Kimkim Trip Reviews for Belize

4.7
Based on 15 ratings
Read 15 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Belize on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Birds, Ruins and Coral in impressive comfort.
Belize | Apr 5 - Apr 17, 2024

Jim
Jim S.
Bradenton, FL | Reviewed on Apr 19, 2024
Catherina is amazing. From the preliminary agenda until we were on the plane she was on top of everything. When changes were required she made them, was solicitous of our comfort and in every way fabulous. JJ and Renee were equally impressive and did everything to make our trip enjoyable. Renee returned the room key that I forgot in Belize, JJ helped me through a bit of stomach upset. All of the birding guides were extremely knowledgeable. I would recommend that folks our age split... Read more

Catherina is amazing. From the preliminary agenda until we were on the plane she was on top of everything. When changes were required she made them, was solicitous of our comfort and in every way fabulous. JJ and Renee were equally impressive and did everything to make our trip enjoyable. Renee returned the room key that I forgot in Belize, JJ helped me through a bit of stomach upset. All of the birding guides were extremely knowledgeable. I would recommend that folks our age split birding and ruin watching into two days. It was 104 degrees the day we did it and we cooked. The reef in Belize is still beautiful, but showing signs of bleaching, more's the pity. All in all, it was one of our best trips. Kudos to Columbus travel.

Hotel Reviews
Mystic River Resort
San Ignacio

Sited in the jungle with balconies looking down on the river, Mystic River Resort is beautiful. For bird watchers like ourselves, there are over 250 species of birds on the property. The first morning a summer tanager dropped down to the railing when I walked out to claim her share of the banana bread (which hotel staff had brought to our door along with delicious coffee). The rooms are large and comfortable with both a fan and a fireplace. (A little too warm while we were there for the latter.) A very nice outdoor dining room with both hummingbird and platform feeders providing great interest especially in the morning. The staff are pleasant and solicitous of your well being. A thoroughly pleasant stay.

Authenticity & Character
Lovely cabins, decor throughout well done and consistent.
Location
Sited in untouched jungle, birds, birds, birds!
Staff
Way above average in friendliness and helpfulness.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was clean and comfortable/
Hotel Atitlán
Panajachel

Very different from Mystic River. Sculptured gardens and lots of flowers. Beautiful! Many birds, but not as many as Mystic River. Very comfortable room. Lovely restaurant with excellent choices and food.

Authenticity & Character
Very well done with a great deal of period pieces
Location
Right on Lake Atitlan with boat travel to various cool experiences.
Staff
Very helpful and efficient
Cleanliness & Comfort
Like most Latin hotel very clean, good shower, very comfortable
Azure Del Mar
Placencia

Again a huge switch, since this hotel is literally on the beach. What appears to be a very simplistic hotel turns out to be a very cozy stay with the wind off the Gulf blowing through the room day and night. There was no need of fan or air conditioning although a conditioner was provided. Palapa style office, dining room and cabins. Very intriguing! Thoroughly enjoyed our stay there

Authenticity & Character
Palapa says it all.
Location
Right on the beach, what more could you ask?
Staff
Extraordinarily helpful, efficient and thoughtful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean throughout. Very comfortable the way the cabins are sited!
Activity Review
Welcome to Guatemala
Welcome to Guatemala
Belize

Went off without a hitch. We were met by JJ as we came out of baggage claim, the car was loaded and we were on our way.

Quality of Experience
JJ is friendly, helpful, personable and efficient.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
See above
Transport
Nice wheels.
Local specialist: Catherina Tittaferrante
Catherina
Catherina Tittaferrante
Local specialist in Antigua Guatemala | Replied on Apr 20, 2024
Oooww Jim, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're so honored to read how JJ, David and Renee made your trip unforgettable with their exceptional personalities, passion and knowledge. We love to pay attention to details as it is our way to get to know you better so it means everything to us when we have the opportunity to develop an extraordinary match as we have done with you. It's wonderful to know you got the comfort and enjoyment throughout your journey. We... Read more

Oooww Jim, thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're so honored to read how JJ, David and Renee made your trip unforgettable with their exceptional personalities, passion and knowledge. We love to pay attention to details as it is our way to get to know you better so it means everything to us when we have the opportunity to develop an extraordinary match as we have done with you. It's wonderful to know you got the comfort and enjoyment throughout your journey.

We appreciate your feedback regarding splitting birding and ruin watching into two days, as well as your observations about the reef in Belize. Your insights are valuable as we strive to continuously improve destinations and activities to keep providing memorable experiences for our friends like you.
And I have to be completely honest, you have a family with us now and forever! Thank you again.

Belize and Guatemala - Great trip
Belize | Mar 30 - Apr 8, 2024

S
Saba D.
Holly Springs, NC | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2024
We had a great time with Tomas and Michael in Belize. The tour guide in Guatemala gave us a good suggestion to do the tour at 4 am instead of later in the day bcoz the temperature was very high ( 101) and that helped us a lot!
Overall a great experience!
Read more

We had a great time with Tomas and Michael in Belize. The tour guide in Guatemala gave us a good suggestion to do the tour at 4 am instead of later in the day bcoz the temperature was very high ( 101) and that helped us a lot!
Overall a great experience!

Hotel Reviews
Black Rock Lodge
San Ignacio

Best experience ever! The staff is fantastic and the hotel is so close to nature- great way to disconnect!

Authenticity & Character
Location
The location is beautiful but the 6/7 mile long road going to the lodge can be improved.
Staff
Best experience ever- everyone was super nice!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ramon's Village Resort
San Pedro

Paradise!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Jaguar Inn Tikal
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Issue with water supply and fan in the summer heat
Jaguar Creek Lodge
Cayo District, Belize
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff is good but they can help with lugging the bags to the rooms especially if the room is far away from the reception. No one offered to help us
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves day tour
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves day tour
San Ignacio
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He could have planned for the tubes to be at the cave and not for us to carry it along the way. We saw other guides doing that and even offering to take family pics - he didn’t even ask
Transport
Cacao Farm & Chocolate Making Tour
Cacao Farm & Chocolate Making Tour
San Ignacio

Very enriching experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Tikal National Park
Explore Tikal National Park
San Ignacio
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He charged us extra money for the 4 am tour
Transport
Canopy Tour in Tikal National Park
Canopy Tour in Tikal National Park
Belize
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Awesome staff
Transport
Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley - from Ramon's Village
Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley - from Ramon's Village
Belize

Dream come true!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Best staff - so helpful and made me and my daughter so comfortable
Transport
Local specialist: Eduardo Celada
Eduardo
Eduardo Celada
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Apr 13, 2024

Thank you for all this feedback, we do not doubt that this will help us to get more folks interested in this impressive route.

