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active 5 hours ago

Chadya Ricardo

Hello fellow travelers! I'm Chadya, a Brazilian - Lebanese travel enthusiast. I was born in Brazil and have lived in 3 different countries. I have gained experience working for several travel agencies and airlines. 2 years ago I decided it was time to move back to Brazil to deeply explore my country and let other people enjoy the best experiences here. My goal is to help travelers create memories that will last forever in this magical country!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Brazil is our specialty! Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Brazil is so diverse, and it can offer all kinds of experiences for all."

How did you get involved in travel?

"Since I was a little kid, I would always get excited every time I see an airplane in the sky, and that is when my passion for exploring and traveling began. I've had the opportunity to visit new destinations with my family and coming back from each trip made me think “where can we go next?”. When deciding what I wanted to do in life I knew I wanted traveling to be part of it, so I studied travel and tourism and graduated in 2016. I've done several internships in small travel agencies and tour operators while studying. I began my career in the travel industry working for an Airline, where I was able to meet many beautiful people and travelers from all over the world. After 4 years of working, my passion for people and cultures made me realize that I want to deeply know my country of origin (Brazil) and know more about its people and what it offers! Combining my passion and my 2 years living in Brazil, I now want to share what I've learned in this amazing country and show its uniqueness, by offering tailor-made tours and unique experiences for all types of travelers."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Every new destination has its own charm, but the most unique trip was the one I took with my family to Foz do Iguaçu. Where all cousins reunited for Christmas after so many years. We had the opportunity to deeply explore the city and visit almost all the famous tourist spots, including the Iguaçu falls. A totally magnificent display of nature that gives you a great peaceful feeling! For a little bit of adventure, we took the macuco safari ride that allows a clear view of the forest and even some wild animals. We were also able to navigate the Iguaçu river to get close enough to the falls and enjoy a little soak in the refreshing waters. It was an inexplicable experience!"

Chadya is part of the following groups: Brazil Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Chadya

Incredible trip to our favorite parts of Brazil!
Brazil | Nov 2 - Nov 21, 2023

H
Hailey C.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Nov 30, 2023
Incredible trip to our favorite parts of Brazil! My wife and I had lived in Brazil for a time doing volunteer work. We were unable to do much tourism when we lived there so we didn’t have tons of knowledge about what to do or how to book it. Luckily we had the fortune of using Kim Kim and getting to have Chayda’s recommendations. It was very short notice but everything was done extremely well. Our plans were updated on the fly as we wanted to have a little bit of extra time in certain areas.... Read more

Incredible trip to our favorite parts of Brazil! My wife and I had lived in Brazil for a time doing volunteer work. We were unable to do much tourism when we lived there so we didn’t have tons of knowledge about what to do or how to book it. Luckily we had the fortune of using Kim Kim and getting to have Chayda’s recommendations. It was very short notice but everything was done extremely well. Our plans were updated on the fly as we wanted to have a little bit of extra time in certain areas. We loved our guides in Rio and Jericoacoara namely Miguel, Cézar, and our driver from Parnaíba to Jericoacoara (for the life of me I can’t remember his name but he was amazing).

Activity Reviews
Half Day- Rio by Bike
Half Day- Rio by Bike
Rio de Janeiro

Beautiful parts of Rio and at a great pace.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dune Buggy Tour
Dune Buggy Tour
Jericoacoara

Great opportunities to see the cool areas of Jericoacoara. Knowledgeable guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cézar was very friendly and made sure we got to spend our time well
Transport
Half-Day Tour of Two Brothers Peak & Vidigal Favela
Half-Day Tour of Two Brothers Peak & Vidigal Favela
Rio de Janeiro

Tour guide Miguel was awesome and flexible to our needs. We had some of the most amazing moments exploring Rio and the Favelas. We felt very safe and well guided the whole time

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excepcional English skills
Transport
Authentic Brazilian
Local specialist: Chadya Ricardo
Chadya
Chadya Ricardo
Local specialist in São Paulo | Replied on Dec 01, 2023

Hi Richard & Hailey,

Thank you for your fantastic review! I'm thrilled to hear that planning your trip with us was enjoyable and everything went smoothly. It's great to know that Miguel, Cézar, and your driver from Parnaíba to Jericoacoara left a positive impression. We look forward to welcoming you again in Brazil, and I wish you many more fantastic journeys! :)

