Kimkim Trip Reviews for Colombia

4.9
Based on 428 ratings
Read 428 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Colombia on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

AMAZING TRIP
Colombia | Mar 5 - Mar 13, 2024

M
Madeline G.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024
This was an absolutely amazing trip and an incredible experience! Planning our trip to Colombia seemed very overwhelming at first but kimkim and our planner Michael made the planning a breeze! Michael was super responsive and always so kind and professional and we felt like he really heard the things we wanted to experience on this trip. Everything was planned so well and we had an almost seamless experience. We will absolutely be using kimkim for future trips and highly recommend this... Read more

This was an absolutely amazing trip and an incredible experience! Planning our trip to Colombia seemed very overwhelming at first but kimkim and our planner Michael made the planning a breeze! Michael was super responsive and always so kind and professional and we felt like he really heard the things we wanted to experience on this trip. Everything was planned so well and we had an almost seamless experience. We will absolutely be using kimkim for future trips and highly recommend this company to anyone looking to save themselves time and stress on vacation.

Hotel Reviews
Finca Hotel del Cafe
Santa Rosa de Cabal

This was our favorite hotel of the 6 total we stayed in on our trip. This hotel was beautiful! The landscape was gorgeous, the hotel itself was super clean and so, so pretty and the entire grounds of the hotel were just stunning. Our room was spacious and very clean with comfortable beds and a lovely balcony to sit and relax. The bathroom was spacious and the room met all of our needs (family of 4) just fine. Unfortunately, we didn't stay at this hotel long enough to actually enjoy the amenities but they had several hot tubs, a sauna and some other luxury amenities. There's also a restaurant and a cafe just a short walk up the hill (we didn't enjoy the restaurant at all but the cafe was lovely) and the breakfast we were served on property was delicious and very fresh. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and Julien was so, so nice to us. It felt like he was our personal concierge and he went above and beyond with everything we asked for and even the stuff we didn't ask for.

Authenticity & Character
Warm, welcoming and full of charm.
Location
STUNNING VIEWS
Staff
Amazing staff, especially Julien.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was super clean and in great condition.
Ecohotel Piedemonte

This hotel is located amongst some absolutely beautiful scenery. The hotel itself is very pretty but seemed a little bit old. The room was a good size for a family of 4 and the bathroom was sufficient in size as well. The property is full of greenery and is really very pretty. I'm not sure what amenities this place offers because the main reason for my low rating is how unwelcomed we felt. The staff wasn't outright rude but seemed annoyed when we asked questions. We had to ask about everything though, no information was offered to us at all. "Is breakfast offered? Where? What time? Is there anything to eat here on the property besides breakfast? Can we get extra waters? What restaurant do you recommend?" So many questions and we still never got answers to all of them. For reference, we are from the US and 3 of us are white, one is Mexican but all of us speak fluent Spanish. It was a very poor experience here and we felt so unwelcome that I was excited to leave, unfortunately.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Wonderful location surrounded by beautiful plants and just so pretty.
Staff
Staff just wasn't at all welcoming, friendly or accommodating at all.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Santa Rosa Hot Springs
Santa Rosa Hot Springs
Colombia

Wonderful experience here and such breathtaking scenery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cocora Valley & Salento
Cocora Valley & Salento
Colombia

Of all of the activities we did on our trip, this was actually my favorite. The valley and the views are simply magnificent and so different than anything I've ever seen. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee Farm Tour in Finca Buenos Aires
Coffee Farm Tour in Finca Buenos Aires
Salento

Totally fun and educational experience! This was so much fun for our family and it was really, really cool to learn all about the actual orgins/care of the coffee I love so much.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Medellín

This experience was SO MUCH FUN! First, our guides stopped us at a farm along the way where we got to feed and play with alpacas and llamas. Alpacas are one of my fav animals and this was one of the best experiences of my life because I literally got to hug the alpacas. It was great! Then we trekked up the boulder and while I was pretty intimidated by all of the stairs, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Just be sure to take breaks when you need to. Everyone else is also out of breath and out of shape - just take a break when needed.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Mar 18, 2024

Hello Madeline,
Thank you very much for your detailed report and your opinions on the hotels and activities. We are delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic family trip and that you had a great time in our beautiful Colombia! You were able to visit many exciting destinations in a short amount of time, and planning the trip with you was a lot of fun. As soon as you plan another trip to Colombia, please let me know, and I will be happy to assist you further with your planning.
Until then, best regards from San Agustín,
Michael and the Chaska Tours Team

Muchisimas gracias Kim Kim y Michael. Muy recomendable!
Colombia | Feb 29 - Mar 9, 2024

K
Kevin` R.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024
Michael nos cuidó a cada paso. Tuvimos una experiencia increíble con Kim Kim. Estamos muy contentos. Read more

Michael nos cuidó a cada paso. Tuvimos una experiencia increíble con Kim Kim. Estamos muy contentos.

Hotel Reviews
Sweet Harmony by Xarm Hotels
Minca, Magdalena
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Quetzal Dorado Ecolodge
Zaino
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Casa Tere
Cartagena
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Visit to San Basilio de Palenque
Visit to San Basilio de Palenque
Cartagena

This community has a wonderful story and a rich history but it was worth a 30 minute visit. They parade you around the city and ask for tips at each stop. Not that enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide that Kim Kim arranged was wonderful. I cannot say enough great things. In Palenque we got passed off to another guide who had an interesting story but not worth more than 30 minutes.
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Mar 13, 2024

Querido Kevin,

¡Muchas gracias por tu positiva evaluación! Nos alegra mucho saber que quedaste satisfecho con tu experiencia de viaje. Fue un placer acompañarlos en su aventura en Colombia. Si en el futuro planean más viajes, estaremos encantados de estar nuevamente a su disposición.

¡Gracias de nuevo y todo lo mejor!

Saludos,
Michael & el equipo de Chaska Tours

Our Trip to Columbia with Bird Watching and Peacock Bass Fishing
Colombia | Feb 27 - Mar 7, 2024

joe
joe m.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024
We put together a fairly complicated trip with a lot of varied destinations. Alvaro was totally helpful and very can do in setting the trip up as we wanted it. During the travel, everything went as smoothly as butter. We were met by friendly and competent people at every stop and were escorted to our travels to the next destinations at exactly the times that were promised. We couldn't have been more pleased with the planning that Alvaro did for us. Ivan met us at the Airport in Bogota,... Read more

We put together a fairly complicated trip with a lot of varied destinations. Alvaro was totally helpful and very can do in setting the trip up as we wanted it. During the travel, everything went as smoothly as butter. We were met by friendly and competent people at every stop and were escorted to our travels to the next destinations at exactly the times that were promised. We couldn't have been more pleased with the planning that Alvaro did for us. Ivan met us at the Airport in Bogota, and was with us the entire stay, actully had dinner with us. He was exceptionly knowledgable about the birds, and he could hear the calls and identify amazingly. We saw 90 bird species in 2 days. He could also spot birds and point them out to us well before we could see many of them ourselves. We were a little nervous about going to Inirida and alon the Oronico River, esp with the situation in Venezuela , but we were accompanied by able guides all the time and actually felt safer than when we were in 4th grade. The Tucunare Lodge was rustic but far removed from modern civilization. Alexandro, who was our fishing guide was quite knowlegable and competent and PATIENT. We fished for 2 days solidly and came away with some amazing pictures of us holding giant Peacock Bass. Than off to Cartegena for rest and relaxtion. Beautiful old town. Good nightlife, esp rooftop bars, and excellent food. All and all, would highly recommend Alvaro and Kim Kim for planning a trip to Columbia. Plan on asking for the same in a few years to Equador.

Hotel Reviews
Lucitania Hotel Boutique
Bogota

Very Comfortable Nice bed, friendly staff. Felt very secure

Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Monterrey Cartagena de Indias
Cra. 8b #25-100

Location wa amazing, dead center facing the entrace to the old town, roof top pool which was welcomed highly considering the afternoo heat. Breakfast delicious. Staff welcoming and smiles. Felt very secure

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tucunare Lodge
Vichada River

This place is RUSTIC. There is no airconditioning. The bathrooms are as basic as they can be and still be called a bathroom. However, It is completely far away in uninhabitated land. The food wa cooked by Locals and delicious. The access to the fishing wa amazing. The johnboat ride to and from the fishing grounds at sunrise and sunset were easily worth the price of admission. If that is the kind of experience you are seeking, I highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Mar 14, 2024

Hello Joe and Cece!
Thank you for your glowing review! I am so thrilled you enjoyed your trip and had seamless travel experience.
It's great to hear Ivan made your birdwatching in Bogota unforgettable and that you felt safe throughout your journey. We're glad you loved Tucunare Lodge and had a great time fishing with Alexandro. Cartagena's charm delighted you, and we look forward to planning your next adventure, let’s reconnect once you are ready to enjoy Ecuador!
Hugs from your local friend!
Alvaro

Magical Colombia
Colombia | Feb 16 - Feb 26, 2024

M
Melanie D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 07, 2024
Although we were somewhat skeptical about booking through a tour group, we relied upon Kimkim and Chaska Tours to create and execute an ambitious itinerary that took us through four discrete regions in Colombia over a ten day stay. Michael and his team put together a veritable highlight reel of food, history, art, outdoor activities, and scenic drives. The Magic of Colombia tour accounted for all of our hotels, flights, and drivers and also built in some time for us to explore on our own. Our... Read more

Although we were somewhat skeptical about booking through a tour group, we relied upon Kimkim and Chaska Tours to create and execute an ambitious itinerary that took us through four discrete regions in Colombia over a ten day stay. Michael and his team put together a veritable highlight reel of food, history, art, outdoor activities, and scenic drives. The Magic of Colombia tour accounted for all of our hotels, flights, and drivers and also built in some time for us to explore on our own. Our tour guides in each location were locals with a penchant for teaching, immersing us in the culture and helping us make the most of our experience despite our somewhat loose grasp of the Spanish language. Sadly, we were forced to cut the trip short after one of us contracted an illness. In this, too, Michael and his team were exceedingly helpful, coordinating a change of itinerary on a dime and keeping in constant contact to see us out of Colombia and home safely.

