Luxury Costa Rica Trip Review: Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste, Beach, River Rafting, Snorkeling, Nature, 8-Night Vacation

Review by traveler

Stephanie B.

4.3.2022

General Info

Traveler Review

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Costa Rica

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

Overall, Sylvia was a great travel agent to work with. She asked me a lot of questions to see what type of adventure our family would like and came up with some great ideas. The places that we ended up choosing did not disappoint! Having Sylvia in Costa Rica gave me confidence that she was really up to date on the resorts that we stayed at and itinerary that we created. She was quick to respond and pleasant to work with.
The only reason I did not give Sylvia 5 stars is because of the following:
There was a miscommunication between us involving a rafting tour that she set up for us. I had told Sylvia that it was important to us as a family that we only have 1/2 day excursions so that we can have downtime to relax. Based on that, I was under the impression that all the outings were 1/2 day outings. The River Rafting was a full day. We really enjoyed our time, but the next morning we had planned a sea kayak and snorkeling trip. We only had three days at the resort in Manuel Antonio and really wanted enough time to enjoy the beach and have downtime. We ended up canceling the sea kayaking trip because we lost 1/2 day that I had expected to have at the resort, and the sea kayak trip was on our last full day. We were out the money and I was disappointed. I would not have booked that trip had I known that the river rafting was a full day.
The River Rafting tour supplied a complimentary breakfast and lunch, and Sylvia had told us only lunch. We had already gone out for breakfast so that was a bummer.
And lastly, we stayed at a hotel close to the airport on the final night. Our itinerary says that the shuttle would pick us up at 4:30AM. The shuttle arrived at 3:30AM and so it was a hectic and frustrating way to depart Costa Rica.
One thing that I wished I would have asked about is the roads and excursions relating to motion sickness. My son is prone to motion sickness, and it would have been nice to get a heads-up on the roads being very curvy and rough. I know now to ask for future trips, but just a helpful suggestion to travel agents to give a heads-up concerning this.

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

We LOVED both resorts we stayed at. The one in Guanacaste was recommended by a friend of mine and it was peaceful and filled with nature and serenity. Sylvia recommended the one in Manuel Antonio and it was very different than the one in Guanacaste but we loved the beautiful casa and gorgeous beach.

We enjoyed all of the excursions at both resorts. They were adventurous without being too much for my family. All of the tour guides were so personable and warm and knowledgeable.

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

Hmmm…I would pay for a private tour of Manual Antonio National Park to get off the beaten path. It was a good tour, but very crowded and slow because of the amount of people on the main path.
I would have spent more time at the beach…amazing!
I wouldn’t have gone to the hotel the night before. We were pretty disappointed. Food was fair at best in their restaurant, beds were only double..did not offer queen.

Travel Company Comments:

Hola Stephanie,

Thank you for your Travel Review from your past trip to Costa Rica, as it will help us to improve my services as a Travel Specialist and from our suppliers, to guarantee future travelers a unique experience. Also, I want to thank you for referring your friends for their upcoming holiday!

My deep apologies if it was not clearer about the rafting experience in the printed itinerary delivered to you in your welcome package, that breakfast was also included. I was checking my proposal sent to you with the full description of each activity and for the Savegre River was mentioned the duration of the trip, and I recall letting you know that you will be arriving around 3:30 pm in one of our conversations. My mistake was not warning you that breakfast was also included. When we change supplier for this tour the other one didn´t included breakfast only lunch. Our Product Department will include this information to be clearer for future travelers!

Description for tour: (see attachment)

Starting with a 4x4 ride into the “wilds” of Costa Rica’s tropical jungle with breath-taking scenery of more remote areas of the Savegre, your journey begins at “Silencio”. This is a little local village of thatched roof dwellings where you can enjoy a typical Tico breakfast after a “bumpy road” journey, yet before you paddle down the Savegre that provides Class II, III and IV rapids that are manageable in sturdy rafts that accommodate 2 to 6 people comfortably. Stop at locally known swimming spots and breath-taking waterfalls, if the rafters want a break from paddling. On most trips, rafters will observe egrets, osprey, toucans, parrots, kingfishers, cormorants, and many other species local to this protected area of the primary tropical rain forest. A delicious lunch “Tico Style” is included. Return to Manuel Antonio in the afternoon.

We also apologize for the misunderstanding with the transfer to the airport, as when I sent you the final itinerary with pick up times, it was with the correct departure time. Our operations department took control of this issue.

About your son´s car sick issue it is very important for travel agents to be aware, and include this when we asked if there any medical issues or special requests. That way we can inform you about the roads and the driver will be advised.

In regard to the airport hotel for your last night when we spoke few days before check in, it was too late to make the change and extra fees were involved and you decided to keep the room.

Stephanie, we are happy that you enjoyed your stay at the resorts, and the Coffee Table Gift to share with friends and family! We hope that you can return to Costa Rica in a near future and explore other amazing destinations!

Thank you again for choosing Zicasso and our company.

All my best!

Sylvia