Thank you for taking the time to leave us your review !!
I'm thrilled you had a great time on the Program activities you and I built for this unforgettable tour. Knowing that you had a great time with our team guiding you around the country is very helpful. Be sure to spread the word to your friends and family, the more people know about Guatemala the better. Hope to see you back again soon, cheers!

Amazing time in Belize
Belize | Mar 18 - Mar 23, 2024

Kathryn
Kathryn F.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 02, 2024
My 19yo daughter and I had a great time on our trip to Belize. Chris listened to everything I wanted and planned a perfect itinerary. We enjoyed horseback riding to the Maya site Xunantunich. Our guides Jose and Carla were knowledgeable and accommodating. Jose helped me get to the top of the pyramid as I’m afraid of heights. I’m so glad I did it—the view was amazing! We also enjoyed cave tubing en route from San Ignacio to San Pedro. It was beautiful and we saw a family of howler monkeys... Read more

My 19yo daughter and I had a great time on our trip to Belize. Chris listened to everything I wanted and planned a perfect itinerary. We enjoyed horseback riding to the Maya site Xunantunich. Our guides Jose and Carla were knowledgeable and accommodating. Jose helped me get to the top of the pyramid as I’m afraid of heights. I’m so glad I did it—the view was amazing! We also enjoyed cave tubing en route from San Ignacio to San Pedro. It was beautiful and we saw a family of howler monkeys right above us along the riverside. Last, we snorkeled with nurse sharks and rays in Hol Chan. Our guide Carlos showed us a number of cool sea creatures like eels and an arrowhead crab. Our accommodations at Falling Leaves Lodge and Ramon’s Village were comfortable and clean. Thanks to Chris we were able to enjoy an upgrade to an ocean view room at Ramon’s which we appreciated. Last, our driver between sites, Derek, was always prompt and made getting around feel easy and safe.

Hotel Reviews
Falling Leaves Lodge
San Ignacio

Pool and poolside snack bar was under construction but will add a lot to the experience.

Authenticity & Character
The gardens were beautiful . Room was small but comfortable and clean. Shower hot.
Location
Proximity to Cahal Pech Maya site; being at the top of the hill limited dining and activity options
Staff
Paula and Kevin were great. Pointed out plants and a toucan in the garden. Some restaurant staff were not always welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ramon's Village Resort
San Pedro
Authenticity & Character
A little touristy in character but still beautiful and comfortable. The clean beach and chaise lounges were appreciated.
Location
Right on the beautiful turquoise water.
Staff
Friendly and lots of good suggestions
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bedding and pillows could use replacing.
Activity Reviews
Horse Riding Tour of the Xunantunich Maya Ruins
Horse Riding Tour of the Xunantunich Maya Ruins
San Ignacio

Guides Jose and Carla were great. Horses were well behaved. Site was amazing. Jose helped me with the climb—so kind.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley - from Ramon's Village
Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley - from Ramon's Village
Belize
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer from San Ignacio to Belize City with Cave Tubing Tour en Route
Transfer from San Ignacio to Belize City with Cave Tubing Tour en Route
Belize
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Chris Gwinner
Chris
Chris Gwinner
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Apr 02, 2024

Thank you for the review Kathryn, we really enjoyed reliving your experiences in Belize through all the pictures. I'm so glad to hear you overcame some personal challenges on the trip and enjoyed the views from atop the pyramid!

It was our pleasure to host the two of you and thank you again for choosing to travel with us in Belize. Our team had a great time with you and we hope to see you again in the future. Spread the word to your friends and family, the more people know the better!

Belize vacation
Belize | Jan 23 - Jan 29, 2024

Brenda
Brenda T.
Bend, OR | Reviewed on Feb 05, 2024
A bit more spendy than I expected but lots due to traveling solo. Some of the excursions were cancelled due to weather, no one’s fault. One excursion actually encompassed what a second excursion was so cancelled that…no interest in doing it twice. The hotels were great. There was some confusion about day trip stuff or taxi not being paid so I was reimbursed after the trip. The jaguar did not last as long as indicated. I was back in 3 hours and the cooking class was only about an hour. Nothing... Read more

A bit more spendy than I expected but lots due to traveling solo. Some of the excursions were cancelled due to weather, no one’s fault. One excursion actually encompassed what a second excursion was so cancelled that…no interest in doing it twice. The hotels were great. There was some confusion about day trip stuff or taxi not being paid so I was reimbursed after the trip. The jaguar did not last as long as indicated. I was back in 3 hours and the cooking class was only about an hour. Nothing about the Carifuna culture or drumming/dancing like I thought.

Hotel Reviews
Jan's Hotel
Caye Caulker

Great location. Super nice staff.

Authenticity & Character
Local operated
Location
Beachfront. Walkable
Staff
Everyone was super helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mata Rocks Resort
San Pedro

Great views

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beachfront
Staff
Super helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Lodge at Jaguar Reef
Hopkins

Absolutely gorgeous!

Authenticity & Character
Decor was lovely
Location
Staff
Very attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless
Activity Reviews
Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley - from Caye Caulker
Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley - from Caye Caulker
Belize

Very nice. Also included Manitee and coral reef.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowledgeable
Transport
Blue Hole Snorkeling Day Tour
Blue Hole Snorkeling Day Tour
Belize

This was canceled twice due to weather. Sounded great though. Only rated it to continue this survey.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Caye Caulker Manatee Experience from Ramon's Village
Caye Caulker Manatee Experience from Ramon's Village
San Pedro

It was a repeat itinerary of what I already did so I canceled it. Don’t think I was reimbursed for that one but unsure.

