Kimkim Trip Reviews

We had a wonderful trip, much of it made possible made possible by Adam, who curated a great week for us. I confess to having been skeptical about whether having a planned trip -- as opposed to doing it ourselves -- was worth it. I have for decades planned vacations and travel. Done the research, found the hotels and restaurants, and made decisions about where to go and when. I enjoyed that challenge. But, it takes a lot of time and effort.

We had planned a cruise from Iceland and our calendar freed up a little and we thought it would be fun to see a little bit of Iceland on our own. The problem was I didn't have the time available to plan . . . . so the research I did was to find a great company that could do the planning for us. That brought us to KimKim -- and Adam. We could not have been more pleased by the entire experience. We told Adam what we liked and the time we had and a complete itinerary appeared not long thereafter.

Adam far exceeded my abilities to have planned this by myself, and I have done it for years and am good at it. Driving maps, places to stop, tours along the way day after day, great hotels, super restaurant recommendations -- he had it all for us. Having everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, on our iPhone was a benefit that was enormously helpful for daily travels. Adam found places I probably would have skipped (Westman Islands and Heimaey, for example) and tours that I probably would have bypassed and that was one of the huge benefits of his services. He knew what was worth it to see and do and what was less exciting.

Most amazingly -- our daily plans: the route, the places to see, the tours, the sights along the way were planned so we were never rushed and saw everything as planned with little waiting or "gaps" in the day. Perfectly planned.

Adam provided excellent service throughout. About a week before we left for Iceland, we learned that we would need to cut our cruise short and hop off the boat halfway through the trip. We e-mailed Adam and he made all the arrangements for us to do that and planned a days worth if sightseeing for us in the area before we hopped on a plane to Reykjavik. He was always promptly responsive to texts and e-mails along the way as well.

We had a great trip. Thanks, Adam.

What an incredible trip!

If you ever have the opportunity to travel with KimKim and work with Marc, don’t hesitate—just do it. In an ever-modernizing world, this was the kind of authentic adventure that stays with you forever.

Marc Urban was our trip planner and made so much of this trip possible. My partner had more questions and worries prior to our departure than any two people could address, but Marc persevered. He planned and revised and answered questions and researched options and generally went above and beyond the call travel arranging to make it our dream experience and for that we are grateful.

Our journey began in Jakarta, where we stayed at the extraordinary House of Tugu. From the moment we arrived, we knew we were somewhere special. The team are true masters at creating a memorable guest experience. It is part boutique hotel, part living museum, and everywhere you look there is something beautiful to discover. We enjoyed a couples massage with traditional scrubs and oils, followed by dinner, and it was absolutely magical.

From there, we traveled to Bukit Lawang, determined to see the orangutans. We stayed at Ecolodge Bukit Lawang, which was wonderfully rustic and perfectly immersed in nature. Our guides, Lucy and Sugay, were brilliant. Lucy was an endless source of knowledge about Sumatra, its history, its people, and its agriculture.174c9fd1-20d8-4f7a-b701-b6bb00d6c7ed.JPG

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The trip also provided one unforgettable surprise: I was taking a shower with the balcony door open when a macaque decided to help itself to our luggage! I came out to find it enthusiastically going through our bags like someone shopping at Filene’s Basement. 😂 It finally accepted a banana as payment to leave. It remains one of my favorite travel stories.

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Unfortunately, I became ill and couldn’t complete the jungle trek to see the orangutans, although my partner was able to continue. Even so, I saw many other monkeys and still had an incredible experience. We toured terraced rice fields in a motorcycle-powered sidecar, watched dark sugar being made from the sap of sugar palms, drank from fresh coconuts, and watched sunrises turn the sky the colors of fire. The lodge restaurant served simple, delicious food, and I highly recommend the becak tour and palm-sugar demonstration.

Our next stop was Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa in Yogyakarta. What a beautiful contrast—from a rustic ecolodge to a luxurious private villa complete with our own pool. The staff were exceptionally gracious and attentive, the food was outstanding, and the expansive grounds were filled with beautiful surprises, including rehabilitated local animals and a koi pond.

