Alex,
As Orange & ID have stated, it really is not necessary to pay a travel agency. Furthermore, any agency that you talk to will probably try to book you an "Eco-Friendly" type of trip to CR. And, unless you've got juevos the size of canteloupes, you can't tell your agent the "actual" species of fish that you're going after.
As a VIP Member, with several months before your trip, you've got plenty of time. And you've got access to all the information you need..... right on this site. Here, you can find names, places, hotels, phone numbers, etc....along with plenty of reviews. And this information has all been posted by like-minded members. You won't find this kind of info at any travel agency. Trust me on that!!!
Plus, as a VIP member, you are entitled to numerous discounts that you might not yet be aware of.
In addition, February is SuperBowl month. If you plan your trip towards the beginning of that month, there'll be lots of CRT members in town. What better way to pop your CR cherry!??!??! Besides that, you might not want to make too many "pre-arranged" plans before your trip. Chances are good, that as soon as you arrive in the gulch, your original plans will go to sh*t anyways!
IMHO, don't sweat it. You (and your 8 wingmen) will have a great time. Take your time, and read as much as possible on this site. And when you've finished, read some more. It would be in your best interest to brush up on your español, and tell your friends the same thing. It is not absolutely necessary, but if you do speak some español, it will only help enhance your CR experience(s).
Over the next several months, if you use the "search" function, and ask the members about questions that you can't find answers to, you and your friends will have a great trip. If I can help, feel free to PM me anytime.
Just one word of caution. Let your friends know that the loud, disrespectful, brash "Ugly American" disposition does not go over well in CR. And make sure you read up on some of the threads that address safety and security in CR. You're not in Kansas anymore Dorothy!
Oh, and one more thing....
Don't try to bite off more than you can chew on your 1st trip. In other words, don't try to keep pace with horn-dog-sex-machines like GR, RN, Xman, Muff (and a few others who'll go un-mentioned). These guys are freaks of nature.
Ya gotta learn to walk, before you can run! One thing's for sure. You'll never forget your 1st trip to "the other side".
Have fun,
Mucho Gusto
