Kimkim Trip Reviews

Mathilde planned a wonderful trip for our family. The variety of tours was perfect. We especially liked our food tour in Munich as it wasn’t just focused on Bavarian food, but also other international flavors which have been adopted into the culture.

The hotels were in perfect locations for walking to all the important sites.

There really isn’t anything she could have done to improve our experience. Thank you.

I do have one suggestion for KimKim though. I would wait a few days after our trip to ask for a review, as sending the email while still on vacation spoils the last day. We are not done yet. Thank you.

Best,
Christina

Activity Reviews

More Than Viktualienmarkt Food Tour

Munich

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Premium Tour

Munich

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Myths & Legends Munich walking tour

Munich

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Apple Strudel & Cookies cooking class incl. Lunch

Salzburg

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Salzburg Introduction

Salzburg

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nuremberg Medieval Old Town Walking Tour

Nuremberg

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our driver Mohammed was excellent. Also our guide Kamal in Fes, Ibrahim in our ATV tour and shahid in Marrakesh were very good also. Most memorable event was spending night in desert.

Hotel Reviews

2Ciels Boutique Hotel

Marrakech

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Perle du Dadès

Boumalne

Location

No

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Madu Luxury Camp

Merzouga

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Madu

Merzouga

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Maison Bleue And Spa

Fes

The hotel is excellent. Specially the bed and the furniture take you back to old times.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Tour Marrakech with a private guide

Marrakesh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Boumalne Dades to Marrakech, via Ouarzazate and Ait BenHaddou

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Erg Chebbi Dunes to Boumalne Dades

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

SUV excursion in the Sahara

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

ATV / Dune Buggy Adventure in the Sahara Desert

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Merzouga Oasis and Family Lunch

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

From Fes to Merzouga via the Atlas Mountains (Ifrane, Azrou and Zaida)

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tour Fes with a Private Guide

Fes

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

En Route stop at Volubilis

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Transport

Our trip was fantastic with exceptional hotels and terror guides. Lucy was always available to answer our questions and solve any issues we had although to be fair everything was fairly seemless. I would recommend KimKim without reservation. Thank you Lucy.

Our guides (Sebastian & Edwin) were absolute ROCKSTARS! We are so grateful for the time that they spent with us. Tamer, once again, helped to create and organize another spectacular experience in Ecuador & The Galápagos Islands. Thank you!

This was a great trip which we had planned for ages as a bucket list item. We wanted to concentrate on birds and the trip that KimKim planned (Yuliana) met all our wishlist items. We were happy to let Yuliana plan the route and do all the heavy lifting on the hotel bookings, car rental and many guided walks. We added a couple of our own once we knew a bit more about where we were and had familiarised ourselves with the various areas we travelled to.
We covered a lot of ground in 17 days and experienced a variety of climates, scenery and birdlife. It was great - Costa Rica is an easy country to get around, the people are friendly and the birds of course are amazing.
One thing to note is that hotel rooms do not have kettles (some had a coffee machine, others had nothing at all) so a travelling kettle is a good idea. Best guides: Christian at La Selva; Kendall at Curi Cancha and Dylan at Manual Antonio. Their knowledge is amazing. We loved it all.

Hotel Reviews

Dreams Lodge Monteverde

Santa Elena

It's a basic B&B

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

We had cold water shower

The Falls at Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio

We enjoyed staying here the room was lovely

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Very nice staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Heliconias Nature Inn

Peñas Blancas

Sorry but this was not our favourite. Room was dark, few powerpoints, no bedside lights, WC horrible. There were nicer rooms but ours was not one. Restaurant overpriced and bad food. Also it's too far from La Fortuna

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Auténtico Hotel

San José

Good for first night

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Natural Caño Negro Lodge

we really enjoyed this hotel, lovely surroundings, friendly staff, good restaurant and bar, nice big room and shower in a natural and exotic setting.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Have to drive along a bumpy dirt road to get here

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike

Monteverde

This was not a 'birdwatching' tour but was OK. Our fellow guests were a strange lot and not very friendly. But we did see a quetzal so that was cool. It was quite crowded.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Early Birdwatching Tour at Curi-Cancha Reserve

Monteverde

One of the best trips - Kendall was amazing. Took us outside the reserve to see toucanets - brilliant. Lots of people but we saw lots of things thanks to him. He would have liked to start earlier and I think it would be good if he could have contacted us directly.

