Post Tour - ISTO WORLD CONGRESS in Costa Rica

Costa Rica

IV
Il Viaggio Travel
  • Email address verified
62 reviews
Duration: 4 days
Group size: 1 - 25
Post Tour - ISTO WORLD CONGRESS in Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Il Viaggio Travel
  • Email address verified
62 reviews

$NaN
Duration: 4 days
Group size: 1 - 25

About this trip

Available Packages

Post Tour - ISTO WORLD CONGRESS
$250

Itinerary

Option #1
Tortuguero

Your Organizer


IV
Il Viaggio Travel
62 reviews
Costa Rica Family Holidays, powered by IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL, boasts two decades of expertise as a local ground operator in Costa Rica. Specializing in crafting unique family experiences, we cherish the true essence of family bonds. Every journey we offer is designed with this in mind, catering to groups of friends, couples, and multigenerational families alike. With accessibility at the forefront, we ensure each adventure is both memorable and sustainable.

Reviews

Overall, our trip was delightful. The itinerary that Stephanie prepared fit our needs, and our guide and driver, Harold was exceptional. We particularly liked his knowledge of the country, its history and politics, and especially his expert help with bird watching. The Ara Ambigua lodge seems to have great potential, but its staff needs better training. The Sarapiqui River trip was excellent. The Arenal Lodge was first class, and more plush than we would have preferred. The Trogon Lodge was our favorite. We particularly enjoyed the Quetzel tour and the bird watching. Having a personal driver for the week was an excellent way to tour the country on the first visit. Based upon our experience, we hope to come back to Costa Rica.
By Kathleen C for Cooper on Feb 18, 2026
We had an amazing time. The weather was horrible but we would do it all again with our guide Harold who was a ray of sunshine everyday. Harold had a great attitude, extremely helpful and made the trip so enjoyable. We would love to do it again in the right weather. Stephanie, thanks for checking in on us, the staff was excellent. Rafael and Bernie were so nice and helpful.
By Hope F for Hope Fowler on Feb 17, 2026
It was wonderful. Our driver, Harold, was unbelievably helpful and knowledgeable. Our only complaint was the weather, and the fact that we were not advised to bring any warm clothes.
By John M for McClatchey on Feb 16, 2026
We are so glad you enjoyed your time in Costa Rica. The cooler weather truly took all of us by surprise this year. Unfortunately, northern cold fronts have been influencing our climate more than usual, creating unexpected temperature changes across the country. January and February in Costa Rica is typically hot and dry, but this season has been quite different. That said, one of the unique aspects of traveling here is experiencing multiple microclimates in a single journey — from cool, misty cloud forests at higher elevations to warm beaches at sea level. For that reason, it is always wise to pack a combination of clothing, from light layers and warmer items to a swimsuit. We truly appreciate your feedback and will incorporate your comment into our “What to Bring” recommendations for future travelers. Thank you again for traveling with us — it was a pleasure to host you.
By Il Viaggio Travel on Feb 17, 2026
IV
I came back from my trip to Costa Rica two days ago. And I am happy to say that I am back home and just about survived the ordeal. When I arrived in Costa Rica I was confronted with the fact that I was booked in a hotel where they only serve breakfast and no lunch or diner. It was the first time in my life that I was confronted with this as a differently abled person. I was supposed to find my lunch and diner outside the hotel in the nearest restaurants that I could find. Knowing that I can't even do a 100 meter on foot I don't think that I have to explain what that meant. Even the guides that I was with didn't understand what was going on and went to the reception to ask what happened and how this was possible. The person that I had been in contact with to plan this trip for almost a year turned out to be in Argentina and was only reachable by Whatsapp messaging. After one night I had to be moved to another room because apparently they had put me in a room next to the machines of the air conditioning and others and sleeping was not possible. It is also at that point that I discovered that the equipment that I had requisted and explained a year ago was not present and in part disfunctional. When I was moved to another room I still had to wait 2 days before everything was installed in the room to do my treatments. Later on, even with the help from the people in the hotel, I had to come to the conclusion that it still didn't work. The people from the hotel didn't know enough english and I could not make them understand what the equipment was for. The breakfast itself consisted of bread that you had to put in a toaster to heat it up. But the bread was so stale that you didn't had to bother yourself to toast it anyway. I ended up eating yoghurt with fruit and coffee for the rest of the week. On the first day I was told by the guide that in fact I didn't have anything to complain about because somebody who is blind really has something to complain about while travelling. On the last day my new guide even whished me a happy continuation of my life long holiday, taking in to account that I have nothing else to do in my life because I do not work anymore. That is the kind of language that I was confronted with during my trip. Considering that I was born with a degenerative neurological disease since birth and chronic pain on a daily basis and on top of that faced with the fact a new part of my body decides to go on early retirement every 12 to 36 months I still feel sic to my stomac just thinking about it. On one of the days I had to go to a 5 senses experience day. This ment going to somebody garden and touch and smell some leafs and plants. At a certain point I had to sit in my wheelchair next to a river. Because that apparently was the way to experience Costa Rica sound wise. Are you freaking kidding me? That was a five hour drive and the only thing with did that day. Another day was in the city of San José where we visited 2 museums. We ended up inside the museums where the guide drove me around in my wheelchair and said outloud what was written on the boards. As if I will uncapable of reading the boards myself. All the other people in the museums had a guide that affectively whent aroung the museums to explain in details what was being shown. My guide had nothing else to say. In the afternoon we where supposed to go to a special old covered market from the late 18th century. That trip was booked on a sunday. That specific market is open everyday of the week. Accept on sunday. The guide was amazed by this himself apparently. I booked this trip because my family had gone before and told me that it was worthwile. According to them I have not seen even 50% of what I was supposed to see. People who are not even living with a degenerative disease would request some sort of compensation for this. If I do not get a similar reaction from you or another party I am afraid that I will not be able to work with Responsible Travel again. Know that I agreed with this trip to see what Responsible Travel was about and if I could book another trip in the future. I paid 6050 dollars for this. Without the flights and de price of the food and drinks during lunch and diner. You put on your website that you cater to people that are differently abled. I saw nothing that even remotely looked like that. Even my trip with Tui Travel Group many years ago was better catered and less insulting.