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Mar 08, 2024
Dear Melanie, Thank you so much for your comprehensive review! We are delighted to hear that your Colombia trip turned out to be such a positive experience, despite the need to cut it short. It's great to know that we could cover your interests in Colombian culture, history, and nature with the itinerary. We are sorry to hear that your trip had to be shortened due to the illness. It's fantastic that we were able to respond quickly with our flexibility, and we appreciate the understanding of... Read more

Dear Melanie,

Thank you so much for your comprehensive review! We are delighted to hear that your Colombia trip turned out to be such a positive experience, despite the need to cut it short. It's great to know that we could cover your interests in Colombian culture, history, and nature with the itinerary.

We are sorry to hear that your trip had to be shortened due to the illness. It's fantastic that we were able to respond quickly with our flexibility, and we appreciate the understanding of many hotels and guides, allowing us to refund a portion of the trip cost despite the short notice!

We hope that, despite the unforeseen circumstances, you were able to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Colombia. If you plan future trips or wish to continue your tour, we are at your disposal.

Once again, thank you for your trust and positive feedback!

Warm regards,
Michael and the Chaska Tours Team

Our six-week tour of Colombia
Colombia | Dec 28 - Feb 6, 2024

Kate
Kate D.
Oak Harbor, WA | Reviewed on Mar 07, 2024
Our tour of Colombia was six weeks long and included both activities and accommodations arranged by Kimkim/Chaska and our local specialist, Michael, as well as activities and accommodations we arranged directly. Overall, we were very happy with our interactions with Michael in planning our itinerary. He made good suggestions and was very responsive to our questions and requests. In retrospect, we would have appreciated being given options ahead of time for such things as upgrades for... Read more

Our tour of Colombia was six weeks long and included both activities and accommodations arranged by Kimkim/Chaska and our local specialist, Michael, as well as activities and accommodations we arranged directly.

Overall, we were very happy with our interactions with Michael in planning our itinerary. He made good suggestions and was very responsive to our questions and requests. In retrospect, we would have appreciated being given options ahead of time for such things as upgrades for flights and accommodations, when those were available. In a number of instances, we found out about this options "in the moment" rather than in time to make considered choices. One other suggestion is for Michael to have communicated our interests with each of our guides; a number of them indicated they did not know ahead of time that we were interested in birding, for example, which did affect the activities on some days.

Michael was also outstanding in how quickly he responded to our questions and requests during the trip, sometimes multiple times in a day. One improvement would have been for us to have the names and contact information for each guide and driver at least a day in advance; we understand that sometimes this might not be possible, due to changes in staff scheduling.

Overall, the guides we were assigned were quite good. Likewise, all the drivers were prompt and safe and the cars were comfortable and clean. Specifics:

Bogota - Guide Jose Luis Borbon was excellent, very informative.
Villa de Leyva - Despite some logistical complications, Guide Carmen Trujillo was excellent, very flexible.
Barachara - Our guide for the walk from Barachara to Guane, Jose Luis, tho fairly new, was good, very informative about local culture as he grew up there. Hotel Mission, one of the oldest in the town, was very well situated, and comfortable.
Minca - Our guide Joi Guia, was very enthusiastic and personable. Our hotel, Sweet Harmony, was great, as was the food prepared in its kitchen. Minca is pretty overrun with tourists and the shops that cater to them, so we wouldn't necessarily recommend it.
El Dorado Nature Reserve - This is an amazing place, with views from the high Sierra Nevada to Santa Marta and the Caribbean. This is one instance when we would have liked to know our options for accommodations ahead of time; the two options are very different in many aspects, including proximity to the restaurant, coffee, and wifi. We were very disappointed with our assigned room, a 20 min. dusty walk up hill 3x/day. And downright dangerous in the dark. Our birding guide, Jaruen, was excellent, one of the first trained birding guides in Colombia.
Tayrona - We really like having Jaruen and Joi as guides again here, so we didn't have to get used to new personalities, etc. They each led us on a day's adventure and birding. Our hotel, Senda Koguiwa, was excellent, a welcome change from the relative rusticness of El Dorado, and very near the entrance to Tayrona National Park.
Cartagena - Cartagena is a visually beautiful city, but very very busy with the tourist trade. Our guide, Neybor, was very good and led us on a city bike tour, tour of the food market, and a cooking class.
Cali - We had a great day with Catalina, walking around the city and, especially, learning about salsa. Our hotel, Aiko Hotel Integrado, was ok as it was being remodeled at the time. When complete it will be lovely. It was also quite a ways out of Cali altho walkable to many restaurants and shops.
Aruacana Lodge - This is a beautiful, family-owned birding lodge in the hills about an hour outside of Cali. Luxurious spacious accommodations, excellent food and great birding. Highly recommend, especially for birding. Our birding guide, Vivian, altho just beginning, was very personable and enjoyable.
Salento - The Kawa Mountain Retreat is a beautiful spot, very comfortable, and with very good food. The staff were very helpful, especially when one of us got food poisoning (not at the hotel!), and we had to stay a number of hours after check-out time. Highly recommend. Our guide, Carlos, led us on a very enjoyable hike in the Corcora Valley and, when he learned we were birders, led a great birding walk the next day.
Manizales - The Hacienda Venecia is a beautiful coffee finca with lush grounds and good food. Highly recommend.
Medellin - Our guide for a trip to a flower farm and then Guatepe, Alejandro, was good and flexible. The flower farm was quite interesting; Guatepe is very touristed and less interesting for us.

Hotel Reviews
Sweet Harmony by Xarm Hotels
Minca, Magdalena

Sweet Harmony, was great, as was the food prepared in its kitchen. Rooms in the main building are small (not sure about the stand alone casitas) but the large deck made up for those limitations. Minca is pretty overrun with tourists and the shops that cater to them are all the same. We wouldn't necessarily recommend it.

Location
El Dorado Nature Reserve
Minca

This is an amazing place, with views from the high Sierra Nevada to Santa Marta and the Caribbean, but the road up is a nightmare. There are two extremely different types of accommodations: the old section and the lovely kobihabs. We were very disappointed with our assigned room in the old section, not so much about the room itself but the fact that it's a 20 min. walk uphill a dusty/muddy (depending on season) road 3x/day to the restaurant, morning coffee and wifi. And, I felt, it was downright dangerous in the dark. All that being said the birding is amazing and the staff friendly and accommodating but not sure we'd do it again.

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Mar 08, 2024
Dear Kate,
Thank you for taking the time to provide such a comprehensive and insightful review of your six-week adventure in Colombia. We're thrilled to learn that, on the whole, you had a highly positive experience and enjoyed the diverse activities and accommodations organized by us.
Your feedback on the planning process is greatly appreciated, and we will certainly consider your suggestions, especially regarding options for upgrades. I'm pleased that we were able to accommodate most of... Read more

Dear Kate,
Thank you for taking the time to provide such a comprehensive and insightful review of your six-week adventure in Colombia. We're thrilled to learn that, on the whole, you had a highly positive experience and enjoyed the diverse activities and accommodations organized by us.

Your feedback on the planning process is greatly appreciated, and we will certainly consider your suggestions, especially regarding options for upgrades. I'm pleased that we were able to accommodate most of your requests on short notice during your trip.

We value your observations about receiving information on contact details for guides and drivers in advance, and we'll strive to enhance this aspect for future travelers. You're correct in noting that, particularly during the peak season, providing this information completely in advance can be challenging. However, we were glad to provide you with the necessary details during your journey as per your preference.

It's great to hear that the guides and drivers were generally punctual, ensured safety, and contributed to a positive overall experience throughout your journey. We're particularly pleased that guides like Jose Luis and Carmen stood out as excellent and informative.

We apologize for any inconveniences during your stay at El Dorado Nature Reserve and appreciate your candid feedback. Your positive remarks about Aruacana Lodge, Senda Koguiwa in Tayrona, and Kawa Mountain Retreat in Salento are truly valued.

Your detailed comments about each location and your interactions with guides and accommodations are invaluable to us, and we'll use them to further improve our services. Despite the small challenges, we're delighted that you had a memorable time in Colombia, and we look forward to the opportunity to assist you in the future.

Best regards,
Michael and the Chaska Tours Team

gréât guide in Bogota and Pereira , knowledge...
Colombia | Feb 17 - Feb 29, 2024

A
Amanda W.
Switzerland | Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024
gréât guide in Bogota and Pereira , knowledgeable and also interesting. Margoth and her team are amazing, everything planned went exactly as expected and our experiences such as rhum tasting and a boat trip were great . I truelybreicmmwnd colombia and the agency Aracanto Read more

gréât guide in Bogota and Pereira , knowledgeable and also interesting. Margoth and her team are amazing, everything planned went exactly as expected and our experiences such as rhum tasting and a boat trip were great . I truelybreicmmwnd colombia and the agency Aracanto

Hotel Reviews
The Artisan D.C. Hotel, Autograph Collection
Bogotá

Great location great breakfast , lacks light in the bathrooms .

