Profile photo for Leo Cuesta
6438 messages
active 17 hours ago

Leo Cuesta

I'm the founder and president of Uncharted Earth, an adventure travel company that specializes in lesser known and relatively undeveloped travel destinations. We seek out unspoiled nature destinations and authentic experiences to give our customers exceptional adventures that go way beyond typical tours.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Mountains, rainforests, tropical islands and volcanoes; hiking, snorkeling, diving, climbing, kayaking and mountain biking. Anything active in a beautiful and unspoiled nature setting. We also specialize in interacting with indigenous people and immersing people in traditional culture. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"I've always loved nature-based travel. As a kid I couldn't wait to escape the city to spend weekends at my dad's farm or longer vacations in the mountains or by the sea. I'm a professional dive master and also love to go climbing, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, skiing, kayaking --- pretty much any active endeavor done in nature. In my mid twenties I decided to make a career out of my passion for nature and adventure. I went to business school then worked for adventure travel companies in the US and Colombia before setting up my own adventure travel company. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"In 2011 I had a new company and also a new dog that I adopted. I wanted to explore some very remote islands in the Philippines, accessible only by very long rides in a small boat, braving big waves in the Pacific. I couldn't find anyone to leave my dog with so I had to bring him with me. It was a fantastic trip to some of the most spectacular islands in the Philippines that few people have ever been to, and I had my big white fluffy dog with me riding huge waves, exploring caves, camping on pristine beaches and snorkeling coral reefs. You can read about the adventure here: http://www.uncharted-earth.com/en/community/travel-stories/babuyan-islands-reconned/ "

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Leo

This experience was excellent. Leo and cowor...
Philippines | Dec 14 - Dec 28, 2025

Anton
Anton J.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2026
This experience was excellent. Leo and coworkers made sure everything was taken care of once we got there. Excursions were already planned, hotel staff already informed, on ground transportation prearranged. Read more

This experience was excellent. Leo and coworkers made sure everything was taken care of once we got there. Excursions were already planned, hotel staff already informed, on ground transportation prearranged.

Hotel Reviews
Belmont Hotel Manila
Pasay City

Incredible food. The best food we had all trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A walk away from the airport
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The District Boracay
Boracay Island
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isla Amara Boutique Resort
El Nido
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sunset Sailing in Boracay
Sunset Sailing in Boracay
Boracay
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Island hopping in Boracay
Island hopping in Boracay
Boracay
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Island hopping in El Nido - Tour A
Island hopping in El Nido - Tour A
El Nido
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
El Nido via ferrata
El Nido via ferrata
El Nido

This was my personal favorite as I enjoy climbing more than most things. Great trek to a vista overlooking El Nido and the bay. My dad and I did both routes in 20 minutes so that was the only downside, but we were hustling because of the rain making all the metal walkways a bit dangerous. But it was great if you’re fit and up for a challenge.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Jan 05, 2026

Hi Anton,

Thank you for your review and I'm glad you guys had an excellent adventure in the Philippines! Thank you for going on this trip with us and I look forward to working with you again in the future.

-Leo

Philippines Trip
Philippines | Dec 22 - Dec 31, 2025

Kim
Kim D.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jan 01, 2026
Leo was extremely helpful and truly listened to our needs and wants for our trip to the Philippines. He was very knowledgeable and always responded quickly to my questions. The hotels Leo chose for us were beautiful and perfectly suited to our preferences. When we arrived in Manila, we spent one day on our own. The next day, our tour guide Ana and her husband John picked us up for a canoeing trip and then dropped us off at Planet Dive Resort. The resort was beautiful, and we spent two... Read more

Leo was extremely helpful and truly listened to our needs and wants for our trip to the Philippines. He was very knowledgeable and always responded quickly to my questions. The hotels Leo chose for us were beautiful and perfectly suited to our preferences.

