Planning a family trip to Costa Rica – has anyone booked with Mapache Tours?

[ellamosses]

Hi everyone,
We are finally looking into booking a big family holiday to Costa Rica for next year with the kids (they'll be 8 and 11). We really want a mix of wildlife, a bit of light hiking near the volcanoes, and some relaxing beach time at the end.
Because it's our first time heading to Central America as a family, I'm leaning towards using a local specialist to help us organize the transfers and itinerary so we aren't stressful logistically with the kids in tow.
I stumbled across Mapache Tours while researching local operators, and their itineraries look brilliant and really family-friendly. Has anyone here used them before? I'd love to know what your experience was like with their guides and pacing for children.
Alternatively, if you've done Costa Rica with kids around those ages, what were your absolute must-see spots? Did you prefer La Fortuna or Monteverde for the cloud forests?
Any tips on packing essentials or hidden gems would be amazing!
Thanks so much x

We didn't use a tour provider, but we went to Costa Rica when our dds were 6 and 8, so not too different. It was the best holiday I've ever been on!

It was extremely easy to get around, I wouldn't say you need to use a company if you don't want to. We hired a car, the roads were safe and well marked. It's a very friendly country!

We split our holiday between a hotel not too far from La Fortuna and a really isolated airbnb in the Manuel Antonio area. Both were exceptionally beautiful!