Kimkim Trip Reviews for Brazil

4.8
Based on 161 ratings
Read 161 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Brazil on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

A smooth lifetime adventure
Brazil | Dec 22 - Jan 2, 2026

Nathalie
Nathalie B.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Jan 09, 2026
Our first trip to Brazil was an adventure we will never forget- we put our trust in Bruno to plan this amazing trip. From the moment we arrived until the end everything was perfectly organized in a safe & fun way. At each step of our journey we were met by local guides (Sol & Luis) who took incredible good care of us. It was our first time planning a trip with KimKim and it won’t be the last. All of our wishes came true. Read more

Our first trip to Brazil was an adventure we will never forget- we put our trust in Bruno to plan this amazing trip. From the moment we arrived until the end everything was perfectly organized in a safe & fun way. At each step of our journey we were met by local guides (Sol & Luis) who took incredible good care of us. It was our first time planning a trip with KimKim and it won’t be the last. All of our wishes came true.

Hotel Reviews
Pousada Naturália
Angra dos Reis

A bit rustic and sometimes noisy but great overall experience. Be prepared to carry your luggage from the harbor (10 minutes)

Authenticity & Character
Great buffet breakfast
Location
A bit of a walk with luggage
Staff
Thanks to the staff for helping us carry our luggage
Cleanliness & Comfort
Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Rio de Janeiro

The size of the beds was HUGE … bigger than a California king … great sleep Excellent breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right on Copacabana… walking distance to lots of activities and restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amazon Premium Lodge
Manaus

Comfortable beds - clean - quiet Just needed an extra blanket

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Villa Amazônia
Manaus

Great boutique hotel downtown Manaus with great beds.

Authenticity & Character
Location
No
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Half island tour by speedboat to Ilha Grande from Vila do Abraão
Half island tour by speedboat to Ilha Grande from Vila do Abraão
Ilha Grande - Rio de Janeiro

The island is really a backpacker paradise - jungle & beach combo with great hikes and beautiful secluded beaches (reachable by boat). Food options are plentiful but expect to wait a long time to be served.

Transport
Boat to and from the mainland to the island is packed and luggage is everywhere
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro

Beautiful city with lots to do - safer than I expected - beaches are gorgeous but crowded.

Quality of Experience
Great to have a guide with you to experience the real thing
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amazon Premium Lodge 4 days/3 Nights
Amazon Premium Lodge 4 days/3 Nights
The Amazon

In the heart of the earths lungs … insane beauty and quiet place - farm to table food - Piranha fishing and night time boating to see caymans was brilliant

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sol was a great young dynamic and knowledgeable guide
Transport
Plan for a rough ride getting there … 2 buses & 2 boats which we didn’t know about
Local specialist: Bruno Madeira
Bruno
Bruno Madeira
Local specialist in Brazil(Rio de Janeiro) and Portugal | Replied on Jan 09, 2026

Hi Nathalie
I am very happy that you enjoyed the trip. Thank you very much for your trust.
If you need anything, please write to me.
All the best to you and your family!!!
Thank you very much.
Bruno

Unforgettable trip to Brazil - Rio, Iguacu, the Amazon and Salvador
Brazil | Dec 19 - Dec 30, 2025

Anita
Anita G.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2026
Our trip to Brazil was unforgettable, thanks to Bruno and kimkim. Bruno helped us with our custom itinerary and was always available to answer any questions before and during the trip. The guides were very professional, knowledgeable and friendly and made our trip memorable and worthwhile. Marcelo at Rio, John at Foz do Iguacu, Carlos at The Amazon and Luiz at Salvador were our amazing guides.
Our trip highlights - seeing Christ the Redeemer at Rio on a cloudy day and catching a glimpse for...
Read more

Our trip to Brazil was unforgettable, thanks to Bruno and kimkim. Bruno helped us with our custom itinerary and was always available to answer any questions before and during the trip. The guides were very professional, knowledgeable and friendly and made our trip memorable and worthwhile. Marcelo at Rio, John at Foz do Iguacu, Carlos at The Amazon and Luiz at Salvador were our amazing guides.
Our trip highlights - seeing Christ the Redeemer at Rio on a cloudy day and catching a glimpse for a few moments, Sugar loaf mountain at Rio (saw marmosets and vultures), Iguacu falls (Argentine side was our highlight) and the boat tour under the waterfalls at the Argentine side (we got soaked thrice), Bird Park near Iguacu falls, Brazil, amazing Amazon experience (canoeing, fishing, sunrise and sunset tours, forest walks), Salvador city tour. We saw exotic wildlife everywhere and endangered birds at the bird park.
The hotels were all very good but with the Salvador hotel being our favorite as it was a boutique hotel located in a historic center surrounded by chapels and shops.
We were able to get vegan food in all places with the Amazon Tapuna lodge being our highlight as several vegan options were available with breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had difficulty in finding vegan food in small airports. Latitude at Rio international airport was a great place for vegan food.

Hotel Reviews
Pousada Solar Dos Deuses
Salvador

This boutique-hotel was in a perfect spot, surrounded by chapels, attractions and shops. The room itself was breathtaking, with lovely decor, tables, mirrors, sofas, a table for the custom breakfast served in the room. We stayed only 1-1/2 nights though. The staff did not speak much English but were extremely friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amazon Tupana Lodge
Manaus

The Amazon Tupana Lodge was the perfect place to enjoy our Amazon jungle adventure. The rooms on stilts, a common area with hammocks and comfortable chairs and of course, the buffet area and the steps leading to the port dock were all so beautiful. We saw wildlife right at the port deck - dolphins, herons, vultures, tepir and several birds. The stray dogs were too friendly and almost bit my hubby as we walked up the deck stairs. The stray cat was very cute though. The room was quite good and the fan really helped. Opening the curtains a little at the night helps cool air enter. The buffet meals were all amazing especially as they had several vegan options. They also took care to not contaminate vegetarian food with the meat - this was our highlight during the camping dinner at the forest. All the staff and guides were very friendly. The activities were all exceptional. Night or forest walks require us to wear long sleeves and pants. So, packing thin kurtis with long sleeves or thin slacks/leggings will help prevent mosquito bites.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Carlos, our guide took special pains to let us know what was vegan and what wasn't. He spoke excellent English.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was overall very clean. The bathroom was slimy and we got it cleaned. But the slime came back the next day. The tiles were falling off the bathroom shower. No hot water though. So probably a good idea to take your shower during mid day instead of early morning and/or night.
Hotel Intercity Manaus
Manaus

We had a stay for a few hours in the night as we landed around midnight on Christmas. The staff was very friendly. However, we did not get any hot water in the morning. Seems like instructions to get hot water should be handy.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
We did not get hot water in the early morning for our shower
Viale Tower Hotel
Foz do Iguacu

The room was very clean and we had ample room to open our suitcases. The staff at the hotel was exceptional as they answered all our questions and directed us to laundry service/laundromats close to the hotel. We didn't have enough time for the laundry service but the automated laundromat near the hotel saved our day.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro

The hotel room was very clean but the bed was so large that we had trouble opening our large suitcases on the floor. Enjoyed the breakfast with coffee, fruits, salad, cereal, hot milk and yogurt. The staff was not very friendly compared to the other places that we stayed at. It took us more than a day to figure out how to get room service or call the front desk. A paper with the key services would have helped as the icons on the phone were not very intuitive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Excellent location as we were very close to the beaches
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visit to the Argentine side
Visit to the Argentine side
Foz do Iguaçu