A great introduction to Brazil
Brazil | Nov 15 - Nov 26, 2023

A
Angela A.
France | Reviewed on Nov 27, 2023
Chadya was efficient and provided an ideal itinerary, taking in all our preferences and trip needs.
In Paraty, guide Danielle was especially good, also Luis in Rio de Janeiro, and Marcos in Iguacu.
All our places to stay were exactly as described, and the drivers were on time, and connections by boat and plane were as described. We have seen the most amazing places and enjoyed great food and company.
We particularly like the Pousada d’Ouro in Paraty, also the Pousada Naturalia in Ilha...
Read more

Chadya was efficient and provided an ideal itinerary, taking in all our preferences and trip needs.
In Paraty, guide Danielle was especially good, also Luis in Rio de Janeiro, and Marcos in Iguacu.
All our places to stay were exactly as described, and the drivers were on time, and connections by boat and plane were as described. We have seen the most amazing places and enjoyed great food and company.
We particularly like the Pousada d’Ouro in Paraty, also the Pousada Naturalia in Ilha Grande
As older travellers, we would have liked more written information of our flight details before we got the boarding passes by email the day before the flight. I am a bit of a worrier, and this was perhaps the only detail I could mention in a superbly managed trip.

Activity Reviews
Full Day Paraty Tour
Full Day Paraty Tour
Paraty

Guide Danielle excellent, good historical knowledge

Quality of Experience
Golden Trail Tour
Golden Trail Tour
Paraty

The two waterfall stops were good, but the distillery not much to see.

Half Day Boat Tour of Ilha Grande
Half Day Boat Tour of Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande

Lots of swimming

Christ the Redeemer & Sugar Loaf Mountain
Christ the Redeemer & Sugar Loaf Mountain
Rio de Janeiro

We did Christ the Redeemer visit and Sugar Loaf trips on different days, and I would recommend that, as they are the two most amazing experiences and needed time to appreciate. So the old town could be added on one of those days

Full-Day Private Tour through the Old Rio
Full-Day Private Tour through the Old Rio
Rio de Janeiro

Luis guide recommended. He showed us the old library, go and see. Also craft shops and painters studio

Iguaçu Falls - Brazilian Side
Iguaçu Falls - Brazilian Side
Foz do Iguaçu

Guide Marcos very helpful. Has to be seen to be believed

Iguaçu Falls - Argentinean side
Iguaçu Falls - Argentinean side
Foz do Iguaçu

Guide Marcos very helpful We also visited the dam instead of the bird park. We found that very interesting. Marcos arranged the change, thank you.

Local specialist: Chadya Ricardo
Chadya
Chadya Ricardo
Local specialist in São Paulo | Replied on Nov 27, 2023

Hi Angela!

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the trip and that everything met your expectations. Organizing your journey was a pleasure, and we look forward to welcoming you again to explore new destinations in Brazil. Your feedback regarding the flight details is noted, and I appreciate your suggestion. Wishing you many more wonderful travels ahead! :)

Best,
Chadya

5 Stars
Brazil | Nov 12 - Nov 19, 2023

K
Kaitlyn O.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 21, 2023

Highly recommend KimKim and Chadya! Our travel experience was seamless and it was incredible having everything perfectly set up for us. Chadya was also very accommodating in helping to adjust our itinerary to make it affordable, and exactly what we wanted. Our guides and tours were incredible, and we felt so safe the entire time. I would definitely use their services again, and would recommend them for anyone interested in a travel agent!

Local specialist: Chadya Ricardo
Chadya
Chadya Ricardo
Local specialist in São Paulo | Replied on Nov 28, 2023

Hi Kaitly,

Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to write a review! It was a pleasure working with you. I'm delighted to know that you had a great time and that we were able to offer you a seamless experience. We'd love to assist you again in the future and appreciate your recommendation. :)

Best,
Chadya

11 days private tour in Salvador, Ouro Preto, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
Brazil | Oct 3 - Oct 13, 2023

K
kim H.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 20, 2023
Everything went well with the plan. We got pick up on time and have a good drivers + tour guide staff. /We were not happy with one tour guy (he was old and rude to us) and got a replacement right away the next day.
Our hotels are reasonable and in good locations but they are not the top as we pay the VIP package. Especially, the hotel in Sao Paulo: it should be rated as 2 -3 stars not 4. I would recommended that you choose your hotels rather than Kimkim.
Sao Paulo is very big city...
Read more

Everything went well with the plan. We got pick up on time and have a good drivers + tour guide staff. /We were not happy with one tour guy (he was old and rude to us) and got a replacement right away the next day.
Our hotels are reasonable and in good locations but they are not the top as we pay the VIP package. Especially, the hotel in Sao Paulo: it should be rated as 2 -3 stars not 4. I would recommended that you choose your hotels rather than Kimkim.
Sao Paulo is very big city and quite dangerous for tourist. Other cities are ok but still: walking at night after 7: 30PM is not recommended.