When we arrived in Manila, we spent one day on our own. The next day, our tour guide Ana and her husband John picked us up for a canoeing trip and then dropped us off at Planet Dive Resort. The resort was beautiful, and we spent two wonderful nights in Anilao. Ana and John later picked us up and drove us back to Manila. They were amazing hosts—kind, attentive, and they took great care of us throughout the trip.

Ana continued to stay in touch during our visit, which was incredibly helpful and reassuring. Overall, we had a fantastic experience.

We would highly recommend KimKim to anyone looking for help planning a trip to the Philippines or anywhere else in the world.

Activity Reviews
Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour
Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour
Anilao, Batangas

This excursion was wonderful and one of our favorite memories. It was relaxing and peaceful along the river. The waterfalls were beautiful. Our tour guide was very friendly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset Sailing in Boracay
Sunset Sailing in Boracay
Boracay

This was a highlight of our trip. We all enjoyed this fun sunset sailboat trip. It was not what we expected, but it was 100 times better than what we expected.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Island hopping in Boracay
Island hopping in Boracay
Boracay

Celcine, was wonderful. She took us to crystal cove and then snorkeling. It was a fun day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Anilao Snorkeling Day Tour
Anilao Snorkeling Day Tour
Anilao, Batangas

Alan our tour guide was wonderful. He knew I didn’t swim very well so he let hold onto the life preserver and took me around to see all the fish and coral. On our last snorkeling stop he led my husband and daughter to see multiple sea turtles.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Alan
Transport
Taal Town,  Tagaytay and Taal Volcano
Taal Town, Tagaytay and Taal Volcano
Philippines

This excursion was interesting in Taal, but we were unable to go to the volcano because it is active. John and Ana did make a few stops so we could get a better look.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Jan 05, 2026

Hi Kim,

Thank you for your review and I'm glad that you had a fantastic Philippine experience! Great photos --- looks like you guys really had a wonderful time. It was a pleasure for my team to show you the country and we hope to take you on another adventure in the future!

-Leo

Would do it again ( 100 X’s!!)
Philippines | Nov 30 - Dec 14, 2025

Marie
Marie B.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Dec 15, 2025
Choosing Kimkim (and ultimately Leo of Uncharted Philippines) was an absolute heaven sent for planning my families two week adventure in the Philippines. I am a biracial Filipina American who for several reasons has never been able to visit the “motherland”. There were several places that I wanted to visit and Leo created THE perfect itinerary for me, my husband and adult son. The Uncharted took all of the “work” from our vacation to Manila, Palawan (Puerto Princesa and El Nido) and... Read more

Choosing Kimkim (and ultimately Leo of Uncharted Philippines) was an absolute heaven sent for planning my families two week adventure in the Philippines. I am a biracial Filipina American who for several reasons has never been able to visit the “motherland”.

There were several places that I wanted to visit and Leo created THE perfect itinerary for me, my husband and adult son. The Uncharted took all of the “work” from our vacation to Manila, Palawan (Puerto Princesa and El Nido) and Boracay . Ana was our contact on the ground and helped to facilitate communication with our activities/tours, guides and accommodations. We had a couple small bumps in the road that quickly remedied and every single guide was so knowledgeable attentive, flexible and gracious. Especially Zeon and Jhon in Manilla and Rich on Palawan . Our accommodations were top notch and in beautiful and active locations yet were not pretentious and felt rooted in local culture and community. We visited the most beautiful beaches, historical sites ,natural landscapes , and cultural hubs. Our tripped was packed with activities yet we didn’t feel rushed or stressed at all.

Uncharted/Kimkim made everything run so seamlessly and easily that It will be difficult for me to travel any other way. I am definitely planing to use them again in 2026 to visit other islands that I couldn’t fit in my itinerary.

In summary, this was hands down the best trip I’ve ever had and as a mom who has historically been in charge of all planning , coordination and organizing … the least stressful!

An 11 out of 10 !!

