Sergio Bolaños
I am originally from San Jose, Costa Rica, where I was born and raised. However, I have been living on the Caribbean coast of the country for the past 13 years. As an adventure enthusiast, history buff, sunrise stalker, everyday reader, bass player, and surfer, I have a variety of interests. I am particularly passionate about environmentalism, cultural heritage/history, and music.
I studied Eco-Tourism Management and I love my country’s natural treasures, cultural spots, and off-the-beaten-track attractions. I am convinced that travel can change lives for the better and that is why I bring my insights and passion for my country to my travel plans.
In my opinion, the ultimate goal of travel planning is to assist people in having meaningful experiences throughout their journey, while also providing opportunities for self-discovery and reflection.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I can create all types of tailor-made trips such as adventure travel, family vacations, luxury escapes, and off-the-grid traveling."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I first got involved with travel when studying Eco-Tourism Management at the University of Costa Rica. Since then, I have found a deep passion to explore, discover and experience new locations, cultures, and natural environments. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"My visit to La Comuna 13 in Medellín, Colombia left an indelible impression on me. This place represents the true essence of tourism: the power to transform. I will always cherish the memories and experiences I had in this incredible community. "
Featured trips & expertise
Discover Costa Rica's Natural Highlights - 6 Days
Explore Costa Rica's great outdoors on this lively six-day tour around the country's natural highlights, from volcanoes and hot springs to forests and beaches. Start in Arenal with a visit to the Hanging Bridges, a hike around Arenal Volcano, and a dip in the Tabacón Hot Springs. Then transfer to Manuel Antonio National Park for snorkeling, hiking, a sunset catamaran cruise, and a boating excursion in the Damas Island Estuary.
Active Costa Rica: Río Pacuare Rafting, Arenal & Manuel Antonio- 8 Days
From whitewater rafting to waterfall rappelling, this active eight-day itinerary around Costa Rica is filled with adventure! After a day of sightseeing in San José, you'll embark on two days of rafting down Class III-IV rapids on the Río Pacuare. Continue to Arenal for volcano hikes and a zip-lining excursion through the rainforest. You'll finish up in Manuel Antonio National Park, where you'll spot crocodiles, snorkel with tropical fish, and sail along the coast at sunset.
Costa Rica from Coast to Coast - 14 Days
Hiking in the jungle, soaking in hot springs, snorkeling with tropical fish, horseback riding to waterfalls—these are just a few outdoor adventures that await travelers on this thrilling 14-day itinerary around Costa Rica. After a day in San José, you'll head to the Caribbean coast and spend a few days exploring Tortuguero National Park. Discover the natural wonders of Arenal and Monteverde before finishing up the adventure on the Pacific coast at Manuel Antonio National Park.
Wildlife Luxury Adventure in Arenal & the Osa Peninsula - 7 Days
Get off the beaten path on this weeklong luxury adventure around Costa Rica's beautiful landscapes. After a day exploring the capital city, you'll travel to the Osa Peninsula for a sunset birdwatching tour around Drake Bay. Explore Corcovado National Park on a guided hike, then look for whales and dolphins in the wild on a boat tour. You'll sleep in luxury hotels throughout the week and finish the trip in the Arenal region with a visit to a sloth habitat and a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Costa Rica's Natural Wonders - 7 Days
See Costa Rica's outdoor highlights on this weeklong adventure around the country's volcanoes, hot springs, cloud forests, wildlife habitats, and beaches. After spending a few days exploring Arenal Volcano and its surroundings, you'll move on to Monteverde to sip locally produced coffee and trek through the cloud forest. Then finish the week in Manuel Antonio National Park for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
Family Adventure in Costa Rica: Wetlands, Volcanoes & Caribbean Beaches - 10 Days
On this fun 10-day adventure created for families, you'll swim in waterfall pools, spot sloths in the trees, and sample homemade chocolate while learning how it's made. The itinerary takes you from the bustling streets of San José to the rainforest of Tortuguero National Park, then onward to the beautiful beaches of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and the rivers, volcanoes, and hot springs of Arenal. Highlights include a safari-style boat ride, a nighttime jungle hike, and a visit to a jaguar rescue center.