Hotel Reviews
Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Rio de Janeiro

The pool is too small. Not for swimming but sit in to cool and drink.

Authenticity & Character
Location
In front of the beach and surrounded with restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Solar do Rosário
Ouro Preto

Overall review: Good location, not really a 4 stars as it claims. It does not provide water and have no kettle or coffee maker in the room; it has a good size swimming pool and good restaurant to dine in. We rate it as 3 stars hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Washroom a bit old and smelly.
Wish Hotel da Bahia
Salvador

Good location: beside of a city park. Good restaurant in front of hotel . Not many restaurant near by. I would rate this hotel as a 3 stars. NO free bottle water in the room either.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wyndham São Paulo Paulista
Sao Paulo

it is definitely not a 4 stars hotel. No free water bottle in the room. Hotel restaurant is not great. Next door has an Agentina restaurant which has excellent steak with very good price.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Half- day tour in Belo Horizonte and Transfer to Ouro Preto
Half- day tour in Belo Horizonte and Transfer to Ouro Preto
ouro preto

We landed in Belo Horizonte and was pick up by the driver and a tour guy who did not even offer to help us with luggages. We has only 2 carryon and 2 napbacks but it was a very long walk from the airplan to the parking. Our tour guy was a very old man whom mumbling that we could not understand a word he said then he yelled as my husband when my husband complained about no good air condition in the car. We was upset and asked to go straight to our hotel in Ouro Preto: forget about the tour. We was glad that Kimkim change our tour guy the next day. The car air condition was fixed the next day as well. Our driver was great with all the steep hills in Ouro Preto.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Chadya Ricardo
Chadya
Chadya Ricardo
Local specialist in São Paulo | Replied on Oct 21, 2023

Hi Kim! Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're glad to hear that overall, your trip went well, with punctual pickups and a good team of drivers and tour guides. We apologize for the inconvenience you experienced with one of the tour guides, and we were pleased to provide you with a replacement promptly. We appreciate your honest input regarding the hotel accommodations, and we'll certainly take your comments into consideration for future bookings. I wish you safe travels and wonderful adventures in the future!

Great experience in South Pantanal/Bonito
Brazil | Sep 11 - Sep 18, 2023

J
Joakim G.
Norway | Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023
Our local specialist, Chadya, put together a great package according to our requests. We got to experience the highlights of the area. Our itinerary was well communicated with relevant details included. The total price was a bit higher than expected, though partly due to our own choosing. But the transparency of the pricing was not very good, the price of each component of the trip was not laid out. We had a great local guide/translator, Miguel, who had lots of helpful and interesting... Read more

Our local specialist, Chadya, put together a great package according to our requests. We got to experience the highlights of the area. Our itinerary was well communicated with relevant details included. The total price was a bit higher than expected, though partly due to our own choosing. But the transparency of the pricing was not very good, the price of each component of the trip was not laid out. We had a great local guide/translator, Miguel, who had lots of helpful and interesting knowledge. We found that the use of translator for airport pickup/drop-off was a bit unnecessary. But all in all we a great trip and we are pleased with the experience.

Local specialist: Chadya Ricardo
Chadya
Chadya Ricardo
Local specialist in São Paulo | Replied on Sep 19, 2023

Hi Joakim,

I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that Miguel's assistance was helpful. Your feedback concerning pricing transparency and the airport pickup/drop-off service is greatly appreciated, and I will make sure to improve these aspects in the future. It was a pleasure working with you, and I look forward to the opportunity to welcome you again in Brazil.

Best,
Chadya

Beyond exceptional
Brazil | Aug 3 - Aug 11, 2023

A
anna B.
Malta | Reviewed on Sep 06, 2023
Our trip to Brazil was amazing from the start when we decided to contact kimkim. Chadya is exceptional and she catered to our every need even though we kept changing dates and programmes. All our guides were exceptional and went out of their way to see that we had a wonderful vacation. Well done kimkim. I would recommend kimkim to anyone and I would use them over and over again. Beyond exceptional!! Read more

Our trip to Brazil was amazing from the start when we decided to contact kimkim. Chadya is exceptional and she catered to our every need even though we kept changing dates and programmes. All our guides were exceptional and went out of their way to see that we had a wonderful vacation. Well done kimkim. I would recommend kimkim to anyone and I would use them over and over again. Beyond exceptional!!

