Kimkim Trip Reviews for Mexico

We had an amazing trip planned and carried out by Kimkim to the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our stay included three nights each in Valladolid and Tulum. Our activities included seeing various Mayan ruins (Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum), a boat ride seeing crocodiles and flamingos (our captan Luis was the only one who went far enough out to see the flamingos while we were there, and then we had a delicious lunch at his house prepared by his wife, Malchita, got to play Uno with their grandson Matias), snorkling with turtles, swimming in 4 different cenotes, cooking lessons on traditional Mayan foods. The hotels we stayed in were local, we enjoyed avoiding the big name companies and got to experience more true Mexico than a room that could be anywhere in the world. The ease of the trip was a blessing, from the planning to the execution. We were met at the airport and then each morning by our driver for the day, who took us to each of our destinations, waited for us, and took us to our next and then back to our hotel. Our amazing drivers included Jesus, Carlo, Francisco, Ivan #1, Ivan #2. I got an update each evening with the next day's plans and identifiation of the driver which made it very straight forward. I would highly recommend Kimkim to anyone travelling and looking for local experiences and low stress vacations.

Hotel Reviews

Piedra Escondida

Tulum, Quintana Roo

Beautiful location with friendly, helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

El Mesón del Marqués

Valladolid

Great room, friendly people, excellent food. Flavor of Mexico.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Cenotes of Chemuyil

Mexico

This was by far our family's favorite activity. We were picked up by one of the founding members, Ivan, of the Cenotes of Chemuyil restoration project. We enjoyed hearing about their effort at cleaning up and protecting their community and space of their childhood memories. The bike ride was easy and pleasant, getting to see some of the town along the way. The variety of the cenotes, from cave-like to open, was cool. The water refreshing, the guides friendly. The food at the end of the day was the cherry on top. I would highly recommend this tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit the archaeological site of Tulum

Mexico

Beautiful. Our guide was acceptable. I think the 4th ruin was a little too much for us. Kids loved seeing some of the animals before we entered the park.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

This was the only activity where we had trouble meeting up with our guide. Our driver, Ivan, was very helpful and made calls to get us in the right place.

Transport

Snorkeling and Sightseeing with Turtles in Akumal

Mexico

It was really amazing to see the turtles. Unfortunately, the seaweed came in a couple days before we got there, so visibility and enjoyment were not as good as they could have been.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Cobá!

Mexico

Our guide, Sebastian, was friendly and very informative.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit to Lol Ha cenote in Yaxunah

Mexico

This was our first cenote experience and we really enjoyed it. Fun to explore, cool off, experience something new.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cooking Cochinita Pib with locals at Yaxunáh

Mexico

The food that was cooked was amazing. The experience was brief but enjoyable. The kids enjoyed the "hands on" aspect.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Chichén Itzá, Wonder of the Maya World

Mexico

Amazing experience. Enjoyed the knowledge of our guide, Ricardo.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Carlo was an amazing driver and guide. He taught us about the Mayan culture, including helping us learn some basic words.

A pink-ish day at Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas

Mexico

Our captain Luis (Baba) was amazing, took us further out than any of the other boats in order to find the flamingos, then went back to his house for an amazing lunch prepared by his wife Malchita.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided tour to the AS of Ek Balam

Valladolid

Baltazar was an excellent guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jesus was amazing

Driver Ray and guide Francisco were superb, could not ask for better.

This trip to Mexico was amazing! The ruins were fascinating and the beaches and lagoons were spectacular! The staff at Rancho Encantado in Bacalar were particularly friendly and helpful. They were great at helping us get transportation when we needed it and helped us plan our day to make our son’s birthday a wonderful day!

