39 Best Stops Between Arenal Volcano National Park and Tulum (2024)

5 lists

Amazing place for a short or even long vacation. I was living in Sàmara and I had the best times. I could definitely live there.The beach is great, the people are so lovely, the village is small but very nice.You find delicious restaurants or homemade food - it’s a perfect surfing spot for beginners, for intermediates in the surroundings also - great hiking spots - waterfalls nearby - the best sunsets - island life on isla chora :) - full moon parties - what else? :) I think Sàmara is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been!!!! ❤️❤️

It’s in the top 3 best beaches of our trip in Guanacaste region. Playa Samara is a wide & long crescent beach that stretches for several kms. Fine sandy bottom beach & the waves are gentle most of the time…great for swimming for all ages. It’s perfect for surfing lessons or boogie-boarding. There are small villages along the beach with the town of Samara being the largest. Lots of beachfront restaurants, places for surf lessons, equipment rentals & souvenir stalls. There’s a good snorkeling spot in the tidal pools at the north end of the beach. During our stay we found Playa Samara fairly empty but it gets quite busy on weekends and holidays. It would be ideal if you can stay in Samara for a night or two. We stayed for a month and aside from our ventures outside of Samara, we fully enjoyed the town and its surroundings. It has complete amenities but still has a laid back atmosphere. At no time did we ever feel unsafe while exploring the area.

This beach was a great find. It is pretty touristy so be warned if you are looking for a more local-like atmosphere. There are also those freelance parking guys walking around so you might have to pay a couple hundred colones to buy some peace. We ate at La Casita de Mr Wagner and it was delicious. We also drinks at the restaurant with beach access and blue umbrellas directly across from that food courts. My friend and I both agreed they were the best versions of each drink that we had ever had (mojito and piña colada). What a good place and pretty good location. We drove from Monteverde no problem.

I almost don’t want to write a positive review because I love Playa Samara so much, I’m dreading some day it will lose it’s magical, small, locally-owned, bohemian beach appeal. The waves are great for surfing newbies to intermediates, playing in the sand or drinking a tropical beverage from one of the nice restaurants right on the beach. I ❤️ Samara 🏝️

Beautiful beach! Such a large beach that you will have no problem finding a spot away from people. So many little restaurants along the beach. Small park next to the police station has freshwater showers. If you need to escape the sun or heat there are quite a few trees that line the beach to set up under. Saw surfers and horses.

Fantastic beach, very clean, decent amount of parking. Very kid friendly. Great sunsets.

Great mix between tropical paradise, chill atmosphere yet very convenient with nice restaurants and a bit of shopping.

Very beautiful. Less crowded than other beach towns like Tamarindo. Very warm water. Worth the drive.

A nice and quiet beach, great for walking, lots of little beach restaurants. Watch out for jellyfish in the waters.

Lovely not too busy beach and town. It has an small island and a rock/coral break to protect the bay from large waves. There's still waves good enough to work on your surf board skills. Lots of restaurants and accommodations for vacations. Many expats live there.

Fun beach with quite a few restaurants. Town is right near the beach. Walk the entire length of the beach during low tide. Occasional wild horses. Some decent fishing and shells.

In December the water is really nice and warm but not like a bath water so it's refreshing. Easy waves so you are able to swim or just float. I visited for the day and found an area under some trees with shade to sit on a towel. It looked like you could rent chairs and boogie boards on the beach. Not crowded on a Monday.

I took a TEFL course here. Everyone is super friendly. Felt very safe. Food was good, water was great. Prices are high, and just know it's extremely hot in April. So get a hotel with a nice pool and air conditioning.

The water is really nice and you are able to swim . The water is warm . But there should be more sitting areas .bring a towel to sit on the floor . There are couple of stores and restaurants around the area .we stayed the resort near we tried to walk but it was unsafe the roads are to narrow and grass is on slant. Will recommend ask the resort to book a taxi for your travel there . It cost us $10 to get there .

Lovely beach with a relaxing atmosphere. Lots of nice bars and restaurants around as well.

Beautiful, vibrant, and spacious beach with a good number of people—not overly crowded. Many surf rental shops right by the beach, as well as beachside restaurants/bars. Volleyball and soccer fields available. A safe beach, perfect for beginner surfers and boogie boarding.

My favorite beach, not too busy, great selection of restaurants lining the beach, waves not too big that you can enjoy the water.

Nice sea, but not recommended for children, and honestly neither for those who are looking for some shade, as there are just few huts along the beach. And the surrounding area is covered in dust, which you are going to breath full time here. Definitely not a blue zone, not an healthy air, especially for children, and the most paradoxical thing is how overpriced all the area is. Honestly to me looks like a lot of unreasonable hype which is beneficial just for the few property managers who are riding the wave cashing in. Been traveling for 8 years in a row, circumnavigating the world, and there are places way nicer and healthier, and they are going to cost you 1/5. The best part is, you don't need to go too far from here to find them. Just sharing my experience as a long term traveler.

Super nice Black and Tan beach. A few hustlers, but not many. Sort of a yuppie family vibe. Feels pretty safe.

Stunning beach, lots of sun and space. Speak with tourists, locals and vendors while you walk the beach. There are some restaurants tucked in the trees along the beach. Great spot for horseback riding, walking, playing or sunbathing

Awesome beach, specially during low tide, were you can enjoy some natural pools. The magic of this beach happens with fewer people so please don't come, stay in Tamarindo or any other crowded beach 😁

If you’re a surfer, this beach is perfect. Good for beginners too and Nosara has places to rent gear and teach you. Nosara is a great walkable town to check out while in the area—howler monkeys throughout.When it’s at low tide at this beach, it is massive. Lots of room to explore, including the tide pools and rocks to the right side of the beach. It’s miles and miles long so I can’t speak for the whole space. It’s popular and a bit on the busy side especially once it’s high tide and there’s less sand to sit on, though I visited the week of Christmas which is going to be busy. It’s most busy at sunset.

It's a very nice beach mellow people and mellow waves

Always a great beach for swimming, sunbathing, watching sunset even some surfing. Lifeguards on duty, Olga’s right there for food and drink.

Beautiful beach with the warmest ocean water I've ever felt. Great surfing and snails, the sand is perfect.

4.7

(499)

4.5

(1045)

Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

18 lists

I have been at beaches all over the world and this is one of my favourite! Just so fun. Waves rolling in but gently and predictable. You can get out a long ways. Warm clean water. Great sunsets. One of my top 10 beaches in Costa Rica!

Amazing sunsetAnd beautiful beaches

Little Hawaii is how tourist call this beautiful surfing paradise. Couple of restaurants, my favorite is La Purruja, great food and friendly environment.

The party is over here surfers! It is soooo over crowded in the water it is dangerous now with surf boards flying around! It is over crowded everywhere in CR especially avellanas. If you want to get stoked try another country. Somebody has to tell the truth.

Beautiful beach, long, white sand, everyone can find its sacrifice and intimity. We love it!

This beach seems more for surfers than anybody else. Waves are huge and the water comes pretty far up the shore.The main complaint I have about this place is that the road getting here is terrible. I would recommend something with a high front and rear clearance. I did it with low clearance kia, it was possible by going slow but it took pretty long.There is parking. If you type in Playa avellana on Waze it will take you to the correct place.

Pristine beach, isolated from the hustle of Tamarindo and more than 5 surf breaks for all levels.

I put my mothers ashes in the ocean in 2019 at this very point! It was the most wonderful, peaceful, holy experience, ever!

This place is known as little Hawaii, we didn’t understand why. The beach is rocky and hard to get in.You have to access it thru the restaurant Lola’s, the location in the map shows the access via Hacienda Pinilla, which you need to call in advance and make a reservation.I think they charge $35 per person for the day use of Hacienda Pinilla beach bar. We didn’t visit it since we accessed the beach via Lola’s restaurant.The street to access the beach is rough, but most beach access on this side of the coast are bad.

Wonderful beach with amazing surf. No need for a 4x4, there were plenty of passenger cars. Get directions to Lola’s and park in the public parking there.

4.6

(331)

4.5

(1109)

Guanacaste Province, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica

1 list

Amazing ecosystem, lots of animals- tons of different herons, migrating and local birds, crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and even saw a deer. It can get hot and more dry than the majority of tropical Costa Rica, but makes for a unique ecological environment. Absolutely worth checking out, only about 1.5 hours from Lake Arenal, even closer to Volcan Tenorio National Park.

Great park, in total I saw three other groups of people on the day I went, I arrived first thing in the morning. I went on the first 2.1km hike which if I were you I’d pass on - very buggy and not much to see unless you stumble across wildlife. I also went to the lookout labeled #1 on their map, a short but tiring hike up. Bring lots and lots AND LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER. Hot! Also a lot of bugs so either a lot of bug spray or a long sleeve. I also did the boat tour which was cool, the guide had a great eye.All in all I say an array of wildlife.

The approximately two-hour boat trip is highly recommended; the guide and captain go to great lengths to show you some of the birds, monkeys and crocodiles that can be found in the national park.

Very interesting wetland national park. We saw a lot of wildlife and the trails were well maintained. Not very touristy (I think we were alone in the park!) Bring your bug spray and look our for crocodiles! We went all the way to the Tempisque river, such a calming hike.

Great park we took a tour with a boat ride and had a good time. I am not sure you would see anything without the boat. The dirt road getting there was fun and is an adventure in itself.

What else is there to say other than this place is absolutely breathtaking? An absolutely MASSIVE bird watching wetland is the central focus of this beautiful park.It is quite a way off the beaten trail, but with boat tours available, hiking trails, and a picturesque wetland how can one pass it up?It is also a beautiful display of the biodiversity of the area. On my way driving there, we went from a dense jungle down to a more arid landscape. The micro-biomes of changing flora are as much of a treat as the land itself.Make sure to educate yourself of the dangers of this land though, like the Acacia Tree, which maintains a symbiotic relationship with ants and will harm you if disturbed. Or the snakes that hide in the tall grass. Be prepared! And have fun exploring this magical place!

Very nice national park in Costa Rica. We did a 2 hour boat tour down the river and really enjoyed seeing all the wildlife. The boat captain was very good and had us up close and personal with the animals. A worthwhile trip.

We went here on a boat tour and it was awesome! Our tour guide Rodrigo was so knowledgeable of the area. We saw crocodiles, birds, iguanas and monkeys. Such a unique area to explore! Will definitely return.

It's hard to write a review of this place because in one hand you have beautiful nature, places to walk/hike around and great views; but in the other hand you have so many mosquitoes that will not leave you alone a second and will make you feel miserable! I recommend to go during January or so (when it's very windy!) so first confirm with the local station when is windy so you really enjoy it. The people is very nice, super friendly and the food is always delicious, however the infrastructure really need maintenance. The rooms and specially the bathrooms are very abandoned!

We travelled here mid February. We were not bothered by bugs at all, but recommend wearing long pants due to prickly plants along the trail. We drove in from the west side (Highway 922) and it was about 30km of gravel roads & potholes. You absolutely need 4 wheel drive to get in here or else go on a boat tour. The park entrance does lock the gate at 4pm so plan to be leaving the park much earlier to be safe. It's about $13.50 USD to enter the park if you drive in. There are 7 hiking trails under 2km in the park. There is also a research centre that staff and volunteers stay overnight at, the washrooms are located here as well. We saw several monkey species, scarlet macaw, lizards, wild ponies and so many different kinds of birds. 4/5 stars because the roads are so bad.

A great nature park with plenty of wildlife, great views and dense forest. Several trails, with lookout points, and plenty of roads throughout the park to see everything. In addition, there is a paid boat tour available at the far side of the park, with very friendly and knowledgeable staff. On our 80 minute tour we saw alligators, green herons, iguanas and monkeys. Highly recommend paying this park a visit.

The park is amazing, the tour was okay. We were only on the boys tour for about 40 minutes which wasn't enough time to see much, although we did see a fair amount. We were able to see bats, iguanas, monkeys, Jesus lizard, crocodiles, birds... The tour of the traditional (historical) sugar processing plantation was also interesting.

Wenn man denn am Ziel angekommen ist, bietet sich ein grandioses Bild einer Feuchtlandschaft mit unzähligen Wasservögeln. Leider ist der Weg, die letzten 30 km ziemlich schlecht. Wenn man sein Auto nicht malträtieren will, kann man nicht schneller als 20 km/h fahren. Auf dem Weg dahin kreuzen auch schon mal Leguane und anderes Getier den Weg.(Translated by Google)When you arrive at your destination, you will see a magnificent picture of a wet landscape with countless water birds. Unfortunately the last 30 km is pretty bad. If you don't want to mistreat your car, you can't drive faster than 20 km/h. On the way there, iguanas and other animals sometimes cross the path.

4.6

(726)

4.5

(397)

9MM8+978, Guanacaste Province, Bagaces, Costa Rica

+73 other lists

Stunning waterfall! There are unofficial guides that will offer to take you up to see the waterfall from behind and other vantage points. We were pleasantly surprised by the experience and knowledge provided on that walk and he even took quite a few photos and videos for us. There is no fee although cash tips are highly appreciated. There is a fee to enter that can be paid via cash or credit card.

We had the most amazing time. Our guides Amari, Jordan and Arturo were the best. They shared so much information about the area and ensured we were safe and had the best views. They also took really good pictures for us.

We loved this visit. It’s so unbelievably beautiful. It is very safe and has a secure parking lot that you must pass a park attendant at a stand to get into. There is a small outdoor market stall with art and treasures, no food. We visited during the weekday, and there was barely anyone there. It is all stairs to get down to the bottom, very manageable. The hike to the top of the waterfall is definitely more uneven, but just watch your step and it’s doable. The water here glitters with all the mica in it. We ended up lounging in the shade and reading, while monkeys relaxed overhead. Maybe my favorite spot on my trip.

Saw a hand painted sign for waterfall and the road was sketchy but doable. Well worth it though. Beautiful falls and great little beach. Great place to spend a day in the water.

Beautiful spot! Not too crowded on a weekday afternoon, water was so refreshing. Paid 4000 colones ($8) entry. Short gravel road to get to a rocky parking lot, any car can do it going slowlyEasy walk down to the waterfallBeautiful spot

Relaxing beach-like environment. Beautiful falls. Fun little hikes to and around.

Beautiful but it is a difficult trek to get down to it and back up out of it. Steps are there but odd sized, hand rails are mobile in spots. I would go again but wished we had been informed about the hiking skills required prior to heading over.

Amazing waterfall, very tall , ot has bunch of small and tall falls and there is a big pool of water under the falls so you can swim.Very short hike from the parking lot (~4min)

A nice waterfall just outside of Liberia. It was dirty from the massive downpour the day before but our kids still enjoyed it.There were mini falls all around too. It was all just a bit muddy from the crazy rainstorm.There was staff on hand making sure people were safe.There is an entrance fee to help maintain the area.

The waterfall is nice and worth its price. The only thing I didn't really like was that the life guard forbid everything - swimming under/near the waterfall was forbidden, swimming on the side was forbidden, reaching the stones on the side was forbidden. Swimming at the very front was allowed..a bit disappointing. Everything else was great - the butterflies, the hike to the top of the waterfall, the clean showers. There was a lot of space to chill :-)

If going on the weekend the locals are there collecting money (donations) for parking and also ask for tips for escorting you to the lake without even telling you they are escorting for a tip. Fish actually plucked at me so I left . Seems like it’s a local band out spot too .

7 USD per person? For this? Per person.This should be free or max 2 USD. Max!It's a normal waterfall. They don't let you walk up to the kinda cool tree on the right, the water was a standard color and yet we paid $14? I don't get it. Pass.

4.6

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4.5

(536)

GP84+9CC, De posada llanos del cortés 3 kilometro camino al pueblo de llanos llegan a la Esquina de la plaza de futbol a mano derecha 2.5 kilometros Guanacaste Bagaces llanos del cortes, Provincia de Guanacaste, Bagaces, Costa Rica

It was a long wait to get into the park after arriving around 9am. There was no shade and got quite hot standing in the sun. They only let so many people in at a time, which is nice for the hike not to get too crowded. The hike was pretty strenuous and parts were slippery. Didn’t see the volcano top, but the waterfall and rivers were a beautiful sight to see. We saw quite a bit of wildlife while on the tour too.