By Arne V for Poas Volcano - Arne Victor (A) on Feb 16, 2026
Dear Mr. Victor, Thank you for taking the time to share your reflections following your return home. We are genuinely sorry to read that your overall perception of the journey differs so significantly from the experience reported during your stay in Costa Rica. Given the seriousness of your statements, we would like to respond clearly, factually, and respectfully. This response is based on: * The agreed itinerary and written confirmations * WhatsApp communications during travel * Reports from guides and hotel staff * Operational records and time-stamped actions 1. Planning Process & Scope of Services Your journey was planned over the course of nearly one year. During that time: * You researched and selected experiences. * We discussed in detail what was physically possible and what was not. * Adjustments were made based on your stated mobility capacity and medical condition. * All services were confirmed in writing prior to travel. The program delivered was consistent with the agreed itinerary. 2. Hotel – Restaurant Availability The selected hotel operates on a breakfast-only basis, which is standard for many properties in Costa Rica. This was reflected in the confirmed program. Important clarifications: * The hotel is located in an area with multiple nearby restaurants. * Food delivery options are available to rooms. * You did not request a hotel with an on-site lunch/dinner restaurant as a mandatory requirement during planning. Despite this, our guide personally accompanied you for meals. On one occasion, we provided an additional guide service (not originally included) so you could be taken to dinner as a gesture of goodwill. This additional service is documented in the operational records and agreement. 3. Room Assignment & Noise Upon your report of noise from technical equipment: * The hotel immediately arranged a room change. * The relocation was executed promptly. * This was handled as a courtesy and resolved during your stay. No further complaint regarding the room location was recorded after the change. 4. Medical Equipment – IV Stand & Installation We acknowledge that the IV support stand was not inside the room upon your late-night arrival. However, the following occurred: * The support stand was purchased and delivered to reception the next morning before 10:00 am. * Our guide had already been instructed to collect and install it. * During our direct phone call, you were informed it was available. * A photo of the purchased stand was sent to you for confirmation. The guide was authorized to accompany you to purchase an alternative model if required, at our expense. By the time you returned from tour that day: * You had been relocated to the new room. * The IV stand was installed. * The hose system was arranged as requested. * The leak issue had been resolved. All of this occurred within less than 24 hours of notification. It is important to clarify that highly specialized medical equipment installation falls outside standard hotel infrastructure. Nevertheless, both our team and the hotel went beyond typical scope to accommodate your needs. 5. Communication & Availability It is inaccurate to state that you lacked access to us. * You had all emergency and operational contacts weeks before travel. * You communicated directly with your guide daily. * When you requested phone contact, calls were returned immediately. * Time zone difference was used advantageously to resolve issues early in the morning Costa Rica time. There is documented continuous communication. At no time were we informed during the stay that you felt the experience was an “ordeal.” 6. Guide Conduct We take allegations of inappropriate language extremely seriously. Our guides are certified professionals with experience in accessible tourism. During the trip: * No formal complaint was raised regarding discriminatory or insensitive comments. * Our team reports that feedback received directly from you was positive. * Photographic records show you participating comfortably in activities. If any comment was perceived as inappropriate, we sincerely regret the perception. However, based on reports and records, we have no evidence of intentional disrespect. 7. Activities & Experiences The 5-senses experience and museum visits were selected in alignment with: * Your mobility parameters * Your previously expressed interest in non-mass tourism experiences * Your stated preference to avoid crowded, highly tourist-oriented locations Adjustments were also made during the trip to accommodate your preferences: * When road closures occurred, we reorganized logistics. * We changed the cable car experience location. * We repurchased Poás Volcano entrance tickets to adjust dates. * We provided flexibility beyond original structure. Weather conditions at Poás are outside operator control. 8. On-Site Complaints Throughout the duration of the journey: * No formal written complaint was submitted. * No request for major itinerary redesign was received. * All raised issues were addressed in real time. * Solutions were implemented immediately when communicated. Had the level of dissatisfaction expressed in your post-trip email been communicated during travel, we would have escalated and redesigned accordingly. 9. Financial & Contractual Position All contracted services were delivered in time and form. In addition: * Additional guide services were provided at no charge. * Medical equipment was purchased and covered by us. * Itinerary adjustments were executed to accommodate requests. Based on: The signed agreement, the delivered services, the documented real-time resolutions, the absence of on-site escalation. We cannot conclude that contractual obligations were not fulfilled. 10. Final Statement We firmly believe in the right of every person, regardless of ability, to experience travel with dignity. Your case involved complex and highly individualized medical requirements that most conventional operators do not undertake. We accepted the responsibility because inclusion is a core value of our company. We regret that your retrospective perception does not reflect the extensive efforts made before and during your stay. Sincerely, Stephanie Sheehy Owner IL VIAGGIO TRAVEL
By Il Viaggio Travel on Feb 17, 2026
IV
Thank you Ill Viaggio for helping us with the vacation of a lifetime. Your attention to every detail has not gone unnoticed. The beauty of Costa Rica along with all of the wonderful people we met, left me with memories I’ll never forget.
By Soni J for Soni Jensen on Feb 12, 2026
Dear Soni, Your words truly touch our hearts. Thank you for trusting us with such a meaningful journey. It was an absolute honor to be part of your “vacation of a lifetime.” Knowing that Costa Rica, its beauty, and its people left you with unforgettable memories is the greatest reward we could receive. At IL VIAGGIO, we believe travel is about more than destinations — it is about dignity, joy, connection, and the right for everyone to experience the world fully. Being able to share Costa Rica with you in that way means everything to us. You will always have a home here. With gratitude and warmest regards, Stephanie & The IL VIAGGIO Team
By Il Viaggio Travel on Feb 17, 2026
IV
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References