Garifuna Cultural Immersion and Culinary Tour
Garifuna Cultural Immersion and Culinary Tour
Hopkins Village

I just helped cook a dish which was good and fun but that was it. Only lasted about an hour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary
Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary
Hopkins Village

Really nice but just a quick trip. Only 3 hours. Not what I expected.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Matt Hartell

Two wonderful weeks in Belze....
Belize | Nov 28 - Dec 12, 2023

belinda
belinda m.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 21, 2024
We spent two wonderful weeks in San Pedro, San Ignacio and Guatemala with one other couple. Our vacation was arranged by Eduardo. Eduardo took care of everything for us. During our vacation he kept in touch with me to make sure all was going well. He genuinely wanted to make sure we had a good trip. One thing I greatly appreciated was that for most of our tours Eduardo planned them for just the four of us. We were very lucky to NOT be part of the big groups. Being this was our first... Read more

We spent two wonderful weeks in San Pedro, San Ignacio and Guatemala with one other couple. Our vacation was arranged by Eduardo. Eduardo took care of everything for us. During our vacation he kept in touch with me to make sure all was going well. He genuinely wanted to make sure we had a good trip. One thing I greatly appreciated was that for most of our tours Eduardo planned them for just the four of us. We were very lucky to NOT be part of the big groups. Being this was our first time to Belize we were really unsure of where to go and what to expect. Our transportation was all pre-arranged which took a ton of stress off of me. Our first driver, (Cameron) was waiting for us at the airport and took us to the water taxi to get us to San Pedro. He was full of conversation and pointed so many things out on our way. He was wonderful. We started our vacation in Belize on San Pedro. We stayed at Tres Cocos Resort. This is a very clean resort. The staff, be it office or grounds, they were all so nice and went out of their way to help us. We went night snorkeling and also did a whole day snorkel with Inland and Sea Adventure (Eric and Maya). We had a really good time going to Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley, and Caye Caulker for lunch. We were able to see manta rays, sea turtles, mannatees, and lots of different fish. The water was a little rough which made for the water being murky and having to deal with alot of human "trash". The tour company was wonderful. They made sure that we all had a really good time and of course safety was number one. The main transportation to get around San Pedro is a golf cart. Do know that the roads are full of pot holes and very rough. We ate at a couple different restaurants that in my opinion are worth mentioning: 1. for dinner Caramba 2. for breakfast Tres Cocos Waffles and Smokehouse. One thing to be prepared for while on the island: Things are very expensive. For example a pound of butter was $21.95 BZE. After spending 5 days on San Pedro we headed inland. Our next destination was San Ignacio. On our way there we again had Cameron as our driver. We learned so much from him. We made a stop to do a river tubing tour. Our guide for this tour was Victor. He was always talking and sharing his knowledge. I do wish that he had slowed down a little as my husband and I were a tad slower on the walk to the river and we missed out on most of his conversation. We also felt that we were rushed during the tubing part of the tour. Not sure we would do this again, but perhaps the kayaking instead. While in San Ignacio we stayed at the "Falling Leaves Lodge". I can't say enough good about this lodge. I absolutely loved it. ALL of the staff were so friendly and helpful. We ate breakfast there every morning, delish... One of the chefs is Mo. He personally came out of the kitchen at every meal to make sure that we had enjoyed everything. Paula (the manager) is the most wonderful person. She went out of her way to make our stay memorable. She really should be proud of her staff. The grounds are well kept and it is a very beautiful layout. The pool was not finished when we were there (December 2023), but it was being worked on between rainy days. We definitely will be staying with them on our next trip. On a side note there is a ruins that is just a walk from Falling Leaves Lodge: Cahal Pech. This is a self guided tour, but definitely worth it. A most interesting tour was the Cacao Farm and Chocolate making. If you want to know where chocolate really comes from and not a "Willy Wonka tour" this tour is for you. Adrian took us to the small farm where the cacao trees grow and then his family demonstrated how the Mayans make chocolate back in town at their shop. One tour that you do not want to miss is the ATM cave tour! There are many different comments on this tour about it being hard, and what you can bring with on the tour. I am 58 years old, not in the best shape: I did it!! You do have to cross 3 "river spots", but there is a big ol' rope to hang on to. There is a bit of swimming, but most of it is "walking" through the water. There is climbing on and through rocks (water shoes are a must). There is one spot where you have to climb up rocks, but there are so many helping hands in the groups to help, everyone makes it up and also down. Our driver, Hugh, stayed with the van and had a most delicious lunch waiting for us. Now as to what you can bring on this tour: Nothing, no wet bag, water, camera or anything. The guide carries it all in their bag. The one thing that you will need is an old pair of socks that you can throw away. You can bring a change of clothes as you will get wet. But that is left in the van. After you get to the top of the one climbing spot you may NOT wear shoes, that is where the socks come into play. Our guide here was Gonzo. Talk about a great guide, he is the best! Our next couple days were spent in Guatemala, heading to Tikal Lodge. Our driver to the border was again Hugh. As always he is so pleasant and full of knowledge as he is a retired tour guide. He made sure we got into Guatemala without trouble and found our connecting ride and guide. At the border on both sides there are many currency exchangers waiting to make sure you have Guatemalen money. Do make sure you get small bills not just large ones as the small shops aren't always able to make change. On our way to Tikal Lodge we stopped for lunch. Please know that Spanish is the main language in Guatemala so ordering lunch was a bit of a challenge since we don't speak Spanish. After lunch we headed to Yaxha Maya Ruins. This is an out of the way ruins. But boy is it worth seeing. Our guide, Oliver, was hoping that we would be able to see the sunset here, but due to the incoming rain, we missed out on that. This is one place that we got to see the howler monkeys and various birds. One suggestion I have is to leave earlier than 10 a.m. from San Ignacio if you are heading to Guatemala to do this tour. The travel time is a bit long due to ALL the "potholes" and rough road. We stayed at Jungle Lodge Tikal while in Guatemala. This was a clean lodge But... be prepared for no hot water, they shut the lights and electricity off at 11 p.m. (as they are basically off grid) in the rooms, the only internet is at the lodge not in your room, the restaurant is fair (it seemed that they were out of things on the menu and usually things we wanted to order) and again they only speak Spanish which makes things difficult. The staff wasn't overly friendly either. We were scheduled to have a free day in Flores on our own. Had it not been for our guide, Oliver, offering his services for the day it would not have been such a fun day. Again, we don't speak Spanish and it would have been a struggle without him. His helpfulness with the language barrier was most appreciated. He also took us places that we never would have known about, such as a wood carving school where the students are able to sell their projects and get the money, the animal sanctuary (Arca's) and another off the beaten path ruins. Our main reason for going to Guatemala was the sunrise tour at Tikal National Park. The nice thing about staying at Jungle Lodge Tikal is for the sunrise tour you're right there to start the walk to the temple. So with that in mind we would over look some of the down sides and stay here again so that we are right there for the sunrise tour. One thing to bring is a flashlight or even better a head lamp so your hands are free. One thing we wished is that we had allowed a couple days for Tikal, as our guide told us that about 2-3 days is what you need to see it all. We really didn't get to see much of Tikal because we didn't realize it was such a huge ruins. After getting back to Belize the next day we did a horse riding tour of Xunantunich Maya Ruins. This was alot of fun with our guides, Elio and Miguel. You get to see a bit of different scenery off the beaten path . One thing to remember this is a half day tour so there is no lunch provided. We ended our vacation with a Cooking Class in San Ignacio at Marie Sharp's Tourist Center. This was a blast! We were taken to the market by William (our instructor). He shared alot of information about San Ignacio while at the market. We all pitched in and helped prepare our lunch which was very tasty chicken, rice, bread pudding and other tasty things. This was a hands on cooking class. One thing to remember about Belize and Guatemala even though you go during the "dry season" this does not mean it won't rain. We found this out on many days. Our vacation was incredible! Alot of the credit goes to Eduardo for planning things out so well. We can't wait to start planning our next visit to Belize and Guatemala.