Favorite experiences
Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica's and Central America's prime surfing spots and a destination not to be missed if you're interested in a surf lesson. You'll meet your instructor at Playa Tamarindo and enjoy a one-on-one lesson, allowing you to pick up surf skills much faster. Surfing at Tamarindo...
Night Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Almost 80 percent of the wildlife in Monteverde Cloud Forest is nocturnal, so if you're keen on seeing the rich biodiversity of the Monteverde area, a guided night hike is a must. This experience provides the best chance to spot a wide variety of forest inhabitants you won't necessarily find...
Whale & Dolphin Tour in Drake Bay
On the far side of the Osa Peninsula, you'll find one of the planet's most biologically intense places along the secluded and sandy curve of Drake Bay. In these unspoiled waters, enjoy a boat trip as your captain searches for several species of whales and dolphins. The bay is infamous as one of...
Snorkeling & Hiking in Cahuita National Park
Enjoy a snorkeling and hiking excursion in Cahuita National Park, where you'll start with a boat ride to a famous snorkeling spot just offshore. Here, you'll enjoy two hours exploring the underwater world of the park, where colorful aquatic creatures, like tropical fish, stingrays, octopus, and...
Río Pacuare Whitewater Rafting
Located along Costa Rica's Caribbean slope near Turrialba is a deep gorge considered one of the best river-rafting sites in the world. The Río Pacuare runs 67 miles (107 km) from the Talamanca Mountains to the Caribbean in the southwest of the country. Along the way, it passes through some of the...
Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Hike
Discover the natural beauty of the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park on a hike with an expert guide. While trekking the two-mile (3.2-km) trail, keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles, and butterflies in the wild. The path through the lush rainforest leads you to the...
Recent trip reviews for Sergio
Costa Rica We'll Never Forget!
Costa Rica
|
Feb 3 - Feb 16, 2023
Took a chance on KimKim and it was a wonderful experience. From the very beginning, Sergio, from Serendipity Tours, took what we could and couldn't do into consideration. A little worried about being 65, long hikes and heights. Ends up we could do everything and it was an unforgettable trip. They took care of everything and took care of us. We did have to contact them a couple of times to confirm times and them got back to us quickly. They even changed the time of the car drop... read more
Hola Alison! I'm glad to hear that you had a wonderful experience with us! As someone who takes pride in providing personalized experiences for travelers, it's always great to hear when we're able to meet the unique needs and concerns of our clients. I'm thrilled that you were able to enjoy everything on the itinerary, despite any initial worries, and that you found the trip to be unforgettable. So I'm pleased to hear that we were able to take care of everything and ensure that you had a... read more
Completely Amazing trip!!
Costa Rica
|
Feb 10 - Feb 20, 2023
The trip and all of the connection points was arranged extremely well. We only had to know what time we needed to be in the lobby of our hotel to have a completely hassle free experience. The guides that were set up for our daily tours were incredibly knowledgeable and managed to find many wonderful animals for us to observe. They even took pictures for us through their scopes so that we would have lasting images of all of the wonderful animals and plants we encountered while in Costa... read more
Hi Beth, thank you so much for taking the time to leave us such a positive review! We are thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us and we truly appreciate your kind words. Pura Vida!
We had a great trip but unfortunately had a f...
Costa Rica
|
Feb 7 - Feb 16, 2023
We had a great trip but unfortunately had a few hiccups on the way which required us to contact our guide multiple times. Overall it was fun but not sure if I will use this service again... read more
Hi Amanda, thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback on your recent trip. We're glad to hear that you had a great time overall, but we're sorry to hear that you experienced a few hiccups along the way. At the Hotel San Bada Resort & Spa, we are sorry about your disappointment with the room and dining experience, and we'll be sure to share your feedback with the hotel management to help them improve for future guests. We understand the traffic and safety concerns in San Jose, and... read more
We had a great experience planning the trip w...
