Horizontes Nature Tours Costa Rica — Local services in Merced

We traveled as a family of (3) to Costa Rica with Horizontes Nature Tours (Arenal, Monteverde, & The Osa Peninsula). Jose Huertas was helpful when we booked the trip, and providing information both upon request in the months leading up to our departure. Upon arrival, we met our guide, Fernando Sanchez. We have spent a lifetime traveling all over the world, and by the end of our (2) weeks in Costa Rica, we all agreed that Fernando was one of the finest guides we’ve ever had anywhere. We tend to read a lot about a destination before we travel, which meant we arrived with a good knowledge of what to expect to see and do in Costa Rica. Even so, Fernando found ways to add to our pre-trip knowledge base throughout the trip. From sunrise to sunset, whether hiking rain forest trails, dining, or even driving, Fernando was constantly on the lookout for flora and fauna making sure that we had the opportunity to see and photograph them. At one point when it became apparent to Fernando that we wanted to see a Quetzal, he went above and beyond getting local intel on where they had been seen recently, and even offering to alter our itinerary if we so desired to visit a place where he thought we’d have the best chance (unnecessary after Fernando found a beautiful male and female in an Avocado Tree in Curi Cancha Reserve). For (2) weeks we traveled with Fernando as if he was part of our family. A true professional who went above and beyond to make sure we had a fantastic experience be it through his skill and expertise at finding wildlife (not easy without a good guide in thick rain forest environments where life has evolved to hide), kindly getting up from the dinner table to ask the staff for a napkin or a fork when we didn’t have one without us asking him to do so, or simply making a point to always drive safely. There is no question that Fernando enhanced our experience. If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, I would absolutely recommend the services of Horizontes Nature Tours, and if you’re lucky enough to travel with Fernando, rest assured that your visit will be...

We just wanted to send you a huge thank you Jose for an incredible holiday in Costa Rica (CR). We enjoyed everything that was arranged – the many activities and trips, accommodation (all excellent places), transportation (some shared (max 6 people small minibus) and many times private), and the CR people were very friendly – all was perfect and we relaxed for the whole duration knowing that everything had been taken care of. We look forward to returning in the next few years and will reach out to you again then. The scenery was incredible and so breathtaking – amazed at how much it changed between each location. The weather was super kind to us June start of rainy season – if it did rain, and boy it was heavy when it did, it didn’t impact anything that we had planned 😊

Itinerary: We stayed Arenal Monea Lodge (3 nights) - did all the tourist places like Arenal volcano, Ecotermarles Falls. Then Monteverde Forest Lodge (4 nights) - nighttime forest tour, Suspension bridges. Then off to Glamping at Isla Chiquita (2 nights) - saw many monkeys. Then finally last 5 nights at Tamarindo Diria hotel - excellent location, great service and many great restaurants and the town is a lovely walk and great people. We had an ocean views which was perfect for sunset viewing, but the have many garden views rooms by a couple of pools. We even tried surfing lessons as this area is well known for surfing! We celebrated our 25th anniversary here, and the whole trip will be engrained in our memories for many years.

We mentioned to some people when we were there, that your Horizontes and yourself were very well organized, super responsive, and we didn’t have any issues – they wish they had known before! They were having issues with activities not being fully set up, or transportation issues. We hope that you receive more requests, as everything was so smooth.

Thank you again and we will recommend you and your team every time. So many great pictures to look at, so happy to share if anyone needs...

Horizontes is THE BEST. I cannot say enough good things about this company. We had an absolutely amazing trip, from start to finish (including the perfect welcome gifts, and even a beautiful parting gift - how nice!!!). Gustavo and Mauricio were the BEST guides and drivers - so knowledgeable and warm - we felt so well taken care of. We wished Gustavo could have been with us the whole trip - we all missed him after we had to say goodbye after the first two days of our trip! (see attached photo). And Mauricio, who drove us to the airport, handled a closed road with such calm and grace!

Every single pick up time was exact - we were so impressed by how well-organized everything was. And the accommodations that Horizontes chose for us were incredible!! The views from Arenal Springs, El Establo in Monteverde, and Costa Verde near Manuel Antonio were all gorgeous and the grounds at the resorts were so fun to explore. The kids had SO much fun zip-lining and seeing new animals on all the different tours, and especially loved the beach at Manuel Antonio. The ziplining guides at Treetopia were fantastic, and the guide at Manuel Antonio National Park (Andrey, see attached photo) was the best tour guide we’d ever had.

Costa Rica is truly a magical place, and Horizontes did such an impeccable job of introducing our kids to it! I just wish we'd had another week to explore their...