The park is really beautiful we maintained they do not let food, cigarettes, vapes etc inside there’s a checkpoint for every bag so avoid those items. The trail to go to the waterfall is paved with stairs.Outside the park there’s many shops to purchase drinks, food or souvenirs. I recommend getting there early since the park closes at 4pm and last admission is at 2pm.You can’t go for a swim so be aware of that before getting to the park there’s a bridge and below there you can stop for a swim many locals and tourists.

Make sure you go early. Rio Celeste is a must see but to get there you hike in about 1km then walk down a hundred or so stairs. After seeing the waterfall you can walk another 2km into the park which is definitely worth doing. You will eventually come to the end of the trail where the rivers mix and will then have to walk the 3km back out along the same trail. It gets very very busy by 10am.

Definitely worth the hike! And you must go all the way to the end to see the mixing of two waters. The waterfall is of course amazing but seeing two rivers mix like that was special. We were lucky because there were no rain before so to the water so very blue! Where your hiking shoes and be prepared to climb some stairs!

The hikes are unmissable. We learned so much about Arenal and the nature is impressive. Don’t miss it!

Fun hikes, I saw people of all ages walking the trails. It’s located in the cloud forest. The waterfall and the blue waters are so special, the locals tell the story that when God was painting the sky, he dipped the paint brush in this waters and that’s how the river got its color 💙🙂. There’s a lot to see… animals, birds, nature, the union of two rivers where the blue color waters are born.There are some restaurants and stores outside the National park to get a refreshing natural juice after the hikes and also you can book other activities to do around there.

A breathtaking hike with a unique waterfall!We saw lots of wildlife there and took beautiful pictures. In the rainy season it’s not crowded at all. Unfortunately I got stung by a bee there, but the staff was very helpful and kind and offered to treat it.Keep in mind that you need an online-reservation before you can enter, which you can do right in front of the park but I would recommend to do it before that, especially if you travel during high season.

Beautiful National Park. If you’re looking to go Rio Celeste Waterfalls with the blue water, make sure to come here. The Google Map stop showing Rio Celeste is incorrect - a few cars were lost in this journey and ended up here at the park.Highly recommend purchasing tickets and booking time slot in advance. I would say the steps are more tolerable than La Fortuna waterfalls - it’s not as intense but a solid workout regardless.You are not allowed to swim in the park, but the bridge up, you will see a spot to get in the water and cool off.

The official parking lot at the bottom of the hill is operated by the Red Cross and much easier than trying to park on the side of the road (the road is narrow and we saw two cars that had been hit). The shuttle can be slow.Unfortunately the bridge was closed when we were there but we had an enjoyable walk non the less.Animals can be hard to spot due to the dense forest but easy to hear.The trails can be very muddy so be prepared.

So worth the drive out to this place! We didn't end up going with a guided tour but we didn't end up needing one! Even though it was a cloudy day and had rained heavily for a few days the waterfall was still beyond gorgeous! Not as blue as the photos during the winter but still worth it none the less. WEAR GOOD SHOES! A portion of the path is paved but the many never ending steps down the the water fall are large and slippery. It is worth it to continue on with the hike to the end as well! You get to see where two rivers meet and where some natural minerals have created a almost middle line between both coloring rivers. Hike the whole thing if you go! You won't regret it!

Visited a few days ago and it was an amazing experience. The whole round trip hike took my husband and I about 2.5hrs. It was well worth it for the views we got. There’s plenty of parking and there’s also a restaurant and local people selling fruits and coconut juice. I will say, the bathrooms were a little jank, but nothing too bad. There are many stairs to get to the waterfall, but there are lots of spots you can stop at along the way to take a breather. One of the locals there told us that the water doesn’t look as blue when it rains, so def try to go on day there’s no rain on the forecast. Although it was hot, you can’t feel it very much on the hike since you’re covered by all the foliage. I recommend going to the end of the hike so you can see the bubbling spots and the end where the two different colored rivers meet. You can’t go in the water like you’re able to at Arenal waterfall, however there is a pot outside of the park at you’re allowed to go into the beautiful blue water, search Tenorio free pool.

The main attraction of this national park is the famous waterfall. At times it's a beautiful bright blue color. During periods of heavy rainfall, the water turns muddy and is no longer blue. That's the condition it was in when I visited, but the sheer power and size of the waterfall was impressive to observe, even if the color wasn't perfect.As many of the other reviews state, the hike to the waterfall is relatively short, but the terrain is challenging. Expect many rocks, lots of mud, and slippery terrain.This is a national park, and the fact that you're in a rainforest needs to be respected. We went with a guide, and they explained very clearly that there are vipers and other venomous snakes present, poisonous frogs, and wild monkeys that can attack in packs of 10+ if you have food they want. You really do need to be careful, as we encountered a baby viper and a pack of monkeys during the hike, just like the guides predicted. This is not a bad thing. In fact, it speaks to how well the habitat is maintained.I heard some guides and locals talking about how this waterfall is in the top 3 most visited sites in Costa Rica, and the sheer number of tourists visiting it is now overwhelming. 5 years ago, it was a much quieter park. Something to note if you visited a whole ago and expect it to be similar now - it is far more crowded.

Rio Celeste is a must see… If there hasn’t been much rain. Too much rain dulls the beautiful blue colors of this river. The paths are well maintained but you should be in good physical condition to manage the steep paths. I highly suggest bringing a walking stick or two. A guide is not necessary, but you will see more wildlife if you hire one.

The reviews for this amazing waterfall were so confusing. The booking process as well. But the trail and waterfalls were absolutely amazing. We saw an eyelash viper along the trail. Probably the most beautiful waterfall I’ve seen. Doable with a 4 and 8 year old if you just want to see the falls. I’ve been around a lot of CR and believe me you don’t have want to miss this if you have the chance! Pura Vida!

While staying at La Fortuna, we decided to make the effort to visit this park and trek all of the trails from the only entrance at Rio Celeste.Having read the countless issues about tickets we booked online the night before. The website needs better optimisation for mobile devices. However, the process was painless enough.To get from La Foruna we used personal transport with Luis Rivera from Hidden Wonders Tours (hiddenwonders.tours) and the price was only 3 more than our hotel quoted for a group tour to the same location. We had previously used Luis a guide in La Fortuna and again his new car was immaculate and his driving very safe plus the added little things like cold drinks and nibbles at the end of the hike were welcome (we did transport only, and he waited out side the park for us).The walk itself was a total of 5.4km in length according to Garmin GPS and there was a total elevation gain of just over 500m. Total time for us (slower down hill than up hill) was just over 2hrs and 20min. So, it's not a walk for those with a very low level of fitness.We got luck with the weather, clear blue skies, amazing colours in the water and being low season not too many people walking. My tip would be start before 1030 as by the time we were leaving the 40+ seat buses were arriving and disgorging all of their guests.Highly recommend this trek if you have time and please make sure you buy your ticket the night before!!!!

You can only buy tickets online through SINAC Costa Rica website. You have to create an account to buy tickets & choose time of entry. We chose the first entry 8-8:40 A.M. We didn’t get a guide as we wanted to do the hike at our own pace…the trails are clearly marked with signage that explains the attractions. We completed the hike in 4 hours. Rating the hike as moderate. The park was beautiful & well maintained. We hiked different types of trails; paved paths, bridges, rocky trails, tree roots & some mud. The 250 stairs down to the waterfall are in good shape and dry as we went in February. The waterfall was as mesmerizing as I anticipated. The local legend story & the science behind the milky blue colour are equally fascinating. Expect rain in the rainforest…it rained on us for the first half hour. Use the bathroom before the hike as there are none inside the park…It would be nice if there’s one. Tips: Bring a light rain jacket, water & proper footwear. Parking is 2000 crc. Bags will be inspected at the park entrance. No cigarettes, vapes, single use plastics, food…

Lovely experience. A true wonder. We did the whole hike and everything was perfect. We hiked it without a guide and glad we did it that way. We spent as much time as we wanted in each spot. Wear hiking shoes, poles were very helpful. Have a pan go for drizzle or rain. Go early am. Make reservations in advance. Number of people on the trail is very well controlled. 10 out of 10 experience!

What a beautiful park.This is the best bang for your buck when it comes to the park admission fee.The trail is well maintained and fairly easy to walk. There are some steep sections on the way that may be hard depending on the shape you are in. The way back is downhill.We didn't see any wildlife, unfortunately, and regret not hiring a guide.This is a must-see.You are not allowed to go in the beautiful water, but at about 1 km down the road, you will cross a small bridge.That's the spot where you can go for a dip.During rain or just after a rainfall, it would be a muddy trail, and likely, the water would be too polluted to render its natural beauty.Don't miss this trail.PS: we rented a scooter and rode from La Fortuna. Thankfully, we had clear skies, and everything was dry. I'm an experienced rider, so it wasn't too bad on the scooter.However, it was very uncomfortable for my wife in the back.The experience was priceless, though.

we went in December and Just missed the rain as it started right after we hiked out! Perfect timing. I heard if it rains before you go, the water may be brown, but luckily for us it was very blue. The hike to the fall was beautiful. The funny thing is (and now I am learning its like this everywhere where instagram has made famous) is that there was a line to get down the stairs to the fall because everyone was getting their picture taken. But overall it was a nice day. Just remember to book you pass to enter BEFORE you get there online! It was a hassle to do once we got there because we did not do it ahead of time.

Awesome hike! Go do it! Bring water and hit the earliest enterance by reservation. If you like the stair master at the gym this is for you 😀

Such an amazing area with Rio Celeste. We saw lots of birds, snacks, the Costa Rican raccoon, monkeys, and the cool waterfall. The hike is moderately challenging with a steep incline on the way in. There are about 200 steps down to the platform for the waterfalls. You can't swim there. There mosquitoes. So, where bug spray and long pants and shirt.

4.7

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4.5

(1740)

Guanacaste Province, Guatuso, Costa Rica

3 lists

We had a great time at Diamante Eco Adventure Park!!! There is so much to do, you have to pick and choose. We did the Zipline which was the highlight of our vacation, the zoo, and the cultural experience. The zoo was excellent! The people working there were wonderful. They loved the animals and knew a lot about them. It’s definitely a place we would return to!

Great, fun place to take the family! Attractions for all ages. People are friendly and service is good. Unfortunately we only had time to do the Animal Conservation tour but it was so cool and the diversity of wildlife was top tier! All of the animal handlers were very knowledgeable and are super willing to tell you anything and everything if you ask :) Our girls loved it and at the end there is this really cool adventure park!

Had a lot of fun at the Diamante Eco Adventure Park! It was a great place to see animals, zipline, and spend the day in Costa Rica. We saw the promotional signs in the airport and decided to spend the day there. The website is easy to navigate and I had a few questions so I called and they were very helpful. Highly recommend if you're looking for an all-day activity. The Superman zipline is intense and I'm glad we did it.

Purchased the all day adventure package. With this you can either zip line, ATV ride or take a horse ride. 2 of use took the zip lines while mom and older kid went ATV’ing. Everyone had a blast.The all day pass entitles you to the buffet lunch which was really nice.Animal sanctuary is very impressive. Make sure you go to the early morning sloth feed at 9:30. The one later, the sloths slept through.Beach is wonderful and very beautiful. Kids loved paddle birding with mom while I kept watch from the shade.The drive from tamarindo is an experience. An adventure in itself. Mountain driving to river crossing. A lot of fun.

We chose the all-day adventure pass, and we're so glad we did.The park has a very "Jurassic Park" feel to it from the time you drive in the front gate, which immediately set the tone for adventure (minus the dinosaurs, thankfully).The zip line was our first stop, though we were a bit nervous, since none of the six of us had ever ziplined before. The fact that we first had to step on a scale was a bit unnerving - who wants to give their weight to anyone? - but I quickly realized that they take safety very seriously and knowing our weights helped them make safer choices for us. We all had a blast in the zip lines and would have repeated them over and over if it had been an option. The only suggestion I have is for them to provide goggles for the Superman line; you go so fast that the wind causes your eyes to tear up and you can't see anything.The last zip line dropped us off in the animal sanctuary, where we spent time looking at all the animals. It's obvious they care for their animals and have tried to create habitats for them that are "home-like".Lunch was provided with our pass, and it was typical buffet food, nothing to write home about.After lunch, we took the shuttle to the beach to enjoy some time in the water. Getting to hang out in the hammocks and take the kayaks out was a great way to end our day.I've read other reviews that complained about long lines and such, but that wasn't our experience. Everything was very streamlined and efficient, but that could be because we went during the off-season.

We toured the Animal Sanctuary and Cultural Tour.Animals - have very spacious and safe enclosures for each animal. You are able to get really close to animals. The feeding of Lucy and her companion sloth was so cool!!We then went on the Cultural Tour and met Kevin!!! He was amazing at explaining the coffee making process, we also made Sugar Cain Juice and Chocolate right from the Coco beans.Kevin was great!!!

Wonderful family visit to the Animal Sanctuary, playground, farm and cultural centre.Our kids loved and adults too. We got to see the Sloth and Jaquar feeding and were educated along the way as we visited the different animals from the experienced staff. I commend the shady stops where tables and chairs are set up to help reset, take a break and get out of the beaming sun at times.Thank you for having us.

We did the zip lines, animal sanctuary and cultural experience. Amazing all day excursion! The ziplines were really fun and have an auto-brake feature. This was scary at first but once you get used to it, its no big deal. The animal sanctuary was breathtaking. The animals were so close and active. The enclosures were beautiful and it was easy to walk around. The cultural experience learning about chocolate and coffee was really cool. Seemed like everyone there was enjoying themselves.

This place is a fun way to spend the day day however small children and anyone with a fear of heights will find much less excitement. There is an animal park/zoo which the kids liked however I'm against Zoos in general especially big cats pacing. The turtles, crocodiles, snakes etc seem more reasonably content. There is a low ropes course that's good for about ages 4 and up. There was a free lunch buffet included in our price which was a nice touch. The zip lining was very fun and took about 2 hours But of course there are age and weight restrictions. Older kids would Lso appreciate the cultural talk. The beach was small but nice and had some relaxing hammocks. It hot and dusty but there were drink options & shuttles to help!

This was an incredible experience and one I’d recommend to anyone visiting the area. The staff are friendly and there’s a lot of entertainment options available for guests of all ages.The cultural experience explores how sugar, coffee, and chocolate are produced, and you are able to taste all three.The animals are very well taken care of and have neat personalities!

Awesome zip lining and culture park. It was our first time zip lining and we absolutely loved it. There are 5 different runs with one being the Superman where you lay flat and go 60mph for a mile. It was so much fun and the views are amazing. You end up in the sanctuary so you can hang with the sloths and toucan birds. We definitely want to do it again. It’s 2 minutes from Riu resort.

We did the animal sanctuary and it was a really enjoyable experience. The animal habitats were very well done and we loved getting to see the sloths feeding. Getting to be up close to the Toucans was really cool. I’ve been to a lot of zoos and animal sanctuaries in the USA and this was definitely a great place to see and learn about the animals who had been rescued.We were there for 2hours. For the price I wish something else was included, like the botanical gardens or cultural experience, but overall I’m glad we went.

Was great. Did the cultural experience and was awesome. It comes with a discovery pass as well. The discovery brings you down the animal sanctuary.All types of amazing animals and very knowledgeable guides throughout the sanctuary or zoo.Book there to save on online fees.Call them and tell them your group size and they will be V expecting you.Couldn’t do it all in one day. Was able to come back the next day and finish.No restaurant but a buffet that is pretty good. $16. The people there are very helpful and nice. Highly recommend for all ages.Cultural experience we made our on coffee chocolate. Very good. Please tip.They work hard

This was an amazing day! Some of my group were afraid to do the Superman zipline (starts from a height of 80 stories), but those that braved it absolutely loved it and didn't regret trying.The buffet meal was pretty good and the staff everywhere were terrific.Best to book and arrive as early as possible to spend the entire day.

