Originally from Minnesota, I have made Costa Rica home for over 18 years. My first experience in Costa Rica was in 1991, when I came to visit a Costa Rican exchange student my family had hosted during my senior year of high school. I immediately fell in love with the country and its people, so I continued to look for reasons to return. Eventually, I married a “Tica”, and we are now raising our two children in PARADISE!
Guide to Monteverde: Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica
Monteverde is a small town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, located in the Cordillera de Tilarán. Roughly a four-hour drive from the Central Valley, Monteverde is one of the country’s major ecotourism destinations.
When I am not planning amazing vacations I also represent a well known flour brand in Honduras. Just ask for Mr. Gringo—That's me!
My Favorite Thing to Do...
My favorite thing to do in Costa Rica is whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River. Recently I have also developed a love for deep sea fishing.
Top Tip when Traveling to Costa Rica
Bring the kids, and grandma and grandpa, too! Costa Rica is an amazing destination for family members of all ages. Last December we hosted my family from Minnesota that ranged from age 2 to age 94 and we all had a blast! There is something for everyone!
Recent Traveler Stories
Aaron was great to work with. He customized a trip for us that balanced romantic hotels with adventurous activities which was exactly what we were looking for in our honeymoon. Best of all it was in our budget. The staff at Costa Rica Adventures and every tour group they worked with were great and super professional. It was so nice to have drivers take us from one place to the next and already having an iternary planned made the trip so much more relaxing. I'd high recommend Costa Rica Adventures to book your trip.
Brian Hazell Date of exterience: Feb, 2020
Unfortunately, I’m not writing this review post an amazing trip but I didn’t want to wait a full year to write an excellent review of Costa Rica Vacations and Aaron Vanecek. I spent a few months planning an amazing vacation for a large family reunion (about 30 folks) with Aaron’s help. Since my family is actually from Costa Rica and travels there extensively, we were looking for something off the beaten path and unique. Aaron really delivered an incredible vacation package that was well priced and met all our needs in terms of group travel and activities to appeal to the wide range of ages that were going on this trip, including visiting a part of CR that no one in our family had visited before. I also had him assist me with booking a small family trip to go on before the bigger group trip. Again, he offered unique and well priced options. We were all set to travel this summer but the pandemic intervened. Aaron assisted us with rescheduling for next year and has kept the lines of communication open. While disappointed that we weren’t able to travel this year, I am so excited for our amazing vacation in 2021 and also relieved to have booked through a reputable, established agency that’s provided great customer service throughout.
Melissa Mathews Date of exterience: Feb, 2020
I have to say that I'm not a fan of organized travel, but CRV and their adventure partners have it dialed in. This was an great way to see Costa Rica for the first time and we can't wait to return. Aaron Vanecek did an amazing job for us, after a few emails and a call, our adventure was set and ready to begin. After I described the type of accommodations and adventures we were looking for, Aaron delivered the perfect options and itinerary. We had private transfers to/from the airport with amazing service and the tours were beyond expectations. We traveled in late July and avoided large crowds of tourists. We did get rain later afternoons and evenings, but our days were not affected too much by weather. I would recommend seeing as much of the country as you have time for, it's an amazing place!
John Tyree Date of exterience: Feb, 2020
Planning a Trip to Costa Rica? Let's Connect!
Originally from Minnesota, I have made Costa Rica home for over 18 years. My first experience in Costa Rica was in 1991, when I immediately fell in love with the country and its people. Eventually, I married a "Tica", and we are now raising our two children in PARADISE!