Sometimes our guides invite our travelers to their homes, their school, their church, etc.

“I fell in love with your Tortuga Lodge. As my 15-year-old son said, it’s a place where you are treated like a good friend, like someone you have known your whole life!!!” – Emilie Wheat & Thomas Augliere.

They’ll know where the farmer’s markets are on every day, take you there and point things out and translate at the local market – so you really meet the sellers. They might even do their shopping for the week and explain how they use every product. They’ll explain why things are being sold at the market and in restaurants, and how people live and work in Costa Rica. You get the cultural context.

They’ll introduce you to local folks some of whom have interesting roles in the community. They’ll guide you to understand and experience the hospitality and friendliness of local Costa Ricans.

All in all, you’ll share more than their knowledge; you’ll share their passion. You don’t just have a friend at the end of your vacation; you have a friend throughout your vacation. You don’t just see; you interact, relate, and absorb the learning and pleasures.

“I shall never forget the wonder and beauty of this entire experience and the generosity of heart and beautiful natures of those who made it possible and contributed to an indelible memory I shall carry for the rest of my life…Thank you for this dream come true.” – Rosemary Bell

“The rain forest was spectacular and the guide we had there was great as well. They made us feel so welcome and helped make this one of the most special days of our lives.” – Lisa Orban

If you have individual needs or requests, such as particular allergies, they’ll amaze you with how caring and resourceful they’ll be.
 

If you try to do it yourself, you risk booking things with fly by night operations, or uninformed ones, or those who don’t schedule the best lifetime-memories experiences, or who send you at the wrong time of year.

By relying on us, if some part of the plan A develops a hitch due to conditions nobody could predict, we immediately switch you to plan B and make all the arrangements.

“When an unusual tropical storm passed through the area, your staff immediately changed our travel plans around so the weather would not impact our trip. All of this was done with no hassle on our part.” – Kimberly Krhounek

Both before your trip, and during it, you’ll have our caring and knowledgeable Travel Planner who advises you where to go, in what sequence, what to take with you (including luggage limitations), and what to watch for. They prevent too-fast logistics like one night stays, zigzag logistics, ending up at “Lost Iguana” vs. “Iguana Lodge,” at “Tortuga Island” instead of “Tortuguero.”

“The extra effort of everyone going above and beyond to make our trip smooth and enjoyable was truly amazing – full of sights and experiences unlike any other we have every enjoyed.” – Chauncey Curtz

You can relax, being sure your hotel and other bookings are solid and that you won’t be sent to some alternate property or activity. Be sure you’ll arrive at the best hotels and tours that match your Wish List, without arriving and realizing you could have done much better, but you already paid.

“This was the first time we used a vacation planner, and it was a wonderful experience.” – Jeff & Jan

Ride with our great drivers, not in a rental car from hell.  Costa Rica has next to no road signs, bad traffic, roads with pot holes and even posts in the middle of the road, buses and trucks passing on blind curves, and thieves that prey on rental cars at road side pit stops.  Our knowledgeable drivers know how to handle the road conditions and detours, for example the location of closed gas stations. They know how to get from any A to B the most fascinating way, and turn the detours into adventures. 

We recommend you use our experienced guides who are gracious and great teachers, who translate everything for you, instead of guides who claim to help but are more of an annoyance than anything. There’s a tremendous range of knowledge, skill, and caring in guides – and we believe we’ve found the best guides in Costa Rica, and amplified their commitment to legendary service even further.

We offer experience safety, and a great safety record, vs. risks.

Remove the “do it yourself” worries, and pressures, or blame from your traveling companions if you don’t get it right.

Avoid having to deal with the regional airlines by yourself. We organize smooth transition for you every step of your trip.

Constant quotes, from many different guests…
“We never had any problems anywhere.”
“The trip exceeded expectations (and we had high expectations).”
“Everything on the trip went without a hitch.”
“The arrangements were smooth and ran without a hitch. Thanks!”

We deal with any last minute cancellations or rescheduling for you at the time it happens. Otherwise, if you miss a boat, or other activity, then what?

“I appreciated all the reservations and connections your firm made for us.  Everything went as planned, and I would definitely recommend your firm to my friends when they visit your fine country.  I am glad Costa Rica is in my life.” – Larry Hurlbert.

In the rare case where someone has a medical emergency, we help you through it all the way. You can always call us in case of any kind of emergency or change of plan. We respond, adjust, and solve!

“Our daughter developed an ear infection.  We were in a remote place, worried, and CRE came through with flying colors.  In no time at all, we were scheduled for a doctor’s appointment in a hospital in San Jose.  We saw a great doctor who spoke excellent English.  We had the necessary drops and antibiotics in half an hour, and we were on our way to our next destination – not even a real break in schedule!  Again, to a person, all drivers, managers, planners, and facilitators were top notch.  Best we have every come across.  We had a great, great time, and we couldn’t have done it without you.” – The Borzilleri family

We even respond to little things…

“At the lodge, they saved us so many times and always with a smile.  When we needed a Bandaid, it was provided.  Bug spray? Yes!  Binoculars, of course.  They could not be stumped and always had a warm smile and positive attitude.”  – Leslie Lakes

You may have read about the infamous “Tico Time,” the idea that Costa Ricans are always late, but you’ll be amazed to find the opposite when you travel with us! On your own, if you say lunch is at 1 pm, it’s usually between 3-4 pm. Costa Ricans have a very “Don’t worry, be happy” attitude about time. But with us, you don’t have to worry about that. Our guests constantly express amazement that with us your planes, boats, vans, guides, and drivers are on time.