We had a great afternoon at Diamante Eco Adventure Park. Zip lining was awesome. There were lots of interesting critters for our toddler to see and learn about. Her fave was the butterflies and the toucans.Convenient location to the Riu. A few minutes by free shuttle. Perfect off resort experience.

Loved the Zipline portion of this adventure. The food on top of the hill was the best yet in Costa Rica. The chicken was good and the tuna pasta was great . Fried plantain yum.The view was most spectacular from there.The ride up via the bus or trucks to get to the zipline pavilions can be a bit scary for those not accustomed to hills.My only negative was there was no one at the foot of the hill to give is the tour of the animal sanctuary and no instructions were given to wait. So please ask about each step of the process once you get to the hill and not be rushed .

If you are traveling to Costa Rica you MUST check out Diamante Eco Adventure Park. I traveled to CR with a group of 7 women and a coworker told about Diamante. So glad she did because we all enjoyed our day there. We each purchased the Adventure Pass which is a full day pass (9:00a - 4:30p). This pass includes the Zipline which was amazing, animal sanctuary, cultural tour which was informative ans entertaining, plus a lunch buffet that was good and abundant. I also purchased the ATV pass and it was amazing as well. Don't second guess it, just purchase a pass and buy the photo package too!

This is a highly advertised experience in the airport and billboards across every town. It's a tourist attraction where locals wouldn't go but it's one of those things you do once and never again.We paid for the all day adventure pass online. The shuttles from parking, office and attractions are quick (less than 15 min intervals). We visited on a weekday and there were hardly any crowds! The check-in process was easy/quick.The animal park takes approx 1-1.5 hr to walk through. We loved the close-up 9am sloth feeding. There's 3 two-toed sloths. We also saw the 10am feline welcoming, where they released the jaguars. The enclosure glass is up close so you can really see them! One of the pumas was sad to see as it used to be a morbidly obese pet before it was in the park's care. There's also walk-in exhibits where you can walk among the animals including a 500 butterfly cage and toucan cage.The lunch buffet included in the all-day pass had a decent spread of food! There was a ton of fresh greens and associated toppings for the salad. The roasted chicken and beef fajitas were seasoned well but both terribly over cooked that they were dry. There's also American options like pizza, french fries, and bread. There's delicious fruit juices, iced tea, coffee, and rice pudding.Ziplining took a half hour in a small group of 5, fun superman zipline. However, the photo package costing $68 was not worth it!The all-day tickets also includes the culture tour, which our group ending up forgoing.

The ecological adventure park was very worth the hype and we had a great experience. While the place is most certainly catered towards families but the animals were great to look at and the zip line was a lot of fun. (Mind you weight limit exists at 280 lbs so if you’re a chunky monkey be aware you won’t be able to dabble)

Great experience! The zip lines are really exciting and well done. You end up at the bottom of the zip lines crossing a bridge across a pond with alligators. The animal exhibits have a good number of animals and a great variety. Highly recommend.

This was a lot of fun! Of course, you are charged tourist prices. $90 after taxes makes for a pretty expensive zip line given that it only takes an hour to do the 4 lines. However, the Superman line was one of the greatest experiences of my life as you are hundreds of feet off the ground and have a spectacular view of the area.

Fun, all-day family experience!Suggest early arrival as the waiting times at zip lines can get warm.Do zip lines first, enjoy lunch, then head for animal sanctuary or beaches.Animals well-loved, but please be kind to them…watched one family knock on capuchin’s glass until it rushed them in a rage. Late afternoon feedings at sanctuary get great caretaker and animal interactions.Lunch buffet tastes great!

4.5

(645)

4.5

(1530)

RIU Hotel 350 east, Guanacaste Province, Playa Matapalo, 50503, Costa Rica

4 lists

Beautiful beach —true meaning of rest and relaxation. Massages on the beach, some water activities and several places to enjoy a meal or a drink right on the beach. Little hotels with lots of charm and great service ¡Pura Vida!

Nice beach. Not the best sand around, but very decent. If you snorkel, go to the north side.

Found turtle holes this morning, dogs playing, people walking, amazing trees with character and views to die for. The restraunt is to die for. Tuna with ginger was my favorite so far, I'd eat here every night!!! I had a massage that was hard core but exactly what I needed to release the stress from traveling. It is a perfect combination at this paradise beach area!

Lovely beach plus plenty of good restaurants. Filled with locals on the weekends so you get to experience the real Tico culture.

Hermosa is a nice enough beach, with lovely views and plenty of sun or shade at your preference. The sand is soft and dark volcanic sand. The water is warm and clear, with little to no surf. There are rocks on the south end which are suitable for snorkeling, though I don't think you'll see much. There's is a lot of beach on the north end, and even fewer people. There is a dude who will collect money from you to park at the main beach access. Just pay him and don't worry about it.

Best beach we went to in Costa Rica. It felt very bright, it was beautiful (as the name suggests), and is a great spot to surf or swim. However, I'd advise only for strong swimmers/surfers due to the waves. As someone born/raised in Hawaiian if you catch it at the right time, there's some pretty serious waves.

Fantastic, secluded beach. The water was very calm and warm. I could have done without all the jet skiers ripping back and forth. Saw some stingrays, monkeys, and a huge iguana. Roberto’s restaurant had a nice happy hour, too.

Wonderful and beautiful beach. Clean and relaxing. A few great restaurants on the beach.

Really nice beach, not busy and clean.Today was a bit windy so the sea was a little rough, but it was ok as it was really hot too.You can walk more than half an hour along the beach enjoying the view.The only negative point are the jet-sky, really too much and the drivers are not very good…For a relaxing day could be a good choice.

Really nice and quiet beach! Stayed here the first week of May and I was not disappointed. Less than 30 minutes from Liberia airport as well. Sunset is amazing!

Quaint small town - nice peach area.

Very nice, black sand beach.

Beautiful beach with lovely views. The sunsets were breathtaking. The ocean is very powerful but that makes for great waves.

4.6

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4.5

(973)

Guanacaste Province, Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica

I loved it here - away from the majority of tourists and lots of wildlife. To see it you definitely need to take a boat. I organised one at the bridge very easily - I was a couple of hours early and they fed me some fresh fruit and as much coffee as I could drink. There were some cayman directly in front of the restaurant which kept me busy.

Wonderful place with mamy animals. Birds, caymans, monkeys etc. you can watch from the boat.

Perfect place to see caimens and birds. When you arrive, it is very easy to find a guide for a boat tour.

Beautiful wildlife refuge on the border with Nicaragua. Was there in 2011. We saw caiman, herons, bats, frilled lizards, iguanas and monkeys. The boat tour is very well done.

Excelente para el avistamiento de aves. Ojala se conserven estos lugares para siempre. Con solo el echo de que exista el pez gaspar en la zona es motivo para preservar todo el humedal. En una de las fotos adjunto un pez Gaspar vivo, la foto fue tomada cerca de ahi solo asi lo pude observar con vida.(Translated by Google)Excellent for bird watching. I hope these places are preserved forever. Just the fact that the gaspar fish exists in the area is a reason to preserve the entire wetland. In one of the photos I attached a live Gaspar fish, the photo was taken near there only so I could see it alive.

Fantastic wildlife, very close as boat drifted up and down stream. Definitely worth visiting. The drive there is tiring (so called Costa Rica massage 🤣😖) but the place is incredibly rewarding. We saw at least 23 species of bird and I suspect a lot more, plus caymans, crocodiles, lizards, iguanas, monkeys (at a distance), turtles

Para la observación de aves, para la pesca, para estar desconectado, para pasear, lo recomiendo al 100, buscar tour de bote, con Chamba o Rosy, son excelentes guías. La comida, el hospedaje, hay de todo.(Translated by Google)For bird watching, for fishing, to be disconnected, to walk, I recommend it 100, look for a boat tour, with Chamba or Rosy, they are excellent guides. The food, the lodging, there is everything.

Amazing place to see lots of birds and reptiles. You must have a guide, as without one you really wouldn't see much. I never knew that huge iguanas spent most of their time at the very top of trees, its amazing to see.I recommend you booking a tour for 10am, most suggest 7am, but that totally unnecessary.Also, I recommend if driving use the road from number 4, not 35. Road 35 has much more potholes and large rocks.

Muy bello paisaje hermoso desde la torre puedes tomar tus mejores fotos.(Translated by Google)Very beautiful beautiful landscape from the tower you can take your best photos.

Great time on this adventure, highlight to the trip !

Un hermoso lugar, una especie de muelle con información y bancas para descansar un rato y observar la gran variedad de aves que se encuentra en los alrededores, personal muy amable(Translated by Google)A beautiful place, a kind of pier with information and benches to rest for a while and observe the great variety of birds found in the surroundings, very friendly staff

We had a wonderful 2 hour boat tour seeing all kinds of wildlife. Our guide was amazing at spotting things and ta,ing us in for a closer look. Although the day was hot, being in a covered boat on the river was delightful. Recommended

Nice boat tour. We got to see Spider Monkeys, Congos, lots of birds, a caiman and they even let us get off the boat and we went searching for a beautiful orange howling monkey!Gustavo and our captain (forgot his name) where very knowledgeable and really friendly!We finished with a nice lunch!

Great fishing spot, great variety of birds🦩🦜🐦🦢🦆🦅🐓, boat rides are very nice and relaxing, I saw many crocs,🦎🐊🐢 and a lot of different types of fish, don't forget to bring mosquito repellent!🦟🦟🦟

Amazing reserve to see lots of animals .. much less crowed than Tortuguero and a lot more animals (dozens of caimans , crocs , birds of all kind .. turtles .. iguanas )We did tour with Pantanal Tour ,

Superb reserve in the north of Costa Rica. Monkeys, caimans, iguanas, turtles... and an endless list of birds. The reserve has to be visited by boat, after paying the entrance fee. You can arrange the boat trip in the village dock. I rented a boat with Gerardo, a local with experience that knows very well the area. He knows where to move to find the different animals and will take time to stop and show you anything along the tour. If you are lucky, you could even spot jaguar...

4.6

(1373)

4.5

(440)

Caño Negro Los Chiles Alajuela, Provincia de Alajuela, Caño Negro, 21402, Costa Rica

1 list

Stayed in the hotel for one night.We booked the superior room with mountain view. The room was very clean, well-lit and had all the amenities needed. The view was ok as we were on the ground floor under a small hill.The grounds were nice and the hot ponds/hot springs with the volcanic mud bath was really nice. It was included with the stay, and you can spend as much time as you want. We went there twice. Once the day we arrived and once before we checked out. We also went saw the waterfalls, and they were amazing.A lot of variety for breakfast which was included. We also had dinner there, and the food was over all good.We had a great time at the hotel even though the drive to hot springs and waterfalls was like 15 minutes on bumpy road. Having car rental definitely made it easier for us to go see the various attractions in the resort.

This place is so beautiful, comfortable and inviting. The staff is knowledgeable and professional. The rooms are clean and bright. The dining room is open and the food is fresh. It’s very very safe and protected. Everything is clearly marked and it’s easy to get around the park. The hot springs and mud are spectacular! Don’t miss it.

We were very happy with our stay hereGrounds - Well kept, clean and beautifulRooms - Clean and comfortable with A/CActivities - A lot to do here. It’s a great area for a family with a tonne or activities, great waterfalls, suspension bridges and hot springs. The hot springs has a variety of different heat pools which is nice.Food - Breakfast was included and the food was good.Safety - Very safe with lots of security to guard our items.Nice and close to La Leona. We are very pleased with this resort.

The Ranch is SO MUCH FUN. The accommodations are comfortable, I really loved the hammock on the porch. This place has everything from waterfalls to horseback riding to zip lining. If ever in this area again, I would definitely stay here again.

This place is worth every penny. The staff were very attentive to our needs. With all the waterfalls, pools and the hot springs included in the cost of the room you take can't go wrong. The entire property in guarded with a gate at the entrance so you are really in your own world. You must take advantage of all the hikes too each of the falls and pools. Most times we had the entire falls/pool to ourselves. Also there's is an over look that's maybe a quarter mile walk from the reception area... Walked there twice and was alone each time. The property around the hotel was filled with wildlife. We saw tons of birds (hope you don't mind to sleep in they go nuts in the AM) iguanas, sugar gliders. Kids loved it and so did we.

Excellent hotel. Great restaurants, with a few vegetarian and vegan options. The grounds are beautiful, though more spread out than I expected. There is a shuttle service to connect many attractions and points, however it only runs every 2-3 hours, so you need to time it well. Excellent concierge and staff for activity planning.

II live in Costa Rica. Have been here three times in the last three years. Expect a great time. Lodging is comfortable. Staff is very nice. Food leaves much to be desired. At best it’s ok. Most waiters are good, waitresses drop food off to never come back. I might leave 4 stars if they could get the restaurant working correctly. Poorly trained. This place is very safe.

My family stayed here 3 nights in the beginning of May. We highly recommend this location for the proximity to waterfalls, hot springs and hiking. Lots of activities are included in the stay but they also have other attractions available such as tubing, zip line and mountain biking but we didn’t partake in those. Also there is an extra cost to go to the National Park too. We went with our toddler (almost 2) and they had a crib available for us to use. The pool is kid friendly with a wading area. The buffet breakfast was a bonus especially with all the fruits for the little one. The hotel and room is very clean. We would go again and recommend to others.The suspension bridges can be sketchy with a little one, so I’d recommend using a toddler carrier so you can use your hands to hold on. Also water shoes came in handy at all the locations. There is change rooms at the mud area but none of the other waterfalls have this option but the hikes are short and do-able wearing a bathing suit.

We stopped here for a late lunch as our tour included lunch. The restaurant is located in the Hacienda hotel. The restaurant is very beautifully decorated as they were getting it decorated for the Christmas holiday season.We had the chicken and rice which was very delicious and full of flavor. They also included deserts which was also delicious.The staff was nice and friendly. Overall it was an excellent dining experience.

Extremely nice hotel about an hour outside of Libera, Costa Rica. Very hospitable staff. Very well maintained. Our suite was extremely nice, luxurious, and cozy. The bath has a big tub for soaking, the shower has 2 shower heads (a normal wall shower head and a rain shower from the ceiling), a door in the shower leading to a private patio, 2 sinks, and toilet. The room has a kind bed. It has a patio door leading to a backyard that has a great view and wildlife.There are 2 restaurants and a bar/restaurant on the premises.There's also several hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and hot springs that guests can soak in.There's zip lining, tubing, and tours of the national forest.AWESOME hotel!!!!

I was honestly pleasantly surprised, that it was such a nice place and I was able to relax and explore the nature there. The staff was very friendly and the rooms super clean. The whole property is very well maintained. I expected it to be some kind of amusem*nt park due to all of the tours and the tourist groups, which come there. But it was really not crowded and you could calmly enjoy all the beautiful places on the property and the National Park. The waterfalls and hot springs are just wonderful and there were only a few people there. As I said the staff is super friendly and they are really keeping the property in shape. The bed was comfortable and the room was overall spacious. The only reason, I can't give 5 stars, is the restaurant. Breakfast was just the same everyday and not a lot of choices. Taste was ok and the coffee was hot. In the evening, the quality of food is mediocre at best. Since it's not easy to get to other restaurants in this area, it would be such a nice thing, if they provided some good and tasty food. If they'll improve this, I'd give them 5 stars.

Great location with a lot to see and do. We spent two days there but could have spent another day or two checking things out. We spent our time hiking and checking out the hot springs. Waterfalls were beautiful and hot springs were really nice. Felt very safe staying here and enjoyed the complimentary breakfast. Would definitely recommend staying here.

Love this place. The waterfalls, the hot springs. You can hike, canopy tour, horseback rides.. too much to list. Air conditioning broke, three guys showed up to repair, back up, and running better than before in 15 minutes. They do a first class job here.

