Travel agency · Arlington Heights, IL · reviewed since 2012
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%97+67.2Reliability 31%95+29.2Experts Score= 96Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.96SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#24 of 66 travel agenciesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 65%
5.0★★★★★80 Google reviews · 24 photos
99%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Customers highlight the agency's ability to create tailored itineraries with clear pricing and multiple options for accommodations and activities. Reviewers consistently praise the seamless coordination of airport transfers, private transportation, and local guides, noting that punctuality and responsive communication via email or WhatsApp reduced travel stress. One minor criticism mentioned was that some paid private hikes did not meet expectations, suggesting travelers should carefully evaluate specific activity options before booking.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 80 reviews (99% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 80 Google reviews (76 with written comments, 10 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 99% of reviews.
Most recent review: July 8, 2026.
Service: Travel Agency serving Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Data from Google, last updated November 12, 2026.
Score profile vs other travel agencies
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and momentum; weakest: reliability.
Costa Rica ExpertsTravel Agencies median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Costa Rica Experts: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.A
97
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Costa Rica Experts: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
95
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Costa Rica Experts: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Costa Rica Experts: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 51.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
80 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars7999%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star11%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 76 written reviews
98%praise
Praise11998%
Complaints22%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Would recommend3226%
Staff & attitude2521%
Speed & response2319%
Quality & results2017%
Communication1210%
Price & value76%
Honesty & trust22%
What customers talk about
We read 76 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“I highly, highly recommend Costa Rica Experts if you're looking to book a trip of a lifetime!”
“She was extremely patient as we went back and forth on different options and she answered all my questions so I felt really well prepared before leaving.”
“The drivers were all on time and very professional, and the tours exceeded our expectations with informative and professional guides.”
“Andie did a great job at helping me plan the perfect itinerary for my family to visit Arenal, La Fortuna, and Playa Conchal.”
“They communicated very well, gave me multiple trip itineraries to review based on activities, different pricing, etc.”
“My only small negative is that we paid for a number of private hikes/walks that may not have been worth it.”
“I appreciated talking to Andie who was candid and felt trustworthy because she talked like a normal person and wasn't trying to steer us to the most e…”
People customers mention
Arenal11 reviews
Matthew7 reviews
Aaron6 reviews
Antonio5 reviews
Daker5 reviews
Monteverde4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
BryanLocal Guide · 32 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
We used Costa Rica Experts to plan our first trip there as a family a few years ago during Thanksgiving. I was a little apprehensive about using a travel company I found on Google. But the reviews were great, so we took a chance. The experience was phenomenal! They communicated very well, gave me multiple trip…
Emily6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★
We just returned from an amazing week in Costa Rica thanks to Andie at Costa Rica Experts. A good friend recommended them and I could see why from my first interaction. Andie did a great job at helping me plan the perfect itinerary for my family to visit Arenal, La Fortuna, and Playa Conchal. She was extremely…
Bill3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★
What a wonderful trip. One of the best I have ever taken. Matthew was incredibly informative and created an exceptional itinerary. I would recommend Costa Rica to any and everyone.
CateLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Amazing trip… I wanted to cover a big area in a small amount of time… logistics can be time consuming as can finding the right accommodation. Costa Rica Experts did all the hard work for me … transfers were seamless… accommodation amazing… experiences exactly what I wanted. I saw everything I wanted to see and more…
JayLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Mathew of Costa Rica Experts arranged a lifetime trip for me and my family, Every arrangement and suggestion he made worked out perfectly. When they call themselves "experts" they really earn their name. There were 10 of us, all adults, and we were able to enjoy ourselves individually and as a group. Ziplining,…
Dorothy9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
We recently hired Costa Rica Experts a second time (we first hired them about 10 years ago) to design and plan a trip for us last December. As before, they provided great advice, different options (especially as to the quality/class of hotel and activities), and made sure that all the logistics (for guides,…
We used Costa Rica Experts to plan our first trip there as a family a few years ago during Thanksgiving. I was a little apprehensive about using a travel company I found on Google. But the reviews were great, so we took a chance. The experience was phenomenal! They communicated very well, gave me multiple trip itineraries to review based on activities, different pricing, etc. My family said it was the best trip we’ve ever done. I would highly recommend CRE. I’ll be using them again when we go back.
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you trusted us with your family's first trip to Costa Rica and that it turned out to be such a memorable experience. It means a lot to hear it was the best trip you've ever taken. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to helping you plan your next adventure!
Emily Manderson6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Emily has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We just returned from an amazing week in Costa Rica thanks to Andie at Costa Rica Experts. A good friend recommended them and I could see why from my first interaction. Andie did a great job at helping me plan the perfect itinerary for my family to visit Arenal, La Fortuna, and Playa Conchal. She was extremely patient as we went back and forth on different options and she answered all my questions so I felt really well prepared before leaving. The hotels were fantastic - beautiful settings, clean, and great food. The drivers were all on time and very professional, and the tours exceeded our expectations with informative and professional guides. We didn't need to contact the in country support thankfully, but knowing they were available if we needed them made the trip even less stressful.
I highly, highly recommend Costa Rica Experts if you're looking to book a trip of a lifetime!
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you so much for your wonderful review.
We are so happy to hear that Andie helped create the perfect trip for your family and that you felt supported every step of the way. It is great to know the hotels, transportation, and tours all exceeded your expectations.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to help you plan another unforgettable Costa Rica experience in the future.
