Ana Gutierrez

How do I put into words my Patagonian Adventures that I've experienced with the people I've met in this journey of self discovery. They are all now a part of my extended family. I've seen such splendor, majestic beauty, and an overwhelming sense of grandeur. It's like when God finished creating the world in 6 days before he rested on the 7th he dusted his hands off over the Patagonian Provinces of Argentina and formed a lavish banquet of wonders with an array of unique wildlife, mountain... read more

How do I put into words my Patagonian Adventures that I've experienced with the people I've met in this journey of self discovery. They are all now a part of my extended family. I've seen such splendor, majestic beauty, and an overwhelming sense of grandeur. It's like when God finished creating the world in 6 days before he rested on the 7th he dusted his hands off over the Patagonian Provinces of Argentina and formed a lavish banquet of wonders with an array of unique wildlife, mountain peaks, glaciers, forests, and lakes all in Argentina for all the world to enjoy and embrace.

(INSERT PHOTO OF ANA AND ME TOGETHER HERE)

I thoroughly recommend Kimkim as they have outperform, and surpass my expectations. All the accommodations were nothing less than 5 stars, all transfers to and from hotels, all my domestic flights across Argentina were handled with such detail, my friend Ana was handling it all. ( I just can't call her a tour specialist). I feel Ana has been with me through this journey from start to finish. When I started this plan to cover as much of Argentina in 16 days I thought it was an impossible task. From Day 1 to Day 16 Ana was right there with me. From My Buenos Aires Querido to all of Patagonia. Starting with my first stop in Calafate as I ventured on a Mini Trekking across the Perito Moreno Glacier, in San Marcos Bariloche experiencing the Nahuel Huapi National Park in the province of Río Negro and Neuquén, along the Valle Encantado route 237 la Angostura this region comprises the southern section of the Andes Mountains with lakes, fjords, rainforests, and glaciers in the west and deserts, rich tablelands and steps to the east. Patagonia is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east and many bodies of water that connect them. More than a trip of a lifetime. This checks all the boxes on my bucket list.

BARILOCHE
I can't forget my friend Luis (now a part of my extended family) my private guide as he shared with me the beauty of this province and the wealth of its natural resources. Luis’s knowledge of the province from the Condors nesting grounds to how the locals protect and respect nature. Luis and I spent 14 hours covering as much of the Patagonia landscape before night fall. Stopping to see Llamas crossing the routes and capturing their beauty as local commuters were missing out on what was in front of them. The voyage on board CauCau ferry headed to Victoria Island overjoyed with the breathe-taking views. You have to see it in order to believe it. I did the Circuito Chico Lago Moreno. Llao Llao, saw llamas, Rio Limay, it’s un-imaginable how small we are and what we take for granted, we miss out on what is in front of us. I took time to listen, hear, smell and taste the pureness of the air that was surrounding me. I even visited the smallest Rio in the world. (Thank you Luis for this gold nugget) Rio Correntoso. Folks...the list of lakes and wildlife goes on and on.

IGUAZU
Next stop was Iguazu Falls National Park, my dear guide Camila more than just a guide, she's smart and very pretty. Super knowledgeable with the flora and fauna of Iguazu and has the ears and eyes of a hawk to find the smallest of details of the wildlife that live and breathe in this region. Camila and I managed to walk 600 meters on the green path, 1750 meters on the superior circuit and rounded it out with a 2200 meter walk to the Devils Throat (astounding 80 meters in depth) all while managing to see an early morning rodent Acuti, birds like the Magpie, Boyero, Mallard Ducks, Jotes (black head and red head), Aninga, and Coati mammals.