Quality of Experience

Kendall

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guided Nature Walk at Danaus Ecological Park

Arenal/La Fortuna

This was OK , butterfly enclosure a highlight. Not many birds

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Carlos friendly and helpful

Birdwatching at Arenal Mundo Aventura Natural Park

Arenal/La Fortuna

This was good after a rather scary drive to the park in the dark. Ronald very knowledgeable and pleasant. Nice selection of birds and good breakfast afterwards - appreciated after missing breakfast at the hotel

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Bird Watching Tour

Caño Negro

This was good and we saw loads. Minor problem was others on the boat had no binoculars so it slowed everything down. 2 good guides and nice lunch afterwards.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Birdwatching Tour at Boca Tapada

Boca Tapada

Good guide for early morning walk after downpour Christian 2. Best part about BT was the feeders which brought loads of birds

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Birdwatching Tour at La Selva Biological Station

Sarapiquí

Our first bird tour, very good. Loads of birds. Christian very knowledgeable

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Night Walk at Tirimbina Rainforest Center

Sarapiquí

The link sent us to the wrong place; we eventually got there but it was pouring with rain. The bridge was very scary

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

She knew her stuff

We had a great time. The highlight had to be the overnight boat trip on Doubtful Sound. The crew and other guests (only 8 others) were great but the waterfalls and mountains were outstanding. Our first day was rainy with low clouds - a very moody effect. The second day was clear with great views and still water.

The landscape on the South island of New Zealand is amazing. We traveled from the west side to the east side and enjoyed it all. KimKim and Monica, did a great job of providing a well paced itinerary with a ton of variety. All the details were taken care of and we still had flexibility to go at our own speed.

Driving on the left was easier that we anticipated. Traffic was light and other drivers were relaxed. We put on approx 1700 km/1000 miles and it worked out great. Don't let the "wrong" side stop you from driving.

We really like the process of fine tuning the itinerary with a local travel agent before the trip even started. Monica was wonderful. We did not need it but, it was nice to feel supported if we had any issues while on the trip. This is our third KimKim trip (Norway and Nepal) and it has worked out well each time.

Hotel Reviews

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise - Southern Secret

The best experience of our trip.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

both were outstanding

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Mayfair

Christchurch

Great room, very modern and comfortable. Good location. Walking distance from the Botanical Gardens.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Skyline Gondola transport

Queenstown (NZ)

ok, not much room to walk around at the top.

Quality of Experience

Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise - small group onboard Southern Secret (Fiordland Cruises)

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Christchurch to {{end_location}} (Scenic Train) TranzAlpine , standard class fare

New Zealand

Wow, where do I begin!

Reached out to KimKim a few months before our planned trip to Iceland planned for early February.

Adam was assigned as our personal concierge during the planning process and we couldn't have asked for a better, more informative guide to things to do in Iceland! All of the accommodations, excursions, etc mentioned below were set up by Adam and they were perfect.

Basically the process is you give your concierge an idea of rough dates you will be in Iceland, things you want to do or see, and a rough budget and they start the process of giving you choices so you can fine tune your itinerary to fit your needs. I am usually the travel planner but was really nice having someone take the reigns.

We only had 6 days so stayed in the South. We stayed in 3 primary locations -- Blue Lagoon, Vik, and Reykjavik.

Blue Lagoon -- Blue Lagoon is only about 20 minutes from the airport so a great place to go after the long flight from the US. We splurged and stayed 2 nights at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon and it was worth it! Felt like being in a spa environment 24 hours a day. Literally walk around all day in your fluffy robe, take dips in a private area of the lagoon an much as you like, get spa treatments included in the stay (do The Ritual!), got an in-water massage, and ate at the onsite restaurants including Michelin Star restaurant Moss where I proposed to my girlfriend our last night there (luckily she said yes :-)) Wonderful place to relax and get used to the new time zone while enjoying one of Iceland's iconic thermal pools. True luxury experience.

