Pacific Trade Winds Reviews

Preamble: You should always do your homework before reserving with businesses in foreign countries. The best way to check a Costa Rica business is through globally recognized organizations such as the Better Business Bureau  (BBB), Costa Rica Tourist Board  (ICT) and Costa Rica National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur).

The next best way to find reviews about a travel service is via Google search or third party sites such as Trust Link, which do not profit from travel related products.

The following is a video one of our recent clients sent to us about their trip (thanks for sharing Dan, we love it!)

The following are but a handful of the reviews we have received lately:

Hi there!

I would like to thank you for the well planned trip. Our activities were all well organized and the staff are very pleasant and approachable. The hotels were all at the perfect location; only steps away from everything.  We all have enjoyed our time in costa rica. This trip couldn't have been any better!!! :)

Thanks again for everything!

Nina, Veronique, Rima and Zachera - Apr 2012

Hi Gretchen,

We had an amazing time in CR The people were wonderful and the transportation perfect and on time.  We met 4 girls from Canada and Jen at the treehouse who also sang your praises.  The only thing that was boring was the hanging bridges tour, the guide was not very good.  All the others, esp. the white water was great.  You did a wonderful job.

Mary and Paul - Apr 2012

Hello to all my friends at Pacific Trade Winds! I am sadly writing to you back home in the USA... wishing I was still in beautiful Costa Rica.

I am writing on behalf of my husband, my two daughters and myself to extend our sincerest gratitude for the FABULOUS trip you helped us plan out. Every thing you have done over the past 6 months from the initial planning, to the MANY changes was so much appreciated. Our vacation went so incredibly smooth with no hiccups along the way - it was really amazing!

Our accommodations at Arenal Springs Resort and the Fall Resort in Manuel Antonio were exactly what we expected and fit our needs perfectly. Our tours were so much fun - and the tour companies we dealt with were so professional and really made our vacation memorable. The transportation and meals provided with the tours exceeded our expectations. The tour guides were so informative and did a great job relating to the adults and kids in the group. I have to say our most memorable tour was the Cerro Chato Extreme Hike - our guide, Alfred - did a great job. The weather was far from ideal that day - I mean, pouring rain - but Alfred kept us all engaged and moving and enjoying the hike despite the fact that the hiking trail was more like waterfall repelling at one point! To keep 2 teenage kids having fun on a hike through the pouring rain is not an easy task - and he did it!

We will strongly recommend your services as well as the accommodations, tour company - and rental car company - that you provided us with. We are looking forward to our next trip to Costa Rica - and will definitely reach out to you for your assistance again!

Kind Regards,

Kelly - Apr 2012

I just heard from Anna Namnoum,  THEY HAD AN UNBELIVEABLE FANTASTIC TIME!   THANKS TO YOU!  

Thanks again… Annie - Apr 2012

Hola Gretchen,

I wanted to thank you for planning a wonderful and spectacular trip for us. Every tour was great. The ziplining was loads of fun. The riverboat tour was excellent. The highlight had to be the rafting trip on the Rio Balsa. Great guides and a thoroughly enjoyable adventure for the whole family. The only small disappointment was our guided hike of Manuel Antonio National Park. For some reason they put us in a group of 13 people! We noticed that most other groups only had 5-8 people. It was way too big a group, and consequently we moved "slowly" and didn't see some of the sightings of other nearby groups. What a fabulous park though! Next time I think we would want to see it again, but would want to find a way to be in a smaller group tour. It was clear that you do need a guide to help spot more of the wildlife there. We also didn't have time to enjoy that fabulous beach there because we had to get back for our ride to Escazu. Next time we'll need to do that before our last day. 

In terms of lodging, the Hidden Canopy was by far the most outstanding in every way. It exceeded expectations, from the top tier service (Jen was especially kind and so helpful), the physical plant, design, views, grounds, breakfast, and that wonderful afternoon tea! We almost didn't want to leave. Next time we really want to stay in one of the treehouse rooms! Arenal Springs was nice as well. We enjoyed the hot springs there. They even gave us two rooms even though we had only one booked, which was much roomier for the four of us. But we didn't care much for The Falls. It was a bit of a let down, due to its dated look and feel, and somewhat passive approach to service. The Intercontinental was a nice, comfortable way to transition out of paradise and end our journey. 

All of the drivers were punctual and excellent, particularly a gentleman named Jairo, who drove us from Arenal to Manual Antonio. What a wonderful guy. 

Thanks again for everything. Pura vida!

Dan - Apr 2012

Hola,

I am soo sorry for the delay in getting this email message to you.

I wanted to say MUCHO GRACIAS to all the staff at Pacific Trade Winds, especially for those (Maria) who helped in planning my wonderful, amazing vacation!!  Everything was fantastic!!  We didn't have to worry about a thing and we even added a few more things to do while we were away.  We did not have any problems.  Our tour buses were always there when they said they would be there.  I was so very happy with your services, I would gladly book with you again in the future and will definitely pass on your name to any others who are thinking of travelling to Costa Rica.