Costa Rica
|
Jan 11 - Jan 18, 2023
We had a great experience planning the trip with Sergio and then visiting Costa Rica.
We wanted an 'only in Costa Rica' trip and had specific requests that were all accommodated Sergio and the team he worked with. The process was time-edficient and price was reasonable compared to self-organized alternatives. We are sold on the concept and will come back to KimKim.
More specific feedback that you may find useful:
1. Transportation: I highly recommend taking drivers and car service ... read more
Hi Gidi, I'm so glad to hear that you had a great experience planning your trip with us and that your visit to Costa Rica met your expectations. Thank you for sharing your experience! Pura vida!
Amazing Trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica
|
Feb 10 - Feb 16, 2023
Would have given 4.5 stars if that was an option. Overall everything went smoothly and we had a wonderful time. We especially liked the raft float with Walter and the bird watching tours at Rainforest Adventures with Charo and CATIE Botanical Garden with Jorge. The hike on Turrialba Volcano with Eileen was a highlight. The grounds surrounding Ara Ambigua hotel and Guayabo Lodge were beautiful.
We wished that our KimKim specialist had better understood that in our 70s we were not up for... read more
Hi Gale, thank you for sharing your feedback on your recent trip and your experience. We are pleased to hear that overall, everything went smoothly and you had a wonderful time. We are glad to know that you enjoyed your tour guides and that they were able t provide you with wonderful experiences. We apologize for any confusion or miscommunication regarding the level of activity of the hikes. We will take your feedback seriously and make sure to improve our communication with our clients regarding the level of activity for each tour. Thank you for sharing, pura vida!
Serendipity Adventures organized a fantastic,...
Costa Rica
|
Jan 18 - Jan 30, 2023
Serendipity Adventures organized a fantastic, memorable trip for us and another couple. Sergio, Nancy, and Charlotte readily incorporated our requests and preferences, secured top notch accommodations, booked excellent excursions, and made sure our transportation from destination to destination proceeded flawlessly. When we reached out via web messaging or What’s App, even after hours, responses came quickly and thoroughly.
Sergio suggested we start in San José, hike at Arenal Volcano and... read more
Hi Brad! It's great to hear that we were able to organize a fantastic and memorable trip for you! It's also fantastic that you were able to enjoy a worry-free and memorable vacation thanks to the efforts of the team. Thank you for sharing your feedback. Pura Vida!
This was our first time using kimkim, the exp...
Costa Rica
|
Jan 23 - Jan 31, 2023
This was our first time using kimkim, the experience was great and we will definitely use the service again!
Kimkim worked with Serendipity Adventures to plan our trip.
Communication with Sergio, Charlotte, and Nancy from SA, while planning and during the trip, was excellent.
Sergio tweaked our plan to accommodate our travel interests and created an itinerary that matched our requests. Charlotte and Nancy were both quickly reachable while we were in Costa Rica via WhatApp, this was a... read more
Hi John, thanks for sharing your experience, and I'm glad to hear that thanks to Serendipity Adventures you'll consider using the platform again in the future! Pura Vida!
Wonderful days in Costa Rica
Costa Rica
|
Dec 25 - Jan 9, 2023
Costa Rica is incredible! So amazing! We (2 adults + 2 boys) planned our trip with Sergio from Serendipity Adventures focused on animals and nature for the end of December/beginning of January. The whole planning process was great, and Sergio was always easy to reach. I think that KimKim is a good option if you don't have much time to organize your trip. It was the first time I used it, and I think it was a good option at the present pace of my life.