Our visit to the Argentine side of the Iguacu falls (called Igauzu in Argentina) was a wonderful experience with expert guidance from John, right from crossing the border to touring the falls in the Park. The hikes to the Devil's throat and Upper falls were amazing as we saw the falls from closeup. The boat tour by Gran Aventura (an additional trip) which took us under the waterfalls was an exhilarating experience. John gave us all the necessary instructions in advance and so we were prepared with an extra set of dry clothes. We also enjoyed an extra tour of the bridges across the 3 countries (Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil) and downtown.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
John was awesome. We loved the 10k walk in the Park
Transport
John made the transportation seamless for us. Crossing the border was very quick as we had tickets for the priority queues
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro

Our trip to Brazil was unforgettable, thanks to Bruno and kimkim. Bruno helped us with our custom itinerary and was always available to answer any questions before and during the trip. The guides were very professional, knowledgeable and friendly and made our trip memorable and worthwhile. Marcelo at Rio, John at Foz do Iguacu, Carlos at The Amazon and Luiz at Salvador were our amazing guides. Our trip highlights - seeing Christ the Redeemer at Rio on a cloudy day and catching a glimpse for a few moments, Sugar loaf mountain at Rio (saw marmosets and vultures), Iguacu falls (Argentine side was our highlight) and the boat tour under the waterfalls at the Argentine side (we got soaked thrice), Bird Park near Iguacu falls, Brazil, amazing Amazon experience (canoeing, fishing, sunrise and sunset tours, forest walks), Salvador city tour. We saw exotic wildlife everywhere and endangered birds at the bird park. The hotels were all very good but with the Salvador hotel being our favorite as it was a boutique hotel located in a historic center surrounded by chapels and shops. We were able to get vegan food in all places with the Amazon Tapuna lodge being our highlight as several vegan options were available with breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had difficulty in finding vegan food in small airports. Latitude at Rio international airport was a great place for vegan food.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Driver José Eduardo was ready and waiting for a while as it took 1.5 hrs. or so for immigration at Rio. The flight was delayed by an hour as well. Jose helped us with our luggage and was extremely courteous.
Amazon Jungle Day 1
Amazon Jungle Day 1
The Amazon

The most interesting part was reaching the Amazon Tapuna lodge from Manaus via 2 motorized boats and a 4*4 - a total of 4+ hrs. None of the staff or drivers spoke English and we didn't have internet coverage en route so Google translate didn't work (key takeway is to download the language package before your trip). When aboard the first small motorized boat, we feared we would be in this boat for 4 hours and so quickly wore the life jackets. Thankfully, it was only for 40 minutes or so. The driver stopped in the middle of the river and showed us flags of Peru, Columbia and Brazil. We saw that the color of the water had changed at that point too - apparently it was the meeting point of two rivers moving in different directions. We then went on the 4*4 trip for 2.5+ hrs. with one truck stop/toilet break. The final hop was a 1/2 hr. boat ride to the Amazon Tapuna lodge. The beautiful view of the lodge on stilts, the steps from the port deck and the hammocks, etc. were indeed breathtaking. We had arrived in the jungle.!!! We were greeted with a welcome drink by Carlos, our awesome guide who spoke perfect English in addition to Portuguese and Spanish. We were thrilled to learn that we would be getting vegan food for all our meals - our Brazil trip highlight. We loved doing the tours with a Japanese Brazil family and a British woman. Since we left at 7am or so from Manaus, we were at the lodge by 11:15am. We had lunch at 12:30p (the lunch time at the lodge) and had 2 tours that day. The 4pm tour on the boat was to meet a local family, learn about their hard life and taste their awesome farina/farofa (the toasted cassava flour used on all salads, rice and beans, etc). We got a demo of making farina and tapioca. After our awesome dinner at 7:30p, we left on a boat tour to see alligators. It was awesome to see a baby alligator from up-close.

Quality of Experience
Food
All the meals at the lodge were awesome and prepared so well. Loved the various vegan options, fruit (pineapple was my favorite). Loved adding farina on top of my rice and beans. The vegetable rice and soy based dish were very delicious. Various pastas were available with lunch and dinner.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone in the lodge - guide and staff were very friendly and helpful. Hats off to Carlos, our wonderful guide.
Transport
Loved the thrill of not knowing what entailed us in the 4 hour ride to the jungle.
Local specialist: Bruno Madeira
Bruno
Bruno Madeira
Local specialist in Brazil(Rio de Janeiro) and Portugal | Replied on Jan 06, 2026

Hi Anita
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I really appreciate your trust. I wish you and your family all the best.
You and Athul are very special!!!
Bruno

Good organization and very quick responses wh...
Brazil | Dec 29 - Jan 5, 2026

M
Miroslav M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2026
Good organization and very quick responses whenever we need it . Definitely would recommend, it’s gonna make your trip much easier Read more

Good organization and very quick responses whenever we need it . Definitely would recommend, it’s gonna make your trip much easier

Activity Review
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Carolina Luduena
Carolina
Carolina Luduena
Local specialist in Cordoba | Replied on Jan 06, 2026

Hi Morslav, thank you so much! Your feedback is very valuable.
I’m glad you felt supported during your trip. I hope your New Year in Rio de Janeiro was truly magical ✨. It was a pleasure helping you organize your journey, and we appreciate your recommendation; it means a lot!

Thank you for choosing us and for your trust.
I’ll be very excited to help you with your next holiday!😁
Take care😄
Caro

Federico was wonderful. Excellent advice and ...
Brazil | Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2026

Mareeni
Mareeni S.
Escondido, CA | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2026
Federico was wonderful. Excellent advice and an amazing journey. Carlos and Alex were both great guides in Rio. The Rio Othon Reveillon beyond compare. Marcelinho in Amazonas was knowledgeable, great fun and very accommodating. Read more

Federico was wonderful. Excellent advice and an amazing journey. Carlos and Alex were both great guides in Rio. The Rio Othon Reveillon beyond compare. Marcelinho in Amazonas was knowledgeable, great fun and very accommodating.

Hotel Review
Grand Hyatt Rio De Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro

Luxurious and very relaxing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The beach was clean and convenient but a bit far from tourist attractions. Worth it to get back to an oasis away from the crowds
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bath amenities were aromatic and high quality
Local specialist: Federico Alessandri
Federico
Federico Alessandri
Local specialist in Rio de Janeiro | Replied on Jan 07, 2026

Hi Mareeni!
thank you so much for your rating and for your feedback!
I’m really happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that you were very satisfied with the trip. It was a real pleasure for me to help you have a great travel experience.
I hope we’ll be in touch again in the future.
Thank you, warm regards.
Federico

Great planned trip to the Amazon!!!
Brazil | Dec 24 - Dec 31, 2025

K
Kaveri B.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2026
The trip planning by Frederico was very good, he was patient with all the back and forth and designed a memorable Amazon vacation for us. We enjoyed the Amazon turtle lodge, friendly and courteous staff, food was excellent and the various activities were well planned and enjoyable. Overall a good first start to the Amazon experience for our family. The travel back and forth from Manaus was long but the staff was very helpful. Read more

The trip planning by Frederico was very good, he was patient with all the back and forth and designed a memorable Amazon vacation for us. We enjoyed the Amazon turtle lodge, friendly and courteous staff, food was excellent and the various activities were well planned and enjoyable. Overall a good first start to the Amazon experience for our family. The travel back and forth from Manaus was long but the staff was very helpful.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Saint Paul
Manaus - AM

Decent, clean

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amazon Turtle Lodge

Great hotel, friendly staff, excellent food. Very well planned trips such as jungle hike, piranha fishing, sunrise boat ride. We saw lots of birds, caiman and monkeys!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
In the Amazon right next to the river
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
No hot water for showers
Local specialist: Federico Alessandri
Federico
Federico Alessandri
Local specialist in Rio de Janeiro | Replied on Jan 04, 2026

Hi Kaveri!
thank you so much for your review! I really appreciate it. I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the trip and that you had a great time in the Amazon :)
It was a great pleasure planning this journey with you, and I hope to hear from you again soon for another trip to Brazil on a future occasion.
All the best, and take care.
Bests
Federico

São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Foz do Iguaçu
Brazil | Dec 20 - Dec 29, 2025

Z
zia m.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Dec 31, 2025
The trip was good. We had a 3-star experience in São Paulo and a 5-star experience in Rio. This I think was mainly due to the local guide. Clarissa didn't have the itinerary that we had from Kim Kim; there was definitely a gap. We feel she did the bare minimum required as a guide. We didn't feel a connection with her at all. Lucas, on the other hand, was absolutely fantastic. He quickly understood what works for our family and adjusted the day as needed. Lucas knew the history,... Read more

The trip was good. We had a 3-star experience in São Paulo and a 5-star experience in Rio. This I think was mainly due to the local guide.