Our favorite parts of the trip were floating in the Sian Ka’an and going to see the ruins in Calakmul. Being so far out in the rainforest. Seeing monkeys swing from the trees, and climbing up the ruins to see the amazing views from above is something we will never forget! My one critique is that a couple of the activities that we had planned on the itinerary were not what was described for us. We were put in a large group tour to Chichén itza when we were told it would just be a small group tour and it felt very rushed that whole day. Other than a couple discrepancies like that between the itinerary and what really happened, the trip went smoothly and kimkim did a great job helping us plan it. Thank you kimkim!

Charlotte and team provided us with a wonderful itinerary and excellent support throughout our 11-day trip through the Yucatan peninsula. The highlights for our family of four (including two teenagers) were the group bike tour in Chemuyil (with a wonderful guide, stopping at three amazing cenotes), the tour of the Sian Ka'an nature reserve (also with an excellent guide; we especially enjoyed floating down the river through the mangroves), and the visit to the village of Yaxuna where locals showed us how they are making a living and cooked the most delicious meal for us (and let us swim in their beautiful cenote). Seeing the Mayan ruins in Tulum, Chichen Itza and Ek Balam was great, too. Two relaxing days on the beach in Holbox added the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip. KimKim and their local specialist, Mexplorer, impressed us with excellent hotel choices and community-based tours supporting the local people and sustainable development. We would definitely book another trip with KimKim!

Hotel Reviews

Villas Flamingos

Quintana Roo

Beautiful hotel on the beach. The rooms were very comfortable, and the views amazing. Only complaint would be that, due to the rain, large puddles of still, murky water formed between the hotel area and the beach, making beach access a bit difficult and unsightly.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

El Mesón del Marqués

Valladolid

Excellent hotel in the city center. Comfortable rooms, nice pool, and beautiful restaurant, including a rooftop. Parking was free and easy. Highly recommend going to the Zaci cenote, which is just a 5-10 minutes walk from the hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Villa Pescadores Tulum

Tulum

Beautiful hotel in a nature reserve, very quiet, with a nice little beach. Great breakfast by the seaside, and an amazing outdoor yoga space. The pool is much smaller than it looks in the pictures though. And access to the nature reserve, for this and many other hotels, is a bit complicated, with guards stopping you every time you enter coming from the city, searching your car for any plastic and asking you to pay the daily fee. The small hassle is well worth it though. Once you are in, it's lovely.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Boat tour in the natural reserve of Rio Lagartos

Mexico

Beautiful nature reserve, but not as memorable an experience as Sian Ka'an for instance. The tour was in Spanish only, by the boat driver. Saw amazing birds, including pink flamingos (from afar) - and three crocodiles very close up! Las Coloradas were more brown than pink, but still interesting to see. The Mayan bath (fango mud) at the end was fun.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Yaxunah Mayan village

Mexico

Loved spending the day with the local community in Yaxunah! Everything was in Spanish - from the cooking, to visiting the herb garden, to learning how to make hammocks, watching the men craft jewelry from bull horns, and visiting the local Mayan ruins. The food they cooked for us was incredible, and the cenote we swam in beautiful!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Punta Laguna

Mexico

Very local experience in a town of about 250 people. Saw spider monkeys, walked through a forest, zip-lined over a lagoon, canoed across the water, and descended into a very deep, dark cenote. Our guide, Julio, was knowledgeable and spoke English. Had a delicious lunch at the local restaurant after. Not as exciting as other tours we did but well worth a visit if you are interested in small-scale, sustainable tourism run by local people.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Boat tour in the Natural Reserve of Sian Ka'an

Mexico

Wonderful nature experience! Our guide, Manuel, was outstanding at managing our group of about 12 people from various countries. Beautiful boat ride through the mangroves, with lots of bird sightings, and some manatees. Highlight was floating/swimming down a river, being pulled by the current, through the mangrove forest. The tour started with breakfast and ended with lunch at the community center, which was a nice way to get to know the other people in the group.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tulum Cenote Bike Tour

Tulum

Absolutely loved this group bike tour to three cenotes! Oswaldo, our guide, was outstanding, and the three cenotes each were different (one fully covered, one half covered, one open). We learned a lot, and had fun swimming, diving and following our guide through tight passages in the caves and taking photos underwater. Also very much enjoyed the delicious lunch the local ladies cooked for us at the end.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a great time. The trip gave us a true flavor of the city, the neighborhoods, history and the food. Oh the food! Hugo put together a great itinerary including some things we would definitely not have considered if we had just planned it ourselves, like the Lucha Libre experience and the "tortilla crawl."