A review would not be enough to... read more
Hi Daniel, thank you very much for your kind words and for taking the time to write this review. We appreciate your trust in planning your trip to Costa Rica. I am very happy to hear that you had a great time! Pura Vida!
40th Anniversary in Costa Rica
Costa Rica
|
Jan 17 - Jan 26, 2023
This was my husband's and my first time to Costa Rica. We were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and it was an amazing experience. Sergio planned a wonderful trip and really personalized it for us. For the most part we had private or semi private transfers and/or tour guides and it really allowed us to interact with them and get a lot of information.
Our driver from San Jose to Arenal/La Fortuna was Charlie with Ride CR. He was great. We arrived at the airport at 1:30pm and we... read more
You are welcome Iris, it was my pleasure! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us and for taking the time to leave us a review. Muchas gracias!
Our Fantastic Journey In Costa Rica
Costa Rica
|
Jan 6 - Jan 16, 2023
Dear Sergio, Charlotte and Nancy,
We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful experience we enjoyed in Costa Rica with your tremendous assistance, including the splendid itinerary, your responsiveness before and during our trip, and your suggestions of what to see and experience. True, you had an excellent canvas to work with: Costa Rica! The country is beautiful with so much to see and enjoy, and the people we met along our journey were also a pleasure, and the food was so tasteful and... read more
Hi Maddy and Andy, thank you so much, your words mean so much to me and the team. I am glad that you have enjoyed your time in Costa Rica, and we hope to see you again.
Pura Vida!!
Our trip to Costa Rica was a trip of lifetime...
Costa Rica
|
Dec 17 - Jan 1, 2023
Our trip to Costa Rica was a trip of lifetime. Sergio, Charlotte and Nancy were incredibly helpful during the trip planning and while we were traveling.
We had a glitch at the start of the trip due to our flight delay leaving from US, which resulted in extremely late arrival in Costa Rica. The tour team jumped on to help right away to help with re-arranging the airport pickup, hotel and the tour activities planned for the first day.
We have a special needs child with significant food &... read more
Hi Eon, thank you so much for your kind words. For all of us, it was a pleasure to help you have an experience of a lifetime. We are very grateful for your trust in us for the design and operation of your family trip to Costa Rica. I am so happy to hear that you and your kids had a great time with many lasting memories of our country. Take care. Pura Vida!
Sergio is the best. Honestly he had so much p...
Costa Rica
|
Dec 1 - Dec 13, 2022
Sergio is the best. Honestly he had so much patience and was so helpful with every aspect of the trip. He would have your back all the way! And Costa Rica is the best, thanks Sergio, thanks serendipity and thanks Kim Kim for making such an amazing trip possible. Pura vida!
¡Marko, me alegra muchísimo que hayás tenido una excelente experiencia en Costa Rica!
Thank you very much for your review, it was really nice to know you and help you on putting together your trip. Pura Vida Marko!
Great trip to discover Costa Rica
Costa Rica
|
Nov 28 - Dec 7, 2022
The trip designed by Sergio and his team was perfect.
A combination of active and relaxing areas, great hotel selection, and super high quality activities!
We couldn’t be happier with how our trip went.
We traveled to La Fortuna, Monterverde and Manuel Antonio, and got to discover a ton of wildlife and beautiful forests. read more
Hi Clement!
I am so happy to hear that you had a great time. It was a pleasure for the entire Serendipity Adventures Team to be part of your trip.
Pura Vida!
11 days in Costa Rica
Costa Rica
|
Nov 17 - Nov 27, 2022
Can't express enough of how wonderful Sergio was in helping us plan our trip. Sergio easy to contact and there to answer all our silly questions and make changes when needed. He was even available during our trip and after we returned home. I will be returning to Costa Rica and will defiantly be using Sergio to help with planning. EVERYTHING was taken care of and we had zero issues. Best trip of my life.
Thank again!
Audrea Hiatt read more
Hi Audrea! I am so happy that you had a great time while in Costa Rica!