Thank you so much again...it was the trip of a lifetime and I would love to come back!!

Kathy Hall - Apr 2012

Everyone in the family enjoyed the trip to your beautiful country. All the transportation worked without a hitch. All the drivers were on time and we were very impressed with all the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides.

Pura vida,

Gisela and Andreas - Apr 2012

I appreciate your hard work to make our trip a memorable experience and would recommend my friends and family to use your services in the future.

Thank you for your efforts,

Barb - Apr 2012

Hi –

My husband and I had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica with you folks.  The itinerary was brilliant and we enjoyed every minute of the trip.

I don’t know if you sent an evaluation but I’d like to fill one out.  If you did send it, I might now have received it because my email was full by the time I got back from vacation.

Thanks again for all the arrangements.  We had a fantastic time and loved Costa Rica.  Pura Vida!

Donna and David - Apr 2012

Dear Kirsten,

We are back home now, but I wanted to tell you how much we appreciated all the efforts your office made for us. We had a wonderful vacation in Costa Rica and your office was instrumental in making that happen. We had a few issues that were quickly addressed. We are very appreciative of all your hard work on our behalf.

Muchas gracias and pure vida!

Maryann - Apr 2012

We had an AWESOME vacation thank you very much! Costa Rica is beautiful and we can't wait to go back and explore more of it next year. All of the arrangements that your company made where perfect and all drivers were on time, friendly and very informative and happy to share information about their homeland. Altough both resorts were very beautiful we especially enjoyed Arenal Springs. The people there were wonderful. My husband described the difference between the two resorts as the staff at Barcelo Langosta treated us like customers whereas the staff of Arenal Springs treated us like guests. We LOVED the Athica Canopy Tour. The last zipline and tarzan swing was a real Adrenaline Rush.

We will be sure to give your company great references on TripAdvisor and will refer our friends!

Gracias,

Gail & Ken - Apr 2012

We are having a fantastic time here in Costa Rica! It's beautiful and yes Pura Vida! Thank you!

Esperanza - Apr 2012

Thank you for arranging an adventurous & fun vacation.  Our transfers & trips were efficient & problem free.  We added extra activities while at the resorts...horseback riding & surf lessons (which I highly recommend).  Upon our return, we have recommended your company to several people. Keep up the good work!

Thanks

Elaine - Mar 2012

We just got home from a fabulous vacation and I wanted to THANK YOU.  The trip was perfect and our scheduling was the best.  The resorts and excursions were fun and the guides amazing.  The various ground transportation providers that you arranged for us were all very professional, friendly, and on time (sometimes even early).  We will definitely recommend you to other friends who might be coming to Costa Rica in the future.  Plus I will do a review on your services with TripAdvisors.  Thank you also for making the last minute adjustment to our itinerary.  The Hanging Bridges tour was the highlight of our trip, mainly because the guide, Carlos Ramero (I think that is right) from Sunset Tours, who was extremely knowledgeable about the animals, geology, and history plus he was fun.

Pura Vida!

Cindy - Mar 2012

Hola....everything so far has been really super...on the move today....thanks for all you have done.
 
Robert and Charlee - Mar 2012

We had a great vacation.  Looking forward to returning next year

Thanks  Philip - Mar 2012

So far everything has been very organized and lots of fun. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of our hotel. Freddy our driver (from the airport) was awesome. Please pass that on. Thanks for following up with us. I'll be sure to reach out to you if we need anything. Thanks again. 

Gabriel - Mar 2012

Wanted to let you know we had the most wonderful trip! Costa Rica is beautiful. All hotels, tours and transfers went without a hitch.  I might add that the Canopy trip in Montezuma was the only tour that was perhaps more strenuous than expected (ie the stair hikes straight up) but was ok. We did see monkeys and an ocelot on that tour.  Thanks for a well planned and executed vacation!

Tammy - Mar 2012

Dear Gretchen and staff,

My sister and I want to thank you for intervening on our behalf on the loss of the IPOD, Be sure that we will highly recommend your company to all our friends who want to travel to Costa Rica. I will also write a review on TripAdvisor
praising your company.

We are now in Manuel Antonia and enjoying the beach area and the Falls Hotel.

Thank you again.

Margaret - Mar 2012

Hola,

We just returned from our Costa Rica vacation.  It was way beyond our expectations.  Everything ran smoothly.  Every excursion was on time and the driver's were great.  Arenal Springs Resort was exceptional, especially the staff.  The concierge Edward suggested a side trip that was perfect.   Manuel made the best drinks we ever tasted and was also helpful with suggestions and information about the area.  Each day we found a new towel sculpture in our room.  The management at this hotel must be exceptional because every single employee was determined to make our stay the best it could be.