Vik -- We had rented a nice little 4 wheel drive SUV set up through Adam and so set out to Vik on the most southern tip of Iceland as a jumping off point for some excursions in the area. Adam had sent along driving directions in google maps that included stops along the way to see waterfalls, museums, and other sites along the route which was very convenient -- so nice to be able to come and go and not be just one a 30 or 40 getting on and off the tour bus which we saw plenty of. Weather was actually really nice so road conditions were superb luckily. Stayed at Black Beach Suites just outside of Vik and it was really great, onsite bar and restaurant so we could wind down each day with a drink or two. We actually included Vik on our itinerary to get away from light pollution to see the Northern Lights but unfortunately it was cloudy the whole time we were there (apparently Vik is the rainiest spot in Iceland!) so saw none there. We went on 2 excursions while in Vik -- Ice Cave Tour and Snowmobile on the glacier. Both were freaking awesome, would recommend them to anyone wanting to get out and about in the Vik area.

Reykjavik -- After Vik we drove back to Reykjavik, this time on a little bit different course which included more places to stop and see the sites. Stayed at Hotel Borg which was centrally located to everything. Walked around and saw the sites including the famous church and road leading to it, finally saw the Northern Lights right from the harbor in Reykjavik so get to check that off the bucket list. Drove over to the Sky Lagoon on our last day to get one last thermal pool fix which was nice. Great way to calm down before flying back home.

Overall I cannot recommend Iceland and KimKim enough, especially our concierge Adam! He was in contact beforehand, helping us set up our packed itinerary so we got to see the maximum amount in our short time there and was available while we were there for the few things that came up (also, if your concierge is not available due to days off or hours they will put you in touch with others if needed). Just a great experience, will use KimKim on my next trip to Iceland or other places they can help and recommend them to anyone interested!

The trip was greAT. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR HELPING US PLAN IT AND FOR BEING ACCOMODATING WITH OUR CHANGE REQUESTS.
May I make a few suggestions for your next clients visiting Costa Rica, all concerning the activities.
1) The kayaking in Mangroves was great, however I did not bring my kayaking gloves as it was stated that we would have a fun pedal/paddle kayak. This was not the case- no pedaling.
2) On the waterfall hike you should specify closed toe water shoes. I could not swim close to the waterfall bc of the many rocks. I was barely able to swim in the water downstream due to the rocks.
3) We were a 5 minute walk to the Manuel Antonio National Park for the last 4 days, but we did not know that you had to reserve a ticket for the park days prior to our desired entrance day. We were unable to secure entrance.
Thanks again,
Linda
P.S. Sorry for the typos and all caps where present

Our trip was amazing. We loved all the hotels selected by the team, I doubt we could’ve discovered them on our own. The transfers were all so smooth and took away all the stress we would normally experience traveling with kids. Having all our activities and tickets purchased beforehand also left us free to just enjoy ourselves. We can’t wait to plan another KimKim trip!

We loved our time in Bangkok with Leena. She was fast paced and energized while showing us all the ins and outs of Bangkok.

The elephant sanctuary was a beautiful experience and we loved seeing these beautiful animals up closed in an ethical manner

Finally island hoping the Phi Phi islands was amazing end to a busy week and swimming around them topped it off.

Hotel Review

Sunset Beach Resort

Phuket

We experienced issues when trying to get downtown to the beach. We had issues and ended up having to pay local transport multiple times even when at the shuttle stop.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Better shuttle services

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Felt that the cleaning of rooms and shared spaces wasn’t done thoroughly. We had had in our bath tub. And garbage sat outside a room in the hallways all day and an animal had gotten into it.

Activity Review

Welcome to Bangkok!

Bangkok

I loved that this was a quick little trip after a long travel in. Leena was very insightful and also mindful that we had just traveled in.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We couldn't have asked for more from the service we received from Mooinka. She created a perfect trip for us which included fabulous events and wonderful places to stay. We were particularly impressed with our hosts in Inari who own the Lapin Tintti Eco-Cabin. Terri and Arto were fabulous hosts providing us with a wonderful place to stay and a terrific ice fishing experience. They treated us like family. We would love to go back and spend more time with them. Moonika was with us all the way, checking with us daily and making minor adjustments when needed. We never felt we were on our own without support. This was our second trip planned by Kim Kim. Other travel agencies could learn from Kim Kim,. Moonika is a treasure. Thank you so much for a wonderful trip.

