Locals are fond of saying that Ecuador is four countries in one: coast, highlands, jungle, and the Galápagos. Whether you want to relax on the beach, climb volcanoes, hike around Andean lakes, zip-line in the cloud forest, canoe up an Amazon tributary, or cruise the Galápagos, there is a perfect itinerary for everyone.
Wedged into a narrow valley framed by Andean mountains, Colombia’s second-largest city boasts a setting to delight the senses. From a cable car ride into edgy Barrio Santo Domingo to a sensational night of salsa, there’s an astounding array of fantastic things to see and experience. Here are the best things not to be missed.
If you're looking to spend a little time laying out on any of Sri Lanka's waterfront shores, there are numerous beaches to choose from. Which one you end up at will likely depend on the time of year you travel and on the overall route of your tour.
From dreamy rice fields to sprawling tea plantations, rural villages to nature preserves teeming with wildlife, the range of Sri Lanka's geographical and cultural treasures is astounding—and there's no better way to see it all than on two wheels. Find out how to navigate the roads, weather, and more with this comprehensive guide to cycling in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a compact country so domestic flights are limited. Newer highways are reducing travel times for those who take the bus. However, trains are the more comfortable way to get around. The best way to see Sri Lanks is on a bike and there is an excellent network of roads to get you around to every corner of the country.
Beautiful beaches, unique hotels, and a stunningly diverse landscape: Jordan has all the elements of a perfect honeymoon locale. After reading our take on all that Jordan has to offer for newlyweds, you'll be ready to start planning your honeymoon in this surprisingly romantic Middle Eastern destination.
Often overlooked by visitors traveling the famed Ring Road, West Iceland is packed with photo-worthy natural features and cultural history. Get off the beaten path on your next trip to Iceland and take in the waterfalls, geothermal pools, and cultural lore that make this region special.
Reykjavik takes its coffee seriously, with a café on practically every downtown corner. If you're wandering through town looking for a solid cup of joe and a sweet treat to go with it, you won't be disappointed by these recommended favorites.
Sicily is a captivating destination, with scenic beauty, historic sites, and culinary delights. This 7-day itinerary is for the active traveler looking to experience the best of the island while cycling and walking.
The Galapagos Islands are spectacular in so many ways, but even more so underwater. The seascapes of reefs, ledges, walls and extinct volcanic craters are teeming with wildlife – from sea lions and marine iguanas to turtles and schools of hammerhead sharks. This guide tells you all you need to know to discover one of the world's best diving destinations.
Locals call Medellín the "city of the eternal spring." The capital of Colombia’s Antioquia Department is second only to Bogotá in terms of size, but there are just as many opportunities for culture and adventure as there are in the nation’s capital. Use this guide to help find the best Medellín has to offer.
Colombia offers excellent biking opportunities for both beginners and seasoned riders. The steep mountain paved roads are terrific for road bikers and have bred world-class racers. For mountain bikers, there is endless scope for easy country trails and gut-wrenching mountain single tracks. This guide will help you get around Colombia on two wheels.
Cartagena’s cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and bougainvillea-covered balconies are simply magic. But there is much to Cartagena than just its romantic Old City. This list offers a number of great options, from exploring old forts, to eating great seafood and lazing on white sand beaches.
If you have 10 days in Colombia you can visit two or three areas of the country, thanks to low cost airfares that can jet you quickly between different regions. Enjoy the country's dynamic urban centers, get out in the countryside for hikes, visit a coffee plantation and sunbathe on the Caribbean coast, these are just a few of the things you can pack in during your 10-day stay.
Colombia offers exciting sights and activities that can be enjoyed by parents and kids alike. From fascinating museums such as the Museo de Oro in Bogotá, to parks, city tours, horse riding and snorkeling, there is always something for your little ones to enjoy. This article covers the best sights and activities for families.
Home to a rugged landscape and trails for every type of hiker, the Westfjords region provides a perfect backdrop for exploring Iceland on foot. Marvel at geysers, have a picnic on the shores of a scenic bay, and take in the mountain peaks as you make your way through one of the country's most beautiful trekking areas.
The Gambia may be small, but this friendly West African country is packed with things to do and see. How many days do you need to experience everything on your list? Our expert insight will help you decide how long to spend exploring The Gambia's relaxing beaches, quaint towns, and everything in between.
Ísafjörður (Isafjordur) is the largest town in Iceland's beautiful Westfjords, making it a perfect jumping off point for day trips around the region. The town itself, surrounded by dramatic scenery, also has a lot to offer in the way of historical value and opportunities to get out into nature.
Beyond its famously beautiful beaches, The Gambia offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. The rich culture, colorful traditions, and natural beauty of “the smiling coast of West Africa” are worth a visit for any curious traveler. Here are our 5 favorite opportunities to travel like a local in The Gambia.