Authenticity & Character
Location
nice neighborhood
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Boutique Sazagua
Pereira

The place of the spa is very noisy

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
nice beds
Sofitel Baru Calablanca
Cartagena

Too big , not enough chairs at the pool or beach available in the shadow, people reserve and then leave their towels for the day , this should be forbidden

Authenticity & Character
very modern
Location
Great views. very windy and need to hike up
Staff
Speed of serving
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Casa San Agustín
Cartagena de Indias

Rooms too dark

Authenticity & Character
the building
Location
Staff
very attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
great linen and cushions
Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Mar 01, 2024

Dear Amanda,
Thank you very much for your feedback, and for traveling with your family to Colombia! It has been a pleasure meeting you, and I hope you stay in touch. On behalf of all our team, we wanted to send you our Best Wishes and Muchas Gracias for making us a part of your trip! Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review and send us your feedback, and we really appreciate this.

Best,
Margoth

Michael and the Kim Kim group crafted an amazing Colombian Trip
Colombia | Feb 9 - Feb 21, 2024

Andrea
Andrea M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024
Michael and the Kim Kim group were amazing to work with. They shaped a wonderful itinerary for our group. We loved Bogotá and the great neighborhood they had us stay with a great tour guide who let us try all the local fruit. Medellín exceeded our expectations. We loved this city and our only regret was that we didn't adjust our itinerary and spend more time here. We had Andres for 3 days and he made us fall in love with the city. All the activities (white water rafting, touring Comuna... Read more

Michael and the Kim Kim group were amazing to work with. They shaped a wonderful itinerary for our group. We loved Bogotá and the great neighborhood they had us stay with a great tour guide who let us try all the local fruit. Medellín exceeded our expectations. We loved this city and our only regret was that we didn't adjust our itinerary and spend more time here. We had Andres for 3 days and he made us fall in love with the city. All the activities (white water rafting, touring Comuna 13 & the local coffee farm) were amazing. We also loved Tayrona and again we didn't have enough days in our trip to extend this portion, but it was beautiful. The hotel the group booked for us was wonderful. We ended the trip in Cartagena. Anther amazing city. I personally am not a fan of the heat, so fewer days here would have worked better in my itinerary, but that is just because of my personal preference. Again, we are so happy to have used Michael and the Kim Kim group and we would not have had such a great trip without them.

Activity Review
Cartagena Bike Tour
Cartagena Bike Tour
Cartagena

Not a good place to bike and received not a lot of city information. The Guides did their best to keep us safe, but I wouldn't have recommended this tour.

Quality of Experience
Have a walking tour instead with more details of the city.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
More city information and interesting information
Transport
Not a good way to see the city
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Mar 01, 2024

Hi Andrea,
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I'm glad to know that you enjoyed Bogotá and that Medellín exceeded your expectations. I also appreciate your honest reflection on Cartagena and the heat, as personal preferences can vary. We regret to hear that the bike tour might not have met your expectations. Your feedback is valuable, and we'll certainly take it into consideration for future improvements.
Safe travels!
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

Exceeded our expectations
Colombia | Feb 9 - Feb 21, 2024

M
Michael M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024
Our 2 week trip to Colombia was excellent and provided a nice variety of experiences. Our highlight was our guide Andres in and around Medellin. He was incredibly informative, kind and generally a pleasant person to be around. He made this part of our trip really amazing, from the city tour to our experience at a coffee farm. Read more

Our 2 week trip to Colombia was excellent and provided a nice variety of experiences. Our highlight was our guide Andres in and around Medellin. He was incredibly informative, kind and generally a pleasant person to be around. He made this part of our trip really amazing, from the city tour to our experience at a coffee farm.

Hotel Reviews
Senda Watapuy
Santa Marta

Very nice hotel in a beautiful location. The staff was attentive and helpful throughout our stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Campana Hotel Boutique
Medellín

We enjoyed the location, comfort and staff at this hotel. The rooms were very comfortable and the staff were some of the friendliest and helpful people on our trip. The short walk to restaurants in Poblado was a nice perk.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Casa Deco
Bogotá

The hotel was in an excellent location near area attractions. However, the rooms were a bit dated and the noise from the street was loud. Having ear plugs at this hotel is a must.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Kartaxa Cartagena
Cartagena

The hotel room was small and not comfortable. Our room received strong kitchen smells every morning from the restaurant below. Noise from guests in the central atrium was constant and disruptive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cartagena Dance Class
Cartagena Dance Class
Cartagena

Very good instructor.

Cartagena Street Food Tour
Cartagena Street Food Tour
Cartagena

Interesting experience that we would not have done otherwise. Some of the tastiest food of our time in Cartagena.

Coffee-Culture Tour
Coffee-Culture Tour
Medellín

Wonderful guide and interesting experience to explore this natural farm.

Rosario Islands Day Trip
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Cartagena

This day trip was a disappointment. The accommodations were very basic - we didn't even have access to towels to rent. There was no water to wash hands at the bathroom. The water and beach were also very dirty with plastics and prophylactics.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cartagena Bike Tour
Cartagena Bike Tour
Cartagena

The trip felt dangerous due to cycling through traffic. It was hard to enjoy and learn about the city due to this.

Rafting on Río Calderas
Rafting on Río Calderas
Medellín

Highlight of the trip. Excellent guides and fun experience.

Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Medellín

Despite not feeling well, I enjoyed the trip to these areas. Guatape was beautiful and I wish we had more time to explore this town.

Medellín Day Tour
Medellín Day Tour
Medellín

Excellent trip with our guide Andres. We explored areas of the city that we would not have visited otherwise. The lunch was also excellent.

Bogota Highlights Tour
Bogota Highlights Tour
Bogotá

We had an excellent guide, were able to visit Monserrate without waiting in a long line, and tasted a variety of native fruits. It was a great way to begin our trip.

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Mar 01, 2024

Hi Michael,
Thank you so much for your kind words!Fantastic to hear that your two-week trip to Colombia was excellent and that you enjoyed a variety of experiences. It's especially wonderful to know that you had a really great time on the rafting excursion. If you ever plan another adventure to Colombia, we'd be thrilled to assist you. Safe travels!
Best regards,
The Chaska Tours Team

We had a wonderful family trip to Colombia th...
Colombia | Feb 8 - Feb 20, 2024

Dana
Dana L.
Brandon, MS | Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024
We had a wonderful family trip to Colombia thanks to the assistance of Michael!
We traveled as a family of 5, 2 adults and 3 children (ages 12, 10 and 3). Michael arranged all of our tours and transfers for us. Every guide we had was absolutely lovely and we enjoyed learning about their country and culture through the eyes of locals.
Our car transfers were all seamless. They arrived on time and in clean and spacious vehicles, even equipped with a car seat for our 3yo. The drivers...
Read more

We had a wonderful family trip to Colombia thanks to the assistance of Michael!
We traveled as a family of 5, 2 adults and 3 children (ages 12, 10 and 3). Michael arranged all of our tours and transfers for us. Every guide we had was absolutely lovely and we enjoyed learning about their country and culture through the eyes of locals.
Our car transfers were all seamless. They arrived on time and in clean and spacious vehicles, even equipped with a car seat for our 3yo. The drivers were accommodating and stopped when we needed for groceries, ATM or bathroom breaks. We especially appreciated Christian who was our driver on 3 separate occasions and went out of his way to meet all of our needs.

Hotel Reviews
Grand Hyatt Bogotá
Bogotá

A beautiful hotel, friendly and accommodating staff. We stayed in a 1BR suite that was absolutely perfect.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Senda Watapuy
Santa Marta

Absolutely beautiful and peaceful hotel on the edge of Tayrona Park, with beautiful views of the mountains and easy access to the river. Our cabana was spacious and clean, the food was delicious and reasonably priced. The staff was delightful and accommodating. So much better than the online pictures! This was our family's favorite hotel during our trip!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa La Factoria by Faranda Boutique
Cartagena

Beautiful hotel in the center of Cartagena. We enjoyed escaping the heat in the beautiful courtyard pool and relaxing in the rooftop plunge pool. The included breakfast was expansive and delicious. The staff was lovely and very patient with our children. Located on a quiet block but close to restaurants, gelato and a popular square with coffee shops and convenience store nearby.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sweet Harmony by Xarm Hotels
Minca, Magdalena

Small eco-hotel located on the side of a mountain, down a narrow unpaved road (an interesting drive up the road in a van!). We stayed in 2 deluxe rooms which were comfortable, though not air conditioned but do have fans and sleeping was comfortable since the temperatures cool down overnight. The drawback was that there are no screens to prevent bugs entering and one bed did not have a mosquito net. We got a lot of bug bites in Minca! The breakfast was delicious and staff was kind (though a little slow with service). The pool/hot tub situation was lacking but there was easy access to a beautiful river where we spent a lot of time. About a 10 minute walk into town which was easy/fine. The evening restaurant was closed while we were there but they offered options to order from restaurants for delivery, but we opted to just walk into town. Overall, our experience was fine for a brief stay in a small town. Would not stay here if expecting/requiring a luxury experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ecohotel Piedemonte

We stayed in the 2-story family cabin, located up a hill from the main hotel area. There were a lot of steps which would be difficult for anyone with mobility issues, but fine for our crew. Downstairs was a small kitchenette/living area and small bathroom. Upstairs was an open space with 3 beds to accommodate our family of 5. There was a lot of outdoor space which was great for our kids. No air conditioning but comfortable sleeping conditions with the windows open since the temperatures cooled off at night. I do not recommend this place if you are uncomfortable with the occasional spider or insect - we encountered a couple during our stay since the cabin is not air tight and we kept the windows open most of the time (but not a huge deal for us). Bring bug repellant for mosquitos at dusk, but otherwise biting insects were not bad. Staff was lovely, breakfast was delicious and served in the garden next to a small creek. Coffee was plentiful and self serve, which we appreciated. We loved hanging out with the resident golden retriever. Location was about a 10 minute drive into Salento, but Uber worked well there or the hotel will call you a taxi - cost was around $5USD per way. There are a few restaurants and a river for swimming within walking distance as well (about 10 minutes down the road).

