Costa Rica Expeditions Saved the Day

This was our first experience with a vacation planned by a third party and I was worried about what to expect but decided to go ahead because I was just getting confused by all of the options in Costa Rica. So glad I did. Every part of the trip was first class from the private charter flight to Tortugero, the lodge itself, the most amazing white water raft adventure and the perfect choice of lodgings for a family of 4 which included two finicky teenagers who demanded privacy. Most amazing everything was planned within our budget and there were simply no surprises (except nice ones like finding out meals were included with certain stays). While, in Costa Rica the company was still responsive to our needs and gladly assisted with a few last minute changes and I will be forever grateful for their incredible response when we had to return home on an emergency basis due to a death in the family, Plans were changed on a dime and we were met with wonderful kindness. Highly recommended all around.

I just got back from a week in CR with my 12-year-old son, and I can't say enough great things about what Costa Rica Expeditions did for us. They planned the whole trip, all transfers, hotels and activities. We were escorted by professional and friendly people from the moment we walked out of the airport until we walked back at the end of the week. We stayed at CR Expeditions two properties in Tortuguero and Monteverde and both were very beautiful and comfortable and the staff were extremely friendly and caring. For example, after returning from every hike or boat trip we were greeted by smiling staff members offering us fruit drinks and cold towels. The most remarkable part of the trip was our naturalist guide, William Granados, who was with us through all of our travels in CR. He knew everything about everything and explained it perfectly for my son and for me, he made sure that we got everything we wanted at the resorts, and is just an all-around great conversationalist and great guy. The most remarkable example of the service we were given was when we’re starting the long drive/boat ride from SJ to Tortuguero, William had figured out that the highway would probably be blocked by a taxi strike and arranged a flight to get us there.

I don't think I've ever rated anything online, but I feel a huge debt of gratitude to these guys. The heading here is "Private Day tours" and they planned our whole, trip, so I might copy this review in another category.

Just returned from one-week vacation arranged thru Costa Rica Expeditions, stayed at Tortuga Lodge at Tortuguero, and Arenas del Mar at Manuel Antonio. Everything about the trip was wonderful. Costa Rica Expeditions trip planning process via their web site and personal contact is superb and makes it easy to customize the trip to your preferences. The accommodations were first class, the food was very good, and all transportation and transfers were pre-arranged and went precisely on schedule. Every tour they arranged for us was excellent. They went the extra mile to have a bag containing valuables which I left behind at Tortuguero transferred to me at Manuel Antonio intact and on time... This company is highly professional and I recommend them without reservation.

Costa Rica Expeditions is THE way to plan your trip to Costa Rica. They are local and understand the country and want to ensure you have a great experience. Our travel planner helped us arrange a trip that was perfect for our interests AND our budget. Every detail of our trip was looked after. They are also stick with you throughout the trip. My son fell ill on the trip and they helped to connect us to a top notch doctor to make sure he got the appropriate care. Can't say enough about how great they are!

My husband and I recently returned from an 8-day trip to Costa Rica planned out by Costa Rica Expeditions. Never having used a travel agency or tour company, I was skeptical of the whole idea. But Elena inspired much confidence from the beginning of our email correspondence a year ago-up until a week before the actual trip. Everything ran like a well-oiled machine-from the representative greeting us at the airport to the tour guides picking us up at 5:30 a.m. for a spectacular bird watching excursion. My husband misplaced a jacket somewhere along the 8-day adventure, and Costa Rica Expeditions tracked it down and had it waiting for us at the San Jose airport as we departed for home! Professionalism, consistent communication, honesty and integrity describe every aspect of this tour agency. They alleviated any worry or concerns we had during the trip- and in doing so had a totally stress free vacation that allowed us to enjoy a beautiful country.

A “flawless trip” to Costa Rica, planned by Costa Rica Expeditions (CRE)! Our travel planner, Gustavo, worked with us to schedule our “must see and do” activities into a flawless 5-day trip. He attended to all our minor questions (email & phone) prior to our trip. Gustavo, also was one of our very informative and enthusiastic Naturalist Guides. With so many activities, I was amazed how everything flowed – from airport, to hotels, to guides, to transfer drivers, to receptions, etc – there was never any down-time waiting for someone – in fact our contact was always looking for us. Our selected hotel and activities were top-notched. On a side-note, I misplaced my camera, and with one call to CRE and within one hour, they were able to locate and retrieve my camera, with the camera waiting for me at our next hotel. Our thanks to CRE for this outstanding and memorable visit to a truly beautiful Costa Rica and its people – Pura Vida!