Hotel Reviews

LapinTintti Eco-Cabin

Inari

We were particularly impressed with our hosts in Inari who own the Lapin Tintti Eco-Cabin. Terri and Arto were fabulous hosts providing us with a wonderful place to stay and a terrific ice fishing experience. They treated us like family. We would love to go back and spend more time with them. This i a beautiful cabin in the woods. We cooked our meals, and sat on the deck being part of nature. This is one of the best places I have ever stay in. We had privacy in the solitude of Lan Land, viewing Northern Lights and enjoying nature.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Fabian

Helsinki

A comfortable hotel with good service. The location was perfect for our short visit to Helsinki.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Glass-Roof Sleigh Ride and Traditional Winter Net Fishing

Inari

This is a must do event provided by our cabin hosts. Arto showed us traditional fishing which we participate in. We cooked what we caught on an open fire. What a joy this experience was.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Northern Lights Tour with Professional Photos

Finland

Some what disappointing only because it was cloudy and the lights were had to find. Our driver did a good job in finding a spot where we were able to have a brief view.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Reindeer Herders Wife Day

Inari

The event was hosted by a wonderful woman. We fed the rain deer, leaning about the Sami tradition of rain deer herding. We were invited into her home, met her family and participated in cooking a rain deer dinner. This was a great day with very nice people.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sustainable Wilderness Husky Safari

Inari

We have dog sledded in other counties. This was the best. The owners were impressive with their loving care of their dogs. They spent a lot of time with us showing us their home and their dogs and sharing their live style and culture,

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Emerson was extremely knowledgeable and put together a fantastic trip based on our interests. I can highly recommend him!

We had an amazing experience working with KimKim and our travel consultant, Raquel, who planned our "Family Adventures Across Iberia: Lisbon, Porto & Madrid" trip. The itinerary met all of our criteria/needs perfectly and everything went exactly as planned. I was so grateful to be able to fully experience the trip with my family instead of worrying about booking/planning every detail. They exceeded all expectations and highly recommend!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Meninas

Madrid

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pur Oporto Boutique Hotel by Actahotels

Porto

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

PortoBay Marquês

Lisbon

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

An Excursion to Toledo by Train, Guided Walk for Families

Madrid

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Walking Madrid’s Old Town

Madrid

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Douro Valley Highlights: Wine, Olive Oil & River Cruise

Porto

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

E-Bike Experience Through Historic Porto

Porto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Foodie Experience in Porto

Porto

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Exploring Sintra & Cascais: Palaces, Cliffs & Coastline

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Lisbon by Electric Tuk-Tuk

Spain

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

It took me a little long to write, but all i have to say are nice things. Helpful, good planers, problem solvers...all perfect on our trip. Tks!!

Erin helped me plan an amazing trip to the Patagonia in March. There were a lot of detail and plan changes and she was wonderful through all of it. She got everything down that I wanted to do and I'm grateful the weather of the region was kind enough to cooperate so I got to go everywhere we planned.
She helped me with finding local flights and what airlines were the best to help me get around the region. Everything went smoothly. The Patagonia region is stunning and the wildlife incredible and I'm so happy she was able to put this plan together for me, especially since it was a spur of the moment notion for me and hadn't done much research on it. Her knowledge of the entire area is invaluable. Thanks so much, Erin!

Hotel Review

Best Western Patagonia / Hotel Borde Glaciar

Puerto Natales

This was my favorite hotel of my stay. It was quiet, comfortable, and had a great view.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Whale Watching at the Francisco Coloane Marine Park + Visit Impressive Remote Glaciers

Punta Arenas

Guides were great, know a lot about the wildlife in the region and were good at finding the whales! Took us up to a glacier, saw a couple waterfalls on the way and the scenery was just gorgeous!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Trip to a Patagonian Estancia

Patagonia

I loved everything about this day. The ride, the scenery, the lunch, the guides, the sheep experience. All wonderful!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fun boat ride!

Trekking "Miradores" - Guided Day Hikes in Torres del Paine

Patagonia

3 different hikes all of varying difficulty with different scenery. Our guide was incredibly knowledgable about the area and was just a joy to be around. I had such a wonderful time on these hikes.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kayak Lago & Rio Grey

Patagonia

One of my favorite activities and my guides were absolutely wonderful! I had so much fun on this trip!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bruno was incredible in planning this trip and helping me along the way. Honestly, he went above and beyond for me. He checked me in for all my flights, when I couldn't access wifi. My trip ended up being a solo trip and Bruno accommodated everything. The destinations chosen were superb, the airport transports were seamless, and the experience was incredible. I had the best guides on every part of the adventure, and they were so kind and offered excellent advice and were so very knowledgeable about the country. I just cant say enough about Bruno and the entire Kim Kim team.....
I was so nervous to make a payment to a company without speaking to anyone, but Bruno offered me security and many options to ease my fears. I have already planned my next adventure with KimKim..... I would highly recommend Bruno and Kim Kim for any trip planning. I will never forget this trip. It has truly been a hight light of my travelling adventures, and I have travelled all around the world.