Local specialist: Eduardo Celada
Eduardo
Eduardo Celada
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Jan 26, 2024

Hola Belinda,
I want to thank for your words. I make feel happy because i know you and I built a great experience and of course that you enjoyed and you will remind this forever. I will be alway happy to assist you with the destinations we promote.
I'm highly glad you had a great time on the Program activities you and I built for this unforgettable tour. Be sure to spread the word to your friends and family, the more people know about Guatemala the better. Hope to see you back again soon, cheers!
Cheers,
Eduardo

December 23 All-day island trip It rained ...
Belize | Dec 22 - Dec 29, 2023

P
Polly B.
Mequon, WI | Reviewed on Jan 01, 2024
December 23 All-day island trip
It rained most of the day and it was windy and basically unpleasant.
The trip should have been canceled but the guide did not explain that
we could have postponed the trip until there was a sunny day
The boat trip was about 90 minutes each way and the sea was quite wavy.
There was little sun so the snorkeling was not good.
We did not dress very well for the weather and so we were cold a good part of the day.
The guide did provide us with some...
Read more

December 23 All-day island trip
It rained most of the day and it was windy and basically unpleasant.
The trip should have been canceled but the guide did not explain that
we could have postponed the trip until there was a sunny day
The boat trip was about 90 minutes each way and the sea was quite wavy.
There was little sun so the snorkeling was not good.
We did not dress very well for the weather and so we were cold a good part of the day.
The guide did provide us with some interesting facts about the Maya civilization and
he and his wife cooked a chicken lunch on an open fire which provided some heat to warm
us a little,
One reason we decided to vacation in Belize was because we had read that the snorkeling was excellent. However, rainy days are not good for snorkeling,

December 26 we were scheduled to visit the Mayan ruins.
Our guide was 90 minutes late to pick us up and then turned us over to a friend of his who guided us for the day. We first visited a family that harvested and made chocolate.
They talked for an hour about chocolate which was some what interesting and then they
prepared a lunch for us .
We then went to the Mayan ruins which were interesting and we enjoyed walking through the area. However, as our original guide was not with us and our substitute guide had no money we had to pay for all of us to tour the Mayan ruins.
We made a quick stop at the spice farm for cold drinks.

We cancelled the trip to the Zip Line a couple days in advance and I would appreciate a full
refund of $3,500 charged for that day. Also we cancelled in advance the driver who was scheduled to drive us back to Belize City. I trust you will reimburse me for the charge for
that trip. The drive to Placencia with 10 people and the driver and luggage was not very interesting so we all decided to fly back to Belize City

The accommodations at Los Porticos were comfortable.

Hotel Review
Los Porticos Villas
Placencia

Our group consisted of ten people - 7 adults and 3 children We rented two condos. Each had two bedrooms plus pull out couches in the living rooms. We were located on the ocean and there was a swimming pool. We rented a golf cart for the week as it was about a 10 minute ride into the town of Placencia. One condo also provided 2 bikes. We were also able to hire 2 chefs who cooked breakfast for us every morning which was very nice.

Authenticity & Character
It was on the beach and near other hotels where kayaks could be rented
Location
Near the town of Placencia which has several restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Local Area Boat Tour with Optional Activities
Local Area Boat Tour with Optional Activities
Placencia

Take this trip on a sunny day and the experience should be worth while It rained and was windy with out sun the day we took the trip

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free day in Placencia
Free day in Placencia
Placencia
Nim Li Punit Mayan Ruins & Spice Farm Tour
Nim Li Punit Mayan Ruins & Spice Farm Tour
Placencia

Our guide provided good information about the Mayan ruins at Nim Li Punit. Walking through the area with the guide made the experience more interesting. We stopped at the Spice Farm only briefly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Angel Falls Zipline Day Trip
Angel Falls Zipline Day Trip
Placencia

Not for people over 50 years old

Local specialist: Chris Gwinner

Belize and Guatemala - great holiday
Belize | Aug 5 - Aug 10, 2023

Justin
Justin W.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2023
Belize and Guatemala were new to me and we had one specific week in mind, at fairly short notice. Kimkim found us an amazing local agent, Eduardo, who suggested an itinerary including hotels, activities and transfers, and it was anbsolutely fantastic. The added challenge came when AA cancelled our flight and we had to find another way to make it all work - which Eduardo did with considerable creativity. Our tour included an amazing jungle hotel, Tikal, Xunantunich on horseback, San... Read more

Belize and Guatemala were new to me and we had one specific week in mind, at fairly short notice. Kimkim found us an amazing local agent, Eduardo, who suggested an itinerary including hotels, activities and transfers, and it was anbsolutely fantastic. The added challenge came when AA cancelled our flight and we had to find another way to make it all work - which Eduardo did with considerable creativity.