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The views were breathtaking. In one direction, we could see Borobudur; in another, an enormous jungle-covered ridge rose dramatically into the sky. Our guides were consistently prompt, warm, and knowledgeable, taking us effortlessly from temples to towns to palaces. We even enjoyed a private gamelan lesson!

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Visiting Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was unforgettable, and Prambanan, the magnificent Hindu temple complex, was equally breathtaking.

Next, we headed to Munduk, which completely changed our perception of Bali. Forget the beaches—this was cool mountain air, lush cloud forests, waterfalls, and remarkable round cabins built on stilts high above a steep valley. Some were even reached by funicular.

Our guide expertly navigated the narrow, winding mountain roads that we would never have attempted ourselves. We hiked through beautiful countryside, explored waterfalls and mountain lakes, and paddled a canoe across a peaceful lake to a hidden temple. We also visited Rumah Desa, where I learned about village life and local cooking and even had the opportunity to plow a rice field with an ox! My partner was unfortunately sick during this portion of the trip, but it became one of my favorite cultural experiences.

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From there, we continued to Kappa Senses Ubud, another exceptional property. It is a beautifully subdued and elegant resort, with peaceful facilities, wonderful restaurants, and private bungalows with their own lap pools.

The Sacred Water Temple purification ceremony was one of the highlights of our journey. We also visited the Monkey Forest, which, although popular with tourists, was absolutely beautiful and so much fun.

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Rather than rushing to see every temple, we chose to slow down and immerse ourselves in the local culture. I created my own batik artwork and made a silver ring—two experiences and keepsakes I will always treasure.

Then came one of the greatest highlights of the adventure: our liveaboard from Labuan Bajo.

Our new ocean home, the Floresta, was a beautiful, traditional two-masted Indonesian sailing ship. The crew quickly became our friends and could not have been more gracious. Special recognition goes to our onboard concierge, Fansi, and to the charming young woman who prepared all our abundant meals and snacks. Every day, we were treated to multi-course meals featuring delicious local specialties made with fresh ingredients.

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We visited Komodo National Park, where we saw and photographed several incredible Komodo dragons roaming freely in their natural habitat. We snorkeled along lush underwater cliffs filled with coral and marine life and walked along Pink Beach, where tiny fragments of deep-red coral give the sand its famous rosy color.

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One evening, we witnessed something truly unforgettable: tens of thousands of bats emerging from their island caves at sunset and filling the sky as they began their nightly hunt. It was spectacular.

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We ended our voyage at Seraya Island, where we enjoyed extraordinary snorkeling and some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets imaginable. If you visit, don’t miss the walk up to the Sunset Bar—the view is worth every step.

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Finally, we returned to Jakarta and once again stayed at House of Tugu. Coming back felt like returning home. We were welcomed with tea and a leaf inscribed with the words “Welcome Home,” a simple gesture that perfectly captured the warmth and hospitality we experienced throughout Indonesia.

As wonderful as the destinations were, what made this journey truly unforgettable were the people. Every driver, guide, crew member, and hotel team welcomed us with genuine kindness and pride in their country.

We returned home with incredible memories, new friendships, and a much deeper appreciation for Indonesia’s culture, beauty, and hospitality. We were genuinely sad to leave, but enormously grateful to every person who helped make this adventure so extraordinary.

Thank you to KimKim, Marc, and everyone who made this journey possible. It truly was the adventure of a lifetime.

Great job getting things together so quickly and addressing our concerns.

Hotel Reviews

Comfort Hotel Bergen

Bergen

Felt a little like we were staying in a dorm room again. Furnishing and room were a bit worn and tired.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Very helpful with questions and needs.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bathroom was decent but room a bit worn.

Fretheim Hotel

Flåm

Love this hotel and view. This was my second time staying there. Food service good too.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotell Bondeheimen

Oslo

Small rooms but decent facility.

Authenticity & Character

Location

close to center of Oslo and other features

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Shared Fjord Sauna Experience - Flåm

Flåm

Love the boat ride. But there were many changes in where to stand in line. There was a lot of confusion.