Hotel Reviews

Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort

Foz do Iguaçu

Beautiful accommodations. Very nice accommodations. Bed was super comfortable, and air condition was great. Food was amazing, and staff were so attentive

Authenticity & Character

Very kid friendly. The laughter of the children was magical

Location

close to everything

Staff

Carried all my luggage to my room and set it up

Cleanliness & Comfort

I would highly recommend this hotel, especially if you have children. It was so much fun for the kids, and the adults alike

Pousada Aguapé

Aquidauana

This was truly the highlight of my trip. The lodge was incredible. So organized with activities, and such a variety of activites. The animals around the lodge will melt your heart. I could have stayed a month at this lodge......The food was incredible

Authenticity & Character

The activities, and the staff

Location

The animals and birds

Staff

Everyone was so sweet, and so accommodating to individual needs. If I wanted to sleep in, then they came later in the day to make up the room

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bahamas Suíte Hotel

Campo Grande

The only issue I had with this accommodation was that the AC wasn't working, and there is no staff after hours to fix it

Authenticity & Character

Air Conditioning. Staff should turn on the AC before guest arrive

Location

close to a wonderful supermarket for last minute essentials

Staff

Front desk helped me set up facial recognition to allow entry to the building after hours

Cleanliness & Comfort

Amazon Tupana Lodge

Manaus

Beautiful lodge...... Food was very basic, but I wasn't there for the food. The scenery was incredible

Authenticity & Character

Truly a one of a kind experience

Location

The Amazon, what more can you say

Staff

Very attentive to each and every guests likes and dislikes

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Adrianópolis All Suites

Street Salvador, 195

Fabulous bed, and fabulous air conditioning

Authenticity & Character

I would have loved to stay longer here.

Location

Great location for an overnight to leave early in the morning

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The beds

Miramar Hotel by Windsor

Rio de Janeiro

The pool and the room were wonderful. The bed was sensational

Authenticity & Character

It was in a very safe area and offered upscale eating options

Location

Staff

Very helpful about local activities

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms were comfortable and quiet, even tho it was in the heart of Coppocbanna

Activity Reviews

Macuco Safari

Foz do Iguaçu

Amazing experience, Be prepared to get wet, which is a lovely experience in the heat

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A visit to Foz de Iguacu Falls / Brazilian Side

Foz do Iguaçu

I was somewhat reluctant to go and see the falls, because I thought it would be like Niagara Falls. Well I was astonished about how different it was. These falls are surreal. You can not describe them. There is simply no comparison to Niagara falls. You must see these falls from both the Brazilian side and the Argentinian side to experience their grandeur

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jeep Tour Favela

Rio de Janeiro

Incredible experience. I saw first hand about the Favela s and the drug and gun culture. I wasn't at all afraid. It is a highly functioning society, and everyone cares for each other. You must take off your sunglasses when entering as they they are worried about cameras taking pictures and reporting to the police. You also are not allowed to take pictures in the Favela. At our resting point, we danced to the carnival music, and had fabulous views of the city. There is a lot of walking up steep hills, so you need to be in good shape physically.

Quality of Experience

I would like to have seen more of the Favela

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sugarloaf Mountain & Old Town Tour

Rio de Janeiro

Spectacular experience. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and running shoe.......

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Very friendly and very knowledgeable

Transport

Half day Tour in Rio 6h

Rio de Janeiro

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a great time in Guatemala and could not have had better support from Carino Sotelo (as well as Catherine and the other fine staff members at Columbus Travel in Antigua). Carino’s communication was consistently clear, timely, and useful. She was extremely gracious, and we now consider her to be a friend.