Clarissa didn't have the itinerary that we had from Kim Kim; there was definitely a gap. We feel she did the bare minimum required as a guide. We didn't feel a connection with her at all.

Lucas, on the other hand, was absolutely fantastic. He quickly understood what works for our family and adjusted the day as needed. Lucas knew the history, shared his perspective, and connected with our family.

thank you

Activity Reviews
Flavors of Brazil: Market Tour + Cooking Class
Flavors of Brazil: Market Tour + Cooking Class
Rio de Janeiro

Anna the chef was wonderful. Very hands on and interactive. Lucas our guide was the best! Ask for Anna.

Visit to the Sugar Loaf & Rio City Tour
Visit to the Sugar Loaf & Rio City Tour
Rio de Janeiro

Lucas had our fast pass tickets so we didnt have to stand in line. Gave us cool tips for pictures and drinks.

Christmas Eve Dinner at Churrascaria Palace
Christmas Eve Dinner at Churrascaria Palace
Rio de Janeiro
Boteco Tour of Rio
Boteco Tour of Rio
Rio de Janeiro

Our guide tailored this experience for our family. We experience Santa Maria, a sweet little town on the hill top. It was fantastic.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lucas was engaged. He knew exactly what our family needed. The information was communicated to us clearly as well.
Transport
São Paulo Essentials: Art, Architecture & Urban Soul
São Paulo Essentials: Art, Architecture & Urban Soul
Brazil
Quality of Experience
Corcovado & Christ the Redeemer Tour
Corcovado & Christ the Redeemer Tour
Rio de Janeiro
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
On time, had the fast pass for tickets, and made the overall experience great.
Transport
Local transport was great
São Paulo by Night - Culture, Flavors & City Views
São Paulo by Night - Culture, Flavors & City Views
São Paulo
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The buses were good.
Local specialist: Camille Terra
Camille
Camille Terra
Local specialist in Brazil | Replied on Dec 31, 2025

Hi Zia,
It was a great pleasure to welcome you and your family in Brazil and see how much you enjoyed our country! It is a pity that your guide in São Paulo didn't match the expectations - we will review what happened to make adjustments for future travelers - I'm so sorry for that.
If you ever decide to revisit Brazil (there is so much more to see!), please count on us!
All the best,
Camille

My wife and I booked our trip to Rio for our honeymoon
Brazil | Dec 8 - Dec 20, 2025

J
joseph h.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 31, 2025
My wife and I booked our trip to Rio for our Honeymoon through KimKim. We appreciated the flexibility with scheduling our stay and excursions. We especially enjoyed our Samba class, cooking class, and boat tours. Our tour guide Marcelo was very knowledgeable about the area and spoke English fluently which was great. Read more

My wife and I booked our trip to Rio for our Honeymoon through KimKim. We appreciated the flexibility with scheduling our stay and excursions. We especially enjoyed our Samba class, cooking class, and boat tours. Our tour guide Marcelo was very knowledgeable about the area and spoke English fluently which was great.

Hotel Reviews
Bucaneiro Búzios
Búzios
Authenticity & Character
Breakfast/food was very mediocre. Room was fine but nothing special.
Location
Bit of a walk to the boardwalk but pretty nice. Most hotels were further.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pousada Naturália
Angra dos Reis

This Pousada was great. It felt very authentic and quaint. The room was lovely and had a great view. There was a coffee break we enjoyed each day with tasty treats and the breakfast was also well supplied with homemade local food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Location was so-so. You had to walk quite a bit to get to the good restaurants and the dock.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro

Windsor Plaza was fine. We stayed a few nights in a room facing the main street, and a few nights facing the side street. The main street room was pretty loud and we preferred the side street room. Dining options were nice and location was convenient. We had dinner there one night and room service another and both were decent. Main complaint was the construction. We had at least 10 power outages from the work. They had to shut down 2/3 elevators for most of our stay which meant taking the stairs several times.

Authenticity & Character
No character. Just a cheap basic room.
Location
Pretty close to the water and some shopping/restaurants but also not that safe.
Staff
Staff were very friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cooking Class in Rio de Janeiro
Cooking Class in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Samba Class
Samba Class
Rio de Janeiro
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bruno Madeira
Bruno
Bruno Madeira
Local specialist in Brazil(Rio de Janeiro) and Portugal | Replied on Dec 31, 2025

Hi Joseph
Thank you very much for your review. I appreciate your trust and wish you all the best.

This was a great trip!
Brazil | Dec 14 - Dec 23, 2025

E
Esther B.
Brooklyn, NY | Reviewed on Dec 30, 2025

This was a great trip. The Pousada Sandi in Paraty was a highlight. We enjoyed all our guides. Bruno was there every step of the way when needed.

Local specialist: Bruno Madeira
Bruno
Bruno Madeira
Local specialist in Brazil(Rio de Janeiro) and Portugal | Replied on Dec 30, 2025

Hi Esther
I am very happy that you enjoyed the trip. Thank you very much for your trust.
Have an excellent 2026!!!

A full and fantastic Brazil trip: Glad I used Kim Kim & local guides!
Brazil | Oct 10 - Oct 18, 2025

Wendy
Wendy B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025
As someone who usually researches and plans their own trips and sets up all the things (hotels, day trip passes, transportation, sightseeing itinerary), this was a different approach for me but one for which I am very thankful. Brazil is an incredible country, but as a tourist, there are safety issues to be aware of in some places and the language barrier is real (Google translate helps, sure, but there is nothing like an actual local guide who doubles as a translator). I went "hybrid"... Read more

As someone who usually researches and plans their own trips and sets up all the things (hotels, day trip passes, transportation, sightseeing itinerary), this was a different approach for me but one for which I am very thankful. Brazil is an incredible country, but as a tourist, there are safety issues to be aware of in some places and the language barrier is real (Google translate helps, sure, but there is nothing like an actual local guide who doubles as a translator).

I went "hybrid" with this Kim Kim experience: I researched what we wanted to see, then handed it off to Federico to bring it to fruition. He did all the itinerary plans and reservations, including setting up the day trips we wanted - some of a quality we could not have set up on our own (historic coffee farm tour, for one - which you can do through day trip companies but are better with genuine local connections). We still got to weigh in on what we wanted to do, but not getting in the weeds with reservations and the itinerary was heaven for a busy professional (or others short on time) and was very reasonable for the level of care and service provided.

We had a local guide with us every day (Alberto was amazing in Rio and Joao Luiz in Foz was great!), along with reliable drivers and a couple of other guides who were all wonderful. Kim Kim works with a local tour agency there, and they were always a text away if we had questions. The only snafu we had was a driver who was late picking us up for dinner and a show, but the local tour company owner showed up in person to apologize and bring us some bubbly to make good :) Noting, it was great to not be with a large tour group the whole trip; the only time we were with others was on a boat excursion, which made it fun in that case.

