. This gives one a chance to see the country side and experience the beauty that this wonderful country has to offer. The volcano views are excellent and the lush country side just makes you fall in love with this place. And do not make the trip without getting in the thermal waters. It is WONDERFUL!!
Written July 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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