MENDOZA
My families home, this is where the self discovery comes in. Rich in ancestral history that dates back to the 1900s starting with my Grandfather Don Gustavo Julian Ruiz Cornellias and his lovely wife J. Elvira Ruiz de Gagliolo they migrated from Madrid Spain to Buenos Aires at 30 years of age. I was born in Buenos Aires and came to the United States, and the rest of my family settled in Mendoza where I managed to learn of my great great grandfather's contribution to Argentina’s rich history as he is immortalized at the Plaza Marcos Burgos right next to the national hero of Argentina, Chile and Peru Jose de San Martin. If you love wine Mendoza is the place for it and visiting the vineyards of Tupungato & Tunuyan is the right place to start. Time to relax, inhale the beauty that is Valle de Uco. Ana and her dream-maker team set me up with an experience that I will never forget at Casa De Uco, a must stay, wine testing at various vineyards like Gaia, Sophenia and the Piece de resistance lunch at Andeluna, I totally recommend this place, the food, the warmth of the staff at Andeluna is unmatched. Take 3-4 hours for lunch its so worth it. I was the last to leave. Make sure you stop at Puente de Inca along the Rio Mendoza before you experience Cerro Aconcagua, have a picnic lunch at the foot of Laguna Horcones and take in the beauty that is this province.

In closing don’t let a day go by without embracing it. I found real meaning on this trip. What truly matters. It’s Family and Time. There is a balance. Life is short and we are not promised tomorrow. So live for today. Be grateful for what you do, what you have, and share with those around you that are not as fortunate. We are all part of one another in one shape or form, we touch peoples lives with kindness whether you believe if of not….so be kind.

My husband and I just returned from a two week tour of northern Argentina. Our private tour was arranged by Ana and she put together a perfect trip. We spent time in Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Salta. We loved all of these areas. She arranged our domestic flights and I received our boarding passes very timely (I'm a little fanatical about details). Our guides in each area were very friendly and took such care to make sure we did and saw the things we wanted and at our pace. This was... read more

My husband and I just returned from a two week tour of northern Argentina. Our private tour was arranged by Ana and she put together a perfect trip. We spent time in Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Salta. We loved all of these areas. She arranged our domestic flights and I received our boarding passes very timely (I'm a little fanatical about details). Our guides in each area were very friendly and took such care to make sure we did and saw the things we wanted and at our pace. This was important as we are not spring chickens. Flo was our guide in Buenos Aires for our city tour. She was knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Our guide in Iguazu Falls was Matias who is a fantastic guy. We spent two great days with him and they are two days we will never forget. When he picked us up at the airport, he immediately asked if we had our proof of covid vaccination as this is required to enter Brazil to see the Falls from that side. I didn't have mine but was able to immediately reach our son who messaged it to me. I highly recommend seeing the Falls from both sides as the views are so very different. I appreciate Ana including this as I hadn't looked into it and we loved the experience. Matias also suggested a local place to have lunch in Puerto Iguazu that was one of the best meals we had the whole trip. Our guide in the Salta Area was Jorge, We spent three day with Jorge and had a blast. There is so much to see in this area that appears to be off the beaten path. Everything from rainforest to desert. We visited small villages, traveled through mountains with views that take your breath away. Jorge was our driver as well as our guide and did a great job of both. I tend to be a bit of a nervous passenger as I usually am the driver as I love to drive as did Jorge. I was totally relaxed with him as the driver on the harrowing roads used in this area. Our activities in Buenos Aires included a city tour, an asado dinner, a dinner with a tango show and a day at a gaucho ranch where we rode horses. All these were great additions to our trip. The hotels chosen for us by Ana were perfect. You can book your custom tour with Ana and KimKim with full confidence of having a wonderful vacation.

Hotel Reviews

CasaSur Palermo Hotel

Buenos Aires

This hotel is in trendy Palermo with tons of restaurants. We felt totally safe walking throughout the area. The staff are friendly and the rooms are extremely clean.

Authenticity & Character

Very clean, good breakfast and very helpful staff.

Location

Great neighborhood.

Staff

Helped us in many ways.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Comfortable bed, very clean and fast elevators.