Going back to Alberto, what a fascinating, knowledgeable man! We loved his level of historical and local knowledge - made the trip so educational - and he has the patience of Job when you are out with him. Appreciated his being attentive to our needs and safety but allowing us to meander around shopping and seeing the sites at our own speed. Top notch! Likewise, Joao Luiz is so kind and attentive - he's a speed warrior, so we had to slow him down at times, but thanks to him we saw more of Iguazu Falls than we would have ever seen otherwise, and we loved that he pointed out all the birds, animals, and best views! He made going from Brazil to Argentina and back so easy - even walked us up to the counter at the airport on the way back to Rio - and was very accomodating in moving activities around to maximize the weather (as were Alberto and Benni in Rio!).

That is another win for KimKim, by the way. Rio's weather is fickle, but because the guides have vouchers rather than hard tickets like we would have purchased for specific times/dates, we were able to flex days around the best times to see Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, the Bird Park in Foz, etc. and go to the Botanical Gardens and other activities the days when it was overcast, foggy or drizzly. HUGE perk and one that allowed us to see everything we wanted!

Federico was good to work with me on hotels. He provided suggestions, some of which we took, but also booked the other hotels we requested. Same with working around a couple of other activities we booked directly (like a cooking class and beach day). Again, Kim Kim is good to accomodate and work with you, and I found it very reasonable for the service and level of attention you receive. Our many thanks to Federico and Kim Kim, their local partner tour company in Brazil, and our wonderful drivers (we loved Ricardo!) and outstanding tour guides (Alberto, Joao Luiz, Benni!) for making the trip such a terrific experience! I will definitely use KimKim again!

Local specialist: Federico Alessandri
Federico
Federico Alessandri
Local specialist in Rio de Janeiro | Replied on Dec 24, 2025

Dearest Wendy,
thank you so much for your detailed and honest review. It was truly a pleasure working with you and creating a tailor-made journey that lived up to your expectations.
On behalf of the entire team and everyone who contributed to making this experience possible, thank you sincerely.
I hope to see you again in Brazil one day. We’ll always be here waiting for you.
Thank you once again, and see you soon.
Federico

Fabulous Brazil Trip
Brazil | Nov 30 - Dec 10, 2025

Kristy
Kristy M.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 11, 2025
We had a very good experience working with Rachel (Brazil specialist located in São Paulo) from the Kimkim team. She worked with us to tailor our trip and patiently answered my many questions throughout the process. All the drivers we had were punctual, professional and very nice. Our English speaking local guides were all outstanding: Reginia in São Paulo, sat down with us before we began to get to know our preferences and customized our day tour to suit our style. Marcos in Foz do Iguacu... Read more

We had a very good experience working with Rachel (Brazil specialist located in São Paulo) from the Kimkim team. She worked with us to tailor our trip and patiently answered my many questions throughout the process. All the drivers we had were punctual, professional and very nice. Our English speaking local guides were all outstanding: Reginia in São Paulo, sat down with us before we began to get to know our preferences and customized our day tour to suit our style. Marcos in Foz do Iguacu was excellent, making sure we never felt rushed, knew the best spots to take photos, ensured we started early enough to avoid the biggest crowds and the heat of the afternoon. He was equally friendly and professional. In Rio we enjoyed our driver and guide Alessandro (Alex). He showed us as much of Rio as one can see in two days. He is a knowledgeable and fun guide. Finally our guide in Jericoacoara, Jonathan was a very nice fellow who enjoys his job. We were never rushed. The vibe was definitely chill and fun and we had a blast. We really found the Meu Agente app to be helpful (it’s not perfect) but we referred to it frequently. WhatsApp was available to us to contact Rachel or her colleagues while we were travelling. I would recommend downloading the Latham and Gol apps prior to your travels to help get informed of last minute gate or schedule changes in real time. This is our first trip to Brazil and booking through the Kimkim team was a real pleasure and really made our trip stress free.

Hotel Review
Casalô Hotel
Jericoacoara

This is a sweet place to stay. The rooms and property are lovely with a very relaxing atmosphere. The breakfasts here were the best we had during our trip. The best thing about this hotel is the staff. They are friendly and kind. We only spoke single word Portuguese but the staff helped us whatever we needed from restaurant suggestions to laundry.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Rachel Vita

Care-free adventure: accomplished!
Brazil | Nov 22 - Dec 6, 2025

Roelant
Roelant F.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on Dec 08, 2025
I booked this trip to Brazil to get rid of all my worries, so I REALLY wanted a trip with zero headaches whatsoever. Rachel delivered on every front! I had two amazing weeks. Rio, Paraty and Ilha Grande were the perfect cocktail (or should I say, caipirinha) for distraction of the relaxed kind. She listened to all my requests, was very reasonable in discussing the price point. I ended up not needing her while I was away because everything went so smoothly! Would 100% recommend visiting Brazil... Read more

I booked this trip to Brazil to get rid of all my worries, so I REALLY wanted a trip with zero headaches whatsoever. Rachel delivered on every front! I had two amazing weeks. Rio, Paraty and Ilha Grande were the perfect cocktail (or should I say, caipirinha) for distraction of the relaxed kind. She listened to all my requests, was very reasonable in discussing the price point. I ended up not needing her while I was away because everything went so smoothly! Would 100% recommend visiting Brazil and I'm sure Rachel will be of great help!

Hotel Reviews
Pousada Rubi
Ilha Grande
Authenticity & Character
It feels like a mini village.
Location
A bit far for people who can't walk well, no problem whatsoever for anyone else.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
I'll just put the WiFi under here, which is the only thing that could have been better.
Windsor Martinique Copacabana
Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

Nothing mind-blowing, but everything was simply good.

Authenticity & Character
Not really their fault; just a very standard hotel.
Location
Copacabana & metro nearby
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pousada Corsario Paraty
Paraty

One of the best accommodations I have ever stayed at! 10/10 in every category; WiFi, staff, breakfast, rooms, beds, sanitary facilities, pool, location, surroundings.

Authenticity & Character
Not a paradise, but very beautiful nonetheless.
Location
Close to all the necessities
Staff
No complaints.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Not a dusty nook in sight.
Activity Reviews
Hike to Lopes Mendes Beach
Hike to Lopes Mendes Beach
Ilha Grande

Rashan was the best guide!!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Just a perfectly fine lunch.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The fast boats were a bit disorganised.
Tijuca Forest Hike with Natural Waterfalls
Tijuca Forest Hike with Natural Waterfalls
Rio de Janeiro

I had a lot of freedom picking where to go, which was great! My guide was a very sweet man with great knowledge! Bit of a talker - I like that, but some people might not.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bit too talkative at times, very nice man overal
Transport
Hike to Pico do Pão de Açúcar
Hike to Pico do Pão de Açúcar
Paraty

Everything was super beautiful! The hike was pretty heavy though, with all the humidity.

Quality of Experience
The views and the speedboat trip
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Speedboats are just awesome okay
Half-Day Tour of Two Brothers Peak & Vidigal Favela
Half-Day Tour of Two Brothers Peak & Vidigal Favela
Rio de Janeiro

Deceptively doable hike! And the favela itself is beautiful too. The views are the highlight, though. Absolutely amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Adonai (?) was a great talker!
Transport
To be fair, I did this to myself; I insisted on getting the bus instead of going on a motorcycle. The bus took a while.
Local specialist: Rachel Vita
Rachel
Rachel Vita
Local specialist in São Paulo | Replied on Dec 09, 2025

Hi Roelant!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 💛
It was a pleasure planning your trip, and I’m truly happy to know that your time in Rio, Paraty and Ilha Grande was everything you hoped for.

Creating a worry-free experience is always my goal, so hearing that everything went perfectly from start to finish means the world to me.

