FAQ´s - Serendipity Adventures

Frequently Asked Questions

All You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning and preparing for a vacation can be overwhelming. Serendipity Adventures takes care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy the experience. If you can't find the answer to your travel question below, feel free to reach out to us.

Submit an online form or call us directly at (+1) 888-226-5050
A Serendipity travel specialist will liaise with you to create a unique itinerary
Your trip plan will be tailored until you are happy to book
Serendipity will be with you every step of the way to help you prepare for your trip
It is time to travel to Costa Rica! We’re right here to support you throughout your vacation.

Every itinerary that we make is unique. We do not offer ‘packages’ with a set price. Your Serendipity travel specialist will ask your per person or group budget in order to create a tailor-made trip based on your travel style, interests, and group size.

For travelers looking for a rough guide on price, our trips typically fall within the following budgets:
– Independent: $1,000-$2,000pp per week
– Mixed Independent & Guided: $2,000-$3,000pp per week
– Fully Guided Trips: $3,000-$4,000pp+ per week

Your travel specialist will tailor your trip until you are ready to book. To formalize your reservation, we will ask for a deposit in order to secure your accommodation and activities.

Once your deposit is received, our team will make the reservations for the services outlined in your trip plan and follow up with a confirmation package. Your package will include everything you will need in order to prepare for your trip to Costa Rica.

Our team is available every step of the way up until the start of, and the duration of, your trip should you need any assistance.

If you choose a Fully Guided trip, you will be traveling with a dedicated Serendipity guide & transport. Your guide will take care of planning, logistics, confirmations, and much more, so you can relax and enjoy. Your dedicated guide is a trove of information on natural history, culture, geography and is your facilitator and interface to understanding and living the Costa Rican experience. Your guide is also trained in first aid and our specialist guides additionally have certifications in rescue in different areas; you are in good hands.

A great thing about having a dedicated guide and vehicle is flexibility, you can stop and get a close look/photo op of interesting things along the way, try exotic fare at a roadside fruit stand, or just take a detour to see what the vast majority of visitors never do.

As part of your confirmation package, you will receive a sample packing list alongside our preparation tips for your Costa Rica vacation. This includes particular items for adventure activities, as well as more general advice from our experienced team.

In the lead-up to your trip, your travel specialist will also be available to help with any specific questions you may have.

When you are ready to book, your travel specialist will send through instructions for you to submit your deposit. This can be done through a secure online payment link or over the phone. There are no processing fees for online payments made via ACH, however if you choose to pay by credit card there is a 2.9% processing fee.

Your remaining balance is due no later than 60 days prior to the trip start date, payable by bank transfer or online payment link. Please note that, if your trip starts in less than 60 days, your full balance is due upon booking.

Payments can be split between individuals and balance payment can be made in installments if requested, as long as the final balance is received by the due date.

Cancellations are subject to the following penalties of the full trip price:

Non-refundable deposit due at the time of confirmation
46-60 days prior to arrival: 50% penalty
45-30 days prior to arrival: 70% penalty
Less than 30 days prior to arrival: 100% penalty

Please note that Serendipity strives to be as accommodating as possible if changes need to be made after you have confirmed your itinerary. Hotel reservations are very difficult to adjust, however, upgrades and changes may be available at an additional cost. There is more flexibility with activities if appropriate notice is given. Please speak with your travel specialist for more details.

Your travel specialist will provide you with a breakdown of what is included in your custom itinerary. They will specify the hotel rooms offered, meals included, transport, and activities. 24/7 support from the Serendipity Adventures team is always included, regardless of whether you are on a fully guided trip or traveling independently.

Serendipity Adventures trips do not include international airfare, travel insurance, tips, and laundry services.

Our clients keep returning to travel with us because we exceed their expectations and continue to surprise them. If you have chosen a package vacation or decided to put together an independent trip, it is likely that you will be visiting tourist hotspots. These sites are usually hotspots for a reason; they’re beautiful and have many tours on offer. But, if crowds aren’t your thing, we can take you off the beaten track to discover the more pristine and undisturbed places.

Our team is based in-country, meaning that you’ll receive the latest travel advice and real-time support for a stress-free vacation. Your flight is delayed, your tour guide hasn’t arrived, or you forgot your bag at the restaurant…that sinking feeling when something goes wrong while you’re abroad. Before the panic sets in, you can call us and we’ll help you solve it. It is likely that this isn’t the first time this has happened in the 30+ years we’ve been operating in Costa Rica. We’ll also help you prepare in the lead-up to the trip: what to pack, what SIM card to buy, what vaccinations to get…we’ve got you covered.

During the planning process for your trip, we’ll ask you if anyone in your group has any dietary restrictions. This way, we can inform hotels and activity providers and you can travel knowing that you’ll have options available.

Most hotels and other operators will offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free options. However, we like to confirm in advance to avoid any unexpected surprises.

It is always good to be aware of safety while traveling anywhere in the world. Costa Rica has a reputation of being one of the safest countries in Latin America to visit, however, there are cases of theft and crime in some areas. These incidents do make it to the press because they are so rare in relation to other countries.

Common sense goes a long way to keeping you safe during your travels. For example, it is recommended to keep an eye on your valuables while in public, including in restaurants, transport, or in your back pocket/bag. If you head to the beach, do not bring your valuables with you or have one of your group sit with them while you go for a swim. If you are using a rental car, it is also a good idea to keep items out of sight.

One of the benefits of traveling with Serendipity is our in-country support should anything come up. With our expertise, you’ll be staying in the right hotels, visiting the best areas, and you can relax knowing that your activities meet our safety standards.