Hotel Reviews
Arena Leme
Rio de Janeiro
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Bogari
Foz do Iguaçu - PR
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Adrianópolis All Suites
Street Salvador, 195
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amazon Eco Park Jungle Lodge
Manaus
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Christ the Redeemer & Sugar Loaf Mountain
Christ the Redeemer & Sugar Loaf Mountain
Rio de Janeiro
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Iguaçu Falls - Brazilian Side
Iguaçu Falls - Brazilian Side
Foz do Iguaçu
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Iguaçu Falls - Argentinean side
Iguaçu Falls - Argentinean side
Foz do Iguaçu
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Forest of the Monkeys
Forest of the Monkeys
The Amazon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the native's house
Visit to the native's house
The Amazon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Recreational Piranha fishing
Recreational Piranha fishing
The Amazon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Meeting of the Waters
Meeting of the Waters
The Amazon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nocturnal tour with animal spotting
Nocturnal tour with animal spotting
The Amazon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jungle Walk
Jungle Walk
The Amazon
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Chadya Ricardo
Chadya
Chadya Ricardo
Local specialist in São Paulo | Replied on Sep 06, 2023

Hi Anna, I'm glad to hear that you had an amazing trip! It brings me great joy to know that my assistance has helped enhance your overall experience. Your kind words and recommendation are greatly appreciated. We look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you back to Brazil in the future!

10/10 -- Amazing Brazil Vacation!
Brazil | Aug 12 - Aug 25, 2023

Carla
Carla W.
Irving, TX | Reviewed on Aug 28, 2023
What an incredible trip! Tackling a huge country like Brazil in just two weeks was a daunting task, but Chadya made the whole process easy and enjoyable. Her itinerary was wonderful; we visited Rio, Foz de Iguacu, the Amazon, and Jericoacoara, and all were amazing experiences. The hotels (Copacabana Palace, Hotel das Cataratas, Villa Amazonia, Juma Amazon Lodge, and Huricane Jeri) were uniformly top notch. Our excursions were interesting and informative, with private guides able to help... Read more

What an incredible trip! Tackling a huge country like Brazil in just two weeks was a daunting task, but Chadya made the whole process easy and enjoyable. Her itinerary was wonderful; we visited Rio, Foz de Iguacu, the Amazon, and Jericoacoara, and all were amazing experiences. The hotels (Copacabana Palace, Hotel das Cataratas, Villa Amazonia, Juma Amazon Lodge, and Huricane Jeri) were uniformly top notch. Our excursions were interesting and informative, with private guides able to help cater to exactly our whims (cheers to Vincente for his patience while we bought havaianas!). My traveling companion is staying in Brazil for a few weeks, and he's looking forward to hanging out with another guide, Pedro, to surf.

One of the best things about a service like kimkim is that all the little details are taken care of. It was so nice to know that someone else was checking us into our flights, and a car would be waiting to take us to the airport and pick us up. Chadya and her team were also available to answer questions or resolve any minor hiccups, which was a relief in a country where we didn't speak the language.

Overall, this was our second time using kimkim, and this time did not disappoint. We look forward to using kimkim again in the future!!

Hotel Reviews
Hurricane Jeri
Jericoacoara

I absolutely loved Hurricane Jeri! The hotel is beautiful, lush and green. The staff was incredibly helpful, setting up a WhatsApp to provide tips and services. Breakfast was good, the pool was nice. And the location is wonderful -- a tiny bit away from the bustle of "downtown," but you're there in 5 minutes.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel is very green and natural, fitting into the setting beautifully.
Location
I loved being right on the beach. Compared to other hotels this is a bit further away, but still very close to all the restaurants and shops.
Staff
Everyone was very helpful, including Victoria making dinner reservations for us for our anniversary.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very spic and span, which is difficult when there is sand everywhere!
Juma Amazon Lodge
Autazes

This jungle lodge is really amazing. Way out in the middle of nowhere, you really feel like you get an authentic experience. The lodge is nice, but rustic, which is a great break from the rest of the world. All of our excursions were fantastic -- I got to hold a sloth!! I loved floating in the river "pool." The food was really good (even better than I was expecting). It also was very enjoyable to meet tourists from all over the world all hanging out in the Amazon.