Past & Present City Walk

Bergen

Guide very knowledgeable and good. It was disrupted by memorial events for the king, however, so the tour was cut short a little bit.

Luggage Transfer Service

Norway

Easy and convenient

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Amazing vacation. The planning with our local agent Mathia was perfect. He listenes to our needs and planned the best holiday. We especially loved our time in the tiny town of Aurland relaxing in a café with a bottle of wine and the most incredible view.

Claire was extremely professional, personable and prompt in helping us plan our travels in Ireland. We had both unexpected adventures and moments of familiar relaxation. Claire was very timely and thoughtful in her responses providing wise redirects where needed and helping us get oriented each and every day with the specific transport modes we were using (extremely helpful). Our accomodations mostly excelled expectations (save for a poor view from the Hardiman in Galway ...though it is minor note since we were away each day). We had an unexpected upgrade in Cork at Reidence by Marriott which we were incredibly grateful for.

Claire is an exceptional travel specialist and created a lovely and memorable experience for us that was exactly within our budget. We would be happy to work with her again and would absolutely recommend Kim Kim to friends based on our experience.

Hotel Reviews

Ashling Hotel Dublin

Dublin

This felt a little more urban chic and possibly not as warm as the Granville. Very nicely appointed but very little room to get past the desk chair at the base of the bed. The extra twin size bed in the room might be a good space to move the desk to. The breakfast was great. The staff was very brigt and sunny at breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right on the train line so a little challengng getting across with luggage during rush hour.

Staff

Granville Hotel

This was one of our absolute favorites. It had a balcony with a stellar view of the city. The restaurant was top drawer and the staff were incredibly attentive. Our room managed to be both grand and cozy (how does that happen)?! We had a lovely cup of coffee and a complimentary chocolate as we sat on the balcont. It felt very continental!

Authenticity & Character

Very handsome historic hotel. The rooms are beautifully appointed and have floor to ceiling windows. The light was amazing. The bath was in excellent working with hot water immediately available. Loved saops and a hair dryer.

Location

Loved that its right on the water but also so centrally located to the rest of the city.

Staff

They were very European in an old world way. We could tell they took pride in their work and had very high standards in meeting their clients needs.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Loved the linenes and the cozy throw as well as the coffee/tea service provided.

Residence Inn by Marriott Cork

CORK

We arrived and were unexpectedly upgraded to a King Studio which felt very indulgent. Absolutely loved the free laundry and the very communal common spaces to share with others. Our first connection was with Elisabeth who was ver patient and gracious.

Authenticity & Character

Loved the shared spaces and the safety measures with card based elevators and more. Loved the free laundry!! Huzzah!

Location

Centrally located but not too crazy busy where we were. very walkable to restaurants, tour buses and more.

Staff

Elisabeth was so kind and gracious in attending to our travel needs and many questions about the space. She was warm but professional .

Cleanliness & Comfort

The linens, bath and kitchenette were sparkling!

The Hardiman Hotel

Galway

We absolutely love the stately old gal that is the Hardiman. The furnishings were elegant but not in an intimidating way. There was kind accomodations at the front desk in allowing us to drop our luggage early. Loved loved loved the baby grand piano. Was surprised that the main restaurant was not open for dinner but we loved our delicious breakfasts there. The shower was a little tight for elbow room and our particular view was a little grim but we still felt the staff and service was great.

Authenticity & Character

It is a true Victorian Hotel and much has been done to keep it in good shape.

Location

Love the park across the street and the shops and train station so close by.

Staff

They were very accommodating in storing our luggage and waiting on us at breakfast. Our bartender was very personable at O'Neill's.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Maldron Hotel Pearse Street

Dublin

They were professional and had an excellent breakfast. The room was spacious and clean and quiet.