Hotel Review

Andaz Mexico City Condesa

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Discovering Teotihuacán by bike, a unique archaeological experience

Mexico City

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

La Lucha Libre! An authentic México City Experience.

Mexico City

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Everything was perfect. Everything was well planned. Everything was punctual. The hotels were beautiful. The guides were great. Could not have asked for a better vacation.

All of our guides were fantastic!

Hotel Review

Hotel Punto Mx

Mexico City

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Hasta Luego Mexico!

Mexico

Dinner at Plaza Garibaldi

Mexico City

Very festive! A nice way to end our trip!

Air Balloon Flight over Teotihuacan & Walking Tour

Mexico City

Totally unique and wonderful.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Free time in Mexico City

Mexico City

Descriptions of some other neighborhoods would have been helpful so we could have explored. Such a huge place!

Hike in the Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park

Mexico City

More info about what to expect would have been helpful. Since we were hiking in a hailstorm it would have been helpful to bring gloves! Overall it was a great day. The coffee on the hike was appreciated!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A Colonia Roma Mexico Culinary Tour with Locals

Mexico City

Food

San Ángel & Anahuacalli Museum

Mexico City

Such an interesting place especially the architecture

Mexico City: Xochimilco, Coyoacan & Casa Roja (Casa Kahlo) Museum

Mexico City

A very robust day! The canals of xochimilco were so colorful and unique!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Mexico City

Mexico City

Jorge and Alejandro made our trip unforgettable. Ana Sofia and Luz Maria were very helpful and attentive. Great experience!

Kimkim Travel Planning Service arranged our personalized trip with a local travel group called Rutopia. This well curated trip of Puebla and Mexico City for 7 days is titled "Flavors, Art & Heritage: A Mother-Daughter Journey Through Mexico." And we did just that! It was seamless with well communicated daily agenda that had fun, educational experiences and extraordinarily delicious tastings included. Just let them know what you want to see, do and experience and they deliver them very nicely! We highly recommend them!

Ana Sofia faced-time with us to get a sense of what type of experience we wanted, give us a chance to convey our goals. Of course, throughout the time of planning, we came up with more requests and ideas, and so did Ana, who made the necessary adjustments. Ana was very responsive to our needs. And so were Luz and Maria who were the local agents. The drivers and tour guides made us feel very safe and cared for. We sensed their pride for their culture which made it more enjoyable for us.

Highlights: A. Museum of Anthropology, Museo Soumaya, Frida Kahlo's Red House, Anahuacalli Museum, Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera's Houses and Work studios. Puebla City/Cholula is a must for its charm and slow pace. The beautiful cathedrals, hearing the histories, their differences in beauty.
B. Street Food Tour in Puebla - It's the only way to taste and experience what the locals do, so fun and delicious!
C. The Milli Restaurant, Corn Kitchen in Cholula - excellent food, demonstration with audience participation in this nationally award-winning cooperative of farmers promoting ancient, original corn.
D. Wonderful Tastings menu and experience of a Milpa Dinner at Tezontle restaurant in the Casa de la Luz Hotel.
E. The hotels that were centrally located, catering to our needs of having a pool for relaxation between the activity-filled days.
F. Sonora Grill Reforma - One of the recommendations when we were on our own. Just the type of break we needed . It had a lively atmosphere and very delicious steaks!!
G. The door to door private ride service and tours: Worry free car rides and tours that started from our hotel.