Wonderful Resort, so far our favorite stop in our Costa Rican trip that has encompassed the past 2 1/2 months.The room was as expected. Everything worked. Nice amenities, soaps, shampoo, etc. Nice towels, comfortable bed/ pillows. The towels were hit/ miss...sometimes we would get wash clothes and handtowels...sometimes we would not...Beautiful grounds, nicely landscaped. Toucans and Oropendollas in the trees. Parrots...iguanas.Easy shuttle service to the park. As well as the waterfalls and thermal hot springs. All free as a guest. Lots of activities and tours. You will stay busy if you wish.Food decent. Would definitely return.

Wonderful overall. The staff was kind and patient. The food was incredible, and the views were breathtaking. So many great memories from the excitement of tubing and zip lining to just relaxing in a hammock with a book during a rainy night. All around a beautiful stay.

I booked a full day excursion with this Hotel. It definitely was the cherry on top. You start off either doing horse back riding which is optional. Next, white river rafting which I never did before. Extreme zip lining & their famous Hot spring . We were able to eat at the restaurant on site which was absolutely delicious. I would recommend this tour 1,000 percent . Staff was very friendly and informative.

Let me start with the rooms (which is the ONLY thing I gave this place 4/5, only because comparatively to the VALUE of the rest of the property is blown). Our room was perfectly basic, 2 beds, television, and washroom packed with lovely smelling soaps + lotions (which is also made by the hotel).NOW, this is what you want to hear! This property is PACKED with spectacular activities (some included, some extra (but super reasonably priced!)). The ones that come with stay: waterfalls (multiple!!), mud bath, hot springs, and walking trials. The one activity we purchased was tubing in the water rapids. VERY WORTH!!! We went down a natural river for 45mins, some rapids, some relaxing points, just experiencing nature at its finest. We had SO much fun! Let alone the horse ride we took to location!!Every staff member is outstanding in helping you, super pleasant to have conversations with. Highly recommend this place, especially if you've only experienced the beaches in Costa Rica. This place will give you an amazing different point of view, up on the mountains.Thank you from Vancouver, BC, Canada!!

My friends and I stayed here for one night and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We could have spent more time here. The buildings and surrounding grounds are so beautiful. There is so much to see and explore free of charge for hotel guests. The hot springs and waterfalls were lovely. Check out is at 12 but you can enjoy the attractions until 4pm on the day you check out. We also went on a zip line tour which I highly recommend if you only have time for a short tour but want good value. I did get kind of sick halfway and they took very good care of me! The staff were very friendly and helpful. The included breakfast was great and set in a scenic indoor/outdoor restaurant. It’s not overly touristy but not exactly “off the beaten path” - somewhere in between

Great value- the rooms are a bit dated but include visiting all the waterfalls and the hot springs for free! If you have a rental car, you don’t need to book any of the tours- but you can’t really walk to most of the activities.Breakfast was pretty good too.

Wonderful place! We had a great time visiting waterfalls, hot springs, hiking trails. The waterfalls in front of the hot springs were my favourite! Not too intimidating, beautiful, each had a different charm.The breakfast was included and it was very good variety of everything. Lots of fresh fruits! I would go again for sure!

Traveled Jan 2024 with kids ages 10, 12 and 14 and we have a great time. Rooms are very roomy with patio/ balcony + hammock, staff very pleasant and most important excellent location. Hot springs , waterfalls, adventure center ( horseback riding, tubing, zip lines ) on property. Important to know that you need a car to drive to waterfalls, hot springs.

This place is a one stop, all the things! Horseback riding, biking, tubing, repelling, waterfalls, hot springs, mug bath, pool, amazing food, a resident iguana that lumbers through the yard, birds, and a volcano. All run so efficiently! The rooms are clean and spacious. We had a couple resident ceiling lizards, so no bugs inside! The biking trails are not for beginners. That's where they lost the 5 stars. There wasn't much explaining how difficult the trek would be. Aside from that, it is an amazing resort with a small town feel.

My friend and I stayed there for a night last week. We absolutely loved the hotel and would definitely go again. The location was perfect since there were lots of activities around. They offer free shuttle at different hours to bring you from the hotel to the waterfalls/volcano/spa. Rooms are very large! The air conditioning worked well and we always had hot water. Breakfast was good with lots of options and fresh fruits. We also had dinner there (not included). The food was so nice and so were the drinks. There is also a nice fireplace spot (bring repellent though!). We had a massage and I would definitely recommend it. Check-in was quick and easy. I would recommend this place! 🙂

This is a weird review because there is so much in one place.We rode the horses, Dean in the waterfall, them ordered a la carte at the restaurant and had some phenomenal whole fried fish while watching the toucans fly to the tree right outside. The staff were delightful and the restrooms clean. My overall view is that if they have something you would like to do you should do it here and book direct to save a bunch of money. Skip the buffet and order from the menu.

Great place for vacation. Roads are great all the way to the hotel. Many activities well marked, great service and nice trails. Everything organized beautiful gardens and areas to relax like the fogatas or fire pits with chairs around and lights great please to sit and share with friends and family

We stopped here for one night before our flight home from Liberia. This hotel was definitely the most disappointing part of our trip. For the price (this was the most expensive place we stayed our whole trip), we expected more.The hot springs are amazing, that was by far the best part and it would be worth it to visit them without staying at the hotel.The rooms were just okay. The AC didn’t work very well so it was pretty hot in the room. The shower had lots of hot water though, which was nice. The food at the restaurant was not great, and as others have noted, it’s the only place to eat anywhere nearby, so you’re kinda stuck overpaying for their food. We had better meals literally everywhere else we ate in Costa Rica.Also, the waterfall hikes are only open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, even if you’re going just by yourselves without a tour guide. We woke up early and got to Oropendola at 6:20 am, hoping to beat the heat (it was a high of 100 F!) and see some cool wildlife, only to find that the waterfall hike didn’t open for two more hours. I spoke with staff and tried to ask if any of the hikes were open earlier, but they seemed annoyed with me and just said I should’ve been told all of this when I checked in (I wasn’t, I was only told the hours for the National Park and the hot springs). Since we had to leave to make our flight home, this meant we didn’t get to do the waterfall at all. I wish the hikes were open Dawn to dusk like most hiking trails, when wildlife are most active.Finally, the hotel charges a fee for anyone visiting the National Park to use their road, which is the only road that leads to this particular entrance of the National Park. This didn’t affect us because we were hotel guests, but it does seem exorbitant and unfair that they can restrict access to part of a National Park in this way.

4.4

(2243)

4.5

(659)

208-50101 Guanacaste Curubande, Liberia, Costa Rica

3 lists

This National Park is ♿️accessible friendly for the first few hundred meters or so. The pathway is made of concrete and is a flat even surface. As you go deeper into the trail there are stairs that are low effort. There are bathrooms only at the main entrance before the trails.I hiked 4 miles (6.4km) in the park with bad knees and had no issues! Take your time. It's worth the trek and you will see so many amazing plants and animals all around you.

Arrive and be in the trail before noon…1200!This is the most important piece of advice. You cannot visit the waterfalls or do the long volcano hike if you are not on the trail by noon. Also note that it is a minimum of six hours to do both hikes (volcanoes and waterfall). Lastly, the main crater is closed. The mud and sulfur ponds are still accessible and amazing to see.All in all it was a great experience. It rained almost the entire time we were in the park so being good rain gear and water shoes to hike in.We saw no wildlife while we were there. I’m not sure if that is typical but the flora were amazing. Lots of different varieties of flowers and trees. The trees especially were both majestic and ominous.Pura Vida

Be prepared to walk into primordial times when you enter this park. We went in January, and the sun was still searing. Add to that the heat from the sulfur pits! Very cool to see the earth bubbling beneath your feet and expunging hot gas into the air! We also walked under some very old trees with sloths in them, as well as saw iguanas and lizards chilling on burning rocks.

It's a nice short foot trail around a volcano where - with some luck - you can see monkeys, turkeys and iguanas too.Of course, the main attractions remain the volcano and the sulfur ponds, some of them with bubbling mould at over 120 degrees Celsius.It's really best to do the walk early in the morning to avoid the heating and humidity that comes later in the day.

$1.20 to get in. It's a two hour hike each way (4hr total) to cangejo falls but worth the hike, most of it is in the jungle but definitely make sure to bring water. There is another shorter loop too but doesn't take you to the waterfall. Monkey, butterflies and lots of wild life for your viewing pleasure. Wish you could summit the volcano though.

Highly recommended, it’s a place where you can see fumaroles, boiling pots, acid lake, have a proper 5km hike(one way) to a beautiful waterfall and have finally have a refreshing swim.If you’re lucky enough, you may see some wildlife too. We saw a snake catching a bird, for example.

It is a very beautiful park. The volcanic part is easy to explore (with little kids or also by older people), while the waterfall section is more difficult as it is much longer and difficult in technician term. There are 2 different waterfalls, both in the same direction, the farest of which is catarata la Cangreja (photo).

It's an easy 1.5 hour walk on a maintained trail, where you can explore volcanic activity in its raw form.

Absolutely stunning views of the fascinating geological wonders of nature. The hike can get tough at times, but the views are always worth it at the end of each trail.

We really enjoyed seeing the vulcanic activity on the short circular walk; the boiling water pool, the mud pools and the gasses escaping from the earth.Next we hiked to the Cangreja waterfall which is really nice as you will walk through different landscapes.We did not encounter too many animals, except for an iguana, some pretty birds, big butterflies and angry monkeys.

There are a few cool sights, but overall it was quite a disappointment. It is supposed to be a national park, which I understand includes a park entry fee, but the 800 colones per person that the hotel charged just to enter the area was ridiculous. The road was not even in good condition, so it’s not like paying a toll. The hotel employee would not accept most of our US dollars, because they were folded. He wanted pristine dollars with no folds or creases, which we did not have, and he kept asking for “better” dollars. He was quite unfriendly.Once arriving at the actual park, it was easy to navigate. We paid $15 USD per person online to enter the park. They did not have any paper maps and told us to take a picture of the map with our phones. We did not see many animals, though we searched extensively, and after about 2 hours, we decided to just leave. I would NOT recommend this tourist trap. 2 stars because the trail was well-maintained and easy to navigate, but everything else was a let down.

It's such a beautiful natural sight to see in Costa Rica. We rode Horseback to the beginning of this Waterfall and walked right to it. There are some steep steps that lead to the waterfall--maximum capacity is 2 on the hanging bridge. The water was so cold, but after sitting in the water for some time, it's not that bad.

Went on the 3 km hike. So much to see on that loop incl mud pots, little volcano, hot pools etc. also saw some wildlife: spider monkeys, cane toad, and two types of snakes (very small ones from a distance). Hike is low-medium difficulty with board walkways and well maintained trails. Some roots etc to watch out for.

Lovely hike through a well marked path. There are different highlighted areas to explore. Mud pots and streaming areas to see.WE also saw butterflies as well as monkeys in our walk.Recommended for the whole family.Take care because of the sun in some areas. Also bring bug repellent.

This was a wonderful hike through a vast forest area, sprawling hills, and wonderful waterfalls. I definitely was not expecting this trek and was pleasantly surprised by it. It was enjoyable to say the least. I would note that at times it can become quite a walk for younger children or older adults, so plan your time accordingly and pace yourself. Otherwise, enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Beautiful place to visit. If you like hiking, there are two trails for hiking. The scenery is beautiful. Make sure you are carrying water and snacks with you. Hiking poles will help.

We hiked to La Cangreja Waterfall in November. It was muddy and rained on us during the hike back but absolutely worth it! Several monkey sightings, tons of butterflies and leaf cutting ants. The diverse ecosystems that you hike through are stunning and beautiful! We hiked later in the day and had the waterfall to ourselves. Check out our video on YouTube. Search for Wandered Off

Only did the 4 km section. It is nice but those mud and steamy area stink sulfur. There are also lots of stairs or steps which may be a problem in high humidity for some. The waterfall is 10 k away and on private land so more $. Finally and most important you need to book online tickets ahead of your visit.

Beautiful and powerful volcano. Drive to Las Pailas - Volcán Rincón de la Vieja.Coming from Liberia is 40 min drive, the road is ok and you don’t need 4x4.At Hacienda Guachipelin you will have to pay 800 colones per person as a fee. Then follow the road, it’s a free parking area.Locals $3 and Tourist $15. You can book and pay in advance or there, during high season the park could reach 600 visitors per day.It’s a an easy 2:30 hours walk, first 5 stops with diferentes levels of mud pot, water pot and fumarolas from the volcano, then a pleasant walk throw the park.Usually you can see monkeys and Iguanas at least.

4.7

(3081)

4.5

(645)

Guanacaste Province, Liberia, Costa Rica

It was a good experience, been to better .. didn’t really see any of the indigenous on this tour … did find out that sloths 🦥 carry syphilis .. 😲 no.. what’s up with that one though

A really unforgettable day out! We arranged an ATV tour in the morning, and horse riding tour in the afternoon and the whole day was really fun! Organisation over Whatsapp worked out really well, they spoke great English, which made everything easier for a bunch of none Spanish speakers, visiting Costa Rica! 🤦All the staff were super friendly, which made us feel really safe and comfortable!Also, the pick up which they included made things super easy for us!Thanks guys!

We loooooved loved loved this ATV tour!!!! Would HIGHLY recommend. Views are beautiful, and staff is excellent. We had Popeye as our guide, and he was the BEST!!!! It was pouring down raining, and he kindly waited until the rain slowed down, and still allowed us to have the allotted time for our tour. He was AWESOME and always made sure we were safe. Beautiful, beautiful views!!! Thanks again, Popeye and Hacienda familia! ❤🧡💛

The horseback riding was the best part of my visit to Costa Rica. Popeye was an excellent guide. He took good care of us. I look forward to my next visit.

Did horseback riding here, was great! Guides were friendly and the price was very fair. Bring sunscreen and water as they onlyProvide mini water bottles

If your looking for a great Tour while in Costa Rica this is the place to go. We did both the horse ride and Atv tour on separate days and neither were a disappointment .. situated on a breathtaking 800 acre property that offers you great scenery along with amazing views of the country side and coast you will not be disappointed.. The facilities are immaculate the Atvs are mechanically sound and the horses are well kept .. the guides are knowledgeable very personable and lots of fun . We saw a great deal while on both trips and not to worry if you do both you are taken on different paths so you don’t see the same thing .. either tour stops in the woods to let you see the many monkeys living in the wild.

We had the absolute best time horseback riding with “Popeye”. We ended up going not once but twice during our week stay at Dreams Las Mareas. The landscape is beautiful and they truly take the best care of their animals. Each horse was turned out to the pasture immediately after each ride. I ride frequently — and these were the most behaved horses I have ever seen at a dude ranch / horseback excursion.Can’t recommend Adrian & Popeye enough!

Great spot if you want a horseback riding tour while visiting this corner of Costa Rica.It’s ideal for beginners and advanced riders alike: although I’m an intermediate dressage rider, my boyfriend is a complete beginner and we both felt equally safe and engaged during our ride. The horses are calm, docile, and sure footed for the hilly and rocky terrain.The guides are passionate about animal husbandry (this is a ranch as well) and love their horses. They showed us the traditional Costa Rican tack (it’s basically a western saddle) and let us help tack the horses. This is not something that most riders ask for but if you go with a small group I recommend calling ahead and asking if you can tack the horse / spend time with them beforehand. It gives you an opportunity to get to know your horse before riding.The course is on the ranch’s property, which encompasses many many mountains and fields. We easily rode for 1.5 hours without touching the same area twice, and it is completely secluded from public traffic. During your ride you will see cattle, other horses, wildlife, and the pinnacle of the ride is a brief rest on a mountain top with gorgeous views.We found this ranch via the tourist office within Dreams Las Mareas but I am sure you can contact them directly as well. If you - like myself - are passionate about riding horses on your vacations, Hacienda El Cenizaro is an ideal spot for you.