Loi Suites Iguazú Hotel

Puerto Iguazú

Great resort type hotel. Beautiful views. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that the buildings are connected by suspended walkways. I have never been a graceful person and had some trouble keeping my balance on the walkways if anyone else was on them at the same time.

Authenticity & Character

Top rating for a beautiful hotel.

Location

Beautiful location but secluded so it doesn't leave you many options for eating unless you take a taxi into town.

Staff

The wait staff in the restaurant weren't very attentive.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean.

Legado Mitico Salta Hotel Boutique

Salta

I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed this hotel. It is unique, beautiful and has a great location. The breakfast has a lot of options including eggs cooked to your liking. The staff are really friendly and helpful. The rooms are beautiful, comfortable and extremely clean.

Authenticity & Character

This is an old building that has been renovated into a beautiful hotel. You are greeted with your own wine, cheese, and olives reception. Has a library and outdoor area to relax and enjoy some downtime. Our room had it's own secluded patio.

Location

Great location. .

Staff

All the staff were great.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean and roomy.

Activity Reviews

Asado Dinner at El Fogón

Buenos Aires

This is a really unique experience. What was suppose to be a seven course dinner ended up an eight course dinner. It is just fun. The staff interact with the customers all during the meal. The food is cooked to perfection.

Quality of Experience

We felt very welcomed and were treated so well. The food is excellent!

Food

All of the courses were great. Just remember to take it slow as the best is last.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Staff was very friendly and fun.

Transport

We arranged our own transportation to the dinner and used Uber.

Buenos Aires Barrios Tour

Buenos Aires

Beautiful part of Buenos Aires.

Quality of Experience

Very colorful.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide, Flo was informative and fun. Our driver did a great job driving in very heavy traffic.

Transport

Comfortable vehicle and good driver.

Gala Tango Dinner & Show

Buenos Aires

The food was good but for us the dancing went on too long. Ignore the previous if you are a late night person.

Quality of Experience

Food

Good but not memorable.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Staff was professional but not as friendly as other places we ate.

Transport

Used Uber.

Day trip to San Isidrio & Tigre Delta

Buenos Aires

For my husband and me, this was a really good experience. The boat ride was very interesting and enjoyable. Seeing life along the river was fun and enlightening. Seeing the El Tigre area was a nice addition to our experience.

Quality of Experience

Our guide did a great job of making sure all of his group kept informed although we did spread out on the boat.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was a very fun person, the driver was good.

Transport

Really enjoyed the boat ride.

Estancia Gaucho Day

Buenos Aires

The guide had so much information she shared with us on our way to the Gaucho ranch. Enjoyed the horse ride. The food here was excellent. We didn't participate, but really enjoyed watching others learn the dance.

Quality of Experience

Was a fun day.

Food

Really good food.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was very informative and the staff did a terrific job.

Transport

Comfortable van and a nice drive.

Brazil Falls & Birds Park

Argentina

Iguazu Falls are spectacular from the Brazil side. You get the full panoramic view. The bird park provides a lot of information regarding the native species and was definitely worth the time spent there.

Quality of Experience

Just a totally awesome view of Iguazu Falls.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide and driver were both extremely friendly and professional.

Transport

Very comfortable vehicle.

Visiting the Argentine Waterfalls of Iguazu

Argentina

What a fun day we had with our guide. The Falls are so close. We took the train first thing in the morning and avoided the crowd for this first viewing of the Falls from the Argentina side. Then took the two upper paths. These are long walks but very much worth the effort. It was a hot day so really enjoyed the mists. Lots of nature to enjoy on the path walks. My husband and guide then took the third (lower) path and there they saw the monkeys.

Quality of Experience

Great day of walking and seeing the falls.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide and driver could not have been better.

Transport

Comfortable vehicle.

Tour of the City - Discovering Salta's Hidden Treasures

Salta

Was a fun way to get to know the city of Salta.