Our tour included an amazing jungle hotel, Tikal, Xunantunich on horseback, San Ignacio, cave tubing and Caye Caulker. All in 6 days. I wish we could have stayed longer but sadly we couldn’t.

.would very highly recommend Guatemala, Belize, Eduardo and Kimkim.

Hotel Reviews
Jungle Lodge Tikal
Peten

This is an authentic jungle experience. It’s just amazing. Basic but comfortable rooms, an excellent bar and restaurant, and wildlife all round. A really special place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bear in mind that this is a jungle venue so it isnt going to be the Ritz, but for where it is, it is amazing
The Log Cab Inn Resort
San Ignacio

A very comfortable stay in a family room. The swimming pool makes it work. Handy for San Ignacio which is a shot can ride away. Very friendly and helpful staff

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Isla Resort
Cayo District, Belize

Disappointed that the restaurant was shut when we were there so there was no opportunity to sit on the hotel’s beach space and order a rum punch. But the rooms were fine.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean but several bits of minor maintenance needed: loose tiles, door not closing easily.
Activity Reviews
Explore Tikal National Park
Explore Tikal National Park
San Ignacio

Amazing event with a great local guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horse Riding Tour of the Xunantunich Maya Ruins
Horse Riding Tour of the Xunantunich Maya Ruins
San Ignacio

Brilliant experience. Wonderful horses even for an old fatty like me!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cave tubing tour
Cave tubing tour
Belize

Just completely awesome. Not remotely scary. Majestic is the word I’d use.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Eduardo Celada
Eduardo
Eduardo Celada
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Aug 21, 2023

Justin,
It is amazing to see that you were captured in a wonderful week in Guatemala and Belize. We specialized in working in these two countries and we hope you have a second chance in the future to visit these countries once again and discover more of what they have to show!
Sincerely,
Eduardo

Our trip to Belize was wonderful!
Belize | Jun 16 - Jun 27, 2023

Ronda
Ronda Z.
Ellicott City, MD | Reviewed on Jul 19, 2023
Our trip to Belize was wonderful. Catherina listened to what we wanted and we had a wonderful time. We stayed in two smaller resorts and the people were incredible and so friendly. We were in the mountains for the first part of the trip and then on the beach, to relax and do some snorkeling. We went to some Mayan ruins and hiked thru the jungle. We saw some incredible birds and fish. We swam with Eagle Rays and sea turtles, so very exciting. All of our guides and the staff at both... Read more

Our trip to Belize was wonderful. Catherina listened to what we wanted and we had a wonderful time. We stayed in two smaller resorts and the people were incredible and so friendly. We were in the mountains for the first part of the trip and then on the beach, to relax and do some snorkeling. We went to some Mayan ruins and hiked thru the jungle. We saw some incredible birds and fish. We swam with Eagle Rays and sea turtles, so very exciting. All of our guides and the staff at both resorts were fantastic. We had a really great time!

Hotel Reviews
Blancaneaux Lodge

This is a more rustic retreat. The rooms are not air conditioned, but they do have very good fans. When we went it was quite humid and hot, but we didn’t mind it too much. We were out doing things during the day and it cooled down a little at night. It was a beautiful setting and we really enjoyed our stay at Blancaneaux Lodge. The staff are so very nice and do everything they can to make your stay wonderful. This is a much smaller retreat which is what we really enjoy. They have their own farm with fresh eggs and produce. The food was very good. There were a number of families here and we really enjoyed connecting with the other guests as well. It was such a lovely place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
This is a lodge, so it is a little more rustic - if you are looking for luxury you might be a little disappointed. It was clean and the bed was comfortable. We really enjoyed it.
Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort
Dangriga

This is a smaller resort, which we really prefer. It is right on the ocean and we had a lovely "tree house” room. It was air conditioned and a very nice room. The staff were amazing and so accommodating. All our guides were great and we got to see a ton of birds and had some incredible snorkeling adventures. We swam with Eagle Rays and Sea Turtles and lots of beautiful fish. It was so much fun. We had all our meals included in our package. They serve very large portions - they don’t want anyone to go hungry. Fortunately, you can order 1/2 portions. We had an amazing time here and would love to come back some day.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Barrier Reef Snorkeling
Barrier Reef Snorkeling
Belize

You really must at least go snorkeling here. The reef is teaming with ocean life and it was so beautiful. Our guides were really great and knowledgeable. We had such a great time snorkeling.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Enjoy Barton Creek
Enjoy Barton Creek
Belize

This was a surprisingly wonderful experience. Our guide was terrific and he canoed us a long way into the cave with all this history. He was very knowledgeable and we were very lucky to be the only ones there at this time. We were told that rarely happens. I don’t know that it would have been very enjoyable if it was crowded - part of what made it so nice was that we were alone and could take our time looking at the artifacts and learn about what was found inside this cave. We really enjoyed this adventure.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Discover Xunantunich
Discover Xunantunich
Belize

If you haven’t and even if you have visited a Mayan ruin before this is a must. Our guide was great and very knowledgeable and we climbed all the way to the top. It was worth the climb for the view. It’s really interesting learning about the Mayan culture and seeing the temples and ruins.

Local specialist: Catherina Tittaferrante
Catherina
Catherina Tittaferrante
Local specialist in Antigua Guatemala | Replied on Jul 29, 2023
My dear Ronda we are so glad to know your time in Belize was wonderful!
It sounds like you had an amazing adventure exploring the country and experiencing its natural beauty.
I personally love staying in small resorts because that allowes you to connect with the friendly locals and enjoy their incredible hospitality.
It is excellent to know that all our team members as guides and staff from the resorts contributed to make your memories unforgettable. We are all passionate about sharing... Read more

My dear Ronda we are so glad to know your time in Belize was wonderful!
It sounds like you had an amazing adventure exploring the country and experiencing its natural beauty.
I personally love staying in small resorts because that allowes you to connect with the friendly locals and enjoy their incredible hospitality.