We have just returned back to the UK from a 7 night trip. What an incredible experience. il Viaggio Travel - 100% recommend using this company for your guided tour / driver. They specialise in accessible travel ♿️ Booking with il Viaggio took the stress away and they organised everything. All of our transportation (10 seater minibus), hotels, trips/tours and restaurants were planned for us. From being collected from the airport, to being dropped at our final destination of the holiday, Emmanuel (driver/guide) stayed with us from start to finish. He was friendly, kind and so knowledgeable about his country and wildlife. We wouldn’t have spotted much without him, he is like a walking encyclopedia. We were lucky enough to see 2/3 toe sloths, viper snakes, leaf ants, howler monkeys, dart frogs, toucans, owls, iguanas, Jesus Christ lizards, and lots more. We spent the last 3 days relaxing at margaritaville as that’s what suited us best after 4 jam packed days. The sunsets on playa flamingo beach are stunning! All of the hotel staff were amazing, plenty of sun beds etc and the choice of food and drink was great. Short walk to bars / restaurants and small marina where we saw sting rays. Hotels: Monteverde country lodge Arenal Observatory Lodge & Trails Playa Flamingo Margaritaville Costa Rica Activities: Monteverde Santa Elena cloud forest Treetopia sky tram Paradise hot springs Mistico park handing bridges Sloth trail (near Don Juan) Don Juan chocolate and coffee tour
By Abbigail W on 25 Apr, 2025

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