Quality of Experience

Saw local crafts, museum and wine tasting.

Food

Had some really good coffee, lunches and dinners.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jorge was both our driver and our guide. Great at both.

Transport

Enjoyed riding in the pickup truck through the mountains.

Scenic Drive to Cafayate

Salta

Beautiful drive through the mountains. The echo chamber was fun. My husband enjoyed the wine tasting and the wine museum was interesting.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visiting Quebrada de Humahuaca

Salta

Another great day of driving through the mountains with beautiful views. The small villages are definitely where you want to purchase locally made items. They are displayed on tables around the village square. The hills of seven colors is gorgeous.

Salinas Grandes

Argentina

We did not get to see this.

Dear Ana & friends and all who help make our trip truly outstanding, the the guides the accommodations, providing transportation etc …everyone who made our trip truly memorable what a great adventure and to meet such nice people…..thank you very much to each and everyone of you …. You live in a unique part of our world 🌎…… sincerely yours David read more

Dear Ana & friends and all who help make our trip truly outstanding, the the guides the accommodations, providing transportation etc …everyone who made our trip truly memorable what a great adventure and to meet such nice people…..thank you very much to each and everyone of you …. You live in a unique part of our world 🌎…… sincerely yours David

We had a wonderful trip to Patagonia with the assistance of KimKim and their rep Ana. Our 13 day trip took us through Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chalten/Fitz Roy and W-Trek at Torres Del Paine. We had wanted to do some customized experiences, such as our own camping - and she was accommodating.
We were welcomed at the start of our trip in Buenos Aires with a welcome gift box with souvenirs, local food/snacks and wine - and also at some other later accommodations there were welcome gifts... read more

We had a wonderful trip to Patagonia with the assistance of KimKim and their rep Ana. Our 13 day trip took us through Ushuaia, El Calafate, El Chalten/Fitz Roy and W-Trek at Torres Del Paine. We had wanted to do some customized experiences, such as our own camping - and she was accommodating.
We were welcomed at the start of our trip in Buenos Aires with a welcome gift box with souvenirs, local food/snacks and wine - and also at some other later accommodations there were welcome gifts waiting for us, which was a nice touch.
We did have a couple hiccups with car transfers between locations, but Ana quickly resolved those.
As for our itinerary - I think we did as much as we could in a 13 day period. But to fully experience both the Argentina and Chile side of Patagonia one really would need an extra week, as there was a good amount of things we didn't have time to do on either side. Also with the weather being unpredictable one would want extra time, just because there may be days you can't see much - but that depends on the time of year also (we went in the fall). However this bucket list trip was epic nonetheless and we will treasure the memories forever.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Madero Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires

Upscale hotel with welcoming staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hostería América

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hosteria Senderos

El Chalten

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Los Canelos Hostería

El Calafate

Smaller rooms than our stays in Ushuaia and El Chalten which was odd given this is a larger city than those two, but otherwise beautiful hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Weskar Lodge

Puerto Natales

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Refugio Paine Grande

Puerto Natales, Chile

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Esmeralda Lagoon Trek & Dinner

Ushuaia

Gable Island and Penguin Colony with Harberton Ranch

Ushuaia

Laguna de los Tres Trek

El Chaltén

Estancia Cristina Discovery Trek

El Calafate

We can’t say enough good things about our trip! Ana was great at every step - from planning, to pre-departure, to questions and check ins along the way. We had a great mix of activities and saw and learned things we never would have on our own. We can’t wait to book with Ana again! read more

We can’t say enough good things about our trip! Ana was great at every step - from planning, to pre-departure, to questions and check ins along the way. We had a great mix of activities and saw and learned things we never would have on our own. We can’t wait to book with Ana again!

Ana was just super helpful and supportive! Couldn't ask for a better Specialist. Its not a quick trip from Florida but once you get a feel of the argentinian people what a wonderful visit. Dont hesitate to see this gorgeous land!!!!