All of the activities were wonderful.  Drivers were on time and exceptionally helpful.  Unfortunately at Tamarindo the area was experiencing a Red Tide, which hampered snorkeling, but the boat crew worked hard to find a clear place to swim. 

Tamarindo Diria Resort was nice and the beach was wonderful.  I am sorry to say that the staff was far below the quality of the Arenal Springs staff.  Most did not seem particularly happy or motivated and didn't care about customer service.  However, the area is so beautiful, we couldn't help but have a wonderful time.

This trip was so successful that I would like to plan a trip for 7 - 10 people about this time next year.  We would like the same activities plus a canyon trip with waterfall repelling and the swinging bridge walk.  Most of the group enjoy dancing and night life which we didn't find at either location.  Any suggestions for that?

Again, Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Sheila - Mar 2012

Pacific Trade Winds put together an incredible Costa Rica vacation for us! They were very helpful and patient as we made many modifications to create the perfect get away. Our trip included stays at the Arenal Springs Resort in La Fortuna, a gorgeous and peaceful resort with thermal hot springs; and The Falls Resort in Manuel Antonio, a nice spot tucked right into the lush tropics. We did a full adventure package with zip-lining, canyoning/rappelling, white water rafting, snorkeling and surfing. All of the tours were great, but if you need help picking and choosing we loved the zip-lining and canyoning/rappelling the best! 

I would definitely plan a trip with Pacific Trade Winds again! It was so nice to arrive in Costa Rica and know that everything was taken care of. The tours and transportation all went according to plan, all with very friendly people along the way :D I can't wait to get back!!

Thanks, Jen - Mar 2012

Thank you Pacific Trade Winds, my wife and myself had one of the best vacations ever, you are a very honest and trust worthy buisness,, we would trust your services again in the future, also do you have any packages on the pacific side? please let me know

Thanks for your message. We are back home after a really wonderful vacation! 
Accommodations were excellent, and all the organized trips were very enjoyable for all. 
Many thanks!

Alison - Mar 2012

Costa Rica is a great place to vacation with your family.  There is so much to do and see and and it is a beautiful place to just simply relax.  The people are warm and friendly and our itinerary with Pacific Trade Winds went very smoothly, thank you.  Our trip was fabulous and would love to repeat it some day.

Rachael - Feb 2012

Maria,
I would like to thank youfor your wonderful trip we had. Although Ralph got bitten by something iin the jungle, the doctor took great care of him at La fortuna and we were the lucky group that saw the Jaguar.
We will send you picture of it as soon as i get a chance.

Carol - Feb 2012

Hi Gretchen.

Thank you for making all the arrangements for our Costa Rica vacation! We were very impressed with the way it was operated-to the point of almost perfection ! Congrats! It is a beautiful country and the people are wonderful!

I would not hesitate to recommend you company to anyone!

Thanks,

Spring and King - Feb 2012

Hello Dan and Pacific Trade Winds Team!

My clients just completed their trip (8831) and had the best time! Everything went smoothly, it exceeded their expectations and they are raving about it on Facebook! Thank you for providing such a positive experience in such a beautiful place. It was my first experience booking clients with you, but rest assured, it isn't the last.

Thank you all!

Elicia - Feb 2012

Thank you so much for all you did to create a most wonderful vacation for us in beautiful Costa Rica.  The only way it could have been better is if we were able to  stay longer.  You truly listened to what we were looking for and provided in a very professional manner.  Perhaps we will come back next February and stay on the Nicoya Peninsula or venture down to Panama.  I would love to stay 2 weeks next year if possible.  

Thank you again and Blessings from Arkansas

Pura Vida!

Thank you,
Debbie - Feb 2012

All - I want to Thank Everyone at Pacific Trade Winds for the Excellent Service on our recent trip to Costa Rica.   

From the start it was an excellent!  Gretchen with all her help in booking and for the great restuarant recommendations.  Veronica and Maria for all the help with the changes I made.  Lorena for checking in on us when we got there.

Everything worked our Perfect - all guides arrived on time and were very informative.  We just LOVED your Country and truly hated to leave.

We are researching our next trip to your country and will let you book it for us.  I think we want to head to Arenal again and maybe Monte Verde.

I will be post some comments on Trip Advisor - about your company and the hotels and excursions soon.

Thank you again.

Pura Vida!
Julie - Feb 2012

Now what?!   Pacific Trade Winds just eliminated half the items on my bucket list in one week of adrenaline.

My family aged 46, 42 and 13 were dreaming of taking our typical holiday of sand and sea touring to another level.    We agreed on Costa Rica.  Pacific Trade Winds were dealt the challenge to work with a low budget, while providing a vacation of a lifetime. Not only did they succeed, they surpassed our expectations.  We enjoyed white water rafting, class III, IV rapids, canyoning and rappelling, zip lining, horseback riding, amazing waterfalls and more.  They understood we were looking for a trip above the cookie cutter, hurry up and wait your turn vacation.  As an athletic family looking for adventure, there was still apprehension for the safety of our son.  Pacific Trade Winds realized our concerns and planned a trip with professionals that took safety as their highest priority.  Pacific Trade Winds organized and planned our trip before we left, so there were no surprises, or rather, unexpected expenses.   There was a perfect balance of high adrenalin activity, independent exploration and enjoyment of the exquisite surroundings of our accommodations.    Each person involved in our vacation was professional, courteous and enthusiastic.  Pacific Trade Winds gave us the vacation we were looking for.  We will definitely enlist their services in the future and recommend you do the same.    