Specific things done for us include:

1) A detailed spreadsheet showing time, guide name, activity details, and helpful suggestions for each activity. It addressed every question we could possibly have had prior to the trip.
2) An actively managed WhatsApp chat that we used daily. Columbus Travel responded within seconds after each of our chat updates - regardless of time of day.
3) An impromptu offer to join the Columbus Travel team in making a sawdust rug on the street before a Sunday Lenten procession. It was great fun.
4) An informative group discussion with their full team on the Mayan calendar - made at our request.
5) A welcome gift of our favorite drinks and snacks upon arrival.

I am pleased to note that all of our activities, hotel stays, and transports went off without a hitch. We give Columbus Travel an unqualified 5-star review. Well done by KimKim to partner with Columbus Travel in Guatemala!

Melvin did a fantastic job arranging the best East Africa safari experience.

Our private drivers, John in Kenya and Kaka and Jambo in Tanzania were perfect! They were always on time, and the best at knowing where to spot wildlife and birds. They were extremely knowledgeable about the game reserves we were driving through and habits of the wildlife living there. It was so nice to have the same drivers and vehicle throughout our time in Kenya & Tanzania.

In both countries, we saw many game drive vehicles with 6-8 people all trying to get a view of the animals and not looking very happy, it made us appreciate even more the wisdom in having a private driver/vehicle. We stopped when we spotted animals of interest to us, as well as always having the best view!!

In Kenya, we spent two nights each at three game drive locations in Kenya - Nairobi National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park - Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge and Maasai Mara - Sarova Mara Game Camp. We especially wanted to thank Duncan, Nelson, Nicholas, Ole Mule and Caroline (Chela) at the Sarova Mara Game Camp. Caroline was our private hostess who made sure we were taken care of!

In Tanzania, we spent two nights each at Serengeti National Park - Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
and Ngorongoro - Kitela Lodge

Our trip coordinator for both Kenya and Tanzania, Caroline Silole was a life-saver! She not only kept in touch with us throughout our time, but when our flight from Nairobi to Dubai was canceled due to the Middle East unrest, she was fantastic in arranging new flights. I don't know what we would have done without her!!

We had a wonderful time on our trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam, arranged with the excellent help of Bella. It would truly be difficult to say which we liked best, however, Chang Mai was a highlight and we do not need to do PhuKet again, which was a place I was set on :-)

I will say it was a learning experience and there are events I would hold firm on which perhaps could have been done differently. However, Bella went over each detail with us and we were in agreement on all.

I highly recommend KimKim travel and will certainly use them again.

Angel made an amazing trip for me. Everything was fine tune. I was travelling alone and during all the trip i knew they were there to help in case of problem. We chatted everyday to make sure everything was ok for the next day. I have travelled a bit since quite a few years and honestly never had such a good service.
That was a stunning team . I highly recommand them !!!
This trip was the most amazing trip i have done up till now . Thanks everyone !

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Cabaña Del Lago Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas

WOW !!! Very beautiful view and the place looks incredible. lots of amenuities and very very comfy. i really did enjoy my stay there. I would highly recommand.

Authenticity & Character

Stunning place.

Location

Close to the center and just on the lake.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Just perfect

Hotel Lago Grey

Torres del Paine

AMAZING VIEW from that place but not necesseraly from your room. Very nice place with the hotel and the view from outside is outstanding. But, my room, would have need some love. Floor was broken. At that price, you expect it to be perfect. I've seen some 3 stars hotel better than that. But, once again, the view cannot be beat but at the end...it end up being expensive.

Authenticity & Character

The entry looks great, the restaurant also. But my room was just not consider as a 3 star hotel at that price.

Location

Staff

They did a great job.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean but needed some reparations, They could have something amazing if someone would manage to fix things where needed.

Hotel Vendaval

Puerto Natales

Nice place but missing ascensor . Honestly these guys bringing the luggage through the stairs are doing an amazing work. Rooms are ok. Clean, comfy but with no extra. Good place to sleep. Very quiet and calm. Nice location close to lots of restaurants and store.

Authenticity & Character

Nothing to complain. But no extra there. Rooms for sleeping . Perfect for that purpose.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

I repeat. Kind of basic in some way but still very comfy and quiet.

Hotel Alma Sur

Punta Arenas

Very nice place. Looks very good with the woods everywhere. Feels like home. Very nice staff. Cozy, warm and very comfy.