Super fun! 1st time for me and they made it suoer simple for me to learn how to drive the atv.We stopped to see some cattle , monkeys and a beautiful scenic view which was breathtaking!. We searched for a sloth but did not find one. The experience overall was amazing and lots of fun!!

Great place for horse back riding. Great staff and horses are kept in good health. It took about 2 hours to do the entire trail. Got to see plenty of animals and the view fro top of the mountain is amazing. Jeff and Gilberto were great guides. Thank you to both of them. 100% recommend them . We booked our tour with Amstar in the lobby at Dreams Las mareas.

Great Experience, wonderful time! Este`ban was an awesome tour guide! Very knowledgeable and friendly!

4.7

(92)

5.0

(525)

3km Oeste del Parque de La Cruz 935, Provincia de Guanacaste, La Cruz, 51001, Costa Rica

6 lists

Seulement beau au couché du soleil. L'eau est très froide avec des résidus sur le bord de l'eau, le sable est brun et l'eau semble sale. On ne sais pas baigné et peu de gens se baignait. Même pas le goût de mettre ta serviette sur le sable. Il fessait 38 degré celsius c'est décevant.(Translated by Google)Only beautiful at sunset. The water is very cold with residue on the water's edge, the sand is brown and the water appears dirty. We don't know how to bathe and few people bathe. You don't even want to put your towel on the sand. It was 38 degrees Celsius, which is disappointing.

PSA to not believe everything you see in pics. Beach was dirty and water is gross. Don't go here if you only want beach and sea time. Total disappointment.Great views of the beach if you go high up enough though. Town is your typical beach town (I enjoy beach towns so that was fine with me).

truly an amazing place. so pretty. the water is great fun to play in tho u do need to watch out for sting rays

I was scammed in this area, don’t trust anybody here. The beach itself is quite unpleasant, maybe it looks nice at sunset with the boats, but I wouldn’t go swimming here.

Amazing place!

•November 2023• a beautiful beach with perfectly warm water and a great place to watch the sunset. Also some great waves to swim in.

Huge beautiful curved beachfront full of bars and restaurants but also easy to find privacy and get away from it all.

Nous nous sommes jamais baignē là mais avons mangé dans plusieurs restaurants qui l'entoure. Mon enfant avait des cours de volleyball 🏐 deux fois semaine. Et plusieurs coucher de soleil que j'ai apprécié. C'est une jolie ville ❤️(Translated by Google)We never went swimming there but ate in several restaurants surrounding it. My child had volleyball lessons 🏐 twice a week. And several sunsets that I enjoyed. It's a pretty city ❤️

There's definitely better beaches in the area, but it’s nice to watch the sunset. Everytime I came to this beach in the late afternoon, there was always volleyball games taking place on the beach and several people hanging out and drinking while waiting for sunset.

One of the best places to visit in Nicaragua! Ambience is excellent! Great places to eat and to have fun! You must go to visit the christ statue up the hills.

Beach town vibes with a party atmosphere.

Beautiful views, water is amazing! The weather, restaurants, shops and street vendors make this alot of fun!!

A beautiful sunrise and sunset - if you want a great spot with live music and free entertainment; walk down to the beach volleyball and sit on the bleachers to watch the sunset!Grab a beer from the bar next door and enjoy!

4.5

(267)

4.0

(941)

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

+29 other lists

A very spiritual place . You don’t want to leave this place once you’re here .

Pools were very nice. A lot of flies around tables which was a bit annoying. Food in restaurant is not great but a nice way to spend a few hours. Well shaded and really nice water.

I would spend one night only on this island, rent an ATV, go to the waterfall, explore around see the volcanos and come back the next day. There are cute little bed and breakfasts around, but just make sure you book your trip ahead of time so you can bring your car into the island.

A must for every Nicaragua trip! The island is beautiful, calm and has a lot to offer. I'd recommend renting a bike to explore the island. Additional plus: Hardly any mosquitos!

Amazing, peacefull island with two vulcano and lot of beautiful places for visit. I reccomend lent there motocycle or ATV better than car because many roads are really bad to see many places like waterfall, playa mangos for sunset or ojo de agua. I came here in off- season so places were empty so it was good. But in some places i felt like after some catastrophic dissaster some building or docks were empty like after nuclear accident i felt there like in chernobyl.

Amazing island. We loved our time here exploring the jungle and volcanos. The nature is fun to explore and the views of the volcanoes are just stunning. Very fun to ride around the island on a motorbike or Vespa. So much to do and see! Ojo de agua swimming pool, horseback riding tour through the jungle to see monkeys, amazing volcano views. Incredible and unique place!

Lovely island. Moyogalpa is worth staying in for around 3 days and it’s definitely worth hiring a scooter (~$18 for a day) and heading out to Santa Cruz/Balgue way

Beautiful place. Just make sure you plan it well and consider being there for 7 days or more

One of the best, best places to go in Nicaragua 🤍✨ it’s really gorgeous 😍 I fell in love with the natural beauty everywhere. 💘

4.7

(756)

4.5

(815)

Nicaragua

1 list

Paid $10 entry with $5 credit to spend at the bar. Lovely spot to chill and enjoy the rope swing. Best to arrive early to enjoy the sun while it is quiet.

A dream! Just take into consideration the water is colder, but I do advise you to arrive as early as possible to make the most of the day. The food was amazing and they do take card payments which was perfect. I recommend you to bring a padlock to use the lockers.

really nice beautiful and chill place. Nice spot to jump to the pool. The water are fresh and cold and feel great. Everything around is lush green. Nice thing to do on Ometepe.

A beautiful pastoral place. Admission is $5 per person. There is an arranged parking lot, a restaurant and good service. The water is relatively cool, there is Tarzan, swings in the water and plenty of shade, the place was a bit crowded but there was room for everyone to sit.

Beautiful cold water pool with fun swing. The admission is $10 but they give you $5 credit towards the bar/restaurant (and the mojitos were super cheap!). Lovely place to spend a couple of hours cooling off.

This the cleanest most natural place I have ever visited in my life. It is a freshwater spring from a volcanic mountain which has been cleverly dammed to create an Olympic sized fresh water pool with zero chemicals. It is located in a dense and verdant rainforest on the Island of Ometepi in Lago Nicaragua. You can only get to the island by ferry. If you are able to arrange the trip, it's a must. So very beautiful.

Perfect place to get some refreshing. Entrance is $10, but you get $5 in return for food / drinks. There's a 45 minute walk too which takes through this small jungle, we saw some howler apes which was great but other than that the hike wasn't all to spectacular.

Way overpriced, feels like a scam the way they give you $5 credit for the bar but then the prices are very inflated and the food looked awful. We were shocked when they asked for $10 each for what is essentially a swim in a pool for max a few hours.It’s nice water and a reasonable setting but busy and just not worth it when there is so much to see on the island.

Ojo de agua still remains as an excellent place to visit. The clear waters and surrounded by nature makes it excellent and refreshing. The fact that they allow you to bring your own drinks even of they do sell themselves is genius.

Great place to spend a couple of hours! Entrance was 5$ per person, and if you come in the morning 8am you probably be one of the only one there and that without any bugs!And don’t forget to grab a fresh coconut, with or without the rum 🍹

USA Traveler: My friend and I went here and had a wonderful time. Highly recommend! It's 10$ a person for a day pass. They have bathrooms at the parking lot but they also have showers and changing rooms closer to the "pool". It's apparently volcanic spring water, whatever it was was nice. There is a restaurant there and bar. Maybe a shop or two. Lots of chairs and tables to claim. We left our stuff out of sight for around 20 minutes and it appeared to be untouched. There's a rope to play on, swings in the pool, and a Tarzan swing to jump into the pool. No lifeguards. Wheelchair accessible to the pool. Some stairs that are wide going into the pool. The pool is surrounded by plants/jungle and even some go into the pool. Very cool! It was very shaded and so no sunscreen was needed.

Really nice and refreshing place. Very clean too. 10$ (5$ entrance + 5$ to consume). Recommended ❣️

I loved this place!! We spent a good amount of our day here. The water is so cool and refreshing that you just don’t want to leave. My kids had so much fun and want to go back. This is one of the spots we will keep coming back to.

Beautiful place, relaxingNatural volcanic water (not hot) pool, with clean relaxing area, chairs. 10$ Fee (getting 2 drinks for free). Free walking trail (35 min) on the mountain, with animal view.

It's a cool place to relax but every time you pay for something at the bar they assume you don't want the change. Guys, you have to deserve your tips, not extort the money.Also, the trail walk is not free - it costs $2. Big part of it leads through muddy banana fields - only animals we saw were birds, lizards and cows. Maybe there are monkeys sometimes - I don't know.

Beautiful spot to chill out and relax. Was a little busy but we had chairs to sit on. Some loud groups but to be expected! Great rope swing, cheap beers ($2.5) and chips $4

Great place to swim and relax with a drink! $10 USD entry but you get $5 credit to spend within the resort so perfect for a couple co*cktails. The water is lovely and clear and cool after a long day of scootering around the island!

The pool itself was nice and refreshing, but quite crowded with almost no place to sit (maybe because it was saturday) and the entrance fee is quite high for foreigners. When you go there don't miss out on the nature trails ! I was the only one there and saw so many monkeys, parrots, vultures and more :)

Fun crisp refreshing natural spring water. Relaxing. Runs from under the nearby volcano. Large Iguanas or Howling monkeys surround you. $10 entry but it gives you a $5 drink. You choose. Great restaurant service. Food is brought to your lounge chairs or table. Incredible setting.

Don’t miss going there if you visit the island, some people take a ferry to come here and return same day!Very nice natural water among the trees.$10 entry with $5 back on food or drinks.Changing rooms available, showers, playground and parking.We enjoyed the Tarazan swing.Food was good too but not the smoothie

Great spot to come to if you’re in Ometepe! You could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon here. It’s $10 entry but that gives you $5 to spend on food or drinks once inside. They have a great menu and plenty of drinks from coconuts to co*cktails. The springs are stunning and so refreshing. Crystal clear!

The most beautiful place on the island, a must visit. Costs $10 to enter which can be paid in cordobas and by card as well. This includes $5 to spend in the restaurant/bar. It’s just a short ride from the main road to the car park. The water is a nice refreshing temperature and there’s even a rope swing. Other than the insects it’s almost perfect. Staff are very nice as well. The food is average but it did come quickly.

Great place to cool down from the Nicaraguan heat. Fun little natural pool. Can spend about half day there. After reading other reviews, I did not try the restaurant.

Beautiful Nature! Water is sooo clean and refreshing! Very Very Very fun!👍Great spot to hang out with the family, Always finding something new and exciting!

Beautiful place to spend the day. $10 to enter but $5 towards a food voucher. Other people in the comments are saying food and things are cheaper on the island but this place has been made nice, safe , and relaxing. To me, it is SO worth it! Came here as a group of 4, we swam, had smoothies, played card games and watched some young local boys doing tricks off the rope swing. Must do on the island !

The location was nice and not too crowded in the afternoon. Enough space around the clear pools to relax, but not a huge area.The entrance was rather pricey though (including a mandatory 5$ voucher for food/drinks); the service at the bar/restaurant was very poor (very long waiting times to order and pay, many items on the menu weren't available).

Great place to relax and cool down from the heat.It was $10 entrance but you get $5 back to spend on food and drinks.We had lunch here which was lovely and the prices are reasonable.Great facilities to change and shower.

We had fun here with the rope swing and refreshing water, but it felt like a cheap waterpark. I can imagine for someone who doesn’t spend time in clean lakes very often its a nice place but I wouldn’t return for $10.

4.5

(3489)

4.0

(1006)

Tilgüe, Nicaragua

1 list

Nice boat trip out to the islands in Lake Nicaragua. Enjoyable with lots of flora and fauna particularly bats and monkeys to see!

Hundreds of small Islands.Some have hotels, monkeys, Bars…

Es realmente hermosooo,en un tours privado,nos hicieron recorrido a las isletas,y nos dejaron por 3 horas en una pequeña iska con restoran y piscina,muy bonito(Translated by Google)It's really beautiful, in a private tour, they took us on a tour of the islets, and they left us for 3 hours in a small iska with a restaurant and pool, very nice

A very nice boat ride to the isles of Granada lake.

Beautiful islands off the coast of Granada. We took a boat tour to see the different islands and it is definitely recommended if you are anywhere near. Our favorite island was the one that a Veterinarian bought a long time ago in order for the local monkey population to live in. It was great learning about the history of the Islands and who owns which one. Will definitely love to do this tour again if we are ever back in Nicaragua.

Great place to spend your vacations in Nicaragua. This is one of the most beautiful places in this country with a great variety of animals and plants.

From our hostel we could book the tour for 15$ and it was great! We were the only two in the boat and our guide, Lorenzo was amazing, telling us about the islands and local wildlife. The hightlight was monkeys jumping aboard the ship, just an all around amazing experience.

This is a really fun experience where you can explore Nicaraguas islands called “Isletas”. Some activity’s are fishing, kayaking, visiting the monkey island and get boat tours. Its around 45 minutes away from Managua the capital city of Nicaragua. Beautiful place to go 100% recomendad. Thank you for listening, have a nice day hope I can see you around in las isletas de granada one day.

Great place, did Kayak Tour with Vladmir Kayak and was great

4.7

(174)

4.5

(1945)

Nicaragua

7 lists

We had a wonderful experience recently the tour was great and very informative. Our guide spoke very good English and we had a taste of many chocolate items. We ended up purchasing many items from the store. A very nice way to spend an hour or so. Don't forget to try their brownie. They are delicious.

Great quick tour of the chocolate museum as part of the free walking tour.We were shown the cacao trees and how to blend them. The guide was great and very knowledgeable.We got to try lots of free samples of chocolate, rum and tea.We defo will go back for something in the cafe.

The museum tour was cute. Pretty quick and basic, but it was informative and the guide was fun.The guide is also the salesperson for the gift shop. They offer the tour for free, and ask you to buy stuff. Sounds reasonable, right?Except that all the cacao and chocolate we bought was the worst cacao and chocolate I have ever tasted. Literally, the worst. All of it was burnt. It's the first time I've tasted burnt cacao and chocolate like this. It's not a good taste, there is no desire to eat any of it. And it wasn't isolated to one item - we bought 4 different items, all of it the same. You can definitely get better cacao/chocolate elsewhere, don't buy it from this gimmicky shop.

The Chocolate museum is a must see if you find yourself in Grenada. The story they tell, from Cacao plant to our plate is incredible, delving into the history and modern day production of Chocolate. There is a guided tour in English or Spanish, and the staff there are cooking chocolate delicacies to be tried by customers. Amazing presentation and great sampling options as well.

Silvia was the best. We did a mini workshop. It was such a wonderful hands on experience. If you're in Granada and feeling like making your own chocolate. 10/10 recommend

We had a short tour. The guide Kenny Wonca is such a fascinating, interesting, engaging person. Really made the experience phenomenal!

Absolutely amazing! Really loved how they walked us through the whole process. My husband and I got to try a little of each of their products and honestly we walked home with quite a few things. Antonio was our Choco King and it wouldn't have been as amazing without him.

I’ve been on a couple of chocolate tours in and out of Nicaragua. I wouldn’t say this was the best, or most interesting one, but it was still enjoyable. The best part was obviously sampling some of the things they had in the grift shop. We absolutely loved their chocolate tea, and their brownies were so good!We also visit them to go swimming in their pool on hot days. The pool was absolutely filthy, so as a guest I’m not sure how the hotel is. But the chocolate tour was okay. I don’t think I would pay to do it again though.

Free quick tour is useless, guide isn't quite knowledgeable. Seems just memories the script. The chocolate is very poor quality. I could sense sugar pieces under my teeth.

We brought our 3 kids, ages 10,8 and 5 and enjoyed the workshop with Antonio. He did a great job explaining the entire chocolate process from its history to actually making it, which our kids enjoyed! We sampled quite a bit of chocolate as well:)Definitely a tourist thing to do…but enjoyed it for a day out of the sun and visiting a new city in Nicaragua.