Step out of your comfort zone! 
Joanne, Terry and Devon - Canada - Jan 2012

We loved our adventure with your company this past November and wondered it you have any tours to South America?

Thanks!
Anne Catinna - Jan 2012

Hello from cold Colorado,

Martha and I want to thank you for a wonderful vacation.  We enjoyed every minute of our vacation.  Having Pacific Trade Winds completely, and I mean completely,  schedule our hotels, tours, and private transfers made this a worry free vacation.  From the time our plane landed at the San Jose airport to the time our plane left for the United States, everything was taken care of.  I will recommend your company to anyone wanting to vacation in Costa Rica.

Thank you,
John and Martha - Jan 2012

Just wanted to thank you in writing for a spectacular trip. We had a most amazing time. Everything ran so smoothly. WE didnt have to worry about anything for even a moment. The rafting, ziplining, rappelling were all great trips. The resorts beautiful. Thanks for all your help and we will think of Costa Rica again for another trip. I hope soon.

Sarah - Jan 2012

Hi Laura,

Thank you very much for the fantastic service provided for the trip. It was great fun in Costa Rica. We had a good time, Turribal was bit below our expectations. However all in all we had a very good time. Dominical is fantastic, we will recommend that place hands down.

More over, I want to express my sincere gratitude to your outstanding service. It was just excellent all 5 stars.

Thank you much,
Maya - Jan 2012

We’re back from our holiday in Costa Rica and settling back into a routine at home again.  We just wanted to say what a fantastic time we had!  The hotels were great, the tours you organized for us were excellent.  We loved the ziplining even though it was pouring rain on us, the whitewater rafting on Rio Balsa was a highlight for the whole family, and the time in Samara just relaxing on the beach and playing in the ocean was perfect.  Thanks so much for everything. 

The holiday was everything we hoped it would be and we would definitely recommend you to our friends if they are thinking of going to Costa Rica.  We hope to be back again someday.  You have a beautiful country. Thank you!

Pura Vida!

Thanks
Peter - Jan 2012

Thanks for the wonderful planning – we had a great time -  Starting  with Dan who gave us the comfort of planning the complex trip and tried to meet our requirements.  All the people who helped us were wonderful. 

We will surely recommend your tour company to our friends. 

Hola Gretchen,

I just wanted to send you a note saying how happy we were with our trip.  That was probably the best vacation we have ever taken - and every part of it, the transfers, everything was absolutely perfect.  I cannot thank you guys enough for how well everything was organized. 

I have already referred your company to two other people who are going to be planning trips to CR soon.  We are actually also going to bring the family down in a year.  We will definately contact you again when we come down next time.

Thank you again - the entire trip was wonderful!!

Lee and Apryl - Dec 2011

Hello,

My wife and I took a trip through PTW and absolutely loved it! You all were awesome and helped us create amazing memories! I have a follow-up question...

My wife's sister is getting married and looking to travel to jamaica or belize for a honeymoon. Are there any specific travel companies you all could recommend that offer adventure-type packages? They really liked the kind of trip we took through you all but wanted to do Jamaica or Belize. (I am still trying to convince them to do Costa Rica!)

Grace and Peace,
Brandon - Nov 2011

Our trip was fantastic. All the drivers/tour guides were on time and we especially loved Tamarindo.

You sent my sister, Gracie, and myself to Costa Rica from Sept.21st, 2011 to Oct. 1st, 2011. I wanted to thank you for the wonderful trip you planned for us.  We had so much fun and our adventures were awesome. I would recommend anyone to your company.  

Thanks again,
Debbie - Nov 2011

Dan,

We are back from our trip, words can not describe how wonderful it was!! It was more incredible than we ever thought it would be. Every arrangement you made for us was perfect!

We loved the Arenal Springs Resort! The service was excellent, the rooms were excellent and the food .... well, not to be a broken record but that was excellent too! The last night that we were there, after the third night of our “meal plan” which meant we had a restricted menu the manager came over and said that he felt bad that the menu hadn’t changed and gave us the “full price” menu to order anything we wanted off of it as our meal for that night. That was so kind of him, ironically what we ended up ordering was similar to what would have been on the “restricted” menu because we had our heart set on a couple of dishes so the price difference wasn’t much for them, so then they brought us over a couple of “Costa Rican Coffee and Bailey’s” liquor shots as their gift to us. And even though it was the same menu for lunch and supper, we never went away hungry or not happy with the choice and quality of the food and we’re happy we did the meal plan for the times that we ate the resort because their “regular priced menu” was a little pricey.

