My wife and I are planning to go to Costa Rica for a birding trip. We found this company called Costa Rica Gateway that would put together a bespoke package for us. We can't speak Spanish and are a bit uncomfortable going alone with a strange driver all over the country. Anyone used this company or private van/driver before in CR? Thanks for your advice in advance.
No, not used them. But I did CR with my girlf (neither of us speak Spanish either) and it's so very easy to do! Roads are good so driving's a doddle, national parks are all easy to find, no sfatey issues (that we encountered), plenty of accom so no need to book ahead (although we did for La Selva station). Why fork out a fortune for a middle-man.....do it yourselves, save a heap of dollars and have a great adventure whilst doing it!
As BirdBoyBowley indicates, if you feel comfortable with driving in another country, you can easily do Costa Rica on your own. As with any unfamiliar birding site, and especially so in tropical regions lile Costa Rica, you will see more with a local guide but you will still see a lot on your own.
As for Gateway Costa Rica, they routinely provide excellent service and many birders have done trips like the one you mentioned sans problems (I dont gain anything by stating this).