Brazil is full of beauty, warmth and surprises, and I’m thrilled you got to enjoy it fully. Whenever you’re ready for your next adventure in Brazil, I’ll be here to help!

Obrigado and até a próxima ✨🇧🇷

Brasil is beautiful
Brazil | Nov 21 - Nov 27, 2025

A
Ayisha S.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Dec 01, 2025
Our trip to Brasil was absolutely wonderful. Each city we visited offered something uniquely beautiful (Sao Paulo, Paraty, and Rio)—from vibrant streets and stunning landscapes to rich cultural experiences that left us inspired. We were especially touched by the warm, kind-hearted guides (John- Sao Paulo, Lucas- Rio, and Gusto our driver) and knowledge-driven experts who accompanied us along the way. Their passion, interaction, and care added so much depth to our journey.
Every moment felt...
Read more

Our trip to Brasil was absolutely wonderful. Each city we visited offered something uniquely beautiful (Sao Paulo, Paraty, and Rio)—from vibrant streets and stunning landscapes to rich cultural experiences that left us inspired. We were especially touched by the warm, kind-hearted guides (John- Sao Paulo, Lucas- Rio, and Gusto our driver) and knowledge-driven experts who accompanied us along the way. Their passion, interaction, and care added so much depth to our journey.
Every moment felt memorable, and the seamless planning made the experience even more enjoyable. Thank you for an unforgettable trip. We would happily use KimKim's assistance again for future adventures!

Hotel Review
George V Casa Branca
São Paulo

Thank you for you patience and accomodations, thoroughly enjoyed our stay

Authenticity & Character
Enjoyed the vibe, a great start to the journey we took through different parts of Brasil
Location
All you need is near by!
Staff
Accommodating and attentive to our families needs and very respectful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, and comfortable especially after a day of travel. Thank you
Activity Reviews
Corcovado & Christ the Redeemer Tour
Corcovado & Christ the Redeemer Tour
Rio de Janeiro

This tour was truly mesmerizing from start to finish. Christ the Redeemer was absolutely fascinating—an awe-inspiring sight and a wonder of the world that feels almost unreal when you’re standing beneath it. The entire experience felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment, something I know I’ll carry with me forever. A wonderful tour that left me breathless in the best way.”

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Sugar Loaf & Rio City Tour
Visit to the Sugar Loaf & Rio City Tour
Rio de Janeiro

This tour through Rio and up to the heights of Sugar Loaf became the shining highlight of my time in Brasil. Every moment felt like stepping into a living tapestry—rich with culture, layered with history, and framed by sweeping views of the bay that seemed to stretch into eternity. Standing above the city, wrapped in its golden light, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime gift. For anyone coming to Brazil, this experience isn’t just a tour—it’s a breathtaking journey you’ll carry with you long after you’ve left

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lucas and Gusto, thank you for making this adventure so memorable.
Transport
Walking Tour of Paraty
Walking Tour of Paraty
Paraty

Paraty was such a beautiful city. The walking tour gave us great insight into its history and cultural relevance. We loved it—informative, engaging, and wonderfully interactive!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We loved Rafa, interactive and knowledgeable. Thank you so much
Transport
São Paulo Express
São Paulo Express
Brazil

Loved the tour—exciting, engaging, and filled with so many fascinating historical highlights. Every stop added something special to the experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
John was exceptionally kind and wonderfully interactive throughout our journey. His passion for his country was evident in every story he shared and every place he introduced us to. We especially loved the historical sites he guided us through—each one brought to life with his knowledge and enthusiasm. Thank you for such a wonderful and enriching experience.
Transport
Local specialist: Camille Terra
Camille
Camille Terra
Local specialist in Brazil | Replied on Dec 01, 2025

Hi Zakiya,

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed São Paulo, Paraty, and Rio, and that our guides made your journey even more special.

It was a pleasure planning this trip for you, and we’re so glad everything felt seamless. We’d be delighted to help you with future adventures!

Warm regards,
Camille

Our ladies only trip to Brazil
Brazil | Nov 1 - Nov 10, 2025

A
Akila S.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 14, 2025
Our ladies only trip to Brazil organized by Bruno, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Everything was perfectly planned — from the Christ the redeemer of Rio to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls and the incredible adventure in the Amazon.
In Rio de Janeiro, our guide Marcelo was good. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and full of local insights. From visiting iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain to exploring the beaches.
At Iguazu Falls, we had the pleasure...
Read more

Our ladies only trip to Brazil organized by Bruno, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Everything was perfectly planned — from the Christ the redeemer of Rio to the breathtaking Iguazu Falls and the incredible adventure in the Amazon.
In Rio de Janeiro, our guide Marcelo was good. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and full of local insights. From visiting iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain to exploring the beaches.
At Iguazu Falls, we had the pleasure of being guided by Joan and Chris. They coordinated everything seamlessly on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, ensuring we didn’t miss a single viewpoint.
Finally, in the Amazon, our guide Leo was outstanding. His deep knowledge of the rainforest’s wildlife and ecosystems made every hike and boat ride fascinating. He was patient, fun, and made us feel safe while exploring such a wild and beautiful environment. We watched the sunrise, sunset and even moon rise.
Overall, Bruno did an amazing job organizing every detail. The trip ran smoothly from start to finish, and every guide went above and beyond to make it a memorable experience. I highly recommend this team to anyone planning to explore Brazil

Local specialist: Bruno Madeira
Bruno
Bruno Madeira
Local specialist in Brazil(Rio de Janeiro) and Portugal | Replied on Nov 14, 2025

Thank you very much for your kind words. I truly appreciate your trust and am immensely happy that you enjoyed the trip.
If you need anything, please write to me.
All the best to you!!!
Bruno

Excellent Trip Planning and Support from Bruno!
Brazil | Nov 1 - Nov 10, 2025

B
Bhyravi B.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 13, 2025
We had an amazing experience working with Bruno to plan our trip to Rio, Iguazu Falls, and the Amazon. From start to finish, he was professional, responsive, and attentive to every detail. Bruno always replied quickly to our questions and made sure all our requests were fulfilled — from hotel preferences to excursions and transfers. Everything ran smoothly, and we felt well taken care of throughout the entire trip. We truly appreciated his organization and friendly communication. Highly... Read more

We had an amazing experience working with Bruno to plan our trip to Rio, Iguazu Falls, and the Amazon. From start to finish, he was professional, responsive, and attentive to every detail. Bruno always replied quickly to our questions and made sure all our requests were fulfilled — from hotel preferences to excursions and transfers. Everything ran smoothly, and we felt well taken care of throughout the entire trip.

We truly appreciated his organization and friendly communication. Highly recommend Bruno for anyone planning a trip to Brazil!

Hotel Reviews
Paroá Amazon Lodge
Manacaparu
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Intercity Manaus
Manaus
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Viale Cataratas
Foz do Iguaçu
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Bruno Madeira
Bruno
Bruno Madeira
Local specialist in Brazil(Rio de Janeiro) and Portugal | Replied on Nov 13, 2025

Bhyravi
I am extremely happy that you enjoyed the trip.
I truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you very much for your trust!!!
All the best to all of you.
Bruno

I would not recommend Kim Kim. Federico did ...
Brazil | Oct 29 - Nov 3, 2025

M
Melissa H.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025
I would not recommend Kim Kim. Federico did minimal work and had to be prodded to respond. Twice I had to call the US office for help. He could not find a lodge (I ended of providing him names of lodges and he booked one of those), he was fairly helpful until the trip was booked then nothing. I had a work schedule change and he did not even make a serious effort to help me accommodate the schedule change. My guide was also frustrated because the itinerary Kim Kim gave her was different from... Read more

I would not recommend Kim Kim. Federico did minimal work and had to be prodded to respond. Twice I had to call the US office for help. He could not find a lodge (I ended of providing him names of lodges and he booked one of those), he was fairly helpful until the trip was booked then nothing. I had a work schedule change and he did not even make a serious effort to help me accommodate the schedule change. My guide was also frustrated because the itinerary Kim Kim gave her was different from the one they gave me. Federico did not really listen to me or help me create an itinerary that reflected my interests. The final itinerary I received (which I had to request numerous times) had errors in it. I would not use Kim Kim again.