Authenticity & Character
Location
Located outside of town which resulted in a quiet and peaceful experience, but does require a drive to reach Salento
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Feb 26, 2024

Hi Dana,
great to hear that your family had such a wonderful time in Colombia! It was a joy for our whole team to assist your family. I'm especially glad that the guides provided a local perspective, giving you insights into the country and culture. It's fantastic to hear that the transfers were seamless.
Your positive feedback means a lot to us. If there's ever another Colombia adventure on the horizon, we'd be thrilled to assist you. Safe travels and warm regards!
Best,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

An amazing Columbian adventure
Colombia | Feb 11 - Feb 20, 2024

Andrew
Andrew C.
East Hampton, VA | Reviewed on Feb 25, 2024
My wife and I just returned from a 9-10 day tour of Columbia. The tour was quite ambitious as we visited Bogota (one full day), Amazonia (2 full days), the Coffee region (3 full days), and even a quick one night stopover in Cartagena (one day). This involved a lot of flights as all flights connect through Bogota. So it was quite tiring and rather head spinning. The good thing though was that we got to see an amazing diversity of peoples and places in one tour.
What we saw of Bogota, on...
Read more

My wife and I just returned from a 9-10 day tour of Columbia. The tour was quite ambitious as we visited Bogota (one full day), Amazonia (2 full days), the Coffee region (3 full days), and even a quick one night stopover in Cartagena (one day). This involved a lot of flights as all flights connect through Bogota. So it was quite tiring and rather head spinning. The good thing though was that we got to see an amazing diversity of peoples and places in one tour.
What we saw of Bogota, on an e-bike tour!, we found to be both beautiful and interesting, and Monserrate and the views of Bogota from it, were amazing (but buy a pass that gets you to the head of the line if you can).
Amazonia was, for us the greatest highlight of the tour. We found it, as lovers of wild life, birds, and peoples/cultures with dignity, a simply charming, magical place. We were based out of Punto Nariño, and travelled everywhere by small boat, except on our return trip to Leticia on a river "bus". Every boat trip was a guided natural history adventure, stopping to see the dolphins at Leticia, and on both banks of the river to photograph birds, monkeys, or to have some other curiosity pointed out. We navigated lakes with water lily pads and flooded forests. We visited two different indigenous communities and a monkey rehabilitation sanctuary, and photographed humming birds, Macaws and Toucans, birds hiding in the trees or in flocks, and butterflies. I did a night walk in the rain forest and photographed frogs and sleeping morpho butterflies. We visited a indigenous cultures museum and shopped for unique crafts in Leticia.
We also loved the Coffee Region. This is a mountainous or hilly, moderate temperature, rain forest region with coffee, fruit orchards, avocados, etc., as well as national forest. It is beautiful and the climate is very pleasant when we visited (February). We visited a beautiful hillside farm, where we were shown a fabulous orchid collection and treated to a delicious lunch, and the farmhouse, where we watched many colorful birds and humming bird feed. We visited two very beautiful rural towns, Filandia and Salento, where we visited a basketry workshop/studio and were taught by a craftsman to weave small baskets. We stayed in a charming hotel at a farm in a national park in the Corcora valley and did an early morning birding exploration in the hills. And we visited a botanical garden, where we learned about the local ecology, with a large enclosed butterfly habitat where we could view native butterflies up close. Our last night was spent in Cartagena, in a fabulous hotel just adjacent to the old city. This is also very beautiful, historical, with a lot of shopping and fine dining, quite different from our previous experiences. (We didn't have time to investigate the beaches, but not our thing anyway.)
In almost all of our adventures we were accompanied by a driver and a guide. We have very little Spanish, but the guides spoke English, and all were super knowledgeable about birds and could identify them by their calls and spot them in the trees, as well as being knowledgeable about the local cultures and history. Though it is hard to single any out, Sergio Leones in Amazonia and Juan Camilo in the Coffee Region were truly outstanding, and we learned so much from them. But even the drivers seemed to have a great knowledge of their natural history and be able to spot the birds. Our small boat trip from Leticia to Punto Nariño to Leticia on our day of arrival was a fascinating adventure as our Spanish-only speaking boat driver made many stops to point out birds and other things along the way and we had a great time trying to communicate in hand waving, my tiny amount of Spanish, and an iPhone app.
Our accommodations were outstanding, although in Amazonia they were, as you would expect, a little less refined. All were beautiful and full of character. Particularly of note were Sazagua (in Pereira) and Sazagua Boutique (in Corcora), being beautiful and having great food, and our hotel in Cartagena.
Indeed, everywhere we went, the food was outstanding, and, as you would expect given our itinerary, of a great variety.
Did we feel safe in Colombia? Yes, certainly anywhere we went we had no concerns at all (although we were with guides most of the time). Indeed I found the Columbians we met to most generous, and, especially, to be extremely pleased to be able to share their beautiful country with us, along with its natural wonders.
Would we go back again? - YES. But, probably with a more relaxed schedule, doubling down on the things we liked the most, and with some new twist.
Last, but not least, many thanks to Margarita, our Kim-Kim local specialist, who suggested the itinerary, modified to our satisfaction, worked out all the details, hired the guides, made all the bookings, watched out for us throughput the trip, and was a model of efficiency and courtesy.

Hotel Review
Sazagua Cocora (Reserva Natural)

I really enjoyed this smaller boutique hotel and highly recommend it. The location was beautiful - in the Corcora Valley at a farm that had been absorbed in the Cocora National Natural Park. The property was large and there were several beautiful trails, one to a lovely waterfall, another a loop over the hill above the hotel with gorgeous views and many birds. The hotel itself is I think a modified farm house. Rooms are comfortable. The hosts, Juan-Paulo and Natasha were most welcoming and concerned for our comfort and needs, and spoke good English. The food, we were there for two breakfast and dinners, was fabulous. Indeed, we learned the Juan-Paulo had had restaurants in Greece and Italy, and had been chef at the better known sister hotel in Pereira.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 26, 2024
Dear Andrew Wow, reading through your adventure truly made our day! It sounds like you and your wife had an incredible journey through Colombia, filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. We're thrilled to hear that the diversity of Colombia's beauty captivated you, from the buzzing streets of Bogotá on an e-bike to the magical wilderness of Amazonia, the lush Coffee Region, and the historic charm of Cartagena. Your detailed recount of each place... Read more

Dear Andrew

Wow, reading through your adventure truly made our day! It sounds like you and your wife had an incredible journey through Colombia, filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. We're thrilled to hear that the diversity of Colombia's beauty captivated you, from the buzzing streets of Bogotá on an e-bike to the magical wilderness of Amazonia, the lush Coffee Region, and the historic charm of Cartagena.

Your detailed recount of each place visited, the wildlife observed, and the unique interactions you had along the way is simply heartwarming. Sergio Leon , Juan Camilo, and all our guides and drivers are indeed gems, and we're glad they could share their knowledge and love for Colombia with you.

It's fantastic to know that the accommodations and the culinary delights added to the richness of your experience. Colombia is indeed a land of warmth and hospitality, and we're so happy you felt safe and welcomed throughout your travels.

We appreciate your kind words, It's our passion to craft such personalized journeys that leave a lasting impression, and knowing we've achieved that with you is truly rewarding.

Your feedback is invaluable, and we're taking note of your preference for a more relaxed schedule in the future. Rest assured, we're already dreaming up new twists for your next visit, focusing on what you loved most and making sure it's even more memorable.

Thank you for choosing us to explore the wonders of Colombia. We can't wait to welcome you back for another adventure, with even more breathtaking moments and serene experiences tailored just for you.

Margarita

We had an amazing trip to Colombia! Setting ...
Colombia | Feb 7 - Feb 18, 2024

catherine
catherine e.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 24, 2024
We had an amazing trip to Colombia! Setting up our trip was easy. KimKim asked about our likes/dislikes, how active we wanted to be, what places we didn't want to miss seeing etc all to set up the best vacation possible for us. We went to Bogota, Pereira and Cartagena and thoroughly enjoyed all 3 locations. In Bogota we did a city tour which included the Gold Museum (a must see) as well as the local market and Monserrate Hill. We also left the city and did some hiking so it felt like a... Read more

We had an amazing trip to Colombia! Setting up our trip was easy. KimKim asked about our likes/dislikes, how active we wanted to be, what places we didn't want to miss seeing etc all to set up the best vacation possible for us. We went to Bogota, Pereira and Cartagena and thoroughly enjoyed all 3 locations. In Bogota we did a city tour which included the Gold Museum (a must see) as well as the local market and Monserrate Hill. We also left the city and did some hiking so it felt like a good mix of time in the city as well as enjoying the natural beauty around the city. Our guide in Bogota, Oscar, was very helpful and informative. Periera was totally different. We were out in the beauty of the coffee region visiting small towns such as Finlandia and Salento. Going to the Corcora Valley and seeing the beautiful Wax Palms, Horseback riding and a Coffee Farm Visit. The only disappointment was due to fires we were not able to do the Los Frailes Hike but it certainly wasn't the fault of KimKim. The boutique hotel in Pereira , Hotel Sazagua, was just lovely. It was by far our favorite hotel. Our room was spacious with our own private patio/jacuzzi, the food at the hotel was great and the service top notch. Our guide in Pereira, Claudia, was also great. She was so knowledgable about the area she even gave us the coffee tour herself.
Cartagena was our third stop and it didn't disappoint. It was very hot but we managed to get some pool time in at our hotel as well as a full day at Tierra Bomba Island at the Makani Beach Club to cool off. The Makani Beach Club was fabulous. It had a beautiful pool, a restaurant, bar area as well as massage. We enjoyed all three. Due to the wind the boat ride back was very bumpy so if that is bothersome it might not be a good choice. I would also highly recommend the Mangrove Tour. It s a very beautiful area and we were able even able to catch a few blue crab on our tour! Again, our guides were very informative and knowledgable about the city and it's history.
We've had a lot of people ask us if we felt safe while in Colombia. Our answer is "Yes"! As long as you're smart about where you go on your own and are aware of your surroundings it is perfectly safe. Our guides were very helpful in giving us tips and guidance in this area for sure. The one thing that was surprising to us was how few people spoke any English. Our Spanish is extremely limited so without a guide I think it would have been difficult for us to navigate around the country. But thanks to KimKim and our guides this wasn't an issue at all. We would definitely recommend travel to Colombia!