The tours – WOW! Sunset Tours did all of our excursions in Arenal and we loved them! Their guides were so great, the spoke English well, they were knowledgeable, and they were a lot of fun! We also loved the Zip Line on the Congo Canopy Zip Line Trails and we went to their “Monkey Zoo” afterwards, that was an incredible experience to actually be able to play with the monkeys.

The Hilton was the perfect place to go in Guanacaste. We loved the property, the food and the service were great and it was so cool to wake up early in the mornings and see Howler Monkeys on the trees near your room (if you couldn’t see them you could certainly hear them, lol).

Thank you much for everything you did in giving us the BEST Costa Rican vacation we could have ever had. I made sure everyone we spoke to knew that we booked with Pacific Trade Winds and what an incredible job you did making this a trip of a lifetime.

Karen - Nov 2011

Hi Dan,

Just wanted to write you about our wonderful experience in Costa Rica. Every day was a beautiful and exciting adventure.

All the hotels were great. Arenal Springs Resort was outstanding! The room they gave us had an ant problem, so they offered us to different rooms until we were happy. They went far and beyond to make sure we were pleased. Amazing service.

The Trapp Family in Monteverde also had great service. The only downside we saw was that it was far away from the little town in Monteverde.

The Costa Verde Resort was fantastic. The room they gave us did not have AC, but we gladly took it because it had an amazing view of the ocean. Plus, the AC was not needed at all this time of year!

All the tours were really good. All of them picked us up right on time, sometimes even a bit early! All the tour guides were very knowledgeable and dedicated... and their English was pretty solid.

Oh, and the Tabacon Hot Springs were just amazing... like paradise!

Our trip went extremely smooth from beginning to end, and everything was taken care of... just like I wanted.

I've already recommended Pacific Trade Winds to some of my friends. I know from experience they would be in fantastic hands.

Thank you!
Lydia – Oct 2011

Thank you so much for a great vacation. Everything went smoothly. Hopefully we get to go back another time for longer!

Many Thanks,
Angelika - Oct 2011

We had a great time in Manuel Antonio. I am sending my cousin, Dave XXXX from Phoenix your email. He will be contacting you about a trip in September.

Thanks for a great vacation.
Donna – Aug 2011

All went well and we had a wonderful time. Thanks to all your staff for their efforts to make things go so smoothly!

Elizabeth – Aug 2011

Dear Maria, Dan, Joan and all other staff,

Yesterday we left Costa Rica after two really fabulous weeks in Costa Rica. Our Costa Rica vacation was one of the bests we had.

All transfers and tours and all the lodges were perfectly arranged from the very beginning until the end. I think you really understand our interests as you professionally arranged our vacation just as we liked it.

We can describe our vacation as a very active one with zero stress... We all felt very good and the Costa Rican people in general are very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

The tour guides were all very professional and persons who understand what vacation is about. Beside their knowledge they carry so much humor with them. It was a real pleasure to have them all as our guides.

The transfers were all beautiful experiences because so you get a chance to see a lot of your very special country. All drivers were friendly and willing to inform us about everything of their country. They would make stops to enjoy beautiful sceneries.

We guess we saw a lot of wildlife thanks to the guides who were assigned to us. They truly know a lot about the flora and fauna and how to spot animals.

We would like to thank you from our hearts and we would definitely recommend you to our friends and relatives as well as next time we will contact you again.

As we now have lived and fully understand your saying I end this mail with "PURA VIDA"....

Kind regards from all of us.
Eddie, Damiano, Ilona and Sandra – Jul 2011

Hi Maria,

We have jsut returned home and I wanted to Thank you and Pacific Tradewinds for organizing a fabulous trip for my family. Everything (except for the weather) was fabulous! All our transfers were timely with pleasant prompt drivers.Our accomodations were all lovely and all of the planned activites were fantastic. I would Highly recommend Pacific Tradewinds and only wished you planned intineraries in other locations. Thanks again! You are awesome!

Jody – Jul 2011

Hi,

I just wanted to let you know that our trip to Costa Rica was flawless and perfect! We loved every city we visited and we loved the activities so much! Pacific Trade Winds exceeded my expectations and I want to thank you for everything. We had a blast! We can't wait to visit Costa Rica again! Pura vida!

Jessica – Jun 2011

We recently returned from out trip and just wanted you to know what a fabulous time we had!!!!! Everyone in your organization was wonderful and we were thrilled with both the Arenal Springs Resort and The Falls Resort. The dining experience at The Falls was especially outstanding. Thank you for making the celebration of our 40th wedding anniversary so memorable.

Tom and Karlyn – Jun 2011

Hi
Just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful trip. We can't express how much we enjoyed going to Playa Hermosa and the surrounding areas.