Landmannalaugar is a geothermal wonderland in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, home to lava fields, hot pools, and steam puffs that rise from the earth. Hike among vibrantly hued mountains and explore highlands dotted with glaciers, black sand beaches, geysers, and waterfalls. Stunning and remote, this area is a perfect representation of all the Icelandic landscape has to offer.
From cultural events featuring film and music to Reyvjavik's vibrant pride parade, the people of Iceland know how to throw a party. Read our list below of the country's top 6 annual festivals, and get ready to celebrate on your next trip to Iceland.
No matter when you visit, The Gambia always has something to offer. This tiny country earned its place on the travel map thanks to its gorgeous coastline and lush natural areas. With two main seasons and predictable weather patterns, it's easy to decide what time of year works best for a visit - keep reading for our take on the best time to visit The Gambia.
This adventure covers the highlights of Colombia's diverse Caribbean coast with plenty of opportunities to get in the water. You'll start in the colonial city of Cartagena with a speedboat trip to the Rosario Islands and then head east for Santa Marta. You'll travel by 4WD to La Guajira Peninsula for remote dunes and Indigenous tribes, tube down the Río Don Diego, and then spend a few days hiking around Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona before ending the trip back to Cartagena.
On the northwestern side of South America, straddling the equator, Ecuador contains a remarkably diverse range of landscapes, altitudes, and climates. Despite their great variations, the country's highlands, rainforests, beaches, and far-flung islands are all rewarding places to visit throughout the year.
The romantic city of Cartagena, white-sand Caribbean beaches, beautiful Coffee Country and sizzling salsa dancing combine to make Colombia a wonderful honeymoon destination. This list covers some of the top destinations to consider when making plans for your post-nuptial getaway.
This action-packed itinerary hits the highlights near two of Colombia's most exciting cities. Start off in Medellín before driving to the "coffee triangle," where you'll stay on a ranch in the Andes. From here, embark on a three-day hike through some of the last surviving snowcapped peaks in the tropics before rafting in two of Colombia's major rivers. Next, you'll head north to the Caribbean coast for white sand beaches, sailing, and a chance to scuba dive in one of the few coral reefs in Colombia. Finish off with time to explore the cobbled alleys of Cartagena's Old Town.
Bogotá has two faces. It is both a bewildering urban sprawl across a South American massif, and a hodgepodge of quaint, colonial-era villages merged together over the centuries. The Colombian capital has an enormous variety of activities and historic sites but requires good insight to navigate the intertwining fabric – use these expert tips to get the most out of your visit.
Whether you have an extended stopover or simply want to add some sightseeing to your business trip in Addis Ababa, this is the ideal tour if your time in Ethiopia is limited. This itinerary includes Bahir Dar and Lalibela, two of the main destinations on the country's classic northern route. On your day of driving and domestic flights between the historic cities, you'll be able to admire the dramatic landscape of Ethiopia's highlands.
Leave the cold climes of Quito and descend to the sinuous rivers and sticky jungle of the Ecuadorian Amazon, one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth. On this 7-day itinerary, you will wildlife-spot along mighty waterways, climb into rainforest canopies, brave some of South America’s best white-water rapids and bathe in beautiful thermal pools. If you are set on exploring the Amazon, Ecuador is one of the best places to do it.
This 7-day tour along the southeastern coast of Sicily features impressive archaeological sites, including the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. It's an incredibly scenic drive, with golden beaches and vineyards, plus overnight stays in ancient, seaside towns.
Bogotá is home to dozens of locally-owned hotels, many with boutique quality and personal service, making them great choices compared to some of the larger chain hotels. The following list includes stylish places emphasizing high-end design, theme hotels, and backpackers' favorites that have hosted travelers for decades.
Superb natural and historic destinations surround Bogotá, enough to keep visitors busy for several days. For travelers keen on the outdoors, high altitude air, hikes of varying difficulty and some culture beyond Bogotá, here are a few ideas for day trips around the Colombian capital.
This tour of Sicily starts in the island's largest city, colorful and vibrant Palermo, before continuing to the country for scenic drives and island hopping. Boat rides, visits to wineries, walks along cobblestone streets and exploration of archaeological sites are just a few of the bucket list items you can tick off on this Sicilian adventure.
In seven days, it's easy to combine Machu Picchu with day trips within the Sacred Valley or with a visit to another region like the Amazon Rainforest or Lake Titicaca. Trekkers can conquer part of the Inca Trail plus take a hike to the brilliantly-striped Rainbow Mountain, and culturally-minded travelers who don't mind skipping Machu Picchu can head to the lesser-visited ruins of Northern Peru. Learn more about your options below.
With its mysterious Inca ruins, quaint villages, beautiful sunsets and colorful Quechua culture, Peru makes for a fascinating and romantic honeymoon. The following list covers the best places to visit in Peru after you say “I do.”
