Chio Tabakman
Being a Paraguayan living in Colombia I have a different outlook at the local culture. As a foreigner, I'm always eager to know more. I've traveled to various countries within LATAM and its always exciting to see, learned and experience the wide range of cultural differences that exits in one country.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Hikes and beaches! One of the things I love to do more is being at the beach and in the presence of the ocean, recovering energies and having a time for reflection. Also, I love adventures and challenging my body and my mind with experiences that I might think "are too much" for me.
I specialize in tailor-made trips plans for those who want the beautiful mix between adventure and relaxation."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I had the chance to start traveling from a young age, in and outside my own country. This created a sense of wonder in me and as I grew up I was always involved in "international environments". From volunteering in other countries, doing an exchange program and being part of a student exchange program organization, I was constantly surrounded by other cultures. All of these reasons and more made me curious and got me started in this area."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I think every trip is special in its own way, usually, my trips are pretty chill and more of "walking around the city", nevertheless, one of the trips I took where I had the most fun was with two friends from Mexico. We live here in Colombia and one Saturday morning one of them show up to our house and ask "why are you guys not ready?"
Turns out that we end up in Sueca (about 1 hour away from Bogotá).
When we got to the Portal we didn't know where we were going, we selected a random destination and Suesca was the winner. Upon arrival we stumble into this cute little diner and made friends with the girls working there, they told us of a hostel that was available, it was settled, we were staying overnight.
We spent the afternoon riding bikes between the mountains, taking pictures, making jokes and having a good time. At night we stayed playing a game at the hostel and got scared when the door opens suddenly, but it turns out it was another guest in the hostel and she joins us and played board games with us. It was pretty fun and low key trip. "
Featured trips & expertise
8 Days in Colombia - 6 Unique Itineraries
Colombia is renowned for its historic cities and dramatic landscapes. With an eight-day trip, you can split your time between urban and natural worlds, especially if you stick to one region. Pair charming Cartagena with scenic spots along the Caribbean Coast, visit the rainbow-hued Caño Cristales after exploring Bogotá, or spend half your trip surrounded by art in Medelliín and the other half trekking in Coffee Country. Options abound—see more unique itinerary ideas below.
Cartagena, Carnival & the Caribbean Coast - 10 Days
This fun itinerary hits the highlights along Colombia’s northern coast, balancing colonial history, beaches, hiking, and relaxation. Wander Cartagena's pretty Old Town and take a speedboat to the Rosario Islands. Drive to Barranquilla, where a raging carnival celebration is held each year. You'll also spend two active days exploring Tayrona National Park and visit a coffee farm in the rolling hills of Minca.
Discover Colombia's Cities & Beaches - 8 Days
This fast-paced 8-day itinerary highlights three of Latin America’s most exciting cities. You'll start off in the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá to explore the thriving food and art scenes, then fly to scenic Medellín, a hip metropolis making a comeback after a turbulent past. End the trip in Cartagena's Old Town, a romantic inner-walled city with colonial history. Too much city? You'll spend an outdoorsy day visiting Tayrona National Park for a dose of rainforest and the Caribbean Sea.
Colombia in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More
You won't find a more festive month in Colombia than December. Everyone here prepares weeks in advance for Christmas and the New Year, with seemingly non-stop parties and celebrations leading up to the big day. Higher lodging and airfare prices are to be expected, as is great weather throughout the country—even famously rainy Bogotá stays mostly dry this month.
Colombia Adventure: Zona Cafetera to the Caribbean Coast - 15 Days
Your journey starts in the heart of Colombia's Coffee Region, where you'll overnight on a working coffee farm. From there, head to the reborn metropolis of Medellín, a city whose reputation as a global hotspot is enhanced by its rising culinary and art scene. Then, it's time for a bit of nature as you embark on a rafting trip down the Río Verde and end your adventure on the Caribbean coast where you'll explore Cartagena and nearby islands.
Ancient and Modern Cultures in Colombia - 11 Days
This all-encompassing itinerary combines Colombia's popular attractions with some roads less traveled. You'll begin your journey on the Caribbean coast. This leg will take you to Tayrona National Park, and the colonial fortress of Cartagena. Then fly to Medellín, and visit El Peñon de Guatape before heading to Colombia's mountainous Coffee Region. Here you'll hike, mountain bike, and birdwatch through sub-Andean forests. Next, it's off to the archeological site of Tierradentro, with its ancient underground burial chambers before ending your stay in the colonial town of Popayán.
Recent trip reviews for Chio
Trip to Colombia · Colombia - Jul 28 - Aug 9, 2019
We confirmed our 4 region trip a couple weeks before leaving for Columbia. Our initial consult with Lisa proved quite helpful in narrowing down the regions and activities we wanted to experience. We then were contacted by Chio who handled booking the schedule and was in contact with us throughout the trip to check that everything was going well. All of our drivers and guides were amazing - on time, super friendly and helpful for our family of 4 (mom/dad/2 older teens). Lina in Bogota... read more
Hi Maria, how are you?
I'm very glad that you had a great time during your family vacations and that you got to enjoy differents regions and the experiences in each one were worth!
I'll make sure that all your guides and people involved during your time here get your comments and of course, I'll look forward to working with you again and plan your next holiday in Colombia, there's still plenty to see!
Chio
Trip to Colombia · Colombia - Jul 12 - Jul 20, 2019
Chio was very responsive and accommodating. This was our first time to Colombia so it was great to obtain his guidance and recommendations. All of our booked guides were professional, knowledgeable and fun! Our favorite parts of the trip included the cooking class in Cartagena, the hike in Tayrona and our glamping stay in Minca. I would definitely recommend booking with Chio and KimKim if its your first time to Colombia. Having the accommodations and transportation booked for you in advance was a must! It added a lot of ease to the trip. Can't wait to go back!
Hi Alexandra, how are you?
I'm so excited to hear that you have a great time and enjoy your trip to Colombia and that you loved the cooking class. I'm sure you got to taste some delicious food!
I'll look forward to working with you again for your next trip to this beautiful country, there's still plenty of sights to see and activities to enjoy!
Chio
Trip to Colombia · Colombia - Jun 29 - Jul 9, 2019
This was our first time using kimkim and I am very happy we did! We made a short fuse decision to tack on a family vacation to my business trip to Colombia, and Chio put together a great itinerary for us on very short notice (less than 2 weeks). Responses were prompt and we didn't have any issues during our 10 day vacation.
Highlights of the trip for us include the private graffiti tour in Bogota with Anna, Guatape day visit near Medellin and the cooking class in Cartagena. But all of it... read more
Hi Lisa, how are you?
I'm glad to hear you had a great time during your holidays here in Colombia and that you enjoy the cities. If was very nice to make your acquaintance and I'm truly happy that overall it as a great family experience.
About the transport, given that applications taxies aren't legal yet, we don't really recommend it. Also, thanks so much for your comments about the hotel in Medellin, I'll definitely have it in consideration and get the feedback to them as well!
I hope... read more