Let me start with how beautiful and amazing this place was! Antonio, our tour guide and one of the talented chocolate makers, showed us every step of the chocolate making process. From learning when the plants are ready to harvest to getting a feel for the work those before us had to put in to make things out of them, it was an experience I recommend to everyone who visits granada. There is so much to do and see, but this place was an absolute masterpiece. Also, they have samples!!! My family, 2 kids, my spouse and I, and his parents really enjoyed all Antonio and the chocolate museum had to offer. I do believe we will be coming back in the future, if only for the chance to say hello again and enjoy their delightful rum. They also had tea, brownies, and different amounts of chocolate in each of the sweets, so you are sure to find something you like. 10/10!

Had a chocolate making class with Brandon and bought some chocolate. The class was fun. Brandon was very knowledgeable and energetic. Learned a lot about chocolate. Probably worth $25. I also bought some chocolate which strangely was not very good. The bars were all chrystalized and blooming (cocoa butter separated from the chocolate) I ended up just melting them in some milk for rather expensive hot chocolate. My guess is they were sitting on the shelf for way too long. The Nico tella was ok but very expensive and didn’t taste like the sample. Again probably too long on the shelf. Overall, the class was fun but I wouldn’t buy anything from the shop. Very poor quality and way overpriced.

Highly recommend the tasters. It's free with a tip at the end if you enjoy. You learn a lot while getting to sample chocolate rum, brownies, tequila and much more

I have been to many cacao/ chocolate museums around the world. I certainly have to see that although not the best one I have been it was still a fun experience. We took what the called the “express tour” which was 45 min were we ended up making our own bars of chocolate 🍫. The staff were nice, even tough some seemed a bit tired and ready to go home. I would still recommend it to anyone visiting Granada specially with younger familiy members. 👍🏼

We were limited for time so could only do the short 'free (tip-based) tour' and it was EXCELLENT. So informative, interesting and fun. We have a fair level of Spanish so opted to have the tour in Spanish. Our guide, Yesareli, spoke so clearly for us which meant we were able to understand everything. She made it great fun with lots of hands on interaction. We tasted/tried a whole range of stuff at the end; chocolate drinks, nibs, body creams etc. We really enjoyed this 20 minute experience and would highly recommend.

Museum part is tiny. I didn't go during the free guided one so I just wandered and read. You can walk around the mansion. This is one of 2 chocolate places I found in the area. You can read the info on the posters. There is a nice garden to chill in, I got a traditional drink a Pinolillo. It was interesting, I am glad I tried it but necessarily a repeat drink for me.

I visited the Chocolate Museum simply for a chocolate fix, although there are multiple activities one may sign up to do if you wish to actively participate in the process of making chocolate yourself.I stopped in on a weekday late morning. There was no waiting to be seated to order drinks or desserts.I ordered a Willy Wonka bowl for $8 that was much larger than I expected.. fruit on bottom; banana, watermelon, and pineapple with chocolate brownie and ice cream on top drizzled with chocolate. Whoa, it was a lot!The chocolate was delicious, which was mostly all I was interested in eating along with some banana for variety.We also sampled the chocolate martini (yum) and a chocolate crepe. The crepe was non-traditional and a bit crunchy. The chocolate itself was very good, but it was not the crepe fix we were looking for.Altogether, I think it's a fun adventure where you will find the chocolate fix you crave and possibly learn a thing or two if you sign up for the full experience.

4.4

(942)

4.0

(1286)

Calle Atravesada, Granada, Nicaragua

2 lists

4.6

(3581)

4.5

(1344)

Nicaragua

+8 other lists

4.5

(1008)

Nicaragua

1 list

Going to the rooftop of the church and being able to walk amongst the snow colored domes was such a treat. You have to remove your shoes but you are treated to a beautiful view of Leon from the walls of the church. By the way, if you join the Free walking tour of Leon, this is part of the tour and you get to view the sunset on the top. Bring some cash to enter the roof. Definitely a special place and memory.

Perfect place for sunset. Arrive at 450 and buy your tix at the rear of the church. The entry is right hand side of church to climb the belltower. What a view! Didn’t get to watch sunset due to nice storm

We were blessed with a slightly overcast day in December, which makes much better photos. I think they might pressure-wash the top of the church every now and then, because photos I've seen look much whiter. However, the dark spots on the roof just added to the photogenic quality. The inside is very beautiful too, with several large oil paintings and a pretty altar. We paid USD $2, I think, to go to the roof.

Beautiful church offering amazing views of the surrounding by walking on its rooftop!Expect to pay $3 (you can pay in cordoba as well) per person

Very beautiful church to visit and a must see while in Leon. Go to the rear corner outside to purchase tickets to visit the top. Cost is $3usd pp and walk on the same side around the corner towards the front to enter the narrow hallway up stairs. You must take your shoes off once up top to enter the roof areas. Very quiet early in the morning and pretty much had the top to ourselves.

Cost me $2 USD to enter the top. Hours are 8:30 - 12pm, 2pm - 5pm

Unique experience, walking along the rooftop of this ancient cathedral. Having walked the roof of the Vatican (Rome) or Duomo De Milano (Milan), I am not going to compare. But the peace and solitude of this very locale, cuddled by a very mellow and serene village surrounded by ancient volcanoes can be quite unique! After removing your shoes, you are allowed to survey the vast countryside via the most prominent local in Leon. Nicaragua is a humble, straightened country, and this is a peaceable local.

It costs 107C to enter, and you can walk to the roof. It’s very white out there and it looks nice. You can see the volcanos from here.

The rooftop of this place is really really beautiful, I definitely recommend going to catch the sunset, you can go up like at 4:40 and spend an hour there.You can take really nice photos with all the white domesThe ticket shall be bought at the back of the cathedral

Extremely beautiful cathedral. Going to the cúpulas was the highlight. I was able to take some beautiful pictures. I am no photographer by any means, but just for my memories, and I’m happy with them. Friendly people up top, but not at the entrance. That could use some work.

Nice place to visit. You have 20 minutes up and you have to take out your shoes. You can see about 8 volcanoes and the view is nice. If you pass by Leon, it’s a good stop!

While I think it’s a beautiful place, I really didn’t like the treatment of the employees. Nobody told us there was a time limit for the visit, so after spending some 20 minutes on the roof, an employee came and asked us to go down. In this case 3$ is too high price.Also, they demand to remove shoes but employees themselves walk with shoes. This doesn’t make any sense to me. The rules must be same for everyone.

Beautiful church! For $3 USD you can walk on the room. They have you remove your shoes (unsure why) and you are limited to 25 minutes.

It costs $3 for foreigners to go up. You have to buy the tickets from behind and then go back to the cathedral so you can go up the roof. It’s a must visit in Leon

Beautiful piece of history. If you are into old churches, architecture, you will love this place!

Tickets to get to the roof are cheap, you can buy them in the back of the church (only cash) and access via a lateral entrance. You’re asked to remove your shoes before accessing the white surface.

4.8

(2454)

4.5

(812)

Calle Rubén Darìo, Av. Central Nte., León, Nicaragua

6 lists

Beautiful volcano, red iron, white manganese and yellow sulfur deposits. The hike is a medium difficultly up. Heavy winds and can take an hour. The actual boarding itself is 300 meters up and takes less than a minute to get down.When I went down it was like two hills. The first was slow and meh but the second was more inclined and I ended up toppling over. All good though. Tours can be $25-30 and require minimum of 2 people. I went with "Via a Via." A guy took pictures the whole time because it's hard to record as you're going down. It also included free pickup from hotel, free shirt, and free drink. I even bought a bandana for 70Lempiras or $2USD. You must bring a bandana!Other than that. Have fun and enjoy the adrenaline.

The trek up is not difficult and took more than half an hour. Great view at the top of the volcano. Extremely windy at the top. Waiting for sunset was the icing on the cake. Beautiful panoramic view. Going down the volcano was a totally new experience, it took about 10-15 minutes to glide down the moving, sliding volcanic pebbles. It was not easy and some really enjoyed the descent

Was beautiful out there, though we thought the slide would be more extreme:)

Great place and unforgettable experience.

Trail was a challenge for me, but I am out of shape. The experience and view was worth the effort.

A few of us went volcano boarding a few years ago, and even if had just gone for the hike and views, it would have been spectacular. Boarding itself was great fun, but make sure you cover up as much skin as you can... and bring water!

Don’t miss this adventure! We had a great time enjoying the beautiful views! The hike up is fairly easy and takes about +/- 30 minutes. Coming down is much quicker;)

It is worth the drive to head up to and to check out. We had a guide to help us go up to the volcano. It’s a scary experience, because the higher you go, the windier it gets, and the trail gets alittle steep, but one you are on top of the volcano it’s all good.I did not realize it was still active (I’m ignorant...);because some steam was coming out from the volcano, and it felt hot too.Once on top you get a great view all around Nicaragua. And we got to watch the sunset, and sled down afterwards!Great experience!

Volcano boarding is of course the main reason people come and I did it too but volcano itself is much more attractive than volcano boarding. Hiking up isn't hard even with the board. On the top, the view is amazing and you can feel the heat if you touch the surface. Try to dig just a little bit. You can see steam coming out of it.

Awesome. Had so much fun with our group. The views are beautiful.

4.7

(271)

4.5

(1151)

Nicaragua

5 lists

Picacho is a tall mountain, people can enjoy walking there are trails if you love walking.Night time has a magical view to the city.Restaurants were you can enjoy your favorite drink and foodSafe place for families, good security.

Returned to my country for the first time since coming to the States. It was emotional and so amazing! I'm amazed at the beauty of my country!

The park is worth visiting. I would recommend at the evening. The view is amazing at the night .But my only concern is with the ticket prices. There are multiple tickets in this park to visit the attractions. Instead they can have just one ticket for everything. The prices of the tickets are completely different on day and evening.The park is well secured and maintained.Lots of food stalls inside the parkI also observed people were celebrating parties inside the park with families and friends.The Mayan ruin was spectacular. It’s well maintained and worth the visit.I would highly recommend this park to families and friends. But just be careful with the multiple ticketing.

What an amazing place to visit! The energy at the statue is UNBELIEVABLE! Certainly a must to visit!

El Picacho is one of the main spots in Tegucigalpa to visit. A good place to relax and chill with family and friends and overall breathing good air. Recommended for kids, particularly the night visits, however the entrances tickets to the park are higher after 5 PM.

It's a great place to spend family time

So fun! So much to do, and see. Climbing the Mayan ruins was the best view of Jesus Cristo and the city. Thank goodness we don’t use the old airport! Great day!

A beautiful place. Used to come over here as a child and now going back brings the good memories. It's a safe location of you're planning to take your cameras and staff is nice. Super well organized

The best viewpoint in town! Worth the walk here. In good weather, you can see Tegucigalpa in all its glory.

If you want a great view of the city and breathing the freshest air possible this is your place! You can see both main cities (Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela) at its best! Plus you can visit at night for a little more than the regular day fee!

I can't come to Tegucigalpa and not go to Parque el Picacho. The view of the city is fantastic, I love the Ziplining (they call it canopy) and the statue of Jesus on the top. If you drive there type in Google Maps "Paseo El Picacho" and once you arrive keep going up for about half a mile because I wrote Parque el Picacho and it was giving me a very long way through the back of the park rather than the shorter way through the front. They also have a park, a Pyramid and Barbecue areas, They also have restaurants and Snack and fruit bars. It is a very popular weekend destination. The entrance is only L60 (about $3 US Dollars) and the entrance to the Christ Statue/ park is L30 (about $1.50 US Dollars) and as far as the parking attendant a L20 tip will suffice (about $1.00 US Dollar)

4.6

(6249)

4.5

(439)

Carretera a El Hatillo, 1455 Calle Morelos, 11101 Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán, Honduras

4 lists

5.0

(6)

4.5

(498)

Belize

6 lists

We went for Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark/Ray Alley Snorkeling tour. Guided snorkeling helps to point out turtles, fishes and sharks. Enjoyed the 3-hour experience … the tour operators will register with the Marine Station. Good viewing possibilities.

Snorkelled as part of our tour from Ridge & Reef Adventures. Lots of boats and each operator has to get their spot from the Marine Reserve office on a boat off to the side. The tides can be quite strong, but nothing serious for a good swimmer. Lots of marine wildlife to see.

We booked with Searious Adventures and it was great! We noticed on the way there that all of the boats had normal chairs and were in a rush to get to each location. Our tour let us lounge on beanbag chairs while the guides started by pointing out the different stingrays and marine life in the area so we knew what to look for. When we got to Hol Chan, they talked about the history of the location dating back to when the Mayans came there. Afterwards the prepped us up and let us go in. While trying our best to maintain a safe distance, it was insanely cool to see how amazing these creatures are. My favorite animal is a stingray so seeing them gliding around with the sharks was so beautiful.

An abundance of marine life! Such a beautiful spot. Not a super deep diving area but it’s absolutely stunning. Good for diving or snorkelling. Shark ray ally was a really great experience.

Amazing. You will see so much wildlife here and the coral does look healthy. The main problem is how many boats are there at one time.

My family of six spent a week in San Pedro. One of our first stops was snorkeling in Hol Chan with Ecologic Divers. We had such a good time. So many sharks, rays, and a vast assortment of marine life. I don’t like snorkeling as much as diving but this was really a stellar experience.

My wife's favorite snorkel spot so far, swim with nurse sharks, I mean touching and all. Lots of sea life. Bit of a long haul boat ride but yes worth it.

Ok guys if you want an epic experience you have got to add this to your list of things to do. I have done this so many times in the past 5 years. I take every person I can out to do this as it is one of the best experiences ever. The guides are always amazing. It is worth every penny you will spend on this.

Hol Chan was amazing and breathtaking! We did a guided snorkeling trip, and this was one of the stops. We swam with sharks and all species of marine life, got to see all the natural coral in the open sea. Definitely recommend this as an excursion if you're looking for something to do. The waters are clear and beautiful, it was amazing!

An absolute fantastic experience snorkeling here. All kinds of tropical fish, rays, and we even saw a sea turtle. We also swam with the sharks. It was intense but awesome.

I followed a family of Spotted Eagle Rays here for around 15 minutes. 2 adults and 2 little ones. They did not seem to mind me swimming with them. I was at peace and hypnotised by their grace. Even though I also saw such a diverse range of wildlife here like manatees, sea turtles, sharks and lionfish - the Eagle Rays were the highlight. I saw more stuff here in Belize than the Great Barrier Reef in Aus. Paradise. Anyone into diving simply must come here

We all went snorkeling here and were able to see a variety of sea life! We did a booking tour that brought us here. It was fun and busy!

I've been snorkeling more than a few times, and this was by far the best experience. The Coral was alive and there was an abundance of marine life. It can get a little crowded out there there are many resorts all coming to this particular reserve due to its quality morning is by far the busiest but the afternoon you may not have as clear of water or visibility. This is a must do if you're in the area there's also divers there but I would much rather recommend Blue Hole over Hol Chan period

Fantastic spot to snorkel and dive. We have seen many animals like sharks, turtles, sting rays etc. Very clean water and not too crowded. We made a snorkel trip and enjoyed it very much. Highly recommend

This has been the best snorkeling experience of my life. Certainly trumped Hawaii and the Great Barrier reef in Australia. The way its set up and being able to see the slow yet steady decent of the reef was amazing. Still teeming with life and not but a 10 min boat ride from San Pedro coast.

Our tour guide was Pepper, very knowledgeable of the sea life, awesome guide! Pepper explained everything to us before getting in the water. He made us feel comfortable. Although I didn’t stay in the water as long as the others, I can say that this was the best experience ever. Thanks Pepper!(First time in Belize. First time snorkeling)

Everything was perfect...from pick up to drop off. Kind, funny, professional staff. Bird pointed out sooo many different things and made swimming with sharks safe and exciting!!