Hotel Reviews
Bayleaf Intramuros
Metro Manila

Conveniently located. Limited food options for vegans but not a deal breaker. Rooms were clean and comfortable. Staff was friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa

Great location. Friendly and helpful staff. Comfortable and clean rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isla Amara Boutique Resort
El Nido

This was my favorite hotel on our multi location two week trip to the Philippines. The location was beautiful beds comfortable and we stayed in the celebrity suite that was comfortable and spacious for a 5 day stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Steps from a beautiful white sand beach, near many restaurants including a completely vegan restaurant. Easy to access a tuk tuk or cab to local attractions .
Staff
The staff was very pleasant and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable but could use laundry service or a contract with a laundry company. I had to take a tuk tuk to a laundry service. They delivered which was helpful .
The District Boracay
Boracay Island

Perfect location and staff went above and beyond with transfers and service . Rooms were clean and comfortable. We stayed in the loft suite which was well appointed and clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff was absolutely fantastic. The transfer to and from the airport was seamless , stress free and easy. Everyone was so friendly. My family really felt at home and cared for.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Belmont Hotel Manila
Pasay City

Beautiful hotel. A little hectic in the lobby upon arrival . Rooms were comfortable and breakfast was really nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to airport and easy to access transportation.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Pangsanjan Falls & Tagaytay
Pangsanjan Falls & Tagaytay
Philippines

Our guide Jhon was so fun flexible and knowledgeable. From the tours to helping us find places to eat. He made everything so easy and so fun. By the end of the day he felt like family. He really maximized our day without us feeling rushed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Manila Day Tour
Manila Day Tour
Philippines

What made this tour special was our guide Zeon (with uncharted Philippines) . My husband is a history buff and really enjoyed conversations with and asking him questions about the sites and historic and current info about the places and spaces we visited.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Dec 21, 2025

Hi Marie,

Thank you for your wonderful review and I'm thrilled that you had an amazing time visiting the motherland! It was a pleasure for everyone on my team to work with you and we look forward to taking your family on another great adventure soon!

-Leo

Leo was very useful, giving us a lot of optio...
California | Aug 6 - Aug 20, 2025

Silvain
Silvain B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Leo was very useful, giving us a lot of options throughout the trip

When preparing, he was always receptive to our needs, and during the trip, when we needed his help, he was reactive

This was not our first KimKim trip and would use again

Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Nov 22, 2025

Thank you for your review Silvain, I'm glad you had a 5-star trip! It was a pleasure working with you and I look forward to arranging another adventure for your family in the future.

- Leo

Amazing Alaskan Adventure!
the United States | Jun 9 - Jun 14, 2025

Beverly
Beverly L.
Birmingham, MI | Reviewed on Jun 15, 2025
Leo did an amazing job preparing our itinerary and communicating with us. We enjoyed our Alaskan adventure immensely - especially the Kenia Fjords cruise and the dogsledding experience. Read more

Leo did an amazing job preparing our itinerary and communicating with us. We enjoyed our Alaskan adventure immensely - especially the Kenia Fjords cruise and the dogsledding experience.

Activity Reviews
Prince William Sound cruise
Prince William Sound cruise
Anchorage, AK

This was very enjoyable. Gorgeous scenery!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dogsledding experience in Seward
Dogsledding experience in Seward
Seward, AK

This was amazing and very educational. We loved the ride with the dog team and the information about the dogs and the competitions they are involved in.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
Seward, AK

The scenery was Cornelius. Staff was superlative! Food was delivered promptly and it was delicious. We lived the chocolate cookies!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Jun 16, 2025

Hi Beverly,

Thank you for your review and I'm glad you and Barbara enjoyed your Alaskan adventure! It was a pleasure working with you and I hope to arrange another great trip for you in the future!

I enjoyed a very pleasant trip to the Philipp...
Philippines | Dec 26 - Jan 10, 2025

Jason
Jason P.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2025
I enjoyed a very pleasant trip to the Philippines.
the itinerary was well balanced and all the timings worked well.
Read more

I enjoyed a very pleasant trip to the Philippines.
the itinerary was well balanced and all the timings worked well.