We are now planning another vacation and was wondering if you planned tours in Panama? If so, we are planning on going the first week of January.

Thank you
Donna – Jun 2011

My husband and I had a wonderful time on our vacation. Your website and services are top notch. You guys are great.

Thank you,
Jen Thatcher – Jun 2011

Hi Pacific Tradewinds!

I just wanted to let you all know what a wonderful time we had on our Costa Rica vacation! We went to Arenal Springs Resort and did rafting, hiking, horseback riding, hot springs at Tabacon, and cayoneering with Defasio Tours. They were awesome! Always on time and friendly and very safe. Then we stayed at The Trapp Family Lodge in Monteverde where we did a guided hike in the Reserve, a hanging bridges tour, and the zipline! We ended our trip at Costa Verde in Manuel Antonio on the Pacific with breathtaking views and abundant wildlife! We were thrilled with your company and your service. Thanks again for a great trip and I will recommend you to all my friends!

Judy – May 2011

Just wanted to say thank you for my trip. It was smooth and simple, exactly what I wanted! I would vote for you somewhere if I could.

Huang -May 2011

I just came back from my Costa Rica trip and want to write your agency and everyone that helped us plan our trip a HUGE thank you!!! This was such a wonderful and amazing trip. All of our transportation was on time, everything was a blast, the guides were so friendly and knowledgeable, and the hotels were very clean. Thank you again so much for everything you did to set this up and the companies you chose for us. It was such a wonderful experience and I will definitely be recommending your company to all of my friends and family!!! Thank you again!!

Ashley – Mar 2011

Hola Meghan, I just wanted to let you know how terrific our trip was! Everything worked out beautifully and we had a wonderful time. All the drivers and guides were great as well.

Thank you so much for helping to make this such a special trip. I will be back there for sure and will be recommending your company to friends.

Thanks again,
Maggie and friends – Mar 2011

Dear Meghan,

We are back from our wonderful trip to Costa Rica. My husband and I want to thank you and your team for what was a well- scheduled and carefree trip from an organizational point of view.

We enjoyed visiting the three ecosystems; we were able to see a lot of animals; birds; and tropical plants and flowers and found Paradise in Ylang Ylang Resort! What a treat!!

I want to thank you sincerely, Meaghan, for your good advice and patience in planning this carefree and interesting holiday in Costa Rica. Thanks to you, we have enjoyed the country; its people and its culture! Pura Vida!

Muchas gracias!
Marguerite – Mar 2011

Everyone was on time, friendly, the vans were always clean and everything was well organized. We would definitely recommend Pacific Trade Winds to our friends.

Thanks!
Wendy – Mar 2011

We are very happy we chose your company to plan our first trip to Costa Rica. We could never have put this package together on our own with no knowledge of your beautiful country.

It was a very pleasant and hassle free vacation with accommodations, tours and transfers already set up. The voucher program you use works well. We feel our trip was a great sampling of what Costa Rica has to offer and will return.

Thank you Maria for every effort you put into planning our vacation. Based on the wishes we provided, we feel you did a great job for us.

Sincerely,
Linda and Jim – Mar 2011

I just wanted to write and thank you for your assistance in planning my trip to Costa Rica. It was fabulous. Everything went as planned. All the tours and transportation were on time and fantastic.

I will be recommending that all my travel clients use you for planning trips to CR.

Thank you again.
Deborah – Mar 2011

Please forward to Gretchen

I simply had to write and tell you what a wonderful time we had in Costa Rica. The 2 days of events you suggested and set up for us prior to our Star Clipper Cruise were not only interesting, but lots of fun.

We were all impressed with how smoothly everything went. Every driver was on time or even a little bit early and always professional.

We love Pacific Trade Winds and will be singing your praises to all of our friends here in the frozen northland.

las
Lou Ann – Feb 2011

Hi Meghan,

Just a note to tell you that our recent Costa Rica trip went off without a hitch and was as delightful as I ever could have imagined. Everything was handled perfectly by Pacific Trade Winds S.A., and I wanted to thank you very much for the good planning and the good advice.

At some point when I have more time, I will try to send you a few more details on things that especially impressed us as well as the occasional glitch or less-than-perfect experience, none of which were attributable to your firm, but you may want to know for your future recommendations. I will say this. The individual tours you booked for us were all outstanding and the individual guides we had were superb on every single tour!

Again, thank you Meghan, and if there is a way I can relate my positive comments about you to other potential Costa Rica travelers, let me know and I'll be more than glad to follow up.

Pura Vida,
Michael – Jan 2011

Hi Gretchen

I'd like to thank you on behalf of our entire group for planning a wonderful family vacation. The hotels were lovely and all of the transfers and tour operators were incredibly professional. We couldn't have asked for a better first time experience in visiting Costa Rica. Everyone from my 9 year old nephew to my parents have been commenting on what a great job you and your team did for us.

I'd be glad to post positive reviews on Trip Advisor or anywhere else. Please let me know where it would suit you best.