My family of four one teenager and one ten-year-old absolutely loved our vacation custom designed by Gustavo at Costa Rican Expeditions, CRE. Everything was carefully executed according to plan. At one point we had to test CRE's ability to make changes within a short time frame and they were able to do so perfectly. We arrived in San Jose. We chartered a small plane to Tortuguero and stayed at Tortuga Lodge where Gustavo (the host) made us feel like honored guests. We then flew to Arenal and stayed there for three days and then drove to Tamarindo which was our favorite. The beach was beautiful. The pacific water was warm and the sunshine plentiful. All of our guides spoke English expertly. They were all knowledgeable about their country. All of our hotels were very comfortable. We loved the balance of activities and tours with rest and relaxation. I would recommend CRE to anyone looking to travel to Costa Rica. They certainly earn their reputation and their fees. They made the entire planning process easy and the vacation better than we could have expected.

Wonderful planning. Easy to work with. They didn't miss a beat. Our luggage was lost and they intervened and brought it to us in Manuel Antonio with 24 hours. Their recommendations were fabulous. They are punctual. Their help in choosing accommodations and activities is invaluable. A totally trustworthy class act.

Yes, our trip included amazing activities including white water rafting on the world renowned Pacuare River, green sea turtle experience, wild life motorboat adventures, many hikes through the rain forest and Costa Rican food galore. Yes, our trip included a variety of terrific accommodations including Rios Tropicales and Tortuga Lodge. But the thing that made this trip outstanding was the warmth, care and professional delivery of services provided by the wonderful guides who were native Costa Ricans. Our week long guide, Jonathan, was friendly, informative, funny, caring, and put service above self.

Our group included 8 college friends who were all 60 years old +. We get together often but this trip allowed us to be adventurous, test ourselves and at the same time afforded more laughing with our many guides then I thought was possible.

Luis, Alex, Sulan, were all perfect guides and hosts. I sprained my knee on day 2 of the trip and the care and sensitivity of Alex and Luis was beyond the call of duty. Alex wrapped my knee very professionally, secured a walking stick and checked on my knee often- even massaging the fluid out of my knee. Luis - the Captain of the supply raft, on this trip, made room for me his raft on day 3 of the trip and navigated the class 3 and 4 rapids ensuring I was safe and he was very engaging. My knee went from stiff and swollen to very functional in less than 30 hours.

In addition, these young man were authentic, sincere and made us feel as though we were part of their daily excitement. They were a great combination of "take charge" and helpful at the same time. They made us all feel very young. A 69 year lady on our trip was in good shape but needed assistance often- they were very helpful and took great care of her. They accommodated all of our needs and requests with smiles and enthusiasm.

Best trip ever. Best care ever. Best guides ever.

I have visited Costa Rica quite a few times, and I will say that Costa Rica Expeditions is not your ordinary tour company. It is not inexpensive, but you get more than what you pay for. They make sure every single thing on your trip goes perfectly. The service is beyond outstanding. The first day we got there, I desperately needed some sports sandals for the activities we would be doing because I had forgotten mine. Our guide spent nearly an hour walking through the rain with me into store after store after store until we at last found a pair. He was so knowledgeable on our tours, and so thoughtful and courteous, and this is the usual high standard with this company. I had forgotten items in two places far from San Jose during my trip, and Costa Rica Expeditions worked very hard to find a way to get all my forgotten items back to me before I left the country. I have used this company for a complicated trip on my own in the past that involved travel to many places and nonstandard travel times, and the long trip went flawlessly in each place I went to. This year, I came back with my husband, young children, mother, and brother and this family trip -- quite different from what I had done on my own a couple of years ago -- went just as perfectly. My children had so much fun, and all of us did as well. Many tour companies can run good trips in Costa Rica, but if you want extra help or care, and if you want things to go well when unexpected problems happen, this is the company to go for. They will take care of your every need so that you can enjoy this gorgeous country stress free. They even sent chocolates and coffee to America for me after I got home when they heard that I was not well, so that I could have, as they put it, a little "pura vida" with me at home to remind me of Costa Rica. How nice is that?