Pura Vida,
The Costa Rica Experts Team
Bill Collins3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Bill has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
What a wonderful trip. One of the best I have ever taken. Matthew was incredibly informative and created an exceptional itinerary. I would recommend Costa Rica to any and everyone.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you for your kind review, Bill.
We are so glad to hear this was one of your best trips and that Matthew helped create an itinerary you loved. That is exactly the experience we aim to deliver.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to help you plan another great adventure in the future.
Pura Vida,
The Costa Rica Experts Team
Kent Scott1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Kent has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We cannot speak highly enough about our great experience with Andie and Costa Rica Experts! We were recommended to CRE by friends of ours and it was the single best decision we made in planning this trip of a lifetime. We started working with Andie nearly a year ahead of our trip and she was terrific in helping us craft an itinerary that reflected our interests coupled with her tips and recommendations from someone who knows the country intimately. We visited three different locations in the country (Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal) and had numerous excursions, hikes, and local experiences. All of the logistics worked like clockwork, which was no mean feat given the territory we covered and activities pursued. When we ran into a problem at our first hotel, the local CRE team were instrumental in getting us help and making things right. You only really know how good a travel expert is in such a situation and CRE more than delivered. If you are considering a trip to Costa Rica, a very wonderful place, we would strongly and vigorously recommend working with Costa Rica Experts to make it a trip that is memorable for all the right reasons!
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Kent.
We are thrilled to hear that Andie helped create such a meaningful itinerary and that everything came together smoothly across your trip. It also means a lot to know our local team was able to support you and make things right when needed.
We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to help you plan another memorable Costa Rica adventure in the future.
Pura Vida,
The Costa Rica Experts Team
Cate BrooksLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Cate has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Amazing trip… I wanted to cover a big area in a small amount of time… logistics can be time consuming as can finding the right accommodation. Costa Rica Experts did all the hard work for me … transfers were seamless… accommodation amazing… experiences exactly what I wanted. I saw everything I wanted to see and more in my timeframe… highlights, finding the elusive Qetzal in the cloud forest and hiking the Drake Trail… will definitely use the Experts again !
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're glad you enjoyed a smooth vacation - as it should be! It was a pleasure to work with you. Please let us know if we can help with any future travel plans!
Jay GaleLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jay has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Mathew of Costa Rica Experts arranged a lifetime trip for me and my family, Every arrangement and suggestion he made worked out perfectly. When they call themselves "experts" they really earn their name. There were 10 of us, all adults, and we were able to enjoy ourselves individually and as a group. Ziplining, animal sanctuary, sunset cruise, Golf and lots more. We did it all. We did it off-season (Mid June) and the weather was perfect- hot, but cooled by occasional rain or a dip in the pool or ocean. The W Hotel was outstanding and the staff was constantly helpful. When they say Pura Vida (similar to Aloha) they mean it.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and share your experience! We are so pleased you enjoyed the trip Matthew planned for you with your group. It sounds like you had quite the adventure. It was a pleasure working with you. Please let us know if we can coordinate any future travel plans. All the best!
Dorothy Hodgson9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dorothy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We recently hired Costa Rica Experts a second time (we first hired them about 10 years ago) to design and plan a trip for us last December. As before, they provided great advice, different options (especially as to the quality/class of hotel and activities), and made sure that all the logistics (for guides, pick-ups, activity tickets, hotels, etc) were in place and went smoothly during our visit. I recommend them all the time to friends who want to visit CR - and would do the same to strangers.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! We are so honored to have you recommendation and to help coordinate your trip twice. It's a pleasure to work with you. Please let us know if we can help with any future travel plans. All the best!
Ester Saunoras4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ester has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They did a great job planning our trip to Costa Rica. All of the places we stayed were wonderful and we could not have asked for a better trip. Good service & communication. I highly recommend Costa Rica Experts.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We're so pleased to have your recommendation. Please keep us in mind for your future travel plans. All the best!
Jennifer PhanLocal Guide · 65 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jennifer has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We did the classic Costa Rica deluxe and felt like this was the perfect introduction to CR. We had quick communication through email to set up the tour. We also were able to communicate through their CR office very quickly through WhatsApp.
It was my first time on a tour and it was so nice not having to worry about transportation, setting up other tours, or etc. I can definitely see why people decide to do them.
Highly recommend this company for your CR tour!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're so glad you found the classic Costa Rica deluxe package to be a good introduction to Costa Rica. We so appreciate your recommendation! Please let us know if we can help with future travel plans. And, great photo of Arenal! :)
Ann KallioLocal Guide · 33 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ann has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Aaron, along with Deborah a local Costa Rican agent, provided us with a fabulous trip. Aaron arranged the hotels in each city (Koora in MonteVerde was THE BEST), adventures, drivers and tour guide companies that did not disappoint. Our guides were very knowledgeable and drivers were safe, even with questionable road conditions. Most spoke English, which helped navigate our adventures. Even though we were last minute in our travel plans, Aaron did not hesitate to give us great ideas. We hiked, dined and zip lined through three different ecosystems. Deborah assisted us in finding even more to experience and gave us ideas on how best to help one of our travel partners.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We're so glad you found Aaron and Deborah's help valuable and enjoyed a great trip. It was a pleasure to help. Please let us know if we can help with any future travel plans!