Authenticity & Character

It was modern but still cozy

Location

In the core city but not too insanely busy

Staff

They were professional but very helpful with our questions

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Private transfer

Dublin

We loved that we had private transport. Our arrival (first) driver had no sign. My phone was not connected to wi-fi while we were waiting to get through customs so we were a little bit stressed in identifying which driver was ours. Though he was a great driver and very kind. He helped us with our bags. We were sorry not to have had change to give him a tip on departure. Our driver on departure was hard to find in the midst of a line of cabs all in a row but he found us and we were a-ok! He helped with the bags and got us to the airport on time despite traffic. Was a little early picking us up so that was great.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our guide Mathia took the trip of our fondest dreams and imagination and made it a reality! We didn’t give him a whole lot of time to put it together, the trip was a bit of a last minute thing, but boy, did he pull it off! We got everything we wanted and more! Mathia was a pleasure to work with all the way through from the planning to the lift off for the return trip home. We wanted a full adventure in Norway and see as much of her natural splendor as possible and we believe we did, all thanks to Mathia and kimkim. Some of the highlights are: climbing up to Sugar Top Hill in Alesund, we loved that city, so scenic and so quaint! We decided we could live there! Our walking tour guide John Grahl-Madsen took us on a delightful walk through his home town of Bergen, he was so nice and accommodating. We absolutely loved our e-bike tour and hike through the Valley of the waterfalls in Husedalen and Ullenvang. I think that was my favorite! Our private tour guide Emilie Guyot was fantastic! She was very personable and knowledgeable and took care of us perfectly! We capped off the trip with a hike to Priekestolen in Stavanger. The are no words to describe the magnificence of that place! A very singular experience. All of our accommodations were spot on, just what we wanted. We were very comfortable in each of them. Again, this incredible and adventurous trip would not have been possible without Mathia and Christina, our kimkim guides. They were absolutely fantastic and always there when we needed them. We can’t wait to do it again and we would wholeheartedly recommend using kimkim to all of our friends and family who are looking for a great, very smooth and stressless travel experience .
David and Elizabeth Smith

Working with Ben was easy. He is very knowledgeable and professional. I appreciated his advice and expertise so much. We communicated well during the planning stages and crafted an unforgettable trip to Japan.

Rajat worked very closely with me in planning this trip to India. I was thankful for his dedication and patience. I appreciate the organisation and friendliness that was offered to my family.

Our local specialist, Ivan, was extremely helpful, responsive and polite. Our guides and drivers were fun, professional and full of knowledge. We had several interesting day trips from our host cities of Dubrovnik, Zadar and Split. Overall the trip was fantastic!

KC - Terrific Hanoi guide
COUC- great natural tour of Pu Loung
Tony Boa- great bicycle and boat tour Hoi An
Jin- knowledgeable market and cooking class tour Hoi An
Nostalgia Cruise- lovely boat and crew Ha Long Bay
Hein- tour planner excellent

With the exception of the 2nd boat excursion, everything was seamless! All drivers and tour guides were very good, and knowledgeable in their areas! Our driver, Francesco Scervino, however, was absolutely outstanding!! He went over and beyond, and always made sure we were comfortable, answered questions, and even helped connect us with a relative in a small town in Italy!! All tours were perfect! Thank you! We thoroughly enjoyed Italy!!

Iceland was incredible! Noga helped us plan a multigenerational trip for the whole family.
Everything was seamless once we arrived and the app allowed kept us on track and organized throughout our journey.

Activity Review

Skaftafell Glacier Hike

Iceland

This was a great adventure and Maria was awesome. Our only negative comment is that this tour company has you walk about 30 minutes to the start whereas other companies drive you right to the base.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Take you to the base

My wife and I had an incredible honeymoon through Thailand and Vietnam, making stops across Phuket, Bangkok, and Nha Trang. We owe a huge part of that experience to our specialist Bella. From the very beginning, Bella was incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely invested in helping us create a special & personalized trip.

Bella did an amazing job putting together an itinerary that balanced adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation across many food tours, wildlife and oceanic exploration, even a ring-side Muay Thai experience at Bangkok's famous Rajadamnern stadium.