Get ready for the wild and remote region of Chocó on Colombia's lesser-visited Pacific coast, which is the crux of this 7-day itinerary. The trip starts with a flight to Nuqui in a dense rainforest where you'll spend three days exploring tiny villages and partaking in a variety of activities like canoe rides, hiking, cooking with locals, whale watching, and soaking in hot springs. End the trip in one of Latin America's most exciting cities (Medellín) and then visit a nearby coffee farm to round out this awesome Colombian adventure.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Colombia on this 7-day itinerary which takes you through the mountains and valleys of Colombia's famous coffee region. You'll undertake a multi-day trek in the Andes, relax in the peaceful city of Manizales, and then finish with some urban culture and great museums in the city of Medellin.
This fun and festive weeklong Colombia adventure starts in the up-and-coming city of Medellín. With hip restaurants, art galleries, and eternal springlike temperatures, this city goes wild with Christmas lights. From here, you'll head to lakeside Guatapé for hiking, visit a coffee farm, and then fly to Cartagena—a fairy-tale city that draws a vibrant international crowd. Reserve early and get a seat at one of the city's best rooftop bars overlooking colonial architecture and the Caribbean Sea—what a way to start the new year!
This seven-day land and sea adventure covers all the highlights along Colombia's northern coast. You'll experience the culture and fairy-tale romance of Cartagena's Old Town, explore the beautiful Tayrona National Park, hike through mountainous jungles, go bird-watching, visit a coffee farm, and finish your trip with a relaxing trip to the Rosario Islands by private speedboat.
On this fast-paced seven-day tour, you'll experience two of Latin America's most exciting cities, stay overnight on a working finca (coffee farm), and hike the Andean foothills. The trip starts in Medellín, the scenic metropolis fast on the rise after a turbulent past. You'll then head into the heart of Colombia's coffee triangle, exploring charming Salento and touring a working finca. You'll also hike the green mountains in Valle de Cocora before finishing the trip to Colombia's sophisticated urban capital.
On this culturally rich seven-day tour, you'll explore the historic and cosmopolitan side of Bogotá before heading north through the scenic Colombian highlands toward two of the country's most photogenic cobblestoned towns. Here, you'll visit the underground salt mines, bike the Suarez Canyon, and finally explore the Spanish Colonial wonder that is Barichara—oozing with charm—before heading back to the capital's exciting restaurants and nightlife.
Steamy Cali is where salsa clubs boom long after midnight and welcoming locals can be found dancing in parks — this is the salsa capital of the world. Beyond salsa, the city has historic neighborhoods, excellent hiking, delectable street food and more. This guide shows off 9 of the best things to do in Cali.
From ancient Inca ruins to the mysterious Nazca Lines, snow-capped peaks to dense Amazonian jungle: Peru is one of the world's most diverse destinations. That diversity is also reflected in the stunning places and range of activities you can enjoy. Here's our list of the top 10 Peru highlights to check consider adding to your itinerary.
Bogotá is a pulsating South American metropolis where well-preserved colonial-era neighborhoods mix with 21st-century glass and steel. While its impressive museums and architecture rank high on the list of things to see, the best experiences will be your own exploration of historic neighborhoods on bike or foot. Let this guide direct you toward the best Bogotá has to offer.
East Iceland is home to some of the best hiking in the country, including a vast trail system that traverses black sand deserts, ruins of ancient homesteads, and dramatic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most dynamic and accessible treks in the area is this three-day trek from Borgarfjörður to Seyðisfjörður.
Visiting Jordan is an adventure in itself, and there is no better way to get to know this fascinating country than by diving into its culture. The Jordanian people are known for their warmth and hospitality, making it easy for visitors to forge connections through food, traditional activities, and alternative modes of exploration. Read on to discover five of our favorite local experiences in Jordan.
There are plenty of typical hotels in Jordan, but this destination also offers a plethora of unique, experiential lodging options that you won't find anywhere else. From local homestays with Jordanian families to a certified ecolodge on the edge of the Dana Biosphere, these incredible alternatives throughout the country will make you rethink your usual travel routine.
Coffee tasting tours and visits to coffee farms rank high in any visit to this region. But Colombia's Coffee Region also offers a number of exciting activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking. When it's time to slow down you can relax in thermal baths. This list highlights the best things to do in the caffeine capital of Colombia.
Colombia's coffee region, set amid the rugged hills between Medellín, Cali, and Ibague, produces some of the finest coffee in the world. Besides learning how the coffee is made, you can experience stunning national parks, vibrant cities, and quiet pueblos. We're spilling the beans with expert tips on getting around the region and the best places to visit.
Colombia's Coffee Region is dotted with small pueblos where life has changed little over the past century. Towns like Salento, Pijao, and Filandia still retain the same colonial air of yesteryear, when coffee farmers brought their product to market along old country roads. This list includes the best towns to visit, plus vibrant cities and also backcountry areas where you can experience Colombia's stunning landscapes.
Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.
Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.
Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.
You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.