It is excellent to know that all our team members as guides and staff from the resorts contributed to make your memories unforgettable. We are all passionate about sharing our authenticity and believe that our paradise is worth preserving by promoting sustainable travel as yours.

Let me share you our heartfelt gratitude for choosing and trusting us, was a total honor to have you as our guest and now on as our friends keep us in mind for your next destination, Could Guatemala be the one knocking on your door? or maybe Costa Rica, Panamá, El Salvador.

No worries about planning we are here to make the homework and we will be more than happy to keep writing our stories together!

Belize Jungle and Reef adventure
Belize | Jun 16 - Jun 27, 2023

Tim
Tim Z.
Ellicott City, MD | Reviewed on Jul 02, 2023
Our trip to Belize was incredible. This was our first time in Belize and Catherina and her team did a great job of matching our travel style and preferences to the two resorts we stayed at, Blancaneaux and Hamanasi. It was a great mix of inland and reef adventures and the service was fantastic. All of our guides and drivers were exceptional. Read more

Our trip to Belize was incredible. This was our first time in Belize and Catherina and her team did a great job of matching our travel style and preferences to the two resorts we stayed at, Blancaneaux and Hamanasi. It was a great mix of inland and reef adventures and the service was fantastic. All of our guides and drivers were exceptional.

Hotel Review
Blancaneaux Lodge

From the moment we arrived we felt like family being welcomed home. The service in this resort is simply amazing and you feel tucked away in the jungle away from the world but surrounded by luxury and beauty. It's especially well suited to families and the travelers looking for quiet and the boutique feel of a small resort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Catherina Tittaferrante
Catherina
Catherina Tittaferrante
Local specialist in Antigua Guatemala | Replied on Jul 06, 2023

Dear Tim!
Thank you so much for giving us your trust and preference, we enjoyed every minute with the both of you.

This trip was extraordinary to us as well, everybody involved has expressed their gratitude because your energy was so beautiful, you have been a lot of blessing. Your easy and smooth way to go over activities, your accesilbility and fluent communication made our lives better letting us be ourselves and enjoying with us our biggest passion.

We will love to meet you in the next adventure, maybe Guatemala or Colombia... in the meantime stay safe and keep enjoying.

Belize trip 2023Our guide, Rene’, was very ...
Belize | Jun 2 - Jun 9, 2023

Chad
Chad L.
Fresno, TX | Reviewed on Jun 10, 2023
Belize trip 2023 Our guide, Rene’, was very nice, helpful, & knowledgeable. I believe Francis was our guide for ATM cave. He was the same in every way as Rene’. I didn’t care for the ATM cave but my youngest son really enjoyed it. While I wouldn’t have chosen either place we stayed I was pleasantly surprised by both. Table rock was beautiful & the staff & food were amazing. Only thing I would add would be ac. Brisa Oceana was also great & in the perfect place that gave us access to... Read more

Belize trip 2023

Our guide, Rene’, was very nice, helpful, & knowledgeable. I believe Francis was our guide for ATM cave. He was the same in every way as Rene’. I didn’t care for the ATM cave but my youngest son really enjoyed it. While I wouldn’t have chosen either place we stayed I was pleasantly surprised by both. Table rock was beautiful & the staff & food were amazing. Only thing I would add would be ac. Brisa Oceana was also great & in the perfect place that gave us access to everything the area had to offer

Hotel Reviews
Table Rock Jungle Lodge
San Ignacio

Absolutely amazing. The only thing I would change is ac would be nice in the jungle. I wish we would have had a day without some sort of tour scheduled so we would have had more time to explore the property.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Brisa Oceano Resort
Placencia

Perfect location, convenient to everything, very nice, comfortable, and it had ac!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Catherina Tittaferrante
Catherina
Catherina Tittaferrante
Local specialist in Antigua Guatemala | Replied on Jul 01, 2023
Dear Chad, Sharing with you and your family was so wonderful, we enjoyed every minute and we are very grateful for this honor, you honestly deserve the best. We have shared their experience about AC at the Lodge in San Ignacio, they asked me to extend their gratitude, they are already looking for alternatives since they are inside a Nature Reserve, they have to respect certain regulations, still they were very happy to achieve a creative solution for future visits. Everything went so well... Read more

Dear Chad,

Sharing with you and your family was so wonderful, we enjoyed every minute and we are very grateful for this honor, you honestly deserve the best.

We have shared their experience about AC at the Lodge in San Ignacio, they asked me to extend their gratitude, they are already looking for alternatives since they are inside a Nature Reserve, they have to respect certain regulations, still they were very happy to achieve a creative solution for future visits.

Everything went so well and easy, thank you for being yourselves and letting us be as well.
We can't wait to meet you again for another great family adventure where there is time for everybody to enjoy and relax.

Who knows maybe Guatemala, El Salvador or Colombia? We are here for you in the meantime we send you all a huge hug.

Keep enjoying and stay safe.

Magical Tikal Forest Experience
Belize | Apr 23 - Apr 25, 2023

M
MaryAnn R.
Novi, MI | Reviewed on May 09, 2023
We had a wonderful time. Rubin was a knowledge, kind, well spoken, service oriented guide. We learned and were so enhanced and blessed by the Mayan teaching, history and culture. The lodge was fantastic. Monkeys, sounds of the jungle and the accommodations we loved! Food was good. Also hit some local spots that Rubin recommended. This made our time even better.. Drivers were also excellent! Lenten and Fernando made the travel easy. Lots of walking in the forest and up and down stairs. All... Read more

We had a wonderful time. Rubin was a knowledge, kind, well spoken, service oriented guide. We learned and were so enhanced and blessed by the Mayan teaching, history and culture. The lodge was fantastic. Monkeys, sounds of the jungle and the accommodations we loved! Food was good. Also hit some local spots that Rubin recommended. This made our time even better.. Drivers were also excellent! Lenten and Fernando made the travel easy.

Lots of walking in the forest and up and down stairs. All worth it, but you will be tired after 6 hours. Or, you can opt out.
Rubin kept us going but also realizes that some cannot keep this pace.

Servers at the lodge were trying hard, but many don't speak English. Just be prepared if you don't speak Spanish. One lovely server who could speak some English stepped into translate often.

We will definitely use kimkim again. Could not have done it without them. Guidance was priceless and made for no stress at all.