Local specialist: Felipe Rico
Felipe
Felipe Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 25, 2024
Dear Cathy and Tim,
Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review, and for sending us your valuable feedback. This is extremely important for us, and we greatly appreciate it. We will pass on your comments to the team and everyone involved in your trip, and it was a pleasure having you in Colombia.
I am very glad to hear you enjoyed all the destinations you visited, and that you were able to experience the diversity of the country, by visiting Bogota, the capital city, the... Read more

Dear Cathy and Tim,
Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review, and for sending us your valuable feedback. This is extremely important for us, and we greatly appreciate it. We will pass on your comments to the team and everyone involved in your trip, and it was a pleasure having you in Colombia.

I am very glad to hear you enjoyed all the destinations you visited, and that you were able to experience the diversity of the country, by visiting Bogota, the capital city, the museums and the history as well as its surroundings, then the Coffee Region with its authenticity, and natural beauty as well as charming towns, and Cartagena, with the magic of the Caribbean region.

Thank you for visiting Colombia, and sending you our very Best Wishes! Muchas Gracias!

Best Wishes,
Felipe

Margarita and her team went above and beyond ...
Colombia | Feb 10 - Feb 22, 2024

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Leslie B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024
Margarita and her team went above and beyond to ensure that we had a wonderful trip to Colombia. Thank you for taking such good care of us! Everyone we worked with was friendly, helpful and polite. I couldn't ask for more. Muchas gracias Read more

Margarita and her team went above and beyond to ensure that we had a wonderful trip to Colombia. Thank you for taking such good care of us! Everyone we worked with was friendly, helpful and polite. I couldn't ask for more. Muchas gracias

Hotel Reviews
100 LUXURY SUITES
bogota

During my three-night stay at 100 LUXURY SUITES in Bogotá, I found the hotel to be excellent. The neighborhood was lovely, but it was a bit far from the downtown tourist areas, which was a minor inconvenience. The hotel itself was nice, although the distance from the main attractions was a small drawback. Overall, the experience was fabulous, and I would highly recommend this hotel.

Location
Staff
The Refuge at Río Claro Reserva Natural
Medellin

My one-night stay at The Refuge at Río Claro Reserva Natural had a few issues. It is an eco hotel with a low cost, but the staff seemed inexperienced and didn't provide the level of service we expected. The location was not ideal, and the accommodation could have been better. Despite these challenges, the staff was friendly, which was a plus.

Patio del Mundo
Medellín

I stayed at Patio del Mundo in Medellín for three nights and found the hotel to be fabulous. The location was perfect, the staff was very friendly and helpful, and the overall experience was excellent. I highly recommend this boutique hotel for anyone visiting Medellín.

Location
Staff
Rosario Del Mar by Tequendama

My one-night stay at Rosario Del Mar by Tequendama in the Rosario Islands was good overall. The accommodation was basic with no balcony or view, but the staff was extremely nice. The experience was decent, but not excellent due to the simplicity of the room.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Barú & the Rosario Islands
Barú & the Rosario Islands
Colombia

The islands and the beach were great and the snorkeling was fun, but there wasn't so much to see underwater.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Valentina was delightful, good English, informative. The driver and his son were great.
Transport
Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 23, 2024

Leslie Gracias for your kind words! 🌟 We're thrilled to hear you had a great trip with us in Colombia. Me and the team loved taking care of you and making sure everything went smoothly.

Your happiness is our top priority, and we're glad we could make your experience special. Thanks again for choosing us. We can't wait to welcome you back for more adventures!

Best wishes,
Margarita

Our 14 day trip to Colombia was fantastic!Mi...
Colombia | Feb 7 - Feb 21, 2024

Shelly
Shelly N.
Sartell, MN | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024
Our 14 day trip to Colombia was fantastic!
Michael helped us plan an awesome itinerary that was filled with adventure. Our local guides were so much fun to meet. Maylin in Bogotá was so kind and knowledgeable. We really did a lot in one day. Bogotá far exceeded my expectations! While in the Amazon, Yair showed us true adventures including monkeys, sloths, dolphins and even an anaconda!! Salento and the Cocora Valley was truly beautiful. Carlos knew a lot about the flora and fauna and was...
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Our 14 day trip to Colombia was fantastic!
Michael helped us plan an awesome itinerary that was filled with adventure. Our local guides were so much fun to meet. Maylin in Bogotá was so kind and knowledgeable. We really did a lot in one day. Bogotá far exceeded my expectations! While in the Amazon, Yair showed us true adventures including monkeys, sloths, dolphins and even an anaconda!! Salento and the Cocora Valley was truly beautiful. Carlos knew a lot about the flora and fauna and was considerate in bringing me walking sticks! Tayrona National Park is really cool ( actually hot and humid!!), with monkeys, blue tailed lizards and toads. You can hear the howler monkeys as you trek through the jungle ...all pointed out by our kind and helpful guide, José. A refreshing swim in the Caribbean and then a beachside lunch is a wonderful way to cool off before the hike back. Jaime was our delightful guide around the Victoria Coffee farm and waterfalls. We also had a really good lunch with her.
Our driver for several occasions was Juan Carlos. He took us from the airport in Santa Marta to Tayrona to Minca and all around that area and then on a 4+ hour drive to Cartagena! He stopped for photos and brought us bottles of cold water! He drove very safe and we felt very secure on the very curvy mountain roads of Minca.
While seeing Cartagena, Evelyn, with her fun and spirited personality, took us around showing us history and where to find the best shopping and restaurants.
Our hotels were really nice. The drivers were on time and EVERYTHING went according to schedule. We could not have planned such a fantastic vacation on our own. We felt like VIPS and realized our private tours seemed to far surpass any of the others we saw or heard about. No regrets. A trip of a lifetime for sure! Thank you once again, Michael Gold!!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Muisca
Bogotá

Really unique. So old and interesting. Breakfast was good. Slightly noisy for sleep due to the way the hotel was set up. Still, we enjoyed it

Authenticity & Character
Super quaint, interesting architecture. Old-time European feeling.
Location
Great for sightseeing
Staff
Main reception was fine
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, small rooms. Fine.
Waira Suites
Leticia

Clean, modern feel. Pools looked tempting, but we didn't have a chance to use them. Restaurant staff was fun and friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Nothing to be improved upon, just not super interesting
Location
Seemed very central for our needs. Easy access.
Staff
Friendly restaurant staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and fresh
La Ceiba Amazonas

Really rustic, but what would you expect in the Amazon?!

Authenticity & Character
Simple, rustic. Has what you need. Great private decks! Liked the communal meals to meet new people
Location
In MI aqua, an indigenous pueblo
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds, bath were fine.
Salento Plaza

Clean, delightful breakfasts

Authenticity & Character
Cute outdoor area with lots of plants, beautiful sunsets
Location
Near everything in town
Staff
Restaurant staff especially kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were nice, not so private as everyone can walk by and see right into your ( bed) room
Senda Koguiwa
Santa Marta

Absolutely beautiful! Awesome balcony! Awesome lobby and grounds, and pool. This was the highlight hotel of our trip. The little monkeys at breakfast were a fun surprise as well as walking along the river. Also swam in the pool, had cocktails and massages. Great!!

Authenticity & Character
Great
Location
Beautiful
Staff
Nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mundo Nuevo Eco Lodge
Santa Marta

The grounds her were beautiful. Our actual rooms were OK.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were small, up a steep hill. Lots of rules. We wanted to dry our towels before travel the next day, but not allowed to.
Hotel Casa Tere
Cartagena

Mixed feelings here. Hotel has great potential with current downfalls such as poor breakfast choices and service. Room was small with 2 double beds. Did not look like the photo.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Good location
Staff
Restaurant staff person was very unhelpful and unattentive . Just poorly managed breakfast. Cheap pillows, blankets. We were fine, just seemed lacking compared to our other stays.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Could be improved if they tried.
Activity Reviews
Bogota's Essentials (City Tour & Monserrate)
Bogota's Essentials (City Tour & Monserrate)
Bogotá

Awesome, learned SO much from Maylin. She did a super job.

Quality of Experience
So many places covered in one day!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Well educated and spoke great English .
Transport
No issues
Flora & Fauna in the Amazon (4d/3n)
Flora & Fauna in the Amazon (4d/3n)
Leticia and Puerto Nariño

Our guide added specialists to each area, for example to the monkey/ primate trek; to the Sloth trek in Peru.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Got to see an anaconda!!
Transport
Cocora Valley & Salento
Cocora Valley & Salento
Colombia

I was glad I requested the hiking poles for this trek. It was so beautiful!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very careful drivers
Transport
Open Jeep Ride was really fun, especially to the coffee farm!
Coffee Farm Tour in Finca Buenos Aires
Coffee Farm Tour in Finca Buenos Aires
Salento

Very interesting, beautiful countryside. My favorite views of Colombia!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The driver from Peoria to Salento was not as friendly as most. From Salento to Peoria, REALLY FRIENDLY!
Transport
Hike Tayrona National Park
Hike Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park

Seeing the animals was awesome

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jose and Jose were great!
Transport
Nature, Waterfalls & Coffee Farm in Minca
Nature, Waterfalls & Coffee Farm in Minca
Colombia

Loved spending time with Jaime. She is a real gem!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jaime and Juan Carlos are so nice!
Transport
Juan is an excellent and very consciousness driver.
Cartagena City Tour
Cartagena City Tour
Cartagena

Fun time checking out the historical and current stats of the city.