You may skip the boat ride of the canals of Xochimilco. A one-time experience is more than enough. We happen to have asked for it and didn't know aside from the write-ups. Although, it was nice to drive through the very long garden/flower market. Unless you want to have an hour-long party drinking, eating, singing with a Mariachi band while riding the vey colorful boats, it's not our groove. We found it too commercialized and the river jam packed with boats and cacophony of different Mariachi bands singing side by side. One boat even had music playing loudly amongst the other live bands. I could imagine how it must have been a long time ago when the boats were decorated with fresh flowers and steered along the shallow river by the boatman using his long pole.

Suggested improvement: Having the drivers (and their cars) and tour guides refrain from wearing strong scents. I happen to be very sensitive to it and Luz listened to my needs and responded quite well by making the necessary adjustments, after a couple of tries. The driver replacement did not wear perfume but his car, although it was very clean, was heavily scented. The issue was eventually resolved.

We were very happy with our trip, overall, and the help we got from Charlotte and others. The various things that were less than perfect that we point out here are just for your ability to improve going forward - not strong criticisms!

Hotel Reviews

Puerta Chichen

Pisté

Everything was fine. The room itself didn't have much character. Pretty much like any other motel in the U.S.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Le Muuch

Valladolid, Yucatán

The hotel was both beautiful and very well located. The staff was exceptional. A couple of minor issues. The bed wasn't great. And the hotel was next door to what is functioning as a doggy day care or kennel, so every so often the barking was pretty crazy.

Authenticity & Character

beautiful combo of classic and modern styles. beautiful outdoor spaces.

Location

Near center of town. Exceptionally safe.

Staff

Many different staff members went out of their way to help us.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bed wasn't great.

Activity Reviews

Bike Ride to the Cenotes around Valladolid – Eco-Friendly Activity

Valladolid

The cenotes were uncrowded, and totally beautiful. The bike ride was a perfectly reasonable way to get there and back, but nothing special. I think your info indicated a spanish speaking guide, which would have been ok, but he actually spoke english quite well

Quality of Experience

Market tour & cooking class

Mexico

Everything about this, from the setting to the market to the teacher to the food was great.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ek Balam site with an English speaking guide

Mexico

This site was probably more beautiful and interesting than Chichen Itza. Again, the guide was both very knowledgeable and spoke English quite well.

Hammock Weaving Workshop

Mexico

We enjoyed this, especially my wife who is a knitter, etc., but to call it a "workshop" is an overstatement. We spent only a couple of minutes weaving, and no one spoke english. It was fun to watch, and try, briefly, ourselves.

Chichen-Itza site with an English speaking guide

Mexico

Our guide (trained as an achitect) spoke english well and was very knowledgeable. The site itself probably doesn't live up to the "7 wonders of the world" but was none the less very cool and interesting.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was excellent, both based on knowledge and english speaking ability

Transport

Kimkim's system for letting us know the time the driver would pick us up was hard to figure out at first. Two much technology -emails, what's app, kim kim website. Pick One! Unrelated - we had like a 12-15 passenger van, and there were only 2 of us . Kind of wasteful!

All our guides were excellent. They were knowledgeable and really brought Mexican culture alive - walking Tours in CDMX, SAN Miguel de Allende and tours to vineyards, tequila distillery and Whale watching - all were top notch!

Hotel Reviews

San Trópico Boutique Hotel & Peaceful Escape

Puerto Vallarta

We loved this space!!! The room was large, 2 sides opened up to enjoy all the amazing weather of Puerto Vallarta. The bathroom was outside and incredibly spacious.

Authenticity & Character

Location

In the marina district

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Morada Hotel

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

The room was large and the bathroom huge and Liberia’s but there were no windows that could open. Additionally, the listing said there was a pool and a roof deck with a hot tub. There was none of this

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right next to the cathedral

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

No windows. The existing windows were frosted and did not open.

Zócalo Central

Mexico City

Clean, wonderful location and the extra amenities were exceptional.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Half a block from the zocala

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Thank you!