Authenticity & Character

Looks very authentic with the wood and the furniture. Looks like a cozy place to relax.

Location

Staff

They are really helping. Restaurant is very good too.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean and comfy. Fabulous place to stay.

Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás

San Pedro de Atacama

people there were awesome. The place in itself is very nice. Nice places to relax, AMAZING food. Very clean. They offer filtered water . I loved that place.

Authenticity & Character

Very respectful of environment. The place looks very amazing in the middle of the desert. loved it

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kind of little house very comfy. No AC but we can still find a way to be comfy.

45 by Director

Santiago

I did love this hotel. Clean , quiet and nice place. Food at the restaurant was really good. Great service. Good location. I was really happy with this hotel. i would recommand.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very quiet place, feels safe , restaurant very close.

Staff

They were very nice and seems happy to help when needed.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean, comfy, quiet. Very nice place

Activity Reviews

Torres del Paine National Park - Half Day Private Panoramic Tour

Chile

The most spectacular views i saw in my whole life. That was amazing !!! i highly recommand that tour.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

He was awesome. Taking time that i needed to take picture and every place we stopped.

Transport

Navigation Excursion - Serrano Glacier and Patagonic Lunch

Chile

Really great tour. I really enjoyed seing these glacier. Very interesting.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Condor lookout Horse riding - Laguna Sofia & Cerro Benitez

Chile

Interesting. You go to a very nice view place. VERY WINDY !!! Get dress warm as it may get cold and i say that being from canada !!! You can get nice pics but we did not get to see any condor. I end up being alone on the tour. That was interesting but to me which is not a huge crazy fan of horse riding it end up being a bit too long.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Magdalena Island - Penguin Encounter Half Day Tour

Chile

Amazing !!! Really enjoyed that tour. They are so sweet :-)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dolphins Watching - From Punta Arenas

Punta Arenas

I got lucky and we saw a lot. To me that was incredible. Small boat , they provide dressing , little snack. Focus point was incredible for me. See these dolphins .

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Tierra del Fuego - King Penguin

Punta Arenas

Lots of road to get there and not anything interesting while travelling. But, on my own opinion, it is worth it if you really want to get that chance to see them. I truly enjoyed the experience that was for me a once of a lifetime experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Visit to "Valle de La luna "

Chile

We had an incredible guide. He found a way to add some very very appropriate music to this adventure on the moon. I really enjoyed it. Stunning panorama

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Grey Glacier Round Trip Navigation

Chile

Interesting experience. But a long walk to get to the boat. Still that was worth it.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit the Tatio Geysers - Morning tour

San Pedro de Atacama

Very interesting but nnote that this activity start very very early in the morning and goes up to 4300 meters. Altitude may become a problem.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Puma Encounter in Torres del Paine

Torres del Paine

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Trip- Red Rocks, Lagunas Altiplánicas & Atacama Salt Flats

San Pedro de Atacama

loved that. Very beautiful place to see.

Quality of Experience

Food

it was nice to have a picnic.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Laguna Cejar, Ojos del Salar y Laguna Tebiquinche

Chile

STUNNING !!!!! That was incredible. Many nice pictures i really loved that tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Valparaiso & Viña del Mar - Group Tour

Santiago

Interesting place to visit. Very touristic place. Lots of art everywhere. Interesting to know.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Astronomical Tour - Atacama Desert

San Pedro de Atacama

was expecting to see something more than the moon. we saw saturn and a dead star. Not bad, but not as much as i was expecting.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Puma Sighting Tour

Chile

INCREDIBLE !!!! That was the focus point of my trip and i got lucky to see some. To me that was paradise on earth.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

They were very nice and doing their best to find them. At some point while waiting they may spend time chatting with other guides but on anyway there was no puma in sight.

Transport

Visit the Saltos del Petrohue - Todos Los Santos Lake & Osorno Volcano

Chile

You get some nice viewing spot of the volcan Osorno. Not bad in fact just not of my own taste. You can get some nice picture on that tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

the guide was doing her best to make it interesting.

Transport

Full Day Tour to Chiloe - The Island of the Legends

Puerto Varas

I guess some people may like that kind of tour. personnaly, its not my interest. The tour is ok but i could have go without doing it to be honest. Lots of road and lots of nstops to artesanal places and churches. To me its not something i appreaciate but some other might i guess.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A comfy bus