Hotel Review
Amazon Premium Lodge
Manaus

First, note the lodge is in Careiro, a very rural area, not Manaus. The people are very kind. The food was fresh and lunch and dinner excellent—they went above and beyond to accommodate my vegetarian diet. There are many opportunities for wildlife viewing right at the lodge, which was fantastic. The drinking water is filtered and safe to drink. There is a trail through the forest which is lovely. My guide and boat captain were outstanding. The accommodations are as pictured. The lodge ran out of power once and water twice. That wasn’t the problem so much as the fact that there was not good communication about what had happened and when water would return. The toilet stopped working and it took about 14 hours before it was repaired. Again, those things happen, but I was not offered an alternative room (even though there were many empty rooms) or other alternative. The cleaning was uneven, some days fine, others not—returned one day to find a puddle of dirty water between the beds. I was offered use of “kayaks” but they were not well maintained flat-bottomed plastic boats, mismatched paddles in a pile, gear old. I opted to do the night in the jungle outing, which started out well with a delicious dinner cooked over open fire at the lodge’s campsite, which is accessible by boat. But again, the gear was not well maintained; there was a large hole in one of the hammock mosquito nets. That ended up being important because just as we were going to sleep, my guide, a native Brazilian who had grown up in the area, discovered a large spider on the inside of the net (next to her body). She said the spider was a venomous wandering spider, and she was clearly shaken. The thatched roof of the open air camp site was old, likely home to many such spiders. I asked that we return to the lodge for the evening for safety’s sake and we did. For English-speaking guests, you will need a guide. None of the lodge staff that I interacted with spoke any English. The lodge is not cheap, I would have expected fewer issues for the price.

Authenticity & Character
Warmth of the kitchen staff and local cuisine. Right in the forest, with many monkeys, birds, and lizards.
Location
In the Amazon jungle on a beautiful lake the locals call Turtle Lake.
Staff
See above.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable, could be cleaner.
Activity Review
Day 6/6 - Premium Amazon Lodge
Day 6/6 - Premium Amazon Lodge
Brazil

So for all of these supposed activities, this is what is annoying about Kim Kim. I can’t review these because no activity is actually listed. Kim Kim booked me for several activities I specifically told Federico, in writing, that I was not interested in. So I had to work all that out with the guide when I arrived. She was flexible and good about it but clearly didn’t have adequate time to plan alternatives, so I just did some stuff on my own for some of the time, which ended up being fine. But honestly, terrible service from Kim Kim.

Local specialist: Federico Alessandri
Federico
Federico Alessandri
Local specialist in Rio de Janeiro | Replied on Nov 14, 2025
Hi Melissa,
first of all, I’m truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.
That said, I believe several points of your review are inaccurate and unfair regarding the work I carried out for you. Before I start replying to each of your points, I created a dedicated 24/7 WhatsApp support group for you, and we have never received a single message reporting any issue with the lodge or any other service. Your complaints appear only now, in this review.... Read more

Hi Melissa,
first of all, I’m truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.

That said, I believe several points of your review are inaccurate and unfair regarding the work I carried out for you.

Before I start replying to each of your points, I created a dedicated 24/7 WhatsApp support group for you, and we have never received a single message reporting any issue with the lodge or any other service. Your complaints appear only now, in this review. Why?

“Federico did minimal work…”

I invite you to review our entire chat history (80+ messages). I did the same, and it clearly shows how much time and effort I dedicated to helping you: multiple itinerary versions, numerous lodge options researched and contacted, several flight solutions provided, as well as constant adjustments based on your many date changes and new requests.
This statement does not reflect the reality of what happened.

“…and had to be prodded to respond.”

I always answered all of your messages within a standard 48-hour timeframe and informed you when I was traveling and less available (and replied you even during my travel). However, you repeatedly wrote to me if I had not replied within just a few hours. In several instances, you even contacted the office, despite the fact that communicating directly with me was sufficient, as I was consistently responding and personally handling all of your requests.

“He was fairly helpful until the trip was booked, then nothing.”

This is simply not correct. I continued to assist you with everything you asked for after the booking, including changing the booking, exactly as expected in a standard post-booking process. I’m unsure what you believe was missing.

“He could not find a lodge (I ended of providing him names of lodges and he booked one of those)”

I could not find availability because most lodges were fully booked.
And NO—your lodge was not suggested by you. It was one of the places I DID already propose. Please check the messages carefully.

“My guide was also frustrated because the itinerary Kim Kim gave her was different from the one they gave me. Federico did not really listen to me or help me create an itinerary that reflected my interests. “

Your itinerary included all activities communicated to me by the lodge. I explained to you multiple times that the exact order of activities is finalized on-site with the guide, because in the Amazon things are subject to environmental and operational conditions.

“I had a work schedule change and he did not even make a serious effort to help me accommodate the schedule change.”

Again, this is incorrect. I contacted both the lodge and the airline immediately, spent time exploring options, and tried to minimize extra costs. After I did this work, you decided to keep everything as originally booked.
It is not realistic to expect complex changes to booked services “with a few clicks.” Adjustments require time and coordination. Suggesting otherwise is unfair.

“The final itinerary I received (which I had to request numerous times) had errors in it. “

The only issue was that, due to a technical problem, the first PDF did not include the formatted printed details. I corrected it immediately once I noticed it. You received all final documents.
If something else was incorrect, why didn’t you inform us straight away?

I kindly invite you to reflect on the work actually done, and to reconsider your evaluation. I have planned hundreds of trips, and clients have consistently been very satisfied.

Regarding the lodge:
We are in contact with them to clarify what happened. We have used this lodge many times without previous complaints.

“First, note the lodge is in Careiro, a very rural area, not Manaus.”

Of course—it is in the forest. This was never presented as a Manaus-city location. To experience the Amazon, you must go into a remote area, and reaching it naturally requires time.

We are verifying the logistical issues you mentioned with the lodge and will hold them accountable where needed. Please keep in mind that this is a remote environment with inherently complex logistics.

Great mother-daughter trip
Brazil | Oct 14 - Oct 20, 2025

Kaitlin
Kaitlin K.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025
Bruno planned a great itinerary for us. He was very responsive to my messages and was able to accommodate all of our requests for our itinerary. He checked on us throughout the trip to ensure we were having a great time (and we did!). Our tour guide in Rio, Marcelo, was incredible. He was so knowledgeable about the city, made sure we saw everything we wanted to see, and was so friendly. The weather on our first day was suboptimal to see Christ the Redeemer so Marcelo and Bruno worked hard... Read more

Bruno planned a great itinerary for us. He was very responsive to my messages and was able to accommodate all of our requests for our itinerary. He checked on us throughout the trip to ensure we were having a great time (and we did!).

Our tour guide in Rio, Marcelo, was incredible. He was so knowledgeable about the city, made sure we saw everything we wanted to see, and was so friendly. The weather on our first day was suboptimal to see Christ the Redeemer so Marcelo and Bruno worked hard to move our ticket to the following day. I’m not sure if you can request a guide or not, but Marcelo was top notch.

Our guide for the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls, Leandro, was also great. I don’t know how he manages to walk 6 miles almost every day around the falls and still love his job, but he does.