Puerto Vallarta

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Humpback whales’ season in Bahía de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta

The activity began with an educational overview of humpback Whales which we thought set a nice Tone For The 3 h boat tour of the bay. Awesome!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

City tour & Tequila Tasting

Puerto Vallarta

The tequila tasting and tour were great. We are the the on site restaurant which was really excellent,

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Walking tour through the historical center

San Miguel de Allende

We enjoyed our walking tour in St-Miguel. The guide, (whose name I do not remember), was thoughtful, interesting and attentive.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guides’ effort to educate us.

Transport

The tours

Wine tasting at San Lucas Vineyard

San Miguel de Allende

We learned so much from the vineyard host, including Mexican wine and all wine in general. The wine pairing was exceptional.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tour of historic Mexico City with street food tasting

Mexico City

The variet of the food was exceptional and our guide Mar’ knowledge of all things related to CDMX was extraordinary.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Free time in Mexico City and Ballet in Bellas Artes

Mexico City

Bellas rates and ballet florique was magical and really provided a rich exploration of Mexico culture

Quality of Experience

Mexico City: Xochimilco, Casa Azul Museum & Museo Casa de León Trotsky

Mexico City

The variety of the 3 activities and the timing were exceptional.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Mexico City

Mexico City

The guide was remarkably knowledgeable and approachable

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our trip to Mexico City and Puebla planned through Kimkim was absolutely fantastic. Every detail was thoughtfully arranged, from the smooth private transfers to the knowledgeable guides and unique cultural experiences. The itinerary struck the perfect balance between structured tours and free time to explore, and we especially loved the food tour in Puebla and the visits to the museums in Mexico City. The accommodations were well-located, making it easy to enjoy each destination. Communication with the Kimkim team was seamless throughout the process, Luz with Rutopia was especially helpful. It was a memorable, stress-free trip, and we would happily use Kimkim again for future travels.

We had an absolutely fantastic experience working with Kimkim travel. I had never heard of this company, which made me rather hesitant. I was immediately put at ease by their direct communication and responsiveness from start to finish. Hugo Romero, our incredible travel agent, listened very carefully to our interests and responded quickly as our plans evolved. His accessibility via email and video call made the process tangible, reassuring and exciting. Ibis, our “travel companion”, was truly amazing. Before our trip we had a wonderful phone call to iron out details of the itinerary. She made it clear that she was available to us for any questions or concerns. She was in contact with us every day, making sure that each transition was seamless and that our every concern was addressed. Our drivers and guides were all very professional, knowledgeable and reliable.

Hugo created an amazing experience that allowed us to appreciate the stunning beauty and rich culture of the Yucatan Peninsula. The specific experiences were all beyond our expectations. Our amazing tour of Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve was filled with incredible wildlife encounters and was followed by a delicious meal in the home of our captain. His wonderful family welcomed us with such kindness that it felt like an all-to-short home stay. Our guide at Chichén Itza was a lovely elderly Mayan gentleman who shared his deep passion and knowledge. Our time in the Mayan community of Yaxunah was phenomenal. It was a privilege to be in this beautiful setting, learning of the history and traditions surrounding the preparation of delicious Cochinita Pib. Meters away was the Lol Ha cenote, where we were the only ones swimming in this peaceful, magical place.

Our trip coincided with an unfortunate moment of unrest following the death of a cartel leader. While we never felt any personal risk, we decided to end our trip early as there were shelter-in-place orders along the Mayan Riviera, which was to be our next destination. Ibis and Hugo were both reassuring of our safety and understanding of our decision. They supported us completely as we revised our travel plans. Due to their great effort and the generosity of the tour operators, we were reimbursed for all our missed activities. While we were saddened to miss out on the experiences, it was beyond reassuring to feel that this travel company was looking out for our best interests and responsive to our every need. I can say with great confidence that we look forward to working with them in the future as we are eager to return to Mexico.