Hotel Reviews
Isla Amara Boutique Resort
El Nido

Great location, super beach, nice pool, charming staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Henann Tawala Resort
Tawala

Exceptional hotel, well appointed comfortable rooms. the pool is in the centre courtyard so does not offer any views.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cebu Seaview Dive Resort
Moalboal

This beach side hotel is well positioned and comfortable. It's primary purpose is to provide for the divers and it does this very well. The staff are all extremely helpful and the resort is very well managed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maayo Hotel Cebu

Pleasant hotel in a good location, a little tired but well appointed none the less.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Island hopping in El Nido - Tour D - group tour
Island hopping in El Nido - Tour D - group tour
El Nido

As mentioned in my previous review.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Diving in El Nido
Diving in El Nido
El Nido

Well organised and super diving.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Island hopping in El Nido - Tour A - group tour
Island hopping in El Nido - Tour A - group tour
El Nido

Good for snorkelling and seeing what the local islands have to offer.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
El Nido via ferrata
El Nido via ferrata
El Nido

A short steep climb up a metal structure takes you to the top of a hill with good views of the town.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bohol Island Day Tour
Bohol Island Day Tour
Philippines

A nice trip however the views in the wet season are underwhelming compared to the summer months when the hills are brown.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Diving in Pamilacan Island - 3 dives
Diving in Pamilacan Island - 3 dives
Panglao Island

Well organised and great diving.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Diving in Balicasag Island (2 dives)
Diving in Balicasag Island (2 dives)
Philippines

Well organised and great diving.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayaking with fireflies
Kayaking with fireflies
Philippines

A pleasant trip along the river to view fireflies. Very peaceful and enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Diving in Moalboal and Pescador Island (3 dives)
Diving in Moalboal and Pescador Island (3 dives)
Moalboal

Well organised and great diving.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
Moalboal

Fantastic guide, super location, lots of fun.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Diving in Moalboal - 3 dives
Diving in Moalboal - 3 dives
Moalboal

Excellent organisation and diving.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cebu Countryside tour
Cebu Countryside tour
Philippines

This was the worst part of the trip. While I apricate nothing can be done to avoid bad traffic the the attraction at the designation was very disappointing. We saw a local man climb a palm tree and milk the flower. Rode around in a cart driven by an buffalo. Watch a man make a basket. It took two and a half hours to get there, an hour participating in the three activities mentioned and another 2 and a half hours to return.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cebu City and Mactan Island day tour
Cebu City and Mactan Island day tour
Philippines

The tour offers little to see, I felt like I was being driven around a city constantly battling traffic.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Jan 14, 2025

Hi Jason, thanks for your review and I'm glad you enjoyed your trip. Thanks for working with me on your diving vacation and I hope to arrange another adventure for you in the future.

Vegas and National/state parks discovery-Great Experience with Leo and kimkim
the United States | Dec 4 - Dec 10, 2024

Jean-Marc
Jean-Marc R.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Dec 11, 2024
Great Experience with Leo and kimkim. Leo understood our project and his proposal after a slight tune-up was perfect. The trip was incredible, from day one up to the end. We had a very interesting discovery of Las Vegas landmarks, and an enjoyable show by Shania Twain. But most of our trip was dedicated to discovering the wanders of National and State parks of Arizona and Utah. All the guided and self-guided exploration were perfect. The Grand Canyon was more than an experience, it’s an... Read more

Great Experience with Leo and kimkim. Leo understood our project and his proposal after a slight tune-up was perfect. The trip was incredible, from day one up to the end. We had a very interesting discovery of Las Vegas landmarks, and an enjoyable show by Shania Twain. But most of our trip was dedicated to discovering the wanders of National and State parks of Arizona and Utah. All the guided and self-guided exploration were perfect. The Grand Canyon was more than an experience, it’s an emotion, the sun set, and sun rise were magic, not to forget the star gazing events organized by the park rangers.
Antelope canyon guided tour was amazing, we had a wonderful and very insightful guide (Orin Yellowman). We were also thrilled to discover Snow canyon state park and the wonderful Red Mountain resort next to its entrance, for sure we will go back, only 2 hours from Vegas, worth going straight from the airport to discover the beauty of all the trail with very kind support from park personnel.
Thanks to Leo who helped us create the best vacation possible.

Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Dec 12, 2024

I'm glad you had an incredible trip Jean-Marc! Thank you for working with me on your vacation and I look forward to arranging another great trip for you in the future.

We have taken seven trips with KimKim, and Leo was the BEST
California | Aug 6 - Aug 18, 2024

Heather
Heather V.
Millboro, VA | Reviewed on Aug 20, 2024
We have taken seven trips with KimKim, and Leo was one of the best, if not the best, hosts we have had. His communication and follow-through were the best yet. We had hotel complications, not because of Leo, but I called him directly, and he fixed everything immediately and was so easy to get a hold of while traveling. He knew the trip guidelines well, we like to go out of the box, and he would let us know when ideas weren't that great and offered other ideas that I didn't think I would like... Read more

We have taken seven trips with KimKim, and Leo was one of the best, if not the best, hosts we have had. His communication and follow-through were the best yet. We had hotel complications, not because of Leo, but I called him directly, and he fixed everything immediately and was so easy to get a hold of while traveling. He knew the trip guidelines well, we like to go out of the box, and he would let us know when ideas weren't that great and offered other ideas that I didn't think I would like but LOVED! I usually don't want to get a rental car or drive over 5 hours on a trip, but Leo said that's the way to go, and he was right. It was great having our car and doing all the national parks/ recreation spots we could fit in from San Fran to Las Vegas. Thank you for being the most wonderful travel planned we have had so far with all of our Kimkim trips.

Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Aug 20, 2024

Hi Heather,

Thank you for your review and I'm very happy that you loved your trip! It was a pleasure working with you on your vacation and I look forward to arranging another great adventure for you in the future!

Leo did an amazing job with planning our trip...
California | Jul 17 - Jul 23, 2024

Kimberly
Kimberly B.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jul 30, 2024

Leo did an amazing job with planning our trip. Paul our trolly wine tour guide was awesome (and so was his music play list). He was very knowledgable about the info in the Sonoma area. Our trip to Napa had a remarkable wine tour with Tessa Bowen at Platypus tours, she took us to 3 small wineries, which were awesome and we purchased wine from 2 of the 3 places.

Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on Jul 30, 2024

Hi Kim,

Thank you for your review and I'm glad you had a wonderful time in San Francisco and wine country! Thank you for working with me and I look forward to arranging another great vacation for you in the future!

Very happy with Kimkim service. Our trip to t...
Philippines | Apr 12 - Apr 23, 2024

marisa
marisa s.
Greece | Reviewed on May 05, 2024
Very happy with Kimkim service. Our trip to the Philippines was made special. Leo planned everything according to our budget . Allowing time for us to chill and rest when needed so Everything was planned perfectly well. All our guides were very nice and friendly. The drivers tours and guides were always on time. Also our guide kept in touch to make sure all was going well. The hotels chosen all had good standard. All our day tours for the island hopping were amazing. I highly recommend... Read more

Very happy with Kimkim service. Our trip to the Philippines was made special. Leo planned everything according to our budget . Allowing time for us to chill and rest when needed so Everything was planned perfectly well. All our guides were very nice and friendly. The drivers tours and guides were always on time. Also our guide kept in touch to make sure all was going well. The hotels chosen all had good standard. All our day tours for the island hopping were amazing. I highly recommend kimkim for their professional services! Definitely five stars ⭐️

Hotel Review
Amorita Resort
Authenticity & Character
Everything
Location
It’s right next to the beach that’s full of bars and restaurants
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Replied on May 11, 2024

Hi Marisa,

Thank you for your review and I'm glad you had a great time in the Philippines! We look forward to working with you on another trip in the future!