Quality of Experience
Evelyn was fun and spirited! Great tips on shopping!
Quality of Experience
Evelyn was fun and spirited! Great tips on shopping!
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Long drive from Minka to Cartagena. Interesting to see the non tourist cities.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Long drive from Minka to Cartagena. Interesting to see the non tourist cities.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Long drive from Minka to Cartagena. Interesting to see the non tourist cities.
Transport
Juan Carlos is a great driver.
Transport
Juan Carlos is a great driver.
Transport
Juan Carlos is a great driver.
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Feb 29, 2024
Dear Shelly and Rod,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt and wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure planning and sharing in your Colombian adventure.
I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the diverse experiences and I'm glad you found the Amazon and Tayrona National Park to be a wonderful experience with the company of the wildlife.
Your kind words about feeling like VIPs and the seamless execution of the itinerary are the best compliments for us. It was our pleasure to ensure...
Read more

Dear Shelly and Rod,
Thank you so much for your heartfelt and wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure planning and sharing in your Colombian adventure.
I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the diverse experiences and I'm glad you found the Amazon and Tayrona National Park to be a wonderful experience with the company of the wildlife.
Your kind words about feeling like VIPs and the seamless execution of the itinerary are the best compliments for us. It was our pleasure to ensure everything went smoothly.
I'm honored to have been part of creating a trip of a lifetime for you both. Thank you once again for choosing our services and your detailed trip report. Wishing you many more adventures ahead!
Warm regards,
Michael and the Chaska Tours Team

We highly recommend visiting Columbia
Colombia | Feb 4 - Feb 15, 2024

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lisa m.
Port Washington, NY | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024
Our time to Columbia was amazing. It was a last minute trip but Andrea was so great at putting it all together for us. She was able to switch hotels easily when the one we wanted was not available. Communication with her was fantastic and she is such a lovely person. She was a joy to work with!
Columbia is such a beautiful country with such interesting history and culture. Each destination had its own special appeal. The food was incredible, activities were fun, the people are so friendly...
Read more

Our time to Columbia was amazing. It was a last minute trip but Andrea was so great at putting it all together for us. She was able to switch hotels easily when the one we wanted was not available. Communication with her was fantastic and she is such a lovely person. She was a joy to work with!
Columbia is such a beautiful country with such interesting history and culture. Each destination had its own special appeal. The food was incredible, activities were fun, the people are so friendly and we never felt unsafe. Columbia is a must visit in South America.

Hotel Reviews
El Cielo Hotel
Medellin

Beautiful small hotel with incredible restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
Felt very inviting
Location
Walkable to nightlife area but could have been a little closer.
Staff
Staff was extremely nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bio Habitat Hotel
Quindío, Armenia

Unique and beautiful.

Authenticity & Character
Cool layout, fun vibe
Location
Great views with lush surroundings
Staff
Everyone was very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Pestagua Relais Châteaux
Cartagena de Indias

Such a beautiful hotel!

Authenticity & Character
So charming and beautifully decorated
Location
In the middle of town
Staff
Friendliest staff yet!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed was amazingly comfortable
Hotel Punta Faro
Isla Mucura

Beautiful beach hotel in the middle of the Caribbean, like staying on a deserted island

Authenticity & Character
Felt very relaxing and low key
Location
Surrounded by beautiful Caribbean water
Staff
Staff was very nice but as a non-spanish speaking person it was a little difficult to communicate as none of the waitstaff spoke any English so at times they were a little hesitant to approach to us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room is a little no frills. Service at beach was limited
Activity Reviews
Colorful Colombia: Hike to Guatapé Rock, Guatapé & Peñol-Guatape Reservoir
Colorful Colombia: Hike to Guatapé Rock, Guatapé & Peñol-Guatape Reservoir
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking in the Cócora Valley up to "The Hummingbird House" & Explore Salento & Filandia
Hiking in the Cócora Valley up to "The Hummingbird House" & Explore Salento & Filandia
Colombia

Not for the faint of heart. It was a very long hike but really beautiful.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee Farm Experience
Coffee Farm Experience
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Andrea Morita
Andrea
Andrea Morita
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 22, 2024

Dear Lisa,
Thank you so much for leaving us such a beautiful message. I feel so blessed to hear that your last-minute adventure to Colombia was everything you hoped for and more. It was my absolute pleasure to assist you in crafting this trip.
Thank you for trusting us with your travel plans. It was a joy to work with you, and I'm here to ensure your next visit to Colombia is just as memorable. Until we meet again,
I wish you all the best on your future travels.
Andrea

Wonderful bespoke family trip to Colombia
Colombia | Dec 16 - Dec 30, 2022

L
Lauren S.
Brookline, MA | Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024
It took me a little while to get to writing this review, but this family trip remains vivid in all of our minds! I planned this quite last minute (my fault) but Margarita was able to put together a trip that we all loved. It felt very bespoke. Our local guides were lovely and knowledgeable. We also appreciated that some of the activities we did - jungle walks, horse-back riding, a farm and cooking class visit, a basket-weaving class, visiting Palenque, and a drum lesson - all felt like... Read more

It took me a little while to get to writing this review, but this family trip remains vivid in all of our minds! I planned this quite last minute (my fault) but Margarita was able to put together a trip that we all loved. It felt very bespoke. Our local guides were lovely and knowledgeable. We also appreciated that some of the activities we did - jungle walks, horse-back riding, a farm and cooking class visit, a basket-weaving class, visiting Palenque, and a drum lesson - all felt like off-the-beaten path experiences. We prefer private experiences and that is what was delivered. The hotels were perfect for us, small and boutique (especially for such a last minute trip). Finally, one member of our party has celiac and needs a strictly gluten-free diet. margarita contacted every restaurant and notified them, making our dining experience truly a joy. I would definitely recommend Margarita to others (and, in fact, I have). Thank you for a lovely trip!

Hotel Reviews
Boato Hotel
El Peñol, Antioquia

Loved the views, the restaurant, the rooms and sitting outside by the fire. Lovely.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa du velo
pereira

This was a beautiful spot. Lovely decor, delicious food, the spa, and the friendly owners and staff made it a favorite hotel for our family. Thank you!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Punta Faro
Isla Mucura

We loved our time here. There were not many Americans other than us (which was a positive) and we enjoyed meeting people from Colombia, Europe, and other countries. The only challenge for us was that we had one member of our group who has celiac and cannot eat gluten at all, so the dining was a bit challenging for her. Since we always bring food for her with us, it was not a big problem. The massage was lovely by the ocean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
They were very kind. Not many spoke English, which made it a bit tough for us - but since we like traveling to authentic rather than touristy places, it was worth any small challenges!
Cleanliness & Comfort
We booked last minute, so our room was not as comfortable as I would have liked. But we loved the island.
Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 21, 2024
Hola Lauren!
Reading your review made my day! Even though planning was a bit last-minute (it happens!), I'm thrilled we managed to put together a trip that hit the mark for you and your family. Crafting those unique experiences is what I love doing.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the off-the-beaten-path activities and that the boutique hotels were just right, especially considering the timing. Taking care of dietary needs, like ensuring gluten-free options, is part of making sure everyone... Read more

Hola Lauren!
Reading your review made my day! Even though planning was a bit last-minute (it happens!), I'm thrilled we managed to put together a trip that hit the mark for you and your family. Crafting those unique experiences is what I love doing.

It's great to hear you enjoyed the off-the-beaten-path activities and that the boutique hotels were just right, especially considering the timing. Taking care of dietary needs, like ensuring gluten-free options, is part of making sure everyone has a great time.

Thanks a ton for recommending me to others. There's no better feeling than knowing our travelers are so happy they want to share their experience.
Can't wait to plan more adventures for you and yours in the future here in Colombia 🇨🇴

Best,
Margarita

So glad we chose Colombia!
Colombia | Feb 4 - Feb 17, 2024

Alex
Alex P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2024
We were first greeted by our cheerful guide, Andrea, at the airport. We spent a day with her traveling around Bogotá. She was enthusiastic and had lots of knowledge re Colombian history, art, food, and culture. We had a great first breakfast at Hotel Coco in their top floor sunroom with views of the mountains surrounding Bogotá and a colorful spread of delicious Colombian fruits and other tasty foods. Next, we went to Medellin and were met by Claudia and Martin. Claudia was a most... Read more

We were first greeted by our cheerful guide, Andrea, at the airport. We spent a day with her traveling around Bogotá. She was enthusiastic and had lots of knowledge re Colombian history, art, food, and culture. We had a great first breakfast at Hotel Coco in their top floor sunroom with views of the mountains surrounding Bogotá and a colorful spread of delicious Colombian fruits and other tasty foods.

Next, we went to Medellin and were met by Claudia and Martin. Claudia was a most excellent guide! Her knowledge, friendliness, and passion for her country was well complemented by English speaking driver, Martin, who added his own perspectives on various parts of Medellin culture and sights. We were so fortunate to have the two of them together. Our time with them was the highlight of the trip.

We then went to Cartagena and enjoyed our time there. We had a different guide for each event (Cartagena walking tour, kayaking, drum demonstration, horseback riding on the beach).
We then ended our trip with some time at the Caribbean resort island of Baru. We enjoyed kayaking to nearby islands and walking around an aviary where all the birds of Colombia are highlighted. Then one last night in Bogota before returning home.

Important points:
- so helpful to have someone greeting us at each airport and facilitating each departure (we took 3 domestic flights since driving within Colombia is too time consuming)
-very impressed with Avianca and LATAM Airlines
-easy and timely communication with trip organizers and guides using WhatsApp
-hotels were all modern and comfortable
-the best part of the trip was learning about the country by spending time with guides that were eager to show their love of Colombia, especially those that we spent multiple days with

Trip highlights not to be missed
-cable ride to Monserrate, a mountain that overlooks Bogota
-Museo Botero and Museo Del Oro- in Bogota, museum of the artist and sculptor Botero and nearby museum of gold
-Mercado de Paloquemao - tasted exotic fruits, a fun place if you like local markets
-Museo Casa de la Memoria, Medellin - museum dedicated to honor the memory of victims of urban conflict, paramilitaries, and drug trafficking in Medellin
-coffee plantation (Café de la Cima) - we visited a great family run place 1.5 hours from Medellin in Fredonia
-Guatapé - big rock to climb with stunning views and a boat ride on a nearby reservoir; tuk tuk ride in colorful town of Guatapé
-Comuna 13 and Santo Domingo neighborhoods in Medellin - use metro and metro cable car with guide
-Plaza Botero and Museo de Antioquia
-Getsemani neighborhood of Cartagena
-rum and chocolate tasting in Cartagena
- kayaking at Isla Baru
-aviary at Isla Baru
-street food: grilled corn, empanadas, arepas, fresh mango slices

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Coco
Bogotá

Such friendly staff! And a spectacular breakfast spread in a room that views the Bogota skyline and mountains.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Safe neighborhood with close by pharmacy and grocery store and tons of restaurants.
Staff
So friendly! Freddy was super helpful and welcoming!
Cleanliness & Comfort
We would recommend this hotel to all travelers.
Quinta Ladera
Medellin

Interior design was very artistic. Quiet, safe neighborhood, close to El Poblado restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very friendly!
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Poblado neighborhood can get noisy at night though this hotel is far from the noise. Laureles neighborhood is a good alternative though not as lush with greenery.
Casa La Factoria by Faranda Boutique
Cartagena

Beautiful decor in an historic building. Great location in the old city within a few blocks of Plaza de Simon Bolívar and Plaza de Santo Domingo.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Appreciated the air-conditioning.
Aura Hotel Barú By Sport Barú
Cartagena, Bolivar

Nice to have some time to relax. This was a low key retreat which was perfect for us. Kayaks, ping pong, paddle boards and other activities and games available.

Location
Very beautiful and picturesque Caribbean retreat but isolated.
Staff
Helped get us a ride to the nearby aviary.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Paloquemao Farmers Market |  Colonial Downtown & Monserrate
Paloquemao Farmers Market | Colonial Downtown & Monserrate
Colombia

One highlight at this visit, and for the whole trip was that our guide presented us with a sample of 6 exotic juices and their corresponding fruit.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andrea was great! She bought us some samples of fruit to take back to the hotel.
Transport
The City of The Eternal Spring & Street Food In La Comuna 13
The City of The Eternal Spring & Street Food In La Comuna 13
Medellín

We didn’t now much about all the factions that was part of the violence in the earlier decades in Colombia. That changed after we visited the Casa de la Memoria museum. It was an emotionally moving set of exhibits that is a must visit for anyone interested in understanding the violence that Medellin and the rest of Colombia suffered under. Saw both comuna 13 and Santo Domingo. Two different and fascinating neighborhoods. Comuna 13 gets all the attention and as a result is very touristy but Santo Domingo is quieter and maybe more authentic. The cable ride to Santo Domingo was a breath taking view of the city.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Loved the dynamic duo Claudia and Martin.
Transport
Travelled on the clean and modern metro and the cable car transportation.
Full day Coffee Workshop - "From the plant to the cup"
Full day Coffee Workshop - "From the plant to the cup"
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Walked the steep hills with the coffee farmer as he explained the the coffee process. We also harvested the coffee berries our selves.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Claudia translated for us as the farmer talked about coffee growing and roasting. Also, we tasted coffee and learn to discern different coffee types.
Transport
Discover Cartagena by Kayak
Discover Cartagena by Kayak
Colombia

Pleasant time kayaking but the trip did not match the description. Guide did not speak English so we did not learn much. Though Cartagena is a beautiful city from the inside, it wasn’t as interesting from the water.

Quality of Experience
Colorful Colombia: Hike to Guatapé Rock, Guatapé & Peñol-Guatape Reservoir
Colorful Colombia: Hike to Guatapé Rock, Guatapé & Peñol-Guatape Reservoir
Colombia

We enjoyed a boat trip on Peñol reservoir viewing vacation homes and beautiful scenery. Some of the properties were owned by Pablo Escobar. We then climbed up the famous rock El Peñol, which was not as difficult as we thought it would be. The views were spectacular. We then went to the town of Guatape, which is a fun colorful place to visit and walk around. After that we had a really tasty lunch at a Spa/Glamping restaurant called Bosko.

Quality of Experience
Great scenery, town, guide, driver, and food.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon-Night Walking Tour
Afternoon-Night Walking Tour
Cartagena

We learned about Cartagena‘s history walking through the old city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Horseback  ride at the Beach
Horseback ride at the Beach
Cartagena

First visited the horse farm of Paso Fino horses and learned about their unique gate. We then went to the beach and met the horses there and rode them on the beach. After that we had a nice lunch at a nearby resort.

Quality of Experience
We were met at our hotel by Maria, who it turned out, was from the family that owned the horse farm. During the drive to the farm, we learned about her life experience riding horses.
Food
Great ceviche!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Drum Safari - Sounds of Cartagena
Drum Safari - Sounds of Cartagena
Cartagena

We had a fascinating experience learning about the Afro – Colombian rhythms presented by an ensemble of drummers and dancers in a small beach town north of Cartagena. The event didn’t include a tour of the neighborhood as the description suggested. we appreciated the importance of maintaining this heritage.

Quality of Experience
Better with a bigger audience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide and interpreter Jhoker, who is also a musician, was really wonderful in helping present the info the drummers were relating.
Transport
Great driver! I left my phone in the car and he came back to give it to me.
Free day in Baru
Free day in Baru
Isla Barú

This was a relaxing place to close out a wonderful two week trip to Columbia. The views were beautiful from the various dining rooms. There were lots of comfortable places to sit and areas where you could play games like ping-pong or volleyball. They had kayaks and paddle boards that could be used at any time. The friendly bartender was available to make great drinks like limonada de coco and exotic cocktails. Paddling around the resort was easy in the morning when the water was still. We did manage to find a ride to a nearby aviary, which is well worth the trip.

Quality of Experience
Hotel Aura Baru was well situated, relaxing, and low-key, but isolated. There is no town nearby to visit. It would been great to have an opportunity to go by shuttle to the aviary. Perhaps the hotel could provide a daily trip to the aviary for visitors who are interested.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly staff.
Transport
The ride to the aviary, which took 10 minutes, was quite expensive for Colombian standards. The hotel should provide a shuttle to the aviary once a day for anyone interested.
Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on Feb 20, 2024

Dear Alex and Mitra,

Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and acknowledgments to our team. Your feedback is incredibly important to us as it allows us to ensure that everyone who works to make your trip unforgettable feels appreciated and happy.

We truly appreciate your beautiful energy and willingness during the trip! It was a pleasure to see you connect with our people, history, customs, traditions, and landscapes. Those pictures are amazing! 😍

You are always welcome here, and it was truly incredible to share these days with you too!

Warm regards,
Wendy

Margoth's Team was Outstanding
Colombia | Jan 16 - Jan 30, 2024

Joan
Joan M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2024
This is Joan and John Merriam’s review of their trip to Colombia from January 16-30 2024 which was planned and arranged by the KimKim team. We cannot say enough positive things about Margoth and Felipe and the rest of their team. During the planning stage and throughout our days in Colombia they were always quick to respond to any questions or concerns we had. Our trip consisted of four days in each of Medellin, the Coffee District and Cartagena concluding with a two night stay in Bogota.... Read more

This is Joan and John Merriam’s review of their trip to Colombia from January 16-30 2024 which was planned and arranged by the KimKim team. We cannot say enough positive things about Margoth and Felipe and the rest of their team. During the planning stage and throughout our days in Colombia they were always quick to respond to any questions or concerns we had.

Our trip consisted of four days in each of Medellin, the Coffee District and Cartagena concluding with a two night stay in Bogota. Our accommodations were in beautiful boutique hotels in the first three locations and a very comfortable first class hotel in central Bogota. And each location included restaurant recommendation that were always superb. Our guides - Diego in Medellin, Felipe and Mauricio in the Coffee District, Gabo in Cartagena, and Maria in Bogota were all very knowledgeable and could not do enough to make our tours both educational and enjoyable.

Overall, our trip in Colombia was a great experience and one we look forward to recommending to our many friends. We think the country has much to offer to travellers and that the people of Colombia are among the warmest and friendliest people we have met on our travels in many countries all over the world.

Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 18, 2024
Dear Joan and John, Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review and it is excellent to hear that you had a great time in Colombia. We are very passionate about what we do, and making sure that our travelers have a great experience in our country is our priority. Thank you for traveling around our country, and for taking the time to immerse in our culture and traditions, as well as enjoy what Colombia has to offer. I will certainly pass on your comments to everyone that... Read more

Dear Joan and John,

Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review and it is excellent to hear that you had a great time in Colombia.

We are very passionate about what we do, and making sure that our travelers have a great experience in our country is our priority. Thank you for traveling around our country, and for taking the time to immerse in our culture and traditions, as well as enjoy what Colombia has to offer.

I will certainly pass on your comments to everyone that was a part of your trip, and I hope you stay in touch. Thank you very much for recommending us and sending you all my Best wishes to you and your family and friends! Hasta pronto queridos amigos!

Best Wishes,
Margoth

Enjoyed our trip to Colombia
Colombia | Jan 26 - Feb 6, 2024

B
Barb N.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024
Enjoyed our trip to Colombia. Highly recommend Wendy. Excellent contact and follow up before and throughout the trip. The itinerary was great to see the sites and absorb the culture of Colombia. Read more

Enjoyed our trip to Colombia.

Highly recommend Wendy. Excellent contact and follow up before and throughout the trip. The itinerary was great to see the sites and absorb the culture of Colombia.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Salento Real Eje Cafetero
Salento

Rooms were hot but thankful they gave us a portable fan. Breakfast was basic though personable staff cooked to order. TV didn’t work but the staff tried.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy walking to the Main Street. Quiet location.
Staff
Staff did not speak English but our guide helped.
Cleanliness & Comfort
York Luxury Suites Medellín
El Poblado, Medellin

Excellent staff and many spoke English which was helpful. All were friendly and personable. Great sunset from balcony off the fitness room. Modern hotel with kitchen facilities.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A ways from everything
Staff
Friendly and very helpful that many spoke English. Reception staff was excellent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel
Santa Marta, Magdalena

Older hotel. Rooms were comfortable. Breakfast was satisfactory. Rooms were clean but towels a bit worn.

Authenticity & Character
Location
I think everywhere in Santa Marta seemed a bit sketchy.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ermita, Cartagena, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
El Cabrero, Cartagena

Comfortable hotel but on a busy road and hectic sidewalk to walk into the historic town. Floor in our room was filthy. We took our shoes off at the door and I could feel dirt under my feet. I took toilet paper and water and mopped the floor to try to get the floors clean enough. There was water under the sink and the hairdryer pouch was wet. I put tissue under the pipe to try to determine if major leak and it seemed condensation. It wasn't major so didn't call the staff. The next day the cleaning staff removed the tissue and put a towel there. Beds were comfortable. The rest of the hotel was kept very clean. Breakfast was good. Loved the fresh fruit.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Please mop the floors in the rooms between guests.
GHL COLLECTION HOTEL 93
BOGOTÁ

Excellent breakfast. Food and serving staff were outstanding. Nice to have pancakes and eggs made to order. Presentation was amazing. Nice to have flavoured water in the lobby in the afternoons. The beds were comfortable. The only complaint I have is the bathroom sink is of very poor design. The angled sink was not practical. The tap was not a simple turn on and off and it sprayed everywhere including on us every time it was turned on.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Good location to walk to restaurants and shopping mall if so desired.
Staff
Staff at Breakfast were 10 stars!!!!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Paloquemao Farmers Market |  Colonial Downtown & Monserrate
Paloquemao Farmers Market | Colonial Downtown & Monserrate
Colombia

Amazing to tour the flower displays. Great to sample the fruits and drinks to get a flavour for Colombia. Interesting to see the Gold Museum. Enjoyed the drive past the murals but would have been nice to walking tour of them instead. Good to go up Monserrate mountain.

Quality of Experience
Food
Lunch was amazing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andrea was an excellent guide. She had great knowledge, enthusiasm and tailored the tour to do this the day after it was scheduled due to the impact of the fires where we wouldn't have been able to do a lot of it. The driver was great too. Nice to have water provided.
Transport
Good vehicle. Nice to sit in front seat so I could take pictures out the window.
The Salt Cathedral & Zipaquirá
The Salt Cathedral & Zipaquirá
Colombia

The Salt Cathedral is a must do when you go to Bogata. Spectacular to see and experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andrea explained things very well and knew where to get the best pictures of us. She is very personable and respectful of other tourists.
Transport
Coffee Farm Experience
Coffee Farm Experience
Colombia

We enjoyed our visit to the coffee farm and hearing the family's story of struggles and survival and seeing how they have developed and do their business. They were very engaging. Also enjoyed meeting their family.

Quality of Experience
Food
We didn't have lunch at the farm due to appointment by the farm owner but had a good meal in a restaurant with a beautiful property.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Personable guide who was a good interpreter with the farm owners and took some good pictures of us picking the coffee beans.
Transport
Part of the overall experience was travelling in the back of the jeep to get to and from the farm.
Salento, Filandia, & the Valley of Wax Palms
Salento, Filandia, & the Valley of Wax Palms
Colombia

Enjoyed the Valley of Wax Palms and doing the hike to the lookouts. A bit commercialized but you can avoid the tacky touristy things they have added and focus on the trails and the views. Nice viewpoint above Salento to see the valley. We did not go to Filandia due to our guide not having it in their itinerary.

Quality of Experience
Food
Excellent restaurant and food.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Both the guide and driver were personable. Nice to have water provided.
Transport
Comfortable vehicle.
Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on Feb 20, 2024

Dear Barb,

It was a pleasure to welcome you here in Colombia and South America! I hope you've been enjoying your trip. Thank you for including us in your adventure and for acknowledging the efforts of our team in showing you the best of our country.

You will always be welcome here; Colombia awaits you with open arms and a cup of coffee.

Warm regards,
Wendy

Kimkim Tour: Medellín and beyond: 5 STARS
Colombia | Feb 3 - Feb 13, 2024

Mary
Mary R.
Waukesha, WI | Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024
Our Medellin experience began with superb planning by Alvaro at Kimkim Travel. We decided a short tour would be best for us and it was set up exactly as needed and tweaked when we changed something which is the beauty of Kimkim! Maria, our tour guide, met us at the airport and was lovely, informative, helpful, friendly and spoke excellent English. We then had our quiet and courteous driver, Raul, take us to our clean and comfortable hotel in a location that has everything. The hotel band was... Read more

Our Medellin experience began with superb planning by Alvaro at Kimkim Travel. We decided a short tour would be best for us and it was set up exactly as needed and tweaked when we changed something which is the beauty of Kimkim! Maria, our tour guide, met us at the airport and was lovely, informative, helpful, friendly and spoke excellent English. We then had our quiet and courteous driver, Raul, take us to our clean and comfortable hotel in a location that has everything. The hotel band was fun and entertaining. Breakfast each morning that made us feel like a King and Queen! The first tour day was 4 hours learning about the city and its history. We did the metro and cable car to Comuna 13 and the people’s story from Maria who lived through and in it. She became our friend that day. Leaving the city the 2nd tour day to Guatapé was a long and exciting day to The Rock where Maria and I climbed to the top - 702 steps. People cheered on our arrival at ground level and the memories are forever depicted in our views and photos at the top. The next day was SW of the city to the finest coffee plantation where the son in the family business showed us and explained the entire process of making a cup of coffee. Cima in Fredonia, was 2 hours away from our start but the drive with Raul again, made it relaxing. Maria interpreted since the family spoke no English. They made a delicious meal and finally coffee tasting. We dined at suggested restaurants at night that Maria advised were best. The 3rd day was a drive to La Miel - a nature conservation area of river and waterfall where we had a 90 minute hike on a natural trail of water running through rocks while we were educated on the area and flora and fauna by Lena - interpreted through Maria. Lena was wonderful too and at the end we cleaned up and changed for an excellent cooking class and meal at Martha’s - a woman who grows everything she prepares. The flowers, birds, hilled surroundings, made such a memorable day. We rate 12 out of 10 for each special day of the tour and return home with new friends and recommend Kimkim as the travel agents who plan specifically for their client’s needs!! Mary and Rudy Ralian of Wisconsin. Gracias Amigos!!!!

Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Feb 14, 2024
Dear Mary and Rudy, Thank you immensely for your heartfelt review of your Medellin experience with us. I am thrilled to hear that every aspect of your journey, from the meticulous planning to the memorable excursions, surpassed your expectations.
I am so happy that Maria, Raul, and the rest of our team could contribute to making your trip so special. Your words regarding their dedication and expertise are deeply appreciated and will be conveyed to them.
Thank you once again for choosing...
Read more

Dear Mary and Rudy,

Thank you immensely for your heartfelt review of your Medellin experience with us. I am thrilled to hear that every aspect of your journey, from the meticulous planning to the memorable excursions, surpassed your expectations.
I am so happy that Maria, Raul, and the rest of our team could contribute to making your trip so special. Your words regarding their dedication and expertise are deeply appreciated and will be conveyed to them.
Thank you once again for choosing Kimkim for your trip. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back on another unforgettable journey in the future.

Hugs from your local friend,
Alvaro

Fun and interesting time in Cartagena
Colombia | Jan 24 - Jan 28, 2024

M
Mary L.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Feb 04, 2024
The online staff was quick to respond and super helpful. Our guide Daniela was knowledgeable and fun. Read more

The online staff was quick to respond and super helpful. Our guide Daniela was knowledgeable and fun.

Hotel Reviews
OSH Hotels

Oasis in Gestemani. Walking distance to everything or a quick Uber ride. Friendly staff, comfortable rooms and beds. Breakfast was bountiful and pools relaxing and clean.

Authenticity & Character
New hotel but in keeping with the vibe of Cartagena.
Location
Bonus - we could walk to the fort.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sparkling clean
Hotel San Pedro de Majagua
Isla Grande

A gem!!!!!!!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Felipe Rico
Felipe
Felipe Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 04, 2024

Hi Mary, Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review and Thank you very much for your feedback. Thank you for making me a part of your trip, and for visiting our home country Colombia, and sending you all my very Best Wishes.

Best, Felipe