I would like to give a Big Thank You to Luz, our local contact. It was like she was right behind us all the time making sure we had a memorable and safe experience. We was very reachable and responsive. A great problem solver and a pleasure to work with.

All the drivers were prompt and most were friendly. Our driver guide for the trip to the butterflies was Pablo and we spent a wonderful 11 hours with him. All the other local guides were very knowledgeable and some had interesting backgrounds.

Our trip was very well organized, with drivers and guides on time and completely knowledgeable. Our guides in Izamal, Chichen Itza and Meridad were outstanding! The drivers were excellent as well! The Hacienda Merida was a gem of a hotel, located in the heart of the Historic District. The rooms were very spacious and colonial style, with a delicious breakfast. El Meson del Marques in Valladolid was lacking. The location is excellent, but rooms are tiny, with no amenities at all! Not even a bathroom hook! Kind of disappointing, although their restaurant is outstanding! Much, much better than the two recommendations we got for Museo de la Gastronomica in Merida and El Atrio del Mayab in Valladolid. Our excursion to Rio Largartos was special, as was Ek Balam! A special shout-out to Luz Ma, who helped me greatly all during the trip, with questions and concerns I had. She went out of her way to be in touch with me immediately and make everything right. I would definitely recommend Kimkim for anyone looking to go to Mexico. Thank you for all of your help in making my trip so special.

Hotel Reviews

El Mesón del Marqués

Valladolid

This hotel gets three stars because of its location. The hotel is nice looking, with lots of trees and plants all around, but the rooms are sorely lacking in everything! Uncomfortable beds and pillows, no hooks in the bathroom, tiny rooms, etc. I requested and paid for a "balcony" room, and got a "Juliet" balcony room. No room for a chair to sit! Was disappointed. The restaurant is outstanding and wished I had eaten there for dinner, instead of the recommendation we got.

Authenticity & Character

Lots of things!

Location

Heart of the city.

Staff

The front desk reception was lacking in knowledge and not helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bad beds/pillows.

Hacienda Merida

Mérida

Beautiful, colonial style mansion, in the heart of the Historic District. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, the staff friendly and accommodating and the breakfast was fresh and delicious! Would definitely stay here again!

Authenticity & Character

Character, beauty, details.

Location

The best location in the heart of the Historic District.

Staff

Friendly and accommodating.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beds were very comfortable, bathroom was large and stocked, all perfect.

Activity Reviews

Ek Balam Archaeological Site & swim in a cenote

Mexico

Mayan ruin in the jungle! Again, try to get here as early as possible, as it gets very hot in there! Climbed and walked around and then to the cenote and lunch, which is on the same premises. Lunch was EXCELLENT and the cenote is huge and beautiful!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Chichén Itzá, Wonder of the Maya World

Mexico

What can you say about this?! Outstanding! Be there at 8am when the gates open. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to really see the place, which is bigger than you think. All kinds of vendors waiting to get in at 8am as well. Lots of bathroom facilities around too. EXCELLENT guide here! We really had a great time here. The total Mayan experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A pink-ish day at Río Lagartos & Las Coloradas

Mexico

It takes a while to get there, 2 1/2 hours, but worth it! You take a small boat far into the bay to see all kinds of birds, crocodiles, etc. Had lunch in the Captains house, locally done. Interesting.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Yellow Izamal: the City of Hills

Mexico

A very cool experience, small town, great guide, nice ruin you can climb for a view. Definitely worthwhile!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

City Tour of Merida: The White City

Mérida

Excellent tour guide with tons of knowledge and information! Showed us the biggest local market, explained everything we were looking at, walked up to monuments, museums, etc. Highly recommend!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dining recommendations in Mérida

Mérida

Unfortunately, we did not like the two dining recommendations we were given: Museo del Gastronomica and El Atrio del Mayab. Very mediocre food. Do not understand why so many people are there.

Quality of Experience

All activities and drivers were where they were supposed to be.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

All very knowledgeable, spoke very good English, friendly and helpful.

