|
We have just returned from our first trip to Costa Rica and are happy to say that Jamie Garcia has made all the difference in us having a wonderful and memorable vacation. While we where planning our trip we used the internet to research activities and tours we thought would like to do, but hadn't made any arrangements. We figured we would arrive at our hotel, settle in, and then use taxis or local tour companies to take us around Costa Rica. There were many to choose from on the internet so we thought it would be no problem. That would have been a huge mistake! Luckily, a couple of weeks before leaving we happened to find Jaime's website and became interested in his service as a personal tour guide. We sent him an email inquiring about what he had to offer. He responded quickly and right away a dialogue developed between us. After a few conversations over the phone we became more confident in Jaime. The deal was sealed when Jaime told us that even if we didn't hire him he would be glad to refer us to other guides and even provide useful information about Costa Rica to make our trip easier and more fun.
After being with Jaime for one day we realized that the personal service he provides is worth its weight in gold. We spoke with other couples at our hotel who had taken tours on large crowded buses that were pressed for time. They were at the will of the group and couldn't do exactly what they wanted to do. With Jaime we had great flexibility. If we felt like doing something he was there for us 24/7. He altered our adventures to suit our tastes and was right with us when we went snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, and on the canopy tours. Throughout the trip Jaime was a great source of information and explained anything we wanted to know about Costa Rica. Not only is he a superb naturalist who taught us about the Costa Rican ecosystem, but he is from the area so he knows just about everybody. He took us to local restaurants, shopping, and even his neighborhood cantina! We had a bonus during our trip when Jaime asked if we would like to have another guide come along at no extra charge. His good friend, Ciro, who is also a very experienced and knowledgeable guide, was available to accompany us on some of our tours. We agreed and enjoyed his company just as much as we did Jaime's. The two complimented each other and made our tours that much more enjoyable.
Jaime took us "off the beaten path" and we had a great time with him. From the time we arrived at the airport to the time we left, Jaime made us feel comfortable. He made our trip simple because he took care of the details. All we had to do was tell him what we wanted to do and off we went.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. Let Jaime be your guide!
Sam and Luz Wright
Biloxi, MS
I am a marine biologist and biology teacher living in Los Angeles . I wanted to go to Costa Rica to dive. I had heard that there is great diving there, but I was going by myself and wasn't sure how to arrange everything. A friend of mine recommended Jaime to me. It was the best phone call I ever made. He was waiting at the airport for me. The diving company he chose for me was fantastic. I have been diving all over the world and this was one of my best experiences. I quickly realized that it wasn't just with diving companies that Jaime has connections. By the end of the trip, I was calling him “The Mayor” because he knows everyone in town and has connections everywhere. He helped me do many things I hadn't even known I would love to do. Everywhere we went, he was clearly well known and well liked by the local people and the staff. He was the main reason why my trip was so great.
—Dr. Kate Moran, Los Angeles , CA .
|
My husband and I were a little nervous when we realized some of the tour guides that our hotel recommended didn't speak English. However, once we met Jaime, we knew it was a perfect fit! He made us feel very comfortable with the language barrier and was quick to pick up on any questions we had even before we asked them. It was so clear that Jaime took a lot of pride in his work and was very familiar with the places that were “off the beaten path.” He showed us places that most of my friends who have been to Costa Rica have never heard of – apparently they weren't lucky enough to know about Jaime! We had a wonderful time and can't wait to visit again.
– Ilyce and Rob Chizmadia, St. Louis , MO
|
With Jaime, we went to Rincon de la Vieja volcano. The experience that we had there was amazing! Jaime is very knowledgable about the area and made the trip a lot of fun. I was scared at first to do the canopy tour on the zip lines but he explained everything really clearly and put me at ease. I wouldn't have done it without him and it was an unforgettable experience. We also got to go horseback riding to a waterfall, then we went to the hot springs and mud baths. It was the best experience ever, thanks to Jaime!!
—Jill Kotner Hirsch, New York, NY.
|
When I decided to go to Costa Rica, one of the things I really wanted to do was to see monkeys in the wild, not in a zoo. Jaime picked us up at the airport in San Jose and he drove us to our hotel in Guanacaste. As we were driving, he suddenly stopped the car at the side of the road. I was a little nervous until he got out of the car and pointed to the trees. There was a group of over 20 monkeys playing and eating mangoes in the branches!! I don't know how he knew they were there but it started my trip off perfectly and things continued that well for the entire trip. Jaime knew how to provide us with exactly what we wanted at all times. He was the perfect tour leader and I recommend him to anyone! Thanks, Jaime!
— Rachel Resnik, Brookline, MA. |
| |
Submit your own testimonial - click here - |
