Your Costa Rica Adventure, Planned by a Local Expert

Hi, I’m Rodrigo — your personal Costa Rica travel consultant. With over 15 years of guiding, planning, and exploring, I help you design unforgettable journeys, from the highest peaks to the most hidden beaches.

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Real Reviews From Real Clients — Straight From Google

Our customers’ experiences mean the world to us. Here are some kind words and heartfelt reviews from those who have enjoyed unforgettable adventures with us:

    
 
 
         
   Dave Faulders 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The service could not have been better.  I recommend Explore Tikizia, and our planner/coordinator/driver, Rodrigo Santamaria, without reservation.  Prior to our visit to Costa Rica, we were provided with a proposed itinerary, which we tweaked to arrive at the final itinerary.  From arrival to departure, every event proceeded like clockwork.  For each excursions, we were pick up on time with knowledgeable tour guides, and returned to our hotel as expected.  What made this especially impressive was the fact that we traveled to several locations throughout Costa Rica and each excursion was coordinated flawlessly.  What a great trip, and Rodrigo, with his unsurpassed knowledge of Costa Rica, made it effortless and imparted a lot of Costa Rican history and knowledge to us while driving from location to location.
  
 
        
   Sofia Gonzales 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rodrigo was beyond amazing! He was extremely helpful and informative during the process of planning my group trip to summit cerro chirripo. Rodrigo had provided our transportation and stuck with us during our entire trip. He was very friendly and personable. Rodrigo was very understanding and calming. He made the experience so much fun and relaxing. I'm extremely thankful to have met with Rodrigo and have his guidance during the beautiful trip.
  
 
        
   Elvia Heller 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow! Where do I start?! I am a group leader and brought my group to Costa Rica for the first time to hike Cerro Chirripo/explore Costa Rica (February 2025). What an honor and gift to have met Rodrigo and his team. From start to finish the attentiveness, knowledge, patience and care was off the charts. He is passionate about the work that he does and truly treats you like family. I also don’t have enough words to express my gratitude towards Andres our other guide. Both of them were wonderful to the group and I which made our journey an enjoyable and safe one. The group and I had a blast! Thank you Rodrigo again for everything! When I am in Costa Rica again I’ll make sure and reach out. If you are thinking of hiring Rodrigo and his wife Ligia— I would think no more and just book with him. You will not regret it! :)
  
 
        
   Tiffany 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Explore Tikizia was a fantastic resource in planning a hiking trip to Cerro Chirripò for my friends and I. Rodrigo made the planning process simple and stress free. He exhibited impeccable communication skills throughout the planning process and throughout the trip. Rodrigo provided thorough information and updates using Google Meet and WhatsApp. He responded to group and individual questions in a timely manner. Rodrigo provided private transportation and made our group instantly feel like family! This was a “level hard” hike and I felt safe and supported throughout the hiking experience. Rodrigo enhanced the trip by going ABOVE and BEYOND to accommodate the needs of the group! Through Rodrigo we met incredible individuals that added to making this experience unforgettable. Rodrigo is an amazing tour guide with vast knowledge of the land, the animals, the culture, etc. Rodrigo and his wife Ligia make a great team in providing a remarkable experience! 🇨🇷 Pura Vida! 🇨🇷
  
 
        
   Sebastián Romero Barrios 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sin duda alguna Ligia y Rodrigo hicieron de nuestra estadía en Costa Rica una experiencia inolvidable. Personalizaron todo el itinerario de acuerdo a nuestras preferencias y nos recomendaron los mejores hoteles disponibles en las fechas que estuvimos en Costa Rica. Las actividades fueron un 1000/10 superaron con creces nuestras expectativas y no tuvimos problema alguno con las reservas, traslados o itinerarios. Todo funcionó a la perfección, además mantuvimos contacto frecuente con ellos para monitorear el estatus de todo y estuvieron abiertos a ayudarnos en lo que necesitáramos. Los recomiendo a ojos cerrados y en nuestro próximo viaje a Costa Rica ellos siempre serán nuestra opción.
  
 
        
   Stephan skovlund 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic guide and great trip in Costa Rica - Highly recomendable!
  
 
        
   Eleonora Martegiani 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Planning your dream trip might be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially if you are doing so from the other side of the world. Luckily we decided to ask for ExploreTikizia's help. Rodrigo offered us a tailored service, fitting our budget and understanding our needs. Rodrigo  helped us define our itinerary, booked lovely accomodations and fun experiences. Their support was especially valuable to book the Cerro Chirripó hike. I can say that without them we would not have made this truly magical experience because of all the bureacracy. Communication was always easy and timely. Definetely recommend this service for anyone looking for the insight of a local to plan their Costa Rica dream trip.
  
 
        
   Hannah Rowen Fry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rodrigo and Ligia are incredible to work with! I started by sharing the days I would be in Costa Rica, and And a brief overview of what I'd be interested in doing there. They gave me a list of places and experiences they would recommend, and answered all my questions about timing, prices, transportation, and more! They are so knowledgeable about the land, the culture, and are able to point people of all ages & stages of life in the right direction! Whether you're booking a spa day for two people, an ox cart factory tour for 40 people, or anything in between, I must recommend Explore Tikizia!!
  
 
        
   Melanie L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rodrigo and Ligia did an amazing job creating an itinerary for what my family and I wanted to do in Costa Rica. They helped us get the most out of our trip, and their advice was tantamount to having a smooth and fun experience. We were fortunate to see so much amazing wildlife, and also get to experience the 'Pura Vida' culture. While in Costa Rica, they also checked in on us to see how our travels were going. We are very appreciative to have had their help with our vacation. We had a wonderful time! Gracias Rodrigo y Ligia! -Melanie and family
  
 
        
   Ryan Parmer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rodrigo was extremely helpful in planning our trip. We booked all of our lodging, car rental, and a few activities per his recommendations. We're very excited to visit and I would recommend their service to anyone visiting CR.

Planning a trip to Costa Rica can be overwhelming — too many options, hidden rules, and places you’ve never heard of. I’m here to simplify it. Whether you want to hike Cerro Chirripó, explore national parks, or relax in a hidden eco-lodge, I give you the insider knowledge only a local can offer.

Meet Your Costa Rica Travel Expert

Meet Rodrigo

Hi, I’m Rodrigo Santamaria, your dedicated Costa Rica travel consultant and the person behind Explore Tikizia. With over 15 years of experience as a certified tour guide, travel concierge, and agent, I’ve helped many travelers enjoy Costa Rica with confidence.

I’m also a hiker, wildlife photographer, and proud dad of two boys. I love giving honest, practical advice so you can make the most of your time here.

Chirripó Valley City Guide ebook and print edition by Explore Tikizia, available for Costa Rica travelers.

Explore San Gerardo de Rivas and San Jerónimo with our Cerro Chirripó Guide.

From hiking Costa Rica’s highest peak to discovering waterfalls, hot springs, and local flavors, this guide has everything you need to explore like a local. Includes maps, itineraries, tips, and must-see spots for an unforgettable mountain adventure.

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Your Costa Rica Adventure, Planned by a Local Expert

Real Reviews From Real Clients — Straight From Google

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