Local specialist: Eduardo Celada
Eduardo
Eduardo Celada
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on May 09, 2023

Hola MaryAnn,
It is good to hear tha tyou had a great experince in Belize and Guatemala. Ensure to spread th word to your friends so we can provide good services to people interested in Guatemala, Belize and especially to get to know the Mayan Culture.
Eduardo

I have nothing but great things to say about ...
Belize | Apr 18 - Apr 25, 2023

Carly
Carly M.
Columbia, MD | Reviewed on May 06, 2023

I have nothing but great things to say about Guatemala! Eduardo made the itinerary to fit my needs and interests, and even adjusted it as needed! Luis, my tour guide all week, made my experience one to remember as a solo traveler. He was passionate about his home but also so open to welcoming me to it. I didn’t have nearly enough time to see as much of this beautiful place as I wanted, but I definitely believe Lake Atitlan is a MUST SEE in Guatemala. I hope to be back to see the northern regions!

Local specialist: Eduardo Celada
Eduardo
Eduardo Celada
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on May 08, 2023

Thank you very much for your comment! We are glad that you enjoyed our "Journey in Guatemala", With this feedback you have contributed to better positioning this service, which is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do in our beautiful country.

I invite you to text me on your next visit to Guatemala to show you other beautiful places in our land of beautiful people.

Thank you for providing value to our service!

Sincerely,
Eduardo

Service provided by local specialist: Outstan...
Belize | Apr 23 - May 2, 2023

Cynthia
Cynthia C.
San Leandro, CA | Reviewed on May 06, 2023
Service provided by local specialist: Outstanding!
I wanted to give my husband a surprise vacation to Belize, a gift for his 36 year retirement celebration (we've never been) I chose KimKim as a starting point and was assigned to Columbus Guatemala Travel. I worked with Catharina, she helped me plan a 10 day trip. I expressed to her that I wanted to spend half of our time doing land excursions and the other half doing water activities. I also was very certain on what type of accommodations...
Read more

Service provided by local specialist: Outstanding!
I wanted to give my husband a surprise vacation to Belize, a gift for his 36 year retirement celebration (we've never been) I chose KimKim as a starting point and was assigned to Columbus Guatemala Travel. I worked with Catharina, she helped me plan a 10 day trip. I expressed to her that I wanted to spend half of our time doing land excursions and the other half doing water activities. I also was very certain on what type of accommodations I wanted , as well as preferring private tours over group tours. Long story short- our trip was amazing! We spent 5 days in the Cayo district at a mountain jungle ridge resort- then transferred 3 hours away to the peninsula coast and spent the remainder of our time. Renee our personal tour guide in the Cayo district was awesome, he was very thoughtful and really tried to tailor the experience to what was important to us. We had different guides at the coast and all were very friendly and professional. While abroad we had 24 hour access to Catharina and her team- and when an urgent situation arose in the middle of our trip I reached out to her and within a few hours the situation was resolved and we were able to continue with our vacation.

Hotel Reviews
Blancaneaux Lodge

Amazing, I highly recommend the Honeymoon Hut with plunge pool over looking the forest mountain ridge (Hut 12) No Television, No Air Conditioner- I never missed either! We really connected with the vibe, so relaxed, so tropical, so unique, so beautiful!

Authenticity & Character
Loved the cultural influence in all the decor
Location
Felt like I stepped into a tropical daydream
Staff
Staff provided excellent service with a smile- everyone made a point to know/remember our names and what we liked (food, beverage,snacks and services)
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean!
The Placencia Muy'Ono Resort

Let me first say....I chose this resort, I stayed here 1 night- the next morning being very distraught ...spoke to Catharina about the condition of this place- she jumped into action! she immediately , set up our transfer driver, and booked us into the Turtle Inn Lodge ( another Francis Ford Coppola Resort) where we finished out the rest of our amazing Belize adventure! The Placencia Muy'O Resort is NOT as advertised- Not a 4 or 5 star resort- Think more along the lines of a timeshare resort with deferred maintenance throughout the resort and including the room I booked . I chose Placencia Muy'Ono Resort based on the advertised pictures (chose ocean view king size bed rm 221) -Upon arrival we noticed the beach was beautiful and the pool seemed really nice. However our room wasn't ready for us so we hung out a little and walked around. We began to notice all the missing tile around the pool sitting area, cracked /broken tiles along pathways and stairs- broken or missing ground lights (and the kicker) we went to see the organic garden , that was actually a weed patch. -Room: worn old furniture, stained light shades, water damage stain on up-wall near ceiling, stains running under a/c, hole in balcony ceiling , open electrical with missing light fixture outside bedroom door, dirty coffee cups for use in cabinets, bathtub with mold, the list goes on and on (we took pics of everything) -On-site Restaurant : Food was awful and overpriced, my husband sent his pork chop dinner special back and ordered a burger - I simply could not eat my fish dinner plate. Staff: some were really friendly others were not. Management : assistant manger took our call, listen to complaint (my husband did not sleep at all on the worn spring mattress- I woke up with a headache) she looked at the pictures we took of everything that was broken/dirty etc...and she apologized, said she was working on our request for the one night stay refund. We were told K.Williams was the manager and was the person to approve the refund. However K. Williams was never available when we called .....and still has not responded to our complaint or request for refund of our one night stay ( we were stuck for the night ) -We asked 3 people that worked there if this resort was a timeshare, they said yes- assistant manager said no -Length of stay: we were booked for 5 nights, we stayed 1 night -The Casino is closed down (local tour guide said an incident happened) ...Maybe at one time this resort may have been really nice, I can't speak to that- but based of my experience, I would say vacationer beware !