A word of caution- double check ticket prices prior to booking an activity through your guide. We, unfortunately, were scammed $20 USD per person by our final tour guide for a boat ride on the Brazilian side of the falls. He told us the cost was $90 per person when it was actually $70 per person. Bruno, again, was very responsive to the situation. We were refunded $40 by KimKim for the issue quickly.

I definitely recommend using Bruno for your trip to Brazil!

Hotel Reviews
Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro

The room was tiny but for the most part clean. The bathroom had some mold in the shower area. The staff was very friendly. We loved having dinner at the pool bar.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Quick 5 minute walk to the beach
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Viale Cataratas
Foz do Iguaçu

Clean rooms and friendly staff. We both really enjoyed having a buffet dinner option.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
A visit to Foz de Iguacu Falls / Brazilian Side
A visit to Foz de Iguacu Falls / Brazilian Side
Foz do Iguaçu
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Unfortunately our tour guide overcharged us for the boat tour. We were told it cost $90 USD per person when in reality it cost $70 USD per person. The situation was handled promptly by Bruno and KimKim.
Transport
Visit to the Argentine side
Visit to the Argentine side
Foz do Iguaçu
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half day Tour in Rio 6h
Half day Tour in Rio 6h
Rio de Janeiro
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sugarloaf Mountain & Old Town Tour
Sugarloaf Mountain & Old Town Tour
Rio de Janeiro
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bruno Madeira
Bruno
Bruno Madeira
Local specialist in Brazil(Rio de Janeiro) and Portugal | Replied on Oct 27, 2025

Hi Kaitlin
Thank you very much for your trust.
I wish you and your family all the best.
Bruno

DREAM DESTINATION BRAZIL
Brazil | Sep 23 - Oct 6, 2025

Kakoli
Kakoli K.
India | Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025
Our guide in Pantanal Nabutaka was EXCEPTIONAL! He was so knowledgeable, willing and such a pleasure to have around us! He took so much effort & time to show us countless wildlife especially birds and of course the jaguar! He made the Pantanal stay even better than what we had expected!
Marcelo in Rio was very good. Knowledgeable, smart & interesting
Gave us an immersive experience in Rio!
Our entire trip to Brazil was just fantastic! Every bit of it was as described and as we had...
Read more

Our guide in Pantanal Nabutaka was EXCEPTIONAL! He was so knowledgeable, willing and such a pleasure to have around us! He took so much effort & time to show us countless wildlife especially birds and of course the jaguar! He made the Pantanal stay even better than what we had expected!
Marcelo in Rio was very good. Knowledgeable, smart & interesting
Gave us an immersive experience in Rio!
Our entire trip to Brazil was just fantastic! Every bit of it was as described and as we had imagined it after months of reading up on Brazil
The Pantanal exceeded our expectations! The sheer plethora of wildlife & birds is mind-blowing ! The 2 days of Jaguar safaris were wonderfully done thanks to our expert guide Nabutaka & boatman Jose
The Iguazu Falls, both Argentina & Brazil were dramatic!
The end of our trip with the Iberostar Amazon Cruise was truly 5 star, luxurious in every way and was far better than we had expected!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Intercity Manaus
Manaus

Quick check in Good English at Reception! Large comfortable rooms, very well appointed Nice breakfast Allowed us late check-out at 1 pm which was very helpful!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pousada Rio Claro
Poconé

Lovely Pousada - Rio Claro Lots of wildlife on the property! Competent quick check in Cordial service in the dining room Superb experience of seeing Hyacinth Macaws being fed in the morning, just magical This was on the first day We stayed in Pousada Berco Pantaneiro in Porto Jofre on the next 3 days The facilities were pretty basic Food was good & wholesome Service was tight probably because of the location & staffing There was a powercut from 9 pm to almost 4 am one night Apparently the generator wasn't working Extremely uncomfortable in the heat, with a Jaguar safari following on at 7 am! Was impossible to contact the Manager that night

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Deville Prime Cuiabá
Cuiabá - MT

We reached at 3 am and there was no booking in our name. It was impossible to explain to the receptionist inspite of showing them a printed voucher. Finally in my desperation, I had to phone my Trip Planner Bruno at that unearthly hour and he sorted it out. Even then, they were not really welcoming. No water in the room

Authenticity & Character
Competence Willingness to understand what the guest is trying to say
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sanma Hotel Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu

Beautiful hotel Felt like a 5 star Amazingly cordial & quick check in, at midnight!! Such good English!! Welcome drink sparkling wine And fabulous breakfast spread Very nice spaces to just relax in Location very very close to Iguazu Falls & next door to the Bird Park I think Kimkim should definitely offer this hotel to guests visiting Iguazu. I was offered this only after I specifically wanted a hotel next to the flFalls

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very close to Iguazu Falls, next door to the Bird Park
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beautiful property
Arena Leme Hotel
Rio de Janeiro

Only positive is the location in the beach Room very small Facilities not great No water provided in the room Even small bottles need to be paid for, which we were not informed about I feel we could have been offered a better selection of hotel for Rio

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cruise Grand Amazon Expedition Departure
Cruise Grand Amazon Expedition Departure
The Amazon

Brilliant Luxurious Truly 5 star

Quality of Experience
The Cruise is highly recommended! Very special to be cruising on the Amazon with 5 star luxury! Amazing rooms, service, amenities, drinks & food!
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pantanal Adventure Day 4/5
Pantanal Adventure Day 4/5
North Pantanal

Amazing Jaguar safaris, 10 hours on each day! Brilliant sightings, thanks to guide Nabutaka & boatman Jose

Quality of Experience
Food
Service at Berco Pantaneiro could be better. It is too svsnty & stretched. The room is small & crammed. No surfaces to keep stuff. Thankfully there was an extra bed so we could use that. The re is no housekeeping, hence the room & bathroom felt dirty. Though I don't expect 5 Star service at the Pantanal, it could surely be better. One of the nights there was a power cut from 9 pm till 4 am. Was extremely hot & uncomfortable, given a safari starting at 7 am! It was impossible to contact the Manager to enquire. It is scary to think what if a guest had an emergency but there is no one at the property who can be contacted
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pantanal Adventure Day 3/5
Pantanal Adventure Day 3/5
North Pantanal

The Jaguar Safari was as exciting as imagined! Fantastic safari for 10 hours on both days. Nabutaka & Jose were so patient and willing

Quality of Experience
Food
Service at Pousada Berco Pantaneiro could be better. Itbis too svsnty
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
.Pantanal Adventure Day 2/5
.Pantanal Adventure Day 2/5
North Pantanal

Got to see Hyacinth Macaws being fed in the Pousada Rio Claro! Lots of birds, capybara roaming around the property!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
.Pantanal Adventure Day 1/5
.Pantanal Adventure Day 1/5
North Pantanal

Unforgettable drive on the Transpantaneira! Guide Nabutaka is excellent and highly recommended! So knowledgeable, willing, friendly. Will never forget the countless birds we saw !

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nabutaka is exceptional and we were really lucky to have him!
Transport
Nabutaka
A visit to Foz de Iguacu Falls / Brazilian Side
A visit to Foz de Iguacu Falls / Brazilian Side
Foz do Iguaçu

Absolutely stunning!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sugarloaf Mountain & Old Town Tour
Sugarloaf Mountain & Old Town Tour
Rio de Janeiro
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half day Tour in Rio 6h
Half day Tour in Rio 6h
Rio de Janeiro

Marcelo our guide was very good - knowledgeable, friendly, interesting, very good English! Nice neat tour of Rio!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bruno Madeira
Bruno
Bruno Madeira
Local specialist in Brazil(Rio de Janeiro) and Portugal | Replied on Oct 26, 2025

Kakoli
I am very happy that you enjoyed the trip. Thank you very much for your trust, and I wish you and your family all the best.
If you need anything, please write to me.