Transport

Clean, friendly, knowledgeable, on time.

Our entire trip was wonderful and went smoothly. Our contact Luz Ma was attentive and checked in daily. Our excursions were perfectly curated and a special shout out to our driver Victor when we were in Merida. Our accommodations were exceptional.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Can Cocal eco boutique

El Cuyo

Felt like being with family

Authenticity & Character

So small and eco friendly

Location

At then end of town and short walk to the beach

Staff

Every single person provided great service, Aretzia (maybe spelling wrong) was the perfect initial contact person. She was very helpful with letting us know about the hotel etc… she is so kind and thoughtful. LUIS! Well he made our day everyday. His enthusiasm and joy was contagious. Jose was always interested in talking to us and made us feel like friends. All the staff are exceptional.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very comfortable bed

Hotel Posada San Juan

Valladolid

This was like coming home every day

Authenticity & Character

Gorgeous rooms and sitting area for breakfast

Location

Not far from the plaza

Staff

Kind and attentive

Cleanliness & Comfort

Loved the sitting area outside the room. Bed comfortable. Quiet

Hacienda Merida

Mérida

Spacious rooms, attentive staff and great location. Wonderful breakfast. Shout out to Armond

Authenticity & Character

High ceilings- “seperate houses” with dedicated pools

Location

East to get to the plaza and trendy 43-47 street

Staff

Always kind and attentive

Cleanliness & Comfort

Overall nice

Activity Reviews

Beach days in El Cuyo

El Cuyo

Just what we hoped for

Welcome to El Cuyo

El Cuyo

El Cuyo is a gem

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The taxi was in poor shape- ripped seats and dirty.

Cooking Cochinita Pib with locals at Yaxunáh

Mexico

Def a highlight of the trip. The education and then able to help with the meal was special.

Food

Cochinita pibil!

Visit to Lol Ha cenote in Yaxunah

Mexico

Not crowded cenote… what a treat!

Quality of Experience

Our guide was so thorough and educational

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was wonderfil

Transport

Uxmal, a city with Puuc style

Mexico

Our guide was so knowledgeable and interesting.

Quality of Experience

Perfect amount of time

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Again…Victor

Transport

Street Food Tour in Merida

Mexico

Laura was the perfect guide. She thoughtfully picked out great places to eat. Her interactions were genuine.

Quality of Experience

Aww

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Víctor from Ricalde was outstanding

Transport

On time and Comfortanle

Chicken Itza and Siam Ka’an were fantastic experiences made eve better by our guides. Ana Sophia did an outstanding job planning the trip and itinerary. Once there, our local specialist Luz arranged for pickup and all the on-the-ground coordination as well as informing us the night before what the next day’s activities will be.

Hotel Review

Blue Diamond Luxury Boutique Hotel

Playa del Carmen

A nice hotel, but maybe getting a bit long in the tooth. Helpful staff. The pool is nothing special and the beach is just okay. It was all inclusive so food and drinks are part of the package. Be sure to bring ample cash and make sure to tip, and tip often. Three large projects are being developed right next to it which may be a bit overwhelming in the future. I’d give the Blue Diamond a solid four stars…but definitely doesn’t approach a five-star property.

Authenticity & Character

Nice gardens.

Location

It’s going to get pretty crowded in that neighborhood in the next couple of years.

Staff

Very helpful staff…be sure to show your appreciation by tipping.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms are nice and spacious

Activity Reviews

Thank you!

Mexico

The Ancient Canal Experience in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve with transportation from Playa del Carmen (afternoon)

Playa del Carmen

Beautiful area. Lots of wildlife. Great boating experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Fantastic guide and boat driver. They spotted a lot of wildlife

Transport

Cooking Class in the Mayan Community Nuevo Durango: A local feast!