Authenticity & Character
This lodge forces you into nature -- with no A/C or TVs, you are in an authentic environment that allows you to focus on where you are.
Location
The location is gorgeous and idyllic, full of wildlife and nature. You really feel like you are getting the Amazonian experience.
Staff
Everyone was kind and helpful. Our guide, Nelson, was outstanding.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was very clean and well taken care of, but there is (understandably!) no A/C, so it's not the world's most comfortable environs. But it is authentic! I recommend bringing a portable personal fan.
Villa Amazônia
Manaus

This hotel was nice and comfortable -- a good stop on either side of visiting the Amazon. The pool was relaxing. I would happily stay here again if I happened to be in Manaus. It is more of a stop than a destination, though, which is why I give it 4 stars when compared to the amazing other hotels where we stayed (5 stars have to mean something!). I had a very nice massage, and they were very accommodating when we needed breakfast earlier than their usual hours.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
Foz do Iguaçu

It is AMAZING to be right in the park and able to get started visiting the falls before anyone else! Beyond that, just a fantastic hotel. We enjoyed sitting by the pool drinking champagne and fresh coconut water. We did a cachaca tasting, which I highly recommend. Wonderful breakfast. I could have happily stayed there for several more days!

Authenticity & Character
This art deco hotel is full of charm!
Location
Being located inside the national park is such a bonus -- we were able to visit the falls before everyone else and get amazing views with few others around!
Staff
Everyone we interacted with was friendly and helpful, including bring around free champagne by the pool!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Luxury all around.
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro

This hotel is gorgeous and luxurious! Wonderful service. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet as well as a celebratory dinner at Mee. A great way to start our trip.

Authenticity & Character
This hotel has a great old world charm.
Location
Right on the beach!
Staff
Friendly and helpful, everyone went above and beyond.
Cleanliness & Comfort
This is a luxury hotel, and it shows.
Local specialist: Chadya Ricardo
Chadya
Chadya Ricardo
Local specialist in São Paulo | Replied on Sep 01, 2023

Hi Carla,
Great to hear that you had such an incredible trip to Brazil!
It was a pleasure planning your trip, and I'm delighted that the itinerary, hotels, and guides exceeded your expectations. Thank you for your kind words, and I'm glad we could make your journey hassle-free. We look forward to helping you create more memorable adventures in the future.
Wishing you many more wonderful travels ahead!
Chadya

Great trip with a great help from knowledgable guides.
Brazil | Jun 30 - Jul 8, 2023

M
Maria V.
San Carlos, CA | Reviewed on Jul 11, 2023
We had a wonderful trip to Brazil! Chadya and Rachel helped me tremendously from the beginning to an end to plan this trip. They helped me with all the logistics and had great suggestions. There was a couple hiccups here and there and they were available right away to fix any problems that we had. It was nice to have the assurance that I could always rely on them if we ran into a problem. Highly recommend to use them for your next trip to Brazil! It will make your life much much easier and... Read more

We had a wonderful trip to Brazil! Chadya and Rachel helped me tremendously from the beginning to an end to plan this trip. They helped me with all the logistics and had great suggestions. There was a couple hiccups here and there and they were available right away to fix any problems that we had. It was nice to have the assurance that I could always rely on them if we ran into a problem. Highly recommend to use them for your next trip to Brazil! It will make your life much much easier and more enjoyable.

Hotel Reviews
Amazon Tupana Lodge
Manaus
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Double Tree by Hilton Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu
Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Rio de Janeiro
Hotel Saint Paul
Manaus - AM
Local specialist: Chadya Ricardo
Chadya
Chadya Ricardo
Local specialist in São Paulo | Replied on Jul 11, 2023

Hi Maria,

We appreciate your confidence in us handling your travel plans and your kind feedback. It was a pleasure working with you and I am glad that we were able to fulfill your requirements and make your trip a memorable one. Thank you again for choosing to explore new destinations in Brazil with us, and we hope to have the chance to serve you again in the future.

Kind Regards,
Chadya

Brasil.
Brazil | Feb 8 - Feb 21, 2023

Priscilla
Priscilla R.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on Mar 12, 2023

Brasil was very well organized and also the connection with our combined trip to colombia was good communicated with their office in Colombia. They gave solid feedback on idead which were not possible with reason. They orginazed all the highlights from brazil and made the last minute impossible tours, possible. We really got a great stay in brazil and felt safe everywhere. Such a beautiful country.

Local specialist: Chadya Ricardo
Chadya
Chadya Ricardo
Local specialist in São Paulo | Replied on Mar 14, 2023

Hi Priscilla,

Thank you for your feedback and for taking the time to write a review. I am very glad to hear that you had a great trip. It was a pleasure to have you and Nena here in Brazil, and we hope to welcome you again to discover new destinations :)

Best,
Chadya