A must see and do when you are here. You see nursing sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and all kind of fish swimming along the coral reefs.. beautiful 😍

4.9

(608)

4.5

(7083)

2 Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro, Belize

6 lists

We went for Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark/Ray Alley Snorkeling tour. Guided snorkeling helps to point out turtles, fishes and sharks. Enjoyed the 3-hour experience … the tour operators will register with the Marine Station. Good viewing possibilities.

Snorkelled as part of our tour from Ridge & Reef Adventures. Lots of boats and each operator has to get their spot from the Marine Reserve office on a boat off to the side. The tides can be quite strong, but nothing serious for a good swimmer. Lots of marine wildlife to see.

We booked with Searious Adventures and it was great! We noticed on the way there that all of the boats had normal chairs and were in a rush to get to each location. Our tour let us lounge on beanbag chairs while the guides started by pointing out the different stingrays and marine life in the area so we knew what to look for. When we got to Hol Chan, they talked about the history of the location dating back to when the Mayans came there. Afterwards the prepped us up and let us go in. While trying our best to maintain a safe distance, it was insanely cool to see how amazing these creatures are. My favorite animal is a stingray so seeing them gliding around with the sharks was so beautiful.

An abundance of marine life! Such a beautiful spot. Not a super deep diving area but it’s absolutely stunning. Good for diving or snorkelling. Shark ray ally was a really great experience.

Amazing. You will see so much wildlife here and the coral does look healthy. The main problem is how many boats are there at one time.

My family of six spent a week in San Pedro. One of our first stops was snorkeling in Hol Chan with Ecologic Divers. We had such a good time. So many sharks, rays, and a vast assortment of marine life. I don’t like snorkeling as much as diving but this was really a stellar experience.

My wife's favorite snorkel spot so far, swim with nurse sharks, I mean touching and all. Lots of sea life. Bit of a long haul boat ride but yes worth it.

Ok guys if you want an epic experience you have got to add this to your list of things to do. I have done this so many times in the past 5 years. I take every person I can out to do this as it is one of the best experiences ever. The guides are always amazing. It is worth every penny you will spend on this.

Hol Chan was amazing and breathtaking! We did a guided snorkeling trip, and this was one of the stops. We swam with sharks and all species of marine life, got to see all the natural coral in the open sea. Definitely recommend this as an excursion if you're looking for something to do. The waters are clear and beautiful, it was amazing!

An absolute fantastic experience snorkeling here. All kinds of tropical fish, rays, and we even saw a sea turtle. We also swam with the sharks. It was intense but awesome.

I followed a family of Spotted Eagle Rays here for around 15 minutes. 2 adults and 2 little ones. They did not seem to mind me swimming with them. I was at peace and hypnotised by their grace. Even though I also saw such a diverse range of wildlife here like manatees, sea turtles, sharks and lionfish - the Eagle Rays were the highlight. I saw more stuff here in Belize than the Great Barrier Reef in Aus. Paradise. Anyone into diving simply must come here

We all went snorkeling here and were able to see a variety of sea life! We did a booking tour that brought us here. It was fun and busy!

I've been snorkeling more than a few times, and this was by far the best experience. The Coral was alive and there was an abundance of marine life. It can get a little crowded out there there are many resorts all coming to this particular reserve due to its quality morning is by far the busiest but the afternoon you may not have as clear of water or visibility. This is a must do if you're in the area there's also divers there but I would much rather recommend Blue Hole over Hol Chan period

Fantastic spot to snorkel and dive. We have seen many animals like sharks, turtles, sting rays etc. Very clean water and not too crowded. We made a snorkel trip and enjoyed it very much. Highly recommend

This has been the best snorkeling experience of my life. Certainly trumped Hawaii and the Great Barrier reef in Australia. The way its set up and being able to see the slow yet steady decent of the reef was amazing. Still teeming with life and not but a 10 min boat ride from San Pedro coast.

Our tour guide was Pepper, very knowledgeable of the sea life, awesome guide! Pepper explained everything to us before getting in the water. He made us feel comfortable. Although I didn’t stay in the water as long as the others, I can say that this was the best experience ever. Thanks Pepper!(First time in Belize. First time snorkeling)

Everything was perfect...from pick up to drop off. Kind, funny, professional staff. Bird pointed out sooo many different things and made swimming with sharks safe and exciting!!

A must see and do when you are here. You see nursing sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and all kind of fish swimming along the coral reefs.. beautiful 😍

4.9

(608)

4.5

(7083)

2 Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro, Belize

5 lists

Oh my there aren't enough words to describe the staff and this little get away. We had two stops in Mexico on our cruise and Maya Chan is the only one I can say I truly loved. This place is outstanding!!! The staff is absolutely amazing and made our anniversary trip the best! The food was so fresh and delicious!!! The drinks were spot on and never ending. We had a little cabana area that was so relaxing and tranquil it lulled you to have a siesta after you ate. The staff made sure that you were back in plenty of time before your ship left. I will be back to Costa Maya and to Maya Chan. Cozumel has nothing on this little piece of paradise.

We absolutely loved our time here! After a short walk we found staff that were awaiting our arrival to take us to the beach. The entire process was smooth and they explained the issues they were having with the seaweed and offered us a refund (of course we didn't take it). After checking in they then loaded us up and took us to the beach. The entire drive was around 20-30 minutes. Once at the beach we were welcomed and shown around. The dogs and cats there are great and all of the staff were so friendly. We were then shown our spot on the beach and began our stay. The service with drinks was amazing as there was always someone coming around seeing if you needed anything. The food was being prepared during the morning hours and was served at lunch time. They also showed us how to prepare guacamole which was really fun! Overall this place was fantastic and we can't wait to return! 1

Absolutely do not miss an opportunity to visit here if in Costa Maya. I stumbled upon this while searching for day trips while on our cruise. SO glad we did it. The service was excellent and very accommodating. My daughter is a vegetarian and they prepared a special dish. The food and drinks were delicious. We've been talking about the fish, chicken and steak since we departed. Well, my daughter hasn't, but the other 3 of us have!The palapas are a wonderful touch. A huge thank you to Maya Chan Beach for giving us a perfect experience!

We absolutely loved our time here! The service was amazing, all the employees seemed to really enjoy working there and wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of. If you reach for a water toy, an employee will literally run over and help you get it into the water. They were so helpful and always checking in on us. We even got our own private little hut to stay out of the sun, we enjoyed having our own reserved spot so we didn’t have to worry about saving chairs. The food was incredible, the best fish tacos I’ve ever had. The drinks were delicious and the employees had great drink recommendations. We will absolutely be going back!

We visited this beautiful place a couple of weeks ago. Although the water wasn't clear due to the recent storm, the staff and food made up for it. Manel, I think is her name, was absolutely amazing. The owners were so friendly and welcoming as well. When we first got there we started with the guacamole and then had the delicious tacos for lunch. We also had a massage that I would recommend everyone to add on this trip. Thank you again the owners and staff for making this an amazing experience.

We visited here this week from the carnival jubilee. I must say they treat you first class and the property is beautiful and so relaxing. They even waded out to my 7 year old daughter on afloat to give her a milk shake. The water does get a lot of sea weed which isn’t their fault but the service and property makes up for it. A little piece of heaven with the best staff ever.

Nice spot. Amazing service! Beach a little small with lots of seagrass (they clean it throughout the stay) and some rocks inside water (caution). Food and drinks very enjoyable. Not far from cruise port but the street to get there is awful, never had such a bumpy ride and it takes around 30mins because of that.Would come again! Service is the best!

I would give them 10 stars if I could.The staff and owners are incredibly friendly. The beach area is great as you get your own seating for the day. Smaller all inclusive which is great because you get dedicated service, wifi, kayaks, paddle boards, all the gear is included. Did was AWESOME, and the massages were a MUST DO. One of the best I have ever had. Per other reviews, yes there can be some seaweed, but they keep it very well managed. This is a must do if you are in the area. TRAVEL IS INCLUDED IN THE COST!

Amazing service and good food and drinks, overall super relaxing spot on our cruise. Would highly recommend. There was a lot of seaweed on the beach but they were very forthcoming with the situation and accommodated well. Quality massages for a very cheap price as well!

When we arrived at the meeting point by the pyramid, we were offered a full refund due to excessive seaweed (sargassum) at Mayan Chan Beach. Management previously emailed the refund option to us but we were on a cruise and didn't notice. Waveringly we hopped on the bus for the 30 minute ride/back massage😉. The vehicle was very nice and the road was pretty bumpy but it was fun ride through Mahahual and then south along the coast.The property flourishes with greenery and is enchanting in its beauty. They had a spot picked out for us which included two comfy chairs, a beach bed with a canopy right on the Caribbean Sea on the Mayan Coast.The allure of our emplacement was only surpassed by the service we received. The chicos y chicas of Mayan Chan could not have been more attentive and engaging. The staff share in their responsibilities so requests were quickly and joyfully met.The lunch served was fantastic as were the co*cktails. The carnitas was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!This was an experience that we plan on repeating promptly and plentifully.

Wonderful little beach resort. Everything you would need for a relaxing day. They cater to the cruise lines and are very flexible about pickup and drop off times. Great value. David and Julieta are amazing hosts. Looking forward to next time.Massages are available as well.

Where to begin?!?!?! The whole group of people are exceptional! Luis was our server.... our drinks never ran dry! He was attentive, funny, perfect! Axel and Andi (the bartenders) mixed delicious drinks! They catered to our tastes and provided perfect recommendations. David was a great host and made us feel welcome! Hands down, our favorite person was Julie! She made us feel like family!Our day was amazing! We ate our fill, drank to our hearts were content, relaxed in the comfy loungers and beach bed. We were so impressed that we have already secured our reservation for December 2024! You are missing out if you don't visit this slice of heaven!

This is such a hidden gem. The staff are amazing and professional. We will be back! The ride to get to it is half the fun! They did let us know due to being on the other side the water right near the beach is not as clear as at the Port. They keep it natural. This was not a problem for us the water felt amazing! If you go to Costa Maya check out this place! The food alone is worth the money!

My family & I spent the afternoon here during a cruise stop in Costa Maya. Maya Chan was very laid back & peaceful. The food was superb and the service was very friendly and fun. Our kids (ages 16, 15, and 10) had plenty to do on the beach and our private seating area was just right for us. I definitely recommend this place if you're looking for something low key and on the water.

Maya Chan is one of our favorite places to go when we Cruise Royal Caribbean! We love their welcoming staff, delicious food, stunning view of the ocean, and fantastic bar service! They even have Wi-Fi so you can catch up on your emails, YouTube, and all things relaxing! I got a massage from Cindy which was not included in the package but so worth it! They are very professional and I absolutely loved it! I highly recommend going!

What a treasure! Best vacation day of my adult life, seriously. Small and family owned, all inclusive. The food was amazing, it wasn’t over crowded, every single person was attentive and accommodating. We felt so pampered! I will absolutely go back the first chance I get. I cannot brag on this experience enough, we just enjoyed every second of our day. Thank you to the owners and staff, we just love your crew and the way you make your guests feel at home.

Amazing! So peaceful, beautiful, and serene. The water is gorgeous and pristine. The beach is picture perfect. They have everything you could possibly want for the perfect day in the ocean. They bring you drinks, chips, guacamole, and pico when you enter. They then bring you all the drinks you could possibly drink. The Mayan lunch was soooo good! The wait staff and owners were so kind and welcoming. It is a little bit of a drive but so worth it. Don't miss this place!

We just returned from visiting Maya Chan over spring break and had an amazing time. This is the PERFECT way to spend a day in port in Costa Maya. The team did a fantastic job from transportation, to check in at the resort, to impeccable service throughout the day. The location is the perfect location of rustic, with charm and a great view. The owner was onsite and checked in regularly. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting the port who wants something a little more authentic and more charming than staying in the port for shopping and the large pool area.

We were a group of 18. They picked us up at the pyramid at Costa Maya and drove us to the beach. Greeted us with drinks when we arrived and took us to our cabana. Service and food was excellent. Brought drinks to you in the water. Everyone had a great time. At the end of the day they returned us to the port. Everyone loved the place and had a great time. Only downside is the water was tea colored as there is a river just north of the beach and the current moved the dark water south.

4.8

(437)

5.0

(1907)

Carretera Mahahual - Xcalak Km. 6.5, 77976 Mahahual, Q.R., Mexico

9 lists

Closest beach to Costa Maya, Mexico. Excellent place to spend the day on the strip with super cheap beer and food. Good for scuba right on the shore, no boats needed.

Great beach. Lots of choices of restaurants, shops, and services. It is a $4 cab ride from the cruise terminal. Shop for a good spot on the beach when you get there. They are all right next to each other.

Water was very clear, warm and in nice tones of blue and light green. Sand was great as well. U can find a lot of restaurants, souvenir shops and small coffee bars on the beach also.

The beach is vary dirty and full of seaweed.Because there are lots of seaweed, the locals fence off the beach and then there are like small, shallow pools in the sea.We did not enjoy this beach. The shops on the sidewalk are cool and fun to walk around there.

10% of this beach is accessible and it cost to be the boss. Federal pere is the place you can access for free. Don't waist the ride up ocean because it's all Funky seaweed.

This beach has so much potential but it has been commercialized. You'll be frequently approached by people wanting you to go to one of the private restaurants. Most of the beach is gated to keep the sargusm seaweed away.

Did this “excursion” Costa Maya tours from ship $65 USD for shuttle to and from beach (return is by taxi but they wait till it’s full before it will return) snorkel was guided- they attempt to show you marine life- they offer life jackets for inexperienced swimmers. Reef is grey-bleached in many spots. Offered kayaking and “free drinks” after snorkelling.Beach chairs provided.Lots of paid food options and lots and lots of people coming around to sell you bags, bracelets and flowers made of green straw.Not as relaxing as I would have liked.

The people are like mosquitoes and won’t leave you alone. Always trying to sell you trinkets/junk. Water and view is nice. Nice strip of shops. Prices comparable to America so don’t expect to get a good deal on anything.

Very Beautiful Village. Great for families, couples and friends. You can practice aquatic sports, fishing or just swim and lay down eating ceviche and having a drink. they have great seafood. make sure to try lobster!!!!

Mahahual is a small fishing village converted in a tourist place.You can find nice easy scuba diving reefs, with a lot of experienced guides.It has some sargazo but you can enjoy a pleasant stay.

Nice beach, but the restaurants took over the place. There are chairs and tables everywhere

The beach is not big and don’t have much sand. All of it is occupied by thousands of tables/sunbeds so you can’t really escape paying for a place to stay. The sea is very shallow and full of nets… Closer to the lighthouse is better. During the day it is full with people from cruises but after they leave it’s very quiet. The best part is the little town, with little shops all along the coast.

Mahahual Beach was amazing. The water was crystal clear and so clean. The beach was well maintained with lots of seating. Our excursion offered us an open bar and clean restrooms maintained by the employees. Make sure to bring cash with you as there are a ton of local street vendors with lots of yummy fruit and street tacos and corn cups. Bartering is a big thing with the vendors so be aware.

4.6

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4.5

(1619)

77976 Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico

We visited the Mayan ruins with a group from pre-purchased tickets through our cruise trip. From the cruise port, it took an hour but our host made the trip seem shorter as he gave lots of great information. We rode in a comfy air conditioned bus with lots of room. Getting to the ruins, there was a little shopping center. Walking through the park was nice and not crowded. We saw spider monkeys walking about and were able to climb some of the ruins. I would recommend anyone interested to visit at least once!

Nice Mayan ruins city. Tour is active and beautiful to experience. Wear sneakers, no exceptions. Be ready to climb!

A historical/ancient site to definitely visit in Honduras. A tour guide will make the experience better and educational. The place could have some info-panels for tourists.

We did an excursion through Norwegian Cruise Line. Worth every penny. Our guide was Morales. He was knowledgeable and very funny. This was our first tour of Mayan ruins so we don’t have anything to compare too but it exceeded our expectations. The monkeys were especially entertaining.