One of Bella’s biggest strengths was her communication. She was consistently prompt, responsive, and incredibly helpful whenever we had a question or wanted to make an adjustment. Even with a trip spanning two countries and multiple destinations, we always felt like we had someone in our corner who could help us navigate anything that came up. My wife also has a severe nut allergy which Bella made sure all of our guides, vendors, and experiences, were more than prepared for. That peace of mind was invaluable, especially for such an important trip.

We also want to give a huge shoutout to the local guides and drivers who helped make the experience so memorable! In Phuket, Nui took us through a great food tour, Mr. Uncle and his team showed us an incredible time through James Bond Island, Mr. Man was an excellent driver, and the team at the Elephant Sanctuary were incredibly sweet! In Bangkok, Chaloo gave us an incredible tour of many beautiful temples, Chef Nam was an incredibly teacher during our cooking class, and Amp was a fantastic TukTuk Food Tour guide! Mr. Chin was also a great driver, being communicative and prompt each and everyday. In Nha Trang, Van was the perfect host, even stepping in when his driver got sick! He and his partner Mr. Tony added to our itinerary by showing us spa and food spots loved by the locals to make sure we had an authentic experience. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Our guides did a fantastic job bringing the history and culture of Thailand and Vietnam to life, while our drivers made getting around each destination feel easy and stress-free. Their warmth and hospitality really added to the experience.

We couldn't recommend Bella and the KimKim team more highly. If you're considering using KimKim for a trip to Thailand, Vietnam, or anywhere else in Southeast Asia, we would absolutely recommend working with Bella. She is an exceptional travel specialist, and we are so grateful that she helped make our honeymoon everything we hoped it would be — and more!

Activity Reviews

Three Monkey Restaurant with private transfers

Phuket

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tuk Tuk Food Tour in Bangkok!

Thailand

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Muay Thai in Bangkok

Thailand

One of the most fun experiences of the trip!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ma Doo Bua Cafe visit by private transfers

Phuket

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Phuket Night Food Tour!

Phuket

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Authentic Thai Cooking Class in a Traditional House!

Thailand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nha Trang - Ocean Walking Tour - Small group tour

Nha Trang

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Vin Wonders of the day!

Nha Trang

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nha Trang City Tour

Nha Trang

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bangkok Highlights Exploration including Jim Thompson

Thailand

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Phuket - Morning Half Day

Phuket

This was an incredibly fun and interactive experience! The staff did a great job of helping us connect with the elephants in a safe and ethical way! We were also taught how to make and fed a DELICIOUS Pad Thai that we are still talking about!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

John Gray's - Hong by Starlight

Phuket

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had the ABSOLUTELY MIST AMAZING time in our week in August in Iceland. I know it would have not turned out this great if it was not for KimKim abd having worked with Gummi. From the start, we had excellent communication and follow thru with Gummi. The itenerary planned worked out really well. All our accomodations were perfect. The plan easy to follow. We could have never planned this trip this well ourselves. To anyone planning an Iceland trip...I would highly suggest using Kim Kim and Gunni.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Katla by Keahotels

Vík

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Eldhestar

Ölfus, Hveragerði

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Dís Cottages

Grundarfjordur

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshotel Baron

Reykjavík

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Glacier Ice Cave Experience

Iceland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Silfra Snorkeling Adventure

Golden Circle

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Excursion

Iceland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Scenic Meadow Horseback Ride

Iceland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our family vacation to Thailand was beyond what we expected. The planning and detail to each excursion was exactly on point.

Bella was very easy and patient to work with. Always had great ideas for our family. Our experience to the Mae Khlong Railroad Market, Damnoen Floating Market, in Bangkok to the elephant sanctuary and Foodie tour in Chiang Mai, were amazing. Our guides, Lilly and Lena extremely knowledgeable and made our vacation that much more memorable.

Thank you, Kim Kim!