It was my pleasure to help you plan the best trip for you and Brittany.
Pura Vida!
My family and I travelled to Costa Rica in Oc...
Costa Rica
|
Oct 6 - Oct 18, 2022
My family and I travelled to Costa Rica in October 2022. We had the best time! Sergio and his team made our experience completely seamless and yet adventureful. My husband and I are used to blazing our own trail when we travel, but this time having our 10 & 7 year old daughters along with us we wanted to capitalize on our time and have activities that they would find engaging and provide them opportunities to learn along the way. Sergio and the team at Serendipity provide this and so much... read more
Hi Jody!
Thank you very much! I am so glad that you had a great time in Costa Rica!
I hope you can come back in the future to explore more of our country!
Best regards,
Sergio
Costa Rica - Pura Vida!
Costa Rica
|
Aug 13 - Aug 21, 2022
This was truly a vacation that was filled with fun, adventure, delicious food, wonderful people, beautiful nature and animals, peace of mind, and memories to last a lifetime! Thank you KimKim and especially Sergio for making this such a wonderful experience. I truly appreciated Sergio’s patience and perseverance as we carefully refined our itinerary!
When we landed at San Jose’ we found our driver easily. After a red-eye flight it was a treat to be driven to our first destination,... read more
Dear Donna and Greg,
I am so happy you had a wonderful time during your trip to Costa Rica! It was a real pleasure to be able to help you plan the perfect vacation. So many wonderful photos, I can tell you had a great experience! Thank you so much for your trust and your kind words.
Best regards,
Sergio
An Ideal and Well Planned Vacation
Costa Rica
|
Aug 13 - Aug 25, 2022
Sergio was terrific in helping plan a trip for my husband and myself to Costa Rica. We were to be in CR for about two weeks and he had to work out an itinerary that involved a commitment in Playa Hermosa, near Santa Teresa. The arrangements were ideal and proceeded seamlessly with an abundance of good suggestions. Accommodations were all excellent. Throughout the trip, Sergio was available to help or answer questions and was always accommodating. He is also very knowledgeable and knows... read more
Hi Evelyn!
I am so glad you had a great experience, for me, it was a real pleasure to work with you on planning your vacation, and also practice a little your Spanish :)
De verdad muchísimas gracias Evelyn, espero que usted y su esposo tengan muy buenos recuerdos de su viaje por Costa Rica.
Saludos especiales,
Sergio
Our trip was awesome. We had zero issues, it ...
Costa Rica
|
Jul 20 - Jul 31, 2022
Our trip was awesome. We had zero issues, it went very smoothly. read more
Hi Les,
I am so glad you had a great experience!
I saw a couple of photos of you kayaking in the mangrooves :)!
Thank you!
Great family trip (last minute planning)
Costa Rica
|
Jun 22 - Jul 1, 2022
We had a spectacular time in Costa Rica. Sergio assisted us in an itinerary that met our interest in adventure, variety and family time. He was there through the entire time as things needed to shift because of weather or road closures - and also just to provide recommendations as we went along. The tours and guides he matched us with - from rafting to hiking to surfing - were all wonderfully competent and personable. read more
Hi Jackie!
I am so glad that you had a great experience, I hope you have many lasting memories with your family about your trip. to Costa Rica.
Cheers!
Sergio
Exciting Vacation In Costa Rica
Costa Rica
|
Jul 2 - Jul 13, 2022
We had a great vacation with the help of Sergio and his team.
We had to make changes due to weather and Sergio was able to rebook transfers and added an additional tour. It was so nice to be able to have all this done after a simple phone call.
We also had a medical issue, and Sergio was able to provide support.
Having someone local who can make arrangements behind the scenes was invaluable.
We called Sergio often, and he was always pleasant and helpful.
Hi Craig,
I am so happy to know that you and your family had a great time in Costa Rica!
For me and the Serendipity Adventures team, it was a pleasure :)
Sergio