Great trip to the Pantanal!
Brazil | Oct 4 - Oct 13, 2025

Mark
Mark R.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025
Trip planning was excellent and my Agent, Sara was incredibly responsive before and during the trip. Read more

Trip planning was excellent and my Agent, Sara was incredibly responsive before and during the trip.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Deville Prime Cuiabá
Cuiabá - MT
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pousada Rio Claro
Poconé
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pousada Berço Pantaneiro
Poconé

First of all the boat safaris and Jaguar spotting were fantastic, exactly what I hoped for. So I am happy overall. But the lodge was very unsatisfactory. The conditions were terrible and the guy running the place very disorganized and didn’t provide any information about meal times, boats, services … I had to ask and push for everything. Other guests complained about this too. At one point I waited for hours at my room thinking someone would pick me up to go to the boat and had to have the Portuguese speaking maid call the manager to find out what was going on. The food was gross and the eating conditions unsanitary. Food prep areas were right next to the very dirty dishwashing area. I didn’t feel comfortable eating. The room was hardly a room but about the size of a tent. The bed and pillows stiff as a board with one blanket and one bath towel provided. No room service was provided or offered in the 3 nights I was there. Dogs from the surrounding slum barked through the night and again starting about 4 am every morning. The room itself was about a block and a half from the main area of the lodge and dining area through what I would call a rural slum with poorly kept huts, broken down cars and with trash everywhere. The attached photo is right outside my room. At night the walk is very dark and if I were a woman I would feel very unsafe walking by the squalor. The WiFi is terrible and cuts in and out constantly, presumably because of the power provided by a weak, intermittent generator.

Authenticity & Character
It feels like a commune. No character at all.
Location
The area is trashy - a rural slum.
Staff
Didn’t communicate about anything. You feel very much on your own to figure things out.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Disgusting and unsanitary
Aymara Lodge
Pocone

The staff was incredibly friendly and responsive throughout the stay! The room was very nice and comfortable and the food was great. My only criticism is this is not really a good place for wildlife photography. The safari rides are in a crowded, big, vibrating truck with very few opportunities. I didn’t see anything on the hikes. The only good shots I was able to get of birds, capybara, couture and monkeys were on my own walking around the grounds. Even then I probably only got 15-20 quality pics in 3 days. So I’d say this is a great place if you want a comfortable venue to enjoy nature and relax but don’t count on getting many wildlife pics.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Discovering the Chapada dos Guimarães full day
Discovering the Chapada dos Guimarães full day
Brazil
Quality of Experience
Food
The restaurant chosen for lunch was very touristy and the food wasn’t good.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide Alfredo was fantastic!!
Transport
Tour Included in the 1-Night Package at Rio Claro Lodge
Tour Included in the 1-Night Package at Rio Claro Lodge
North Pantanal
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Boat Tour – Jaguar Spotting Experience from Porto Jofre
Private Boat Tour – Jaguar Spotting Experience from Porto Jofre
Brazil
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Boat Tour – Jaguar Spotting Experience from Porto Jofre
Private Boat Tour – Jaguar Spotting Experience from Porto Jofre
Brazil
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Boat Tour – Jaguar Spotting Experience from Porto Jofre (half day)
Private Boat Tour – Jaguar Spotting Experience from Porto Jofre (half day)
Brazil

Boat safaris were amazing. Accommodations were terrible.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day 4 – Farewell and Departure _ Aymara Experience
Day 4 – Farewell and Departure _ Aymara Experience
North Pantanal
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day 3 – Nature and Movement _ Aymara Experience
Day 3 – Nature and Movement _ Aymara Experience
North Pantanal
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day 2 – Exploration and Adventure _ Aymara Experience
Day 2 – Exploration and Adventure _ Aymara Experience
North Pantanal
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Aymara Experience Program - Day 1 – Welcome to Aymara Lodge
Aymara Experience Program - Day 1 – Welcome to Aymara Lodge
North Pantanal
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Sara Martinel
Sara
Sara Martinel
Local specialist in Rio de Janeiro | Replied on Oct 21, 2025

Thank you so much Mark for your detailed review and for sharing your experience! It truly sounds incredible, and we're so happy you enjoyed what the Pantanal floodplain has to offer. It was a great pleasure to follow your trip planning, and I thank you for your trust and preference!
Greetings from the other side of the world.
Sara

Great trip....
Brazil | Sep 17 - Oct 2, 2025

D
Dennis H.
Portland, OR | Reviewed on Oct 06, 2025

We're seniors who do a lot of international travel. Just finished a Brazil trip --Amazon, Pantanal, Iguazu Falls--that KimKim and our greatly appreciated organizer, Bruno, put together.

It was terrific!! Superbly organized, and the guides in each area were excellent. Lodging (except for one) was excellent, guides were great, drivers were spot on in each area.

Couldn't recommend them more highly.

Dennis Hanson

Local specialist: Bruno Madeira
Bruno
Bruno Madeira
Local specialist in Brazil(Rio de Janeiro) and Portugal | Replied on Nov 19, 2025

Hello Dennis,
I am very happy that you enjoyed the trip. Thank you so much for your trust.
All the best to you!!!
Bruno

We had an amazing trip to Brazil thanks to KIMKIM
Brazil | Sep 5 - Sep 19, 2025

R
Rose M.
Ireland | Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025
We had an amazing trip to Brazil thanks to the KIMKIM. I worked with Federico to arrange all airport pickups and drop offs as well as guided tours for Rio, Iguazu Falls and Manaus. Our airport pickups and drop offs were timely, pleasant and all drivers helped with the luggage. All guides were excellent, spoke perfect English and were very knowledgeable on the surroundings, flora and fauna. Jacqueline was our guide in Rio. We had 1/2 day booked for our first day, then a full day tour for our... Read more

We had an amazing trip to Brazil thanks to the KIMKIM. I worked with Federico to arrange all airport pickups and drop offs as well as guided tours for Rio, Iguazu Falls and Manaus. Our airport pickups and drop offs were timely, pleasant and all drivers helped with the luggage. All guides were excellent, spoke perfect English and were very knowledgeable on the surroundings, flora and fauna. Jacqueline was our guide in Rio. We had 1/2 day booked for our first day, then a full day tour for our second day. Jacqueline arrived on the first day and informed us that the weather was going to be bad the following so we should see Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf on our first day so that we could get good photos. She spent extra time with us Day 1 so that we could see the iconic city sights in the best light/weather. We really appreciated this. Also, she took us through the priority lines (age related) at Sugarloaf so we did not have to spend extra time in line.
On to Iguazu Falls and the amazing Jessica was our guide there. She was at the airport to greet us when we arrived, and she provided the most amazing service. Jessica was so informative on all the flora and fauna of Iguazu and also on the history of Brazil. It was such a pleasure to spend time with her. She escorted us to the Brazilian side of the falls on day 1 and to the Argentinian side on day 2. Everything went smoothly without a hitch. Jessica was such an excellent guide, she far exceeded our expectations.
On to Manaus and we had Edvaldo for our boat trip on the Amazon. Edvaldo was a great guide, he spoke perfect Engligh and was informative and entertaining. We could not have asked for a better experience.
Thank you KIMKIM for such an amazing experience. Your people are the best!!

Local specialist: Federico Alessandri
Federico
Federico Alessandri
Local specialist in Rio de Janeiro | Replied on Sep 29, 2025

Dear Rose, thank you so much for your review!
We are delighted that you enjoyed your trip and had a positive experience with our guides and services.
This is very important to us, which makes us happy to do our beautiful job.
I hope to help you again on your next Brazilian trip :)
All the best and thank you again on behalf of all of us.
Federico

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