Staff
Service was not of a 4 or 5 star resort....Poor management
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean the rooms, update the furniture , complete routine maintenance ....so rooms will match advertised pictures
Activity Reviews
LEISURE DAY
LEISURE DAY
Belize

We spent our leisure day exploring the surroundings and relaxing at the resort, which set the tone for our entire trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Xunantunich
Discover Xunantunich
Belize

We had a great time visiting the Xunantunich Mayan ruins, even though not everyone would want to walk up 120 steps in humidity our local guide, Rene, made the experience memorable and informative as he was of Mayan descent.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Caracol And Rio Frio Cave & Pools
Caracol And Rio Frio Cave & Pools
Belize

Our visit to Caracol and Rio Frio Cave & Pools was enjoyable, thanks to our guide, Rene, who understood our interests and made the experience more engaging. If we went back we would definitely want to explore more of the caves. His wife even prepared a delicious, traditional lunch for us, which added to the authenticity of our experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Barrier Reef Snorkeling
Barrier Reef Snorkeling
Belize

We had a good time snorkeling at the Barrier Reef, but we were in a group, which impacted the experience. In the future, we would prefer a private snorkeling experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jaguar Preserve
Jaguar Preserve
Belize

The Jaguar Preserve was educational and a great experience for those interested in the preservation of jaguars. Even though we didn't see a jaguar, we enjoyed the hike.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Catherina Tittaferrante
Catherina
Catherina Tittaferrante
Local specialist in Antigua Guatemala | Replied on May 15, 2023
My lovely Cynthia!
We value your friendship, going through the creation of your celebration trip was priceless.
Your happiness is ours and I loved being able to participate in every step. Our goal is to make experiences that can print unforgettable moments and I am very grateful to know that
we accomplish it.
It stopped being a job a long time ago and our passion became our lifestyle, our communities have better opportunities and they improove their life interacting with travelers and we... Read more

My lovely Cynthia!
We value your friendship, going through the creation of your celebration trip was priceless.

Your happiness is ours and I loved being able to participate in every step. Our goal is to make experiences that can print unforgettable moments and I am very grateful to know that
we accomplish it.

It stopped being a job a long time ago and our passion became our lifestyle, our communities have better opportunities and they improove their life interacting with travelers and we have achieved that when traveling the impact is positive, keeping in mind our main pillars Caring for Nature - Preserving Culture - Connecting with Intention & Mindfulness - Quality in Details with our golden rule Safety First, second and third.

Thank you for being yourself, thank you for trusting us. Hope to see you soon, Guatemala is nocking at your door \0/ !

Be safe my dear and share a huge hug with Brian, keep enjoying your time now more than ever!

Will be booking the next trip with kimkim as well
Belize | Feb 18 - Feb 25, 2023

Marija
Marija Z.
Dedham, MA | Reviewed on Feb 28, 2023

Eduardo was helpful before, during and after the trip. He tailored the initial proposal to suit our budget and preferences and we ended up choosing all his suggestions. Could not have been more perfect. When the weather was interfering with some of the scheduled excursions, Eduardo stayed on top of it to make sure we end up doing what we wanted.

Local specialist: Eduardo Celada
Eduardo
Eduardo Celada
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Mar 02, 2023

Nice to hear from you Marija,
Thank you very much for your comment! We are glad that you enjoyed our "Belize Advneture Wildlife and Beach program", it is one of the favorites of our clients! And today you have contributed to better position this service, which is undoubtedly one of the best things you can do in this beautiful country.

I invite you to text me on your next visit to Guatemala or Belize to show you other beautiful places in the land of beautiful people.

Thank you for being a high-level Client and providing value to our service!

Sincerely,
Eduardo

Guatemala is amazing!
Belize | Feb 20 - Feb 27, 2022

Weston
Weston L.
AZ | Reviewed on Feb 28, 2022
I would like to give my highest recommendation to both Guatemala as a country and to KimKim/Old Town Outfitters. My wife and I have travelled quite a bit and this was one of our favorite destinations that we have been to. From the inception of our idea to travel to Guatemala, Eduardo was incredibly responsive, receptive and flexible in creating an itinerary that matched our desired level of adventure and relaxation. In traveling to Guatemala we missed our connecting flight which altered... Read more

I would like to give my highest recommendation to both Guatemala as a country and to KimKim/Old Town Outfitters. My wife and I have travelled quite a bit and this was one of our favorite destinations that we have been to. From the inception of our idea to travel to Guatemala, Eduardo was incredibly responsive, receptive and flexible in creating an itinerary that matched our desired level of adventure and relaxation. In traveling to Guatemala we missed our connecting flight which altered our arrival time significantly. After contacting Eduardo he sorted everything out and changed our itinerary to accommodate this unforeseen issue.

While in Guatemala, our guide Oseas, was also incredible. His local knowledge, flexibility and overall joy and passion for showing visitors his country enhanced our experience in a wonderful way. He was easy going but also a go getter with no hesitation in driving many long hours often starting early in the morning. We truly feel that Oseas has become a friend and would love to show him around our neck of the woods.

As far as highlights of the trip go, it is hard to nail down just one. That being said, we absolutely loved our time in the Lanquin/Semuc Champey region. The 7 hour drive from Guatemala City is absolutely worth it for those who are seeking a little adventure. Lake Atitlan surpassed its extensive reputation and Antigua was truly a city that we feel we could live in long term.

I speak Spanish which was helpful but absolutely not necessary as both our guide and everyone we interacted with from Old Town was fluent in English. The people of Guatemala are welcoming and friendly, rarely did I feel out of place or unwelcome. As a seasoned traveler, both Guatemala and Old Town Outfitters/KimKim come with my highest recommendation. Please consider a trip here and with them if you are looking for a Central American destination with all the natural and cultural beauty you can imagine.

Hotel Reviews
El Retiro Lodge
Lanquin

El Retiro Lodge encompasses the beauty and adventure that embodies the Lanquin region. Rooms were clean and secure and the dining area overlooking the river was incredible.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and safe feeling. Shower was not very effective and bed was hard but overall the other qualities of this lodging far exceed the need for a hot shower.
Los Olivos Hotel Boutique y Restaurante
Antigua Guatemala

Located in a perfect spot in Antigua, you are walking distance from every destination in Antigua. Wifi was good enough to perform video calls and the staff was very helpful

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Eduardo Celada
Eduardo
Eduardo Celada
Local specialist in Antigua, Guatemala | Replied on Mar 03, 2022

Hola Weston,
I want to say Thank you for your review, it was nice to meet you at your hotel on the last day of your trip plan.

It's a shame that I could not go to cervecería 14 when you and Oseas were hanging out. I am pretty sure Oseas also enjoyed his time with you. I will show him your review so he can be proud of his Job with both of you.

See you next time !!
Eduardo