Thanks again,
Jeffrey – Jan 2011

Dear Meghan,
We had a great trip, Thank you! Will pass your name to freinds! Do you plan trips for other countries?

Laura – Jan 2011

Want to read more reviews going back to 2007?  

Click here to read more Pacific Trade Winds Reviews on our older (but still loved and used) website, costaricavacation4me.com.

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We returned recently from a week-long Costa Rica trip designed for us by Gretchen and her team at PTW. We did a bit of everything, from incredible wildlife hikes, to ziplining, to river rafting. We stayed and spent time in Monteverde, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. I was very skeptical of using an online agency to make all the selections and arrangements, as I'm used to planning vacations on my own, and booking activities directly online. But for Costa Rica this seemed more challenging. It was diff... Read More

Dan Y. on May 3, 2012

In the month of March 2012, my wife and I traveled to CR using Pacific Trade Winds. The months leading to this trip PTW was very helpful with all the details needed to provide us with info for our trip, during our trip we needed to cancell one of our events, a call to PTW while I was there and they very politely rearanged our plans, everything else that they booked for us was top shelf and we could not have been any more satisfied with our trip, PTW is very honest company in my opinion and we wi... Read More

David L. on March 31, 2012

From start to finish our trip went off without a hitch. We had never been to Costa Rica and Gretchen with PTW recommended exploring the Cloud Forest/Arenal Volcano and the beaches at Samara. I must say it was an excellent recommendation.

The service was fantastic - booking and changes to itinerary a breeze. The staff was very accommodating and booked us some excellent excursions. The excursions included a boat trip along the Cano Negro river where we saw 3 different kinds of monkeys, birds,... Read More

Julie K. on February 28, 2012

Hi
We recently returned from your "Paradise discovered Inclusive Vacation" ( Feb 3- 10) and just had to let you know how wonderful it was.
Right from the beginning ,being picked up at the airport, everyone was so friendly, punctual and helpful. The country is spectacular and both resorts Arenal Springs, and Hilton Papagayo were so relaxing. We got to do so much(Biking, hiking, tennis, jet skiing, white water rafting and ziplines ) ,yet also had lots of down time to relax we felt we had been... Read More

Roisin M. on February 18, 2012

Pacific Trade Winds arranged a trip for my husband and I to Costa Rica. Never having been to Costa Rica before we really didn't know where to start when trying to plan this trip. Pacific Trade Winds not only took care all of hotel arrangements, they also recommended and booked excursions and travel arrangement for us while we were in Costa Rica. Everything they recommended and arranged for us was perfect, from the excursions they booked to the hotels they recommended and booked for us. This comp... Read More

Karen F. on November 14, 2011

We just returned from an 8 day trip that was very well organized and a great deal of fun! All the staff and tour guides were friendly and informed and always showed up on time. We had nice lodging and felt that the trip offered good value for the money. I would definitely travel with this tour operator again.... Read More

Elizabeth A. on August 15, 2011

As we were surfing the internet to plan our vacation to Costa Rica, we found the pacific trade wind organization with some standard vacation offers. We soon found out that they can arrange your vacation just as you like within the budget you indicate.
We were pleasantly surprised by the very professional way they arranged our vacation from the first email until the end of our vacation.

All transfers and tours and all the lodges were perfectly arranged from the very beginning until the end. I... Read More

Sandra v. on July 28, 2011

We visited Costa Rica for three weeks this past winter.

The assistance provided by Meghan and her team from Pacific Trade Winds was most helpful in the planning; the actual trip was as close as one can get to perfection while traveling! This was a well-scheduled and carefree trip from all points of view: sightseeings; activities; accommodations; transportation at a very competitive price.

We greatly enjoyed the canopy zip line in spite of our initial hesitancy... and our age (early... Read More

M. from Canada on May 11, 2011

Our trip to Costa Rica was fantastic! We debated at first as to whether or not we should try to go it on our own or use a travel agency, but after deciding to use Pacific Trade Winds services, I could not imagine ever doing it any other way. They were attentive, kind, and prompt. The excursions were amazing and the drivers, always on time. My friends and I felt safe and welcome. Our agent did a great job of customizing our trip to meet our desires. We would definitely use Pacific Trade Win... Read More

Kami H. on March 25, 2011

This is a very well managed company that does a great job at organizing custom designed trips to Costa Rica. They help you plan an extensive itinerary for all budgets and arrange all aspects of the trip in a very professional manner. It is a pleasure to work with them.... Read More

David S. on March 13, 2011

When I decided to go to Costa Rica I surfed the net and found several travel agencies. I wrote to them. The first answer I received in 20 minutes (!!!) from Pacific Trade Winds S.A. I was impressed! And all my communivacrion with Dan and Maria from that travel agency was very fast and informative. They created a custom-made plan for our trip.
My husband and I spent 9 days in Costa Rica in February, 2011. We visited Arenal volcano (La Fortuna), Monteverde, Manuel Antonio. Our vacation was planed... Read More