Great place to visit! There are not many tourists so it is a really great experience to visit the ruins and have them basically for yourself. Temples are really impressive so it is definitely worth visiting.We even saw some spider monkeys there so it was a very good experience for us.

Such a beautiful site. The paths were easy to walk, but there is some steep climbing up pyramid steps at points. We saw wild monkeys in the trees on our walk. The scenery is amazing. We used native choice as our tour guide and they were amazing.

Beautiful site and outstanding views. The guides are great and very informative. Cute little shop stalls that we got some cool souvenirs from. If you want to get the full experience, be prepared for some moderate physical exertion to climb the numerous steps.

What an amazing place! Such incredible history! All covered by jungle until 1972...Original mortar holding these massive pyramids in place is mind boggling. Note if climbing the stairs on these pyramids that they are uneven and of varying heights...it is easy to fall ( which I did) so be careful!!! Great jungle vegetation and a spider monkey in the trees!

Visited these Mayan ruins while on a Carnival cruise which stopped in Costa Maya. These were the largest ruins I had seen at the time, and they were very impressive. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and very engaging. This was a great alternative to the other excursions from the cruise, and the whole family loved it.

We rented a car and drove. We arrived about 30 minutes after it opened and got a guide, definitely worth it to hear the history. She told us about the trees and plants, as well as the ruins. Showed us where allspice comes from, MMM smelled so good. Having been to Citizen Itza I was expecting more carvings. There are almost none, so just be prepared that this is a different experience. The temples were incredible, but the village space was just as magical as you could imagine people living in the area. There is lots of shade in some areas but where the main temples are it is very hot. We felt lucky that we were there before your buses and had almost no people around. By the time we were leaving it was starting to get busier.

Probably the most up-close ruins experience on the planet. There is no hands off rule. We had an excellent guide, Carlos, from Toucan tours. Book online and save 50%, over ship sponsored excursions. Plus the gift shop was extensive without the pressure.Carlos asked us if we wanted to try some street tacos on the way back to port and everyone was in. Great, but simple food, at a fantastic price. My Bride and I each had a beer and 3 tacos for $5!

We really enjoyed this trip! We saw several Mayan temples, one of which we were able to climb to the top. We walked through the ruins of the Mayan village and saw some spider monkeys zipping through the jungle canopy! Our guide, Dennis, was very knowledgeable of Mayan history and language! He also gave us two tidbits of potentially life changing advice, "If you see a Jaguar, don't try to touch it!" and "When viewing monkeys up in the canopy overhead, keep your mouth closed! The trails can be slippery and a little muddy in some areas, so wear sturdy walking shoes that can handle rocks and light mud. A hat, cool clothing and insect repellent is a good idea. Also I noticed a few wise travelers had small folding fans that helped hold the heat and humidity at bay. The Yucatan peninsula can be rather warm. Overall, a great trip!

A beautiful piece of history that was easy to get to from our cruise port. Everyone we encountered during our visit was friendly, kind, and talkative. I'd love to spend more time here.

It is a fantastic place to visit, right in the middle of the forest and close to the Belize border. It takes 45 minutes driving from Mahahual. The site has 5 main buildings and many more still to bring to light. It is said to have a total of around 200. Local guides are available. The tour takes about 1 hour and in order to take pictures or film you need to pay a 4 dollars fee. To be honest, I didn't see anyone checking it, although I have paid for the permit. The site is mostly accessible. However, the main building is at the top of the hill, and you have to climb some steps. Not accessible to everyone.At the entrance there is a small café, a souvenir shop and toilets. If you enjoy chewing gum, I advise you to buy a pack of the original one. Produced locally and organic. It's completely different from the nowadays ones. If you visit the place in the rainy season, I advise you to use mosquitoes repellent.

Chacchoben Ruins are a must-see if you want to explore without feeling overwhelmed in the cruise port, I booked through cruise line, and it was an hour trip to and back. Bring cash, and don't be afraid to negotiate for souvenirs. And be prepared to walk, pack water, sunblock, and a portable fan.

One of the older Maya Ruins you can visit in Mexico. There are multiple sites at Chacchoben that you will see, learn about their history and some, even climb. Each step felt so high. There are roped off areas, which you should not cross. There is a lot of walking between the sites, but it was not strenuous. A piece of history that is worth visiting if this is an option for an excursion on the cruise

Out of all the Mayan Ruins that I have visited, this is the best. Ruins still covered by jungle overgrowth as well as many that have been restored.Be sure to bring bug spray/Off, after the month of March.

Chacchoben is a very nice and accessible Mayan ruins site. We visited as part of a cruise excursion. Only an hour from the port of Costa Maya. These temples are not huge but they are still very cool to see.

Vraiment exceptionnel ! Site perdu dans la forêt, balade agréable et ombragée avec des singes et des oiseaux, le site est magnifique avec de belles pyramides en hauteur, des vestiges de places et des temples. On a vraiment beaucoup apprécié, détour vivement conseillé si vous passez par la route proche !!!Pas de repas possible sur place, si ce n'est des chips et boissons.(Translated by Google)Truly exceptional! Site lost in the forest, pleasant and shaded walk with monkeys and birds, the site is magnificent with beautiful pyramids high up, remains of places and temples. We really enjoyed it, detour strongly recommended if you go via the nearby road!!!No meals possible on site, except chips and drinks.

This was amazing to me, We took the tour and it did not disappoint. The Tour Guide we had was very knowledgeable about the site as she also had Mayan ancestry in her. She explained the Language, Medicinal Plants used, the different Pyramid uses. There are still new pyramids being found on the site.

Chaccoben Mayan Ruins: A Journey through History and CultureNestled off the coast of Costa Maya lies a hidden gem that captivates the hearts and minds of all who visit - the Chaccoben Mayan Ruins. My experience exploring this ancient site during a Norwegian Cruise excursion left an indelible mark, revealing a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and cultural connections that transcends time and borders.As our 12 group embarked on the journey to Chaccoben, excitement permeated the air. The anticipation of unraveling the mysteries of this ancient civilization was palpable. Little did we know that what awaited us would far surpass our expectations.Upon arrival, the grandeur of the Mayan ruins unfolded before our eyes. Towering pyramids, intricate stone carvings, and sprawling temple complexes painted a vivid picture of a once-thriving civilization. Surprisingly, the architecture and religious symbolism bore striking resemblances to structures found in South India, a testament to the interconnectedness of human history and the universality of human expression.Guided by the knowledgeable Fabiola, we embarked on a journey through time, delving into the rituals, beliefs, and daily life of the ancient Mayan people. Fabiola's insights illuminated the significance of each structure, from the towering temples dedicated to deities to the humble dwellings of the common folk. As we explored the sanctums and ceremonial plazas, it became evident that every stone told a story, every carving a testament to a bygone era.One aspect that added an element of adventure to our exploration was the presence of wildlife, particularly snakes. Thankfully we had appropriate footwear and stayed vigilant as we navigated the site. Despite the couple of sightings, the allure of the ruins remained undiminished, a testament to the resilience of nature and the enduring spirit of the Mayan civilization.As we traversed the ruins, the importance of preparation became apparent. The journey from the port to Chaccoben took approximately 1.5 hours, followed by an equally enriching 1.5-hour tour of the site. Our presence of mind to carry water, sunshades, caps, and sunscreen proved invaluable, ensuring that we remained comfortable and hydrated throughout our expedition.Each step we took was a testament to the awe-inspiring legacy of the Mayan civilization. From the intricate carvings adorning the temples to the verdant jungle that embraced the ruins, Chaccoben offered a glimpse into a world shrouded in mystery and wonder.In conclusion, my visit to the Chaccoben Mayan Ruins was an unforgettable journey through history and culture. From the awe-inspiring architecture to the spiritual significance of the site, every moment was a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the ancient Mayan people. As I reflect on my experience, I am reminded of the profound connections that unite humanity across time and space (continents), reaffirming the importance of preserving our shared heritage for future generations to cherish and explore.

Amazing place. Good to learn the history of the Mayan people. Only complaint is the shop, I didn’t see any prices on things and you had to ask. Makes you think they charge whatever they want depending on who you are.

What to expect: An hour ride from the cruise drop off point, an hour and a half of walking around the ruins, and an hour ride back.Some walking, and some shopping at the temple site with limited food options (get the tamales if you can!)An incredible excursion for any cruise stop - I highly suggest it!

Great views of the Mayan ruins. There is some walking involved as well as climbing at the last stop. Best to wear appropriate shoes.Even in the hot weather, nice n cool under the trees.

4.8

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4.5

(562)

Carretera Federal, 307 Via Carta Mérida, Pedro Antonio Santos - Chunhuhub, Chetumal, Q.R., Mexico

+11 other lists

We went there with a tour organized by the local community. The staff was super friendly and open to share thoughts.On our boat trip we stopped on a beach that was full of littering. When talking with the tour guides they said that the place was completely abandoned by the administration. Even though they do their best to preserve it, it is only that much they can do.I hope everyone who visits this place reports it to put some pressure on the admin. 🙏🏽

Give yourself a day to explore The Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka'an. Be forewarned that the dirt road/path is full of potholes. It takes a while to drive through the dirt road envelope by a heavy tropical forest, mangroves, lagoons, and marshes. There are many beaches to find and wildlifes to see.Some areas are privately owned, but we found a little nice beach area that we were able to enjoy.The drive to this reserve was 2 hours from Cancun, but we spent nearly a whole day here exploring and driving through the area and back.

Absolutely wonderful! Highly recommended for any nature lovers! Great to see the biodiversity of the area! Only downside is that the hotels have built literally right to the gates of it which is a shame. Nothing the park can really do about that. Highly recommend Sayab Trip for a tour of the area.

This place is only for extremely patient people, that's for sure. To get there you need to either drive or go on a tour, but either way the trip is very long due to the fact that the road is not paved and it's EXTREMELY bumpy. So the driver is forced to go super slowly while the vehicle is shaking for 3 hours on the way there and 3 on the way back (from playa del carmen , a little les from tulum). It's worth doing it at least once though, because the lagoon is spectacular. You can see dolphins, turtles and manatees with their babies, in their natural habitat!

You can skip it! 100 pesos entrance fee for a bad road which is mainly closed on both sites. Everything is private and the beaches plus the nature is full of plastic. I think mexicos beautiful nature is close to be past thing. Its sad but when you see what you can buy here in the supermarkets its not a surprise. Plus most of the people here just only think on profit and don't care about their nature.

Today 22 April 2023 it was world's earth day and we did a beach clean up in the Reserva Sian Ka'an.We first stopped at the narrowest part, where at one side was the mangrove and at the other side the sea & beach.Here we saw a crocodile and a manatee. As all volunteers came together we went to the actual place where the clean up was.There were a lot of volunteers participating. We went with 7 persons of Infinity2diving from Tulum.We gathered all together a lot of plastic garbage.

Amazing beautiful place. The drive to the pick up place (where we met our captains) is hell. 10 km by the most rocky jungle road took us around an hour but it’s so worth it. The nature is stunning. We saw 3 dolphins playing for 20 minutes! Lots of birds! No crocodiles or turtles for us but still amazing!!!

Really sad to be giving this one star. The road here is absolutely ridiculous. Really. This is not hyperbole. You'll be lucky to get back with your car intact. But even if you do, it's 4 intensely nervous hours of driving through potholes that you will never get back. Even with a jeep it's just not worth it. And that's 4 hours just to get nowhere and back. Seriously, just say no. Plenty of other places to explore.

A wonderful park which definitely deserves a visit. Make sure you get a good tour that takes you snorkelling to the reef

We love visiting the Sian Ka'an and have returned multiple times. Luis, Mirian and Daniel in the buffet restaurants take very good care of you and are attentive. Victor on the animation team leads very goof aqua gym sessions, paying attention to any injuries and giving advice rather than pushing you. Love this hotel!

Turtles, crabs, dolphins, crocodiles and Coral reef. Bird Islands (mangrove Islands) and lots of beautiful scenery. I fully recommend visiting.

This is an amazing natural reserve area where there is an abundance of wildlife, including manatee, dolphins, crocodiles and many species of birds. Among the birds that were present during the dry season, when we visited, were frigates, egrets, osprey, and pink spoonbills which were nesting at the time. Fauna include of course the mangrove (red and black), air plants and banana orchids (not in bloom but still interesting) This is a must see and even though the tours are expensive at around 150 usd per person, you will get more out of it with a guide. Theoretically having that guide would mean that the tour would be more eco friendly and cause less stress to the animals. There is an unfortunate tendency for the boat drivers to surround the animals, which must cause stress. Luckily right now there are a limited number of boats but sometimes they many arrive at once and there were a few times when i wanted to leave to give the animal more space. The Mexican government needs more oversight on the Form of rangers to curb some of the less desirable behaviours before it gets more out of hand.

2.5 stars. this is a conflicted review.we had an amazing guide/captain who took care of us and tried his best to show us the marine animals in the lagoon. we saw a manatee, a stingray, a lot of birds, an underground cenote,and learned a lot of interesting facts. the floating river in the middle of the mangrove forest was amazing, especially because we were the only people there. overall, it’s a beautiful place to see and i would recommend a visit.shame about all the plastic trash washed up on the otherwise beautiful beach. i didn’t understand why they’re even showing this to tourists. our guide told us that the trash comes from the island of cozumel and washes up on this side. they don’t clean it up and just leave it there while also maintaining an image of an ecological and protected biospheric reserve that doesn’t even have functioning toilets. there should be stricter laws regarding trash and pollution in the whole of yucatan, not just in e.g. tulum where they don’t allow plastic bottles anymore. but most of all, the constant development and construction of tourist resorts and hotels needs to stop. the road leading to the mayan ruins and sian ka’an was lined with half-finished construction zones. they should never have allowed cozumel or riviera maya to become the tourist hotspot it is today.

Amazing view, great spot for dolphins. Boat goes fast

It is a unique place. We entered through the dirt road at the end of the Tulum Hotel Zone. The entrance fee is 110 Pesos and you can only pay it with Credit Card. The drive up to Punta Allen is really long because the roads are in bad conditions. It is a biosfer reserve. Unfortunatly nobody takes care of this place. It is full of trash. If you want to sit at the beach, you are sitting between trash. It is everywhere and we haven‘t seen a park ranger taking care of it.

Absolutely beautiful place, we saw lots of animals.

The road is serious business, not for whiners or delicate day trippers. It has protected this area by keeping out those people who don't appreciate life's journeys.

Sian Ka'an is a breathtaking nature reserve, with beautiful vegetation and countless pristine beaches. The vibrant colors of the water and the surrounding landscape leave a memorable impression. We took a road trip to Punta Allen, where every moment was a delight. Here is a video about our exploration.https://youtu.be/1lgKRBKDZaw

The natural reserve is hard to see if you don't take the overpriced boat tours. The price has rised probably due to the lack of competition. We decided to take the road that runs along the lagoon and go to Punta Allen. The road is in good shape the first few kilometers after it's bumpy. But almost all the shore side is private. We didn't get how it's possible since it's a natural reserve supposed to be preserved (that's they tell you everytime you pay the entry). Thankfully, there was a bridge where we could see crocodiles and have a view on the lagoon. But the worst part was when we finally could reach the beach. It was full of littering. And it's all like this all along the natural reserve. They should do something quick. All the littering must come from Tulum by the sea. It's urgent to take care of this!

The views are amazing but not that different from those you see in Tulum public beaches, but the road is in terrible conditions. You'd average 10-15 kmph and you're lucky if you don't get motion sickness...

This place is a must see. We kayaked the lagoon and saw no one else other than our small tour group and guides. No sounds of traffic. No trash or fishing lines caught in the mangroves. So many birds and stingrays. Puffer fish. The place is pristine and so unique.

Amazing place, simply amazing. Brilliant management plan for tourism, fingers crossed that doesn't change. Pepe was an awesome guide, very knowledgeable and had an addictive level of enthusiasm. Would love to return in 20 years to see any changes

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4.5

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Quintana Roo, Mexico