Hotel Review

Silom Serene Hotel

Bangkok

Accommodation were pleasant. Great breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Perfect location, easy access to many good restaurants and shops

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean

Activity Review

Bangkok Highlights Exploration with evening Chinatown visit

Thailand

Quality of Experience

Beautiful temples a must see

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Lilly and Lena were amazing guides

Transport

Transportation was always on time and drivers were very friendly

We had a wonderful trip! The kimkim team created an excellent itinerary for us based upon our stated interests that allowed us to really explore and learn about Indonesia . We loved the range of activities in which we engaged, knowledgeable guides (especially Eko), and accommodations (especially ThecPhiiji. The itinerary was full but had flexibility that was much appreciated. There were no inconveniences- all went smoothly. There was excellent communication throughout planning and during trip. . I would consider working with kimkim again for future travel.

We had a wonderful time on our family trip to Scotland! Kate came up with a great itinerary for us so that we could see a lot of the sites in a limited amount of time. We had a couple of minor issues but we were able to work through them with some help from Kate. I would definitely recommend!

We had the most amazing time in Japan! Every single one of our guides and drivers were excellent. We felt safe, informed, and most of all cared for during this whole trip. If we come back to Japan we will for sure be booking through this company again. Thank you to everyone who made our trip worth while.

I have to start tipping my hat off to Michel Gold who was my first contact and guided me through the compiling of our itinerary. Thanks to his knowledge we scratch off visiting Bogota because of my wife tendency to altitude sickness. He also suggested the gastronomical tour in Cartagena. Michael also provided me with a list of things I should know before going to Colombia and the pro-environmental philosophy of the agency which I found appropriate.

Our guide in Medellin, Andres Robledo young but experienced. He knows the ropes around Medellin; we when to center of the city and to the once infamous "Communa 13". The contrast of social stratus in Colombia is evident, yet the genuine friendliness was also evident wherever we went. Public servants were very professional from the police officers to the ticket vendor in the tramway. Street vendors were aggressive, but respectful.
Our driver in Medellin, Martin, master of the road. Experienced and patient, he can see problems before it happen. He gave me lots of confidence going up and down Medellin's hills. Great soccer fan of "Atletico National" verse in politics and history ( Pablo Escobar, Garcia Marquez, Social reforms...)
Our hotel in Medellin: Ecohub....it needs works. Internet was spotty at best, WIFI was good just around the lobby. We had to issues in our room. The fridge did not work and the land phone was disconnected. We reported both issues twice and they were never solved while we stayed there. Staff was helpful, but they need more people that speaks English and French. Location was great and in general the hotel was comfortable, clean and safe which is what matters, the rest can be fixed. Traffic in Medellin is crazy, there is nothing you can do about it.
Our guide in Cartagena, Luis Moron. Great energy, Luis knows Cartagena, he has many many qualifications, "Zumba and Scuba diver trainer, Chef, and tour guide." Luis knows the history of Cartagena and the best places, he was very flexible and altered our tour so we could visit Gabriel Garcia Marquez's museum, that was a plus for me that I have read everything he wrote. Cartagena is in constant "Carnaval" mode. People are joyful, simple, happy. Buy a hat as soon as you land or you will melt. What a freaking heat. I drank all the beer brands because of the heat. Luis was very patient with my wife about walking the historic streets of Cartagena with the bright sun and torching heat.
We went to a cooking class, "how to make ceviche"......it blew me away. Ceviche with Corvina fish, mango, coconut milk, and passion fruit juice. Two days later, after walking miles inside San Felipe Fortress, we had another cooking class with Luis and Leonor. Robalo fish fried in coconut milk and brown sugar, patacones, guacamole and rice also in coconut milk and tomatoes of a tree juice.
Our driver in Cartagena, Emerson, just like Martin in Medellin, patient and experienced, punctual and also great knowledge of beaches and resorts around Cartagena.
Out hotel in Cartagena, Armeria Real. Blown away by the size of our room, we get a duplex (two floor room). Super clean and comfortable. Staff, .........unpaired. Luis at the receptions, great suggestions for places to visit at night and restaurants and coffee shops. Waiters at the roof-top John and (..I forgot his name, but he has dental braces) great coctails and suggestion from their own restaurant.