Olga V. on February 24, 2011

My husband and I and another couple booked an all inclusive vacation with Pacific Trade Winds from Feb 12 to Feb 19, 2011. We were there for 10 days visiting La Fortuna and Tamrindo. Our vacation was perfect! Our vacation required a lot of coordinating with transfers, hotels, meals, and excursions. I cannot think of any negative things to say about Pacific Trade Winds. They are very professional and timely. They overcharged us by one night, We did not caught the overcharge but THEY DID and p... Read More

Mich W. on February 21, 2011

My wife and I took a 10-day trip from Arizona to Costa Rica in early January 2011. We don't travel a lot and certainly not to far-off countries with a different national language than ours. It could have been intimidating had it not been for the great job Pacific Trade Winds, S.A. did in making our arrangements and using nothing but first-rate tour operators once we arrived.

From the moment we stepped out of the airport, we were greeted by them and rushed past the confused mass of arriving to... Read More

Michael R. on February 13, 2011

We recently returned from our second trip to Costa Rica arranged by Pacific Trade Winds and were again impressed with the fantastic job they did to line up fun and reasonably-priced activities for our group of 10 travelers. We had already arranged to go on a sailing ship cruise and relied on Pacific Trade Winds to fill a couple of days prior to the cruise and furnish our transportation to and from the port. It couldn't have worked out better. Everything went smoothly and the drivers were usual... Read More

Lou Ann S. on February 12, 2011

We recently spent five days is Costa Rica for a family wedding and all of our travel plans were successfully arranged by Pacific Trade Winds. Our time was filled with excellent adventures such as horseback riding and ziplining, all a first for my husband and I. At each experience we felt that we were being taught by people who not only wanted us to have fun, but they wanted to keep us safe as well. The hotel was beautiful and every single person we interacted with was helpful and friendly. W... Read More

Myriah H. on December 19, 2010

You delivered what you promised at a fair price, and above all provided us with a local contact, which was important. Your arrangements and service was impeccable, and we think that properties and activities you picked for us were well chosen.
Good planning and professional work.
We had a great time in CR

Thanks
;)
Nitin... Read More

Nitin G. on December 14, 2010

My wife and I had always talked about traveling to Costa Rica. Our dream vacation became a reality last August 2010. We had a absolute amazing time. Pacific Trade Winds is a first class, all inclusive travel agent. Mehgan and Gretchen were the nicest people to work with. They made wonderful suggestions based upon our interests. The vacation they put together for us was perfect in every way. It was very relaxing not having to worry being in a foreign country. The tour guides were extremely friend... Read More

Peter S. on December 8, 2010

My family and I just completed a one week vacation in Costa Rica. Our trip was planned by Gretchen at Pacific Trade Winds. While we have traveled fairly extensively internationally, this was the easiest, most relaxing vacation we have taken. We didn't rent a car, Gretchen arranged for all the transportation for us. This was a leap of faith for us as we have never traveled like that before. Everything went off with out a hitch. All the transports arrived on time, all the tours picked us up a... Read More

Karen L. on December 8, 2010

My daughter Pamela and I just completed our trip to Costa Rica which we reserved through Pacific Trade Winds. They were a pleasure to work with and addressed our needs in a prompt and professional manner.

We went to Corcovado Park first and it was simply amazing. The wildlife here is unlike anything we had ever seen. Our guides were knowledgeable and accommodating as I am not as agile as I once was. We stayed at a small resort named Aguila de Osa which was quite comfortable given the en... Read More

Ethel B. on December 8, 2010

My husband and I just finished a trip which we organized through Pacific Tradewinds. It was a relief to be able to relax and actually feel like we were on vacation versus trying to figure everything out on our own. We worked with Meghan and she recommended the volcano area and Hermosa Beach where we stayed at Bosque del mar. Arenal was amazing! We ziplined though the forest and went to hot springs in the evening. Bosque del Mar was spectacular and just what the doctor ordered! The staff wa... Read More

Ginni T. on December 2, 2010

A friend and I decided that we wanted to take a trip to celebrate our graduation from college. We came across Pacific Trade Winds advertisement for Costa Rica vacations and it was a deal that looked impossible to ignore. Having never traveled internationally without family, I took a lot of time to research the company along with Costa Rica prior to booking the trip.


This was definitely, above and beyond, the most amazing vacation that we could have booked. I have nothing but praise for Paci... Read More

Melody M. on November 28, 2010

I recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica and wanted to recommend this company. Over the last couple years I have made several trips to Costa Rica as it is a beautiful country with great diversity. I love beautiful beaches, but I also love hiking, whitewater rafting, rappelling, and other adventure activities. I have been so pleased with the trips Pacific Trade Winds SA have put together for me and my family. My trips have been filled with all the above activities and many more, but also all... Read More

Sherry M. on November 26, 2010