Mexico

A good authentic experience with a Mayan family. We ground corn, made masa, and made the tortillas. A lovely guide helped with translation and explanation to enhance our experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Helping to make the meal

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

"Playa del Carmen Authentic Local Experience"

Playa del Carmen

Great guide on our food tour. Went to a number of “hole-in-the wall” spots that most tourists would miss.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Had to arrange for our own transportation for this trip

All of our arrangements were done well. We enjoyed both the provided tours and exploring on our own. Our guides were very knowledgeable and great people to talk with as well. The drivers for our transfers were also wonderful. I think one thing that will always stay with me is the feeling I got as I climbed the steps at Monte Alban, knowing that those same steps were once walked upon by the Zapotec people very long ago.

Hotel Reviews

El Sueño Hotel & Spa

Puebla

The room was clean and nice, but we noticed that the lamps by the bed kept flickering and upon inspection the wiring for them was scary. The restaurant was kind of spendy with a limited offering. The breakfast that came with the room was okay at best, and also very limited.

Authenticity & Character

A bit too much spa like for our taste.

Location

The location was good, near most of what you will want to see in Puebla.

Staff

The staff were wonderful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our room was clean and comfortable.

Majagua

Oaxaca

It felt like some of the staff was exhausted and overworked. The bar was supposed to be a restaurant too but all we saw was a rudimentary breakfast. Most of the staff were pleasant and helpful, but others, not so much. The facility was quite pleasant looking and most things worked well.

Authenticity & Character

New and modern but I prefer traditional.

Location

Adjacent to a great park with lots going on and one of the best Italian restaurants I’ve been to - Arte Italia.

Staff

Mostly fine.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa González

Mexico City

We have stayed at this hotel twice now, it is always clean, the gardens are beautiful and a pleasure to sit and relax in after a day of exploring. The breakfast they offer is as good as you will find in any of the restaurants nearby.

Authenticity & Character

Like the city itself, it is a mix of newer amenities but, with that old world look and charm.

Location

It is located in an area that is very walkable to many sites in Mexico City.

Staff

The staff is warm and friendly, as well as always being ready to help, rather you need something in your room or a recommendation.

Cleanliness & Comfort

This is. Very clean hotel, they also offer laundry service for a reasonable fee.

Activity Reviews

Explore the history and crafts of Oaxaca through Monte Alban, Arrazola, Cuilapam and Coyotepec.

Oaxaca

Fabulous!

Puebla City Tour & Talavera Workshop

Puebla

Bottom line - I’d do it again.

Hugo was very helpful especially cancelling and refunding the bioluminescence trip which would have been a waste of money due to prevailing conditions. Eduardo arranged all our transfers efficiently and was helpful too.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Santa Fe

Puerto Escondido

Authenticity & Character

Location

Quiet end of town

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

But interiors are tired and could do with upgrading

Majagua

Oaxaca

Excellent location , clean and comfortable accommodation , especially the beds. Helpful staff. Disappointing breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Very modern and clean. Nice terrace for drinks and breakfast

Location

Quiet end of town but still within walking distance of Santa Domingo

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Hasta Luego Mexico!

Mexico

Puerto Escondido at your own pace

Puerto Escondido

Free Afternoon in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido

Casa Wabi

Puerto Escondido

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Oscar was excellent

Welcome to Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido

Quality of Experience

Explore the history and crafts of Oaxaca through Monte Alban, Arrazola, Cuilapam and Coyotepec.

Oaxaca

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Free Time in Oaxaca

Oaxaca

Oaxaca's Hidden Gems: Discover Mitla, Hierve el Agua, Teotitlán & Mezcal!

Oaxaca

Mixed. We were left to visit the waterfall without our guide as rules precluded him from taking us round.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Walk through Oaxaca's colourful streets

Oaxaca

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

NA

The guides provided were certainly of high calibre particularly Fermin at Anthropology museum and victor who took us to Guanajuato.
The highlights were Rosario butterfly sanctuary,
Guanajuato and the Anthropology museum.
The charm of San Miguel was magical too.
The friendly Mexicans and the great food made the trip memorable.