Hotel Reviews

GHL Hotel Armería Real

Cartagena

Extraordinary. Amazing place. it is a 400 years old building converted to a hotel. Our room was a duplex, huge beds, two bathrooms. Staff, super willing to please. Luis at the front desk with great suggestions for places to visit and restaurants to eat. The waiters at the roof-top terrace great cocktails and suggestions to eat from the local restaurant. Great location, everything is willing walking distance. Really good internet speed.

Authenticity & Character

It is a colonial building with a preserved architecture. Wooden floor, red roof tiles etc...

Location

Walking distance to everything. Restaurants of all kind and levels in any direction. Check this place "lavalotu". Around the corner from the hotel. They wash your clothes by the pounds. It is like US$10.00 for 10 pounds. Service in 2 hours.

Staff

Super friendly and willing to please.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Awesome.

EcoHub Hotel Medellin

Medellín, Antioquia

Great location, room was clean and comfortable. Staff is friendly, but if you don't speak Spanish, you might struggle to get things done. I have to give them 4 stars because we had two issues that were never resolved. The mini-fridge was not working properly. The land phone was disconnected. I checked it and the power source was not there. We reported the issued twice in 4 days, it was never fixed. Also the internet was spotty. WIFY was slow and just had the right speed when you stand around the lobby not in the room. That is a deal breaker.

Authenticity & Character

It is like any other mid-level hotel.

Location

It is in a good and save neighborhood. It has indoor parking, but it it an stretch if you want to visit the city center. You would have to depend on hired transportation.

Staff

Really willing to help. Everybody specially Brayn who handles the bar at night.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our room was clean and comfortable, but walls were thing, I could hear people's conversation next door.

Activity Reviews

Medellín Transformation Tour

Medellín

it was worth to go up to comuna 13. Year ago it was considered the most dangerous place in Medellin. Social and political will are transforming this poor neighborhood into a vibrant, proactive community that is trying to pull themselves up. Many great murals and a genuine desire of the people to erase a bad reputation. Kudos to my guide Andres Robledo for explaining to me social-dynamic of this community.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Martin made me feel safe in this place. He is from here.

Transport

Pop-Up Dinner (Envigado)

Medellín

The chef tried to surprise us with a Mango ceviche as an entry. It was too acid which is normal for most people in Colombia, but my wife's ulcer begged to differ. He tried something different and I will give him credit for that. This is like a blind date. The main dish was a mixed of several meat and rice. It felt like chow-main. It has too much soy sauce which surprise us because we were expecting something more Colombian. There was an avocado salad. Rich creamy avocado with shopped vegetables. Dessert was a souffle made out passion fruit. That was worth the night. I think he put some liquor in it and was amazing.

Quality of Experience

To the credit of the chef. We were tired and half full from a long day in the center of Medellin. So we were not that hungry.

Food

We were expecting a more traditional colombian dish. It felt more like chinese take out food.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Martin, solid driver, he stayed with us since 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Traffic made our dinner really late.

Transport

Coffee-Culture Tour

Medellín

Amazing, a really well run farm trying to keep it environmentally correct. No pesticide, natural fertilizer. I learned so much about coffee. I drank such a good quality coffee. I saw so many birds and wild life. We even saw a capibara. The person who gives you the tour ( I am so ashamed that I do not recall his name right now) knows coffee. He starts the tour by percolating coffee in front of you. Then you drink it and he explains the flavors, aromas and effects. The he takes you for an hour up the mountain trip. You see the coffee trees, flowers, and natural resources to keep it "natural". As you walk up, you see and hear many kind of birds. They explain to you the whole process of producing coffee, from the sawing of the seeds, the grooming of the trees, the collection, and finally the roasting.

Quality of Experience

Extraordinary learning experience.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Nothing special about driving in the mountains.

Transport

We have a good car. The road was not bumpy. Colombia has good roads.

Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip

Medellín

I think this is the most overrated of all the points of interest in Colombia. There are 747 steps. You need to be in shape. The view is great, but is not worth a heart attack. Vendors are aggressive and overprice everything. Food choices are not that great too. Mostly local fried fish; bass and carpe. If you like narco-tourism, then go ahead in the boat trip, the only thing worthy of it is to say later that you were close to one of the many Pablo Escobar houses in the area. It is a two hour ride from any direction to get here. The worse part is that "El Penol' is private property, you pay close to US$12.00 to get in. There is a church in town worth visiting for its architecture and wood-carved decorations.

Quality of Experience

Too much hipe, two hours ride, 5 minutes of thrill.

Food

Reduced choices, practically they forced you to between fried bass, tilapia or carpe. Ketchup was too sweet.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

My driver, Martin. Solid prudent driver.

Transport

I rode a good Renault SVU. Good for this kind of trip.

Walking tour in Cartagena's Historic Center

Cartagena

Rule number one: bring a hat. Rule number two: bring a bottle of water. Rule number three: bring comfortable shoes. Rule number four: try to read about the history of slavery in Colombia before you arrive in the country. My guide, Luis Moron was well versed on the colonial period of Cartagena, the revolution and current affairs of the city.

Quality of Experience

Bring a hat. It was raining heat.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Street are leveled. Bring comfortable shoes and a bottle of water.

Streetfood Experience

Medellín

Medellin streetfood is mostly fried or bake. Too many to mentioned here, and to many to try in one day. There are several variations of croissant bread worth to try. Bunuelos, arepas and empanadas made of corn or wheat flour worth to try alone with the street coffee. There is no bad coffee in Colombia. Everybody try their best to percolate, roast and grind the best coffee possible. You need to try their banana bread. It is fresh fresh.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Martin, mi driver in Medellin. Four words, master of the road.

Transport

It was Renault, a brand I have never drove on before. But the vehicle was appropriate Medellin's crazy driving.

Market Visit & Cooking Class

Cartagena

Cartagena's market Barzuto, is like any other third world market. Sanitary conditions are not premium. There is a chaotic traffic of people with merchandise coming and going in all directions. You need to be quick on your feet. Different sections of the market have different smells. You need to be mentally prepared for your nose to be assaulted by the smell of fresh blood, fish, pungent flames from the boiling pots with meat from animals like Capibaras and such, spices that you have never smelled before. On the other hand, you will see fruits from the Amazonian basin that you have never seen or tasted before. Great mangoes, supreme green bananas, guavas, grapes, etc. I suggest to bring a bottle of water to wash thoroughly whatever you might try to eat. Bring closed shoes. Cooking classes. New windows to new flavors and way to cook ceviche. Corvina fish dipped into coconut milk with passion fruit juice, mangos cubes, rocoto sauce, red onions, green and red peppers infused with lime juice. Robalo fish, dipped on coconut milk and brown sugar, patacones, guacamole with garlic shrimps. Rice with coconut milk and panera. Tomate juice from a very special tomato specie.

Quality of Experience

Once in a life time experience if you were not born poor in a third world country.

Food

It is a toss, you either love it or hate it.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Emerson was a quiet, calculated, patient master of the road. He can see an accident happening 20 seconds before it does.

Transport

Agency provided a good air-condition vehicle appropriate for urban hustle.

This trip was difficult to plan from the beginning. It was for 2 people with different arrival and departure dates. Also, 2 nights of accommodation were already booked. Hector never seemed to get exactly when who was going to be there. I said my son was going to be there on the 6th and he booked a room for him on the night of the 5th. Many of the days had shopping as the main activity. I had said we were interested in nature and culture. The hike that was booked for us turned out to be a 4x4 ride which was disappointing. I was in Madrid and the Prado was not scheduled as a tour until I asked for it to be added on. I believed Hector when he said that the last minute nature of the booking made the expensive but when we looked at daily room rates when we were there, they were not high. I think we were overcharged by about 50% and want a refund of at least $5000.

Activity Reviews

4x4 Jeep & Hike the Cares Route, Picos de Europa

Picos de Europa

This was a 4x4 without a hike.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Walking Madrid’s Old Town

Madrid

Great tour

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport