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active 6 hours ago

Margarita Moreno

Hola Hola! Thanks for allowing me to show you my country. I'm from Bogota, and I'm a travel lover. I have been exploring my country and discovering new and exciting places and lovely people to share all this beautiful collection of experiences with my travelers.

I have traveled along the whole country, From the northern point in the la Guarija Region to the Southern end in the Amazonas, and now I'm pretty sure to be the person who can give you all the information you could need to visit the Encanto country.

Here we will be waiting for you to show you how friendly the Colombian people are and guide you in one of the best experiences of your life.

How did you get involved in travel?

"The first book I read was a touristic guide; all I did was dream about discovering my country and the world from then on. So I did it!
And to make this dream come true, I studied for a bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism and some certificate programs in history and cultural heritage. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"It was in the coffee region, the magnificence of the palm trees in the middle of the foggy forest. The colorful towns, one of them whit their magic, allow everybody to connect with the Colombian traditions and nature.
"

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries

Favorite experiences

Coffee Finca - Hiking - Explore Salento

It's fitting that Salento, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Colombia, is surrounded by the Valle de Cocora (Cocora Valley), which happens to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Colombia. This fertile region, denoted by rolling green hills, abounds with various coffee estates that...

Medellín City Tour

The city of Medellín, located in central Colombia's Antioquia region, is a true global success story. Once plagued by cartel violence, over the past 20 years it has turned itself around to become a model of safety, boasting a mass-transit system second to none. This six-hour tour begins in...

Bogotá City Tour

Bogotá is one of Latin America's most interesting and historic capital cities. At one time it was the seat of government for the new South American republic after independence from Spain. Believe it or not, many historic landmarks from those independence years still stand in Bogotá even now. A...

Zipaquirá & Nemecón Salt Mines Day-Trip

A mere 50 minutes north of Bogotá lies the town of Zipaquirá, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. While certainly a charming colonial town, Zipaquirá is a must-visit Colombian destination for one single landmark: the Salt Cathedral, located just outside of town. This is indeed a...

Guatapé Day Trip

The town of Guatapé is one of the crown jewels of central Colombia's Antioquia region. There are a few reasons for this, not the least of which is El Peñol, a 7,000-foot (2,135-meter) granite rock that rises out of the ground like a giant silver bullet. A private eight-hour tour of the town...

Cartagena City Tour

Cartagena, abounding as it is with cobbled streets lined by colonial homes with bougainvilia-draped balconies, is a city that begs to be explored on foot. And a guided walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage walled city (Old Town) is the perfect way to do this. It's a brisk 2.5-hour tour that...

Recent trip reviews for Margarita

An amazing Columbian adventure
Colombia | Feb 11 - Feb 20, 2024

Andrew
Andrew C.
East Hampton, VA | Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024
My wife and I just returned from a 9-10 day tour of Columbia. The tour was quite ambitious as we visited Bogota (one full day), Amazonia (2 full days), the Coffee region (3 full days), and even a quick one night stopover in Cartagena (one day). This involved a lot of flights as all flights connect through Bogota. So it was quite tiring and rather head spinning. The good thing though was that we got to see an amazing diversity of peoples and places in one tour.
What we saw of Bogota, on...
Read more

My wife and I just returned from a 9-10 day tour of Columbia. The tour was quite ambitious as we visited Bogota (one full day), Amazonia (2 full days), the Coffee region (3 full days), and even a quick one night stopover in Cartagena (one day). This involved a lot of flights as all flights connect through Bogota. So it was quite tiring and rather head spinning. The good thing though was that we got to see an amazing diversity of peoples and places in one tour.
What we saw of Bogota, on an e-bike tour!, we found to be both beautiful and interesting, and Monserrate and the views of Bogota from it, were amazing (but buy a pass that gets you to the head of the line if you can).
Amazonia was, for us the greatest highlight of the tour. We found it, as lovers of wild life, birds, and peoples/cultures with dignity, a simply charming, magical place. We were based out of Punto Nariño, and travelled everywhere by small boat, except on our return trip to Leticia on a river "bus". Every boat trip was a guided natural history adventure, stopping to see the dolphins at Leticia, and on both banks of the river to photograph birds, monkeys, or to have some other curiosity pointed out. We navigated lakes with water lily pads and flooded forests. We visited two different indigenous communities and a monkey rehabilitation sanctuary, and photographed humming birds, Macaws and Toucans, birds hiding in the trees or in flocks, and butterflies. I did a night walk in the rain forest and photographed frogs and sleeping morpho butterflies. We visited a indigenous cultures museum and shopped for unique crafts in Leticia.
We also loved the Coffee Region. This is a mountainous or hilly, moderate temperature, rain forest region with coffee, fruit orchards, avocados, etc., as well as national forest. It is beautiful and the climate is very pleasant when we visited (February). We visited a beautiful hillside farm, where we were shown a fabulous orchid collection and treated to a delicious lunch, and the farmhouse, where we watched many colorful birds and humming bird feed. We visited two very beautiful rural towns, Filandia and Salento, where we visited a basketry workshop/studio and were taught by a craftsman to weave small baskets. We stayed in a charming hotel at a farm in a national park in the Corcora valley and did an early morning birding exploration in the hills. And we visited a botanical garden, where we learned about the local ecology, with a large enclosed butterfly habitat where we could view native butterflies up close. Our last night was spent in Cartagena, in a fabulous hotel just adjacent to the old city. This is also very beautiful, historical, with a lot of shopping and fine dining, quite different from our previous experiences. (We didn't have time to investigate the beaches, but not our thing anyway.)
In almost all of our adventures we were accompanied by a driver and a guide. We have very little Spanish, but the guides spoke English, and all were super knowledgeable about birds and could identify them by their calls and spot them in the trees, as well as being knowledgeable about the local cultures and history. Though it is hard to single any out, Sergio Leones in Amazonia and Juan Camilo in the Coffee Region were truly outstanding, and we learned so much from them. But even the drivers seemed to have a great knowledge of their natural history and be able to spot the birds. Our small boat trip from Leticia to Punto Nariño to Leticia on our day of arrival was a fascinating adventure as our Spanish-only speaking boat driver made many stops to point out birds and other things along the way and we had a great time trying to communicate in hand waving, my tiny amount of Spanish, and an iPhone app.
Our accommodations were outstanding, although in Amazonia they were, as you would expect, a little less refined. All were beautiful and full of character. Particularly of note were Sazagua (in Pereira) and Sazagua Boutique (in Corcora), being beautiful and having great food, and our hotel in Cartagena.
Indeed, everywhere we went, the food was outstanding, and, as you would expect given our itinerary, of a great variety.
Did we feel safe in Colombia? Yes, certainly anywhere we went we had no concerns at all (although we were with guides most of the time). Indeed I found the Columbians we met to most generous, and, especially, to be extremely pleased to be able to share their beautiful country with us, along with its natural wonders.
Would we go back again? - YES. But, probably with a more relaxed schedule, doubling down on the things we liked the most, and with some new twist.
Last, but not least, many thanks to Margarita, our Kim-Kim local specialist, who suggested the itinerary, modified to our satisfaction, worked out all the details, hired the guides, made all the bookings, watched out for us throughput the trip, and was a model of efficiency and courtesy.

Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 26, 2024
Dear Andrew Wow, reading through your adventure truly made our day! It sounds like you and your wife had an incredible journey through Colombia, filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. We're thrilled to hear that the diversity of Colombia's beauty captivated you, from the buzzing streets of Bogotá on an e-bike to the magical wilderness of Amazonia, the lush Coffee Region, and the historic charm of Cartagena. Your detailed recount of each place... Read more

Dear Andrew

Wow, reading through your adventure truly made our day! It sounds like you and your wife had an incredible journey through Colombia, filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. We're thrilled to hear that the diversity of Colombia's beauty captivated you, from the buzzing streets of Bogotá on an e-bike to the magical wilderness of Amazonia, the lush Coffee Region, and the historic charm of Cartagena.

Your detailed recount of each place visited, the wildlife observed, and the unique interactions you had along the way is simply heartwarming. Sergio Leon , Juan Camilo, and all our guides and drivers are indeed gems, and we're glad they could share their knowledge and love for Colombia with you.

It's fantastic to know that the accommodations and the culinary delights added to the richness of your experience. Colombia is indeed a land of warmth and hospitality, and we're so happy you felt safe and welcomed throughout your travels.

We appreciate your kind words, It's our passion to craft such personalized journeys that leave a lasting impression, and knowing we've achieved that with you is truly rewarding.

Your feedback is invaluable, and we're taking note of your preference for a more relaxed schedule in the future. Rest assured, we're already dreaming up new twists for your next visit, focusing on what you loved most and making sure it's even more memorable.

Thank you for choosing us to explore the wonders of Colombia. We can't wait to welcome you back for another adventure, with even more breathtaking moments and serene experiences tailored just for you.

Margarita

Margarita and her team went above and beyond ...
Colombia | Feb 10 - Feb 22, 2024

L
Leslie B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024

Margarita and her team went above and beyond to ensure that we had a wonderful trip to Colombia. Thank you for taking such good care of us! Everyone we worked with was friendly, helpful and polite. I couldn't ask for more. Muchas gracias

Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 23, 2024

Leslie Gracias for your kind words! 🌟 We're thrilled to hear you had a great trip with us in Colombia. Me and the team loved taking care of you and making sure everything went smoothly.

Your happiness is our top priority, and we're glad we could make your experience special. Thanks again for choosing us. We can't wait to welcome you back for more adventures!

Best wishes,
Margarita

Wonderful bespoke family trip to Colombia
Colombia | Dec 16 - Dec 30, 2022

L
Lauren S.
Brookline, MA | Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024
It took me a little while to get to writing this review, but this family trip remains vivid in all of our minds! I planned this quite last minute (my fault) but Margarita was able to put together a trip that we all loved. It felt very bespoke. Our local guides were lovely and knowledgeable. We also appreciated that some of the activities we did - jungle walks, horse-back riding, a farm and cooking class visit, a basket-weaving class, visiting Palenque, and a drum lesson - all felt like... Read more

It took me a little while to get to writing this review, but this family trip remains vivid in all of our minds! I planned this quite last minute (my fault) but Margarita was able to put together a trip that we all loved. It felt very bespoke. Our local guides were lovely and knowledgeable. We also appreciated that some of the activities we did - jungle walks, horse-back riding, a farm and cooking class visit, a basket-weaving class, visiting Palenque, and a drum lesson - all felt like off-the-beaten path experiences. We prefer private experiences and that is what was delivered. The hotels were perfect for us, small and boutique (especially for such a last minute trip). Finally, one member of our party has celiac and needs a strictly gluten-free diet. margarita contacted every restaurant and notified them, making our dining experience truly a joy. I would definitely recommend Margarita to others (and, in fact, I have). Thank you for a lovely trip!

Hotel Reviews
Boato Hotel
El Peñol, Antioquia

Loved the views, the restaurant, the rooms and sitting outside by the fire. Lovely.

Authenticity & Character
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Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa du velo
pereira

This was a beautiful spot. Lovely decor, delicious food, the spa, and the friendly owners and staff made it a favorite hotel for our family. Thank you!

Authenticity & Character
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Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Punta Faro
Isla Mucura

We loved our time here. There were not many Americans other than us (which was a positive) and we enjoyed meeting people from Colombia, Europe, and other countries. The only challenge for us was that we had one member of our group who has celiac and cannot eat gluten at all, so the dining was a bit challenging for her. Since we always bring food for her with us, it was not a big problem. The massage was lovely by the ocean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
They were very kind. Not many spoke English, which made it a bit tough for us - but since we like traveling to authentic rather than touristy places, it was worth any small challenges!
Cleanliness & Comfort
We booked last minute, so our room was not as comfortable as I would have liked. But we loved the island.
Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 21, 2024
Hola Lauren!
Reading your review made my day! Even though planning was a bit last-minute (it happens!), I'm thrilled we managed to put together a trip that hit the mark for you and your family. Crafting those unique experiences is what I love doing.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the off-the-beaten-path activities and that the boutique hotels were just right, especially considering the timing. Taking care of dietary needs, like ensuring gluten-free options, is part of making sure everyone... Read more

Hola Lauren!
Reading your review made my day! Even though planning was a bit last-minute (it happens!), I'm thrilled we managed to put together a trip that hit the mark for you and your family. Crafting those unique experiences is what I love doing.

It's great to hear you enjoyed the off-the-beaten-path activities and that the boutique hotels were just right, especially considering the timing. Taking care of dietary needs, like ensuring gluten-free options, is part of making sure everyone has a great time.

Thanks a ton for recommending me to others. There's no better feeling than knowing our travelers are so happy they want to share their experience.
Can't wait to plan more adventures for you and yours in the future here in Colombia 🇨🇴

Best,
Margarita

Best Colombian Adventure with KimKim and the amazing Margarita Moreno
Colombia | Dec 8 - Dec 17, 2023

Said
Said J.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 27, 2024
I returned to Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogota with the incredible package by KimKim, a travel agency that truly understands the art of crafting unforgettable experiences. What made this trip truly exceptional was the outstanding service provided by their dedicated travel agent, Margarita Moreno. From the moment we began planning our adventure, Margarita's expertise and commitment to ensuring our satisfaction shone through. Our group consisted of high-profile, spontaneous world... Read more

I returned to Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogota with the incredible package by KimKim, a travel agency that truly understands the art of crafting unforgettable experiences. What made this trip truly exceptional was the outstanding service provided by their dedicated travel agent, Margarita Moreno.

From the moment we began planning our adventure, Margarita's expertise and commitment to ensuring our satisfaction shone through. Our group consisted of high-profile, spontaneous world travellers with changing unique plans and demands, and Margarita not only met but exceeded every expectation.

One of the standout features of KimKim's service was the seamless customization of our itinerary. Margarita listened attentively to our preferences and meticulously curated an itinerary that perfectly balanced cultural exploration, relaxation, and adventure. The result was a journey that felt tailor-made for us, providing an authentic and immersive experience in each city.

What truly set Margarita apart, however, was her unwavering dedication to going above and beyond her duties. I was very impressed, when in Medellin we commissioned a large format artwork, and Margarita took it upon herself to shipped to us in USA. The fact that she went the extra mile to coordinate the shipping speaks volumes about her commitment to ensuring our satisfaction and creating lasting memories.

Throughout the trip, Margarita's attention to detail, extensive local knowledge, and proactive communication made everything effortless. From organizing private tours to recommending hidden gems, she demonstrated a level of professionalism and personalization that truly set KimKim apart.

The accommodations selected for us were not only luxurious but also strategically located, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and vibrant atmospheres of Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogota. Every day felt like a new adventure, and we owe much of that to Margarita's thoughtful planning.

Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Jan 30, 2024
Dear Said!
I am deeply moved and grateful for your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure to work on this travel plan for you and your companions. To value and enjoy the experience in Colombia is the greatest reward for me.
Every detail planned, every recommendation made, and every effort put forth, I always did it with my heart, aiming to create memorable moments for you and your group. Knowing that your trip was everything you hoped for and more fills me with happiness and pride. The... Read more

Dear Said!
I am deeply moved and grateful for your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure to work on this travel plan for you and your companions. To value and enjoy the experience in Colombia is the greatest reward for me.

Every detail planned, every recommendation made, and every effort put forth, I always did it with my heart, aiming to create memorable moments for you and your group. Knowing that your trip was everything you hoped for and more fills me with happiness and pride.

The opportunity to organize a journey that reflected exactly what you dreamed of, adapting to your unique styles and preferences, was a wonderful challenge. I am thrilled that you enjoyed the culture, relaxation, and adventures that Colombia has to offer.

My commitment is always to go above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of your trip is perfect.

I am looking forward to having the opportunity to personally welcome you on your next visit to Colombia. It will be an honor to show you the beauty and richness of our country again and to organize another trip that exceeds your expectations.

Remember that you are always welcome in Colombia, and it will be my pleasure to make your dream journey a reality once again.

With affection and gratitude,
Margarita

Excellent Trip - thank you!
Colombia | Dec 23 - Dec 30, 2023

R
Rory H.
Glenview, IL | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2024
This trip was really wonderful. Margarita was excellent. She was responsive and always able to come up with plans and was extremely accommodating to our preferences and requests. The on-site representatives and drivers were great. They were on time, friendly and easy to communicate with. Of note, Camelo and Andres were absolutely wonderful, going above and beyond. Andres was extremely knowledgeable about the history and facts of Colombia. He treated us like special guests throughout our time... Read more

This trip was really wonderful. Margarita was excellent. She was responsive and always able to come up with plans and was extremely accommodating to our preferences and requests. The on-site representatives and drivers were great. They were on time, friendly and easy to communicate with. Of note, Camelo and Andres were absolutely wonderful, going above and beyond. Andres was extremely knowledgeable about the history and facts of Colombia. He treated us like special guests throughout our time together. The hotels and restaurants that Margarita selected were excellent quality. We'll definitely be using KimKim to plan future travel adventures. Thank you!

Hotel Reviews
Casa Canabal Hotel Boutique
Cartagena de Indias
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Villa Maria Tayrona, a Kali Hotels
Los Naranjos
Authenticity & Character
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Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique
CARTAGENA

Great location, very nice rooms. Friendly and helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Isla Mucura
Isla Mucura
Authenticity & Character
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Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Jan 14, 2024

Hola Rory!
It's heartwarming to hear your trip was exceptional! I'm thrilled that my personalized attention and our team's efforts enhanced your experience. We'd be delighted to welcome you back to explore more enchanting corners of Colombia. Rest assured, the same love and dedication will accompany you and your family on your next Colombian adventure!
Un Abrazo desde Colombia 🇨🇴
Margarita

Well crafted trip, great service from Margarita!
Colombia | Dec 21 - Dec 30, 2023

Michael
Michael G.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2024
Margarita did a great job curating our trip, communicating before and during the trip and worked hard to make sure we were well cared for and having a good time.
All of the activities and accomodations met or exceeded our expectations.
A big shout out to Sol, our guide during our time in Medellin. She brought great energy and insights and was just fun to be with.
Thank you!
Read more

Margarita did a great job curating our trip, communicating before and during the trip and worked hard to make sure we were well cared for and having a good time.
All of the activities and accomodations met or exceeded our expectations.
A big shout out to Sol, our guide during our time in Medellin. She brought great energy and insights and was just fun to be with.
Thank you!

Hotel Reviews
York Luxury Suites Medellín
El Poblado, Medellin

Clean, spacious, great views and delicious breakfast. Location was good in that it was quiet, but we needed a taxi or uber to get to the "happening" part of El Poblado neighborhood. Felt very safe. Plus really liked the rooftop pool and bar!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Casa Lola
Cartagena de Indias

Beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of the action in the cool Getsemani neighborhood. Lots of hip design, friendly staff, and great food and drinks. Really liked the rooftop pools and secluded seating areas. Given that there are only 22 rooms, the common spaces never felt crowded.

Authenticity & Character
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Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Jan 10, 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It warms my heart to know that I was able to contribute positively to your travel experience in Colombia. Hearing that the activities and accommodations met or exceeded your expectations truly means a lot to me. I'm also thrilled to hear about your great time with Sol in Medellin. She's a fantastic part of our team, known for her vibrant energy and insightful guidance. I'll be sure to let Sol know about your kind words and how much you... Read more

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It warms my heart to know that I was able to contribute positively to your travel experience in Colombia. Hearing that the activities and accommodations met or exceeded your expectations truly means a lot to me.

I'm also thrilled to hear about your great time with Sol in Medellin. She's a fantastic part of our team, known for her vibrant energy and insightful guidance. I'll be sure to let Sol know about your kind words and how much you appreciated her company.

We would be more than happy to see you again, exploring other stunning regions of Colombia. Each area has its unique charm and stories waiting to be discovered, and we would love the opportunity to craft another unforgettable journey for you.

Thank you again for choosing The Colombian Trip for your journey. It was my pleasure to ensure that your trip was memorable, and I'm so glad you and your family had a fantastic time!

KimKim comes through in the clutch
Colombia | Nov 14 - Nov 23, 2023

Robert
Robert P.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Dec 01, 2023
I definitely recommend booking a trip through KimKim! I was on a solo trip to Colombia and I felt very well informed and taken care of throughout my entire trip. From the driver picking me up at the airport despite my flight being delayed to having a translator in the Amazon I felt that someone from KimKim was always there to help.
I even price checked and compared the cost of booking my trip with out KimKim and there was almost no difference. Regardless I would have paid extra to have the...
Read more

I definitely recommend booking a trip through KimKim! I was on a solo trip to Colombia and I felt very well informed and taken care of throughout my entire trip. From the driver picking me up at the airport despite my flight being delayed to having a translator in the Amazon I felt that someone from KimKim was always there to help.
I even price checked and compared the cost of booking my trip with out KimKim and there was almost no difference. Regardless I would have paid extra to have the comfort and security that was provided.
Thank you so much Margarita for being with me every step of the way, you really went above and beyond my expectations!
I am looking forward to booking my next trip with KimKim in the future!
Robby Putnam

Hotel Review
Bio Hotel Arara

The service and staff were amazing. The most spectacular part of this hotel is how it makes you feel like you are well taken are of with meals being prepared by a great chef on site while still feeling like you are still in the jungle. I highly recommend this hotel!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Dec 02, 2023
Robby, I'm pleased to hear about your wonderful experience in Colombia. It was a joy to meet you and ensure your journey was special. Your feedback warms my heart, especially knowing you felt cared for and secure throughout your trip, from airport pick-ups to having a translator in the Amazon. I'm glad our efforts in providing comfort and value were apparent and I appreciate your kind words immensely. It's guests like you who make our work so rewarding. I'm looking forward to your next... Read more

Robby,

I'm pleased to hear about your wonderful experience in Colombia. It was a joy to meet you and ensure your journey was special. Your feedback warms my heart, especially knowing you felt cared for and secure throughout your trip, from airport pick-ups to having a translator in the Amazon.

I'm glad our efforts in providing comfort and value were apparent and I appreciate your kind words immensely. It's guests like you who make our work so rewarding. I'm looking forward to your next adventure with us, promising another memorable and seamless experience.

Thank you so much for choosing us, Robby. Can't wait to welcome you back!
Margarita

Knowledgable and Passionate Local Guides Will Transform Your Travel Experience in Colombia
Colombia | Oct 28 - Nov 5, 2023

Subrata
Subrata C.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Nov 08, 2023
I just wrapped up a 10 day Colombia trip on my own (since my wife couldn't break away and also I wanted to practice my Spanish). It was a last minute trip where I selected the places, flights, and accommodations on my own. But then I ran out of time for detailed itinerary. More importantly, I was looking to get very knowledgable local guides, especially speaking with me in Spanish throughout. KimKim came up as one of the very few options that I could opt for (I travel a lot and usually do all... Read more

I just wrapped up a 10 day Colombia trip on my own (since my wife couldn't break away and also I wanted to practice my Spanish). It was a last minute trip where I selected the places, flights, and accommodations on my own. But then I ran out of time for detailed itinerary. More importantly, I was looking to get very knowledgable local guides, especially speaking with me in Spanish throughout. KimKim came up as one of the very few options that I could opt for (I travel a lot and usually do all of the planning on my own). At first glance, it looked like KimKim might provide what I was looking for, but I wasn't sure.
Margarita, the tour coordinator, reached out to me after seeing my request - it was made at the eleventh hour. The conversation with her and the approach encouraged me give it a try (was still hard to give up control..lol). I asked for one day in Popayan (I was doing Cali already by then), 2 days in Medellin, 2 days in Cartagena, and 2 days in Bogota. Margarita came back with an itinerary very promptly to optimize the time and included all the transfers.
The value I started to see was when I met with the local guides who spent times with me at each place.
David Duque, a grad college student, was my guide at Popayán. He is studying tourism, so this is right up his alley. Beyond his knowledge and professionalism, I liked how David blended in the context and details behind each thing without making it overwhelming. He was a great ambassador for that historic city.
Next up at Medellin, my guide was Daniel (Dani) Aterhortua. If you go to Medellin, just grab him! We toured the whole city in a long but extremely rewarding day. From the viewpoints looking over the city to city center and the parks to great cafes, it was amazing, But what blew me away was the visit to Comuna 13 (including the lunch there that is run by a number of Afro-Colombian ladies with an amazing view). This neighborhood transformed itself from a dangerous no-go zone about 13-14 years ago to a present day arts, music, entrepreneurship, and sustainable local business api-center. The magnetism of this place was off the chart. If you go to Colombia and can do only one thing, go to Comuna 13. It will change you.
Dani's intricate detailed knowledge, general awareness, and his passion and pride for Medellin were incredible throughout. The next day we went to visit the coffee farm (no pesticide, organic, natural, 'agroecologico') outside of Medellin. Alejandro, who is suffering from Parkinson's, spent all the time showing me around. He explained different processes, quizzed me about all coffee related stuff, and passionately demonstrated how the coffee plants go from a few days to months to produce the coffee. His passion and insatiable desire to do good in this world, despite of flailing health conditions, inspired me a lot. I also felt that after this trip Dani and I became friends.
At Cartagena, when I met Aura as my guide, little did I know that she gave up a successful career of being an economist to be travel advisor and guide. And Aura is someone who knows almost everyone at Cartagena - she greets them on the street, has some small talks, and seems to move effortlessly through all things. We did a fantastic walking tour of the city at night after the rain and I think that made it even more interesting. We grabbed some local bites and drinks at different spots while meandering through both popular and up and coming areas, such as in Getsemani.
The next day at La Boquella was probably the most surprising part of the itinerary - in a very good way. We spent the day canoeing through mangroves and extremely serene climate that was awesome to see great wildlives. We used fishing nets to catch fish, including trying (and failing) multiple times. We used 'trampas' or traps with fish bets to catch crabs (huge success). We got wet a little with the rain (which is pretty common in this part almost major part of the year). And we had an awesome seafood-fish lunch on the beach looking at the waves. I even got to catch local boys playing soccer on the beach with the fishermen pulling in big catches at the end of their day. Anyone can take you on a day's agenda with the checklist of items to do and see - but if you want to get shaken up a bit to nudge you out of your comfort zone just a little so that you can appreciate the nature and authenticity at its best, this is a must-do! With Aura's help I got to enjoy some amazing food and even emerald-shopping (Colombia is world's largest producer of emeralds) for my wife (I need to return home, so needed some good bribes). She has been extremely caring, loving, affectionate, and truly professional extraordinaire of her crafts.
Reaching at Bogota the following day, I had a little bit of free time. Apart from a really good dinner, that evening was a little downer given the rain and I wasn't sure where to go (it felt less secured, at least to me, compared with Cartagena and Medellin). But it was only my first night there. Next day, my guide there, Andrea spent the whole day with me touring all the key sights. We started with the local market which is truly colorful and full of life. We jumped on to a funicular to go up Cerro Montserrate to get a gorgeous view of the city. The lunch at cafe Origen is a destination by itself. We stopped by countless cafes (you can't miss Azahar cafe and Casa Galeria) and checked out La Septima and Candeleria area with all of the major spots nearby. We did a quick trip to museum of the gold (world's largest of this kind). Plazoleta del Chorro de Quevedo was one of my favorites for people watching and soaking in local arts and graffiti.
The next day we departed for Zipaquira to see the Catedral del Sal. Inside the old mines, 660 ft under ground, tunnels were built to create this one of a kind and a jewel of Colombian architecture in the form of cathedral that I can promise you won't find anywhere else. It is not to be missed. Afterwards, we went to lunch at Andres de Res - both a destination and Colombia's most famous restaurant. An incredible setup that's unique, weird, entertaining, and deliciousness - all blended in together. This was a perfect end to my trip to Colombia before I was heading to the airport to go to Paraguay.
I would be remiss if I don't mention the drivers of all of the transports who were nothing short of amazing. In many case, they doubled up as additional guide.
Finally, a Big THANK YOU to Margarita for coming up with the itinerary so promptly, for helping me with some of the dinner reservations, for making a few quick changes, for the messages with WhatsApp both checking in at the end of the day and communicating a quick view of the agenda, and for the thoughtfulness overall.
For a country like Colombia, that has culture, nature, art, food, and activities galore to offer - local guides and their knowledge can make all the difference. Come to Colombia to get a doze of the excitement that's exactly the opposite of being predictable.

Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Nov 11, 2023
Hola Subrata! It truly warmed my heart to read about your journey through Colombia. I'm so glad you trusted me to organize your trip and that it turned out to be full of beautiful memories and experiences. Knowing that each destination and experience showcased the rich diversity of our country and left you with lasting impressions is incredibly fulfilling for me. I'll definitely pass on your kind words to our guides. They'll be thrilled to hear how much their passion and knowledge enhanced... Read more

Hola Subrata!

It truly warmed my heart to read about your journey through Colombia. I'm so glad you trusted me to organize your trip and that it turned out to be full of beautiful memories and experiences. Knowing that each destination and experience showcased the rich diversity of our country and left you with lasting impressions is incredibly fulfilling for me.

I'll definitely pass on your kind words to our guides. They'll be thrilled to hear how much their passion and knowledge enhanced your adventure.

I'm excited at the prospect of welcoming you back to Colombia, hopefully next time with your wife. We're eager to show both of you the beauty and diversity of our country. It's wonderful to think that through this journey, you've gained not only memories but also a new friend.

Gracias por tus palabras, Vuelve Pronto 🇨🇴

Margarita

Unforgettable 12-day trip
Colombia | Oct 10 - Oct 18, 2023

J
Jake S.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2023
Margarita put together a 12-day trip that concentrated on the interior and by my choice, no coastal areas. Two full days was enough for the highlights of Bogota and surroundings. Two and one-half days covered the main features of La Macarena, an amazing place well worth the struggle with heat and humidity. Don't sell yourself short on Medellin. I used all of my five days and was taken to something new each day. Make Comuna 3 your priority, and not Comuna 13. Too crowded and no longer genuine.... Read more

Margarita put together a 12-day trip that concentrated on the interior and by my choice, no coastal areas. Two full days was enough for the highlights of Bogota and surroundings. Two and one-half days covered the main features of La Macarena, an amazing place well worth the struggle with heat and humidity. Don't sell yourself short on Medellin. I used all of my five days and was taken to something new each day. Make Comuna 3 your priority, and not Comuna 13. Too crowded and no longer genuine. Margarita and her agency provided what was probably the most detailed and personalized service I have received from any tour agency. Two thumbs up!!

Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Nov 02, 2023

Hola Jake!

It was such a pleasure meeting you here in Bogotá, Organizing your trip was truly a joy for us.
Thank you so much for your kind words. The entire team was thrilled to help make your journey memorable. We genuinely value feedback like yours.

Remember to keep warm this winter with a cup of Colombian coffee. It would be wonderful to see you again, maybe on your next adventure in Colombia or just a catch-up in Bogotá. Take care and keep in touch!

Un Abrazo,
Margarita

9 perfect days in Colombia!
Colombia | Aug 26 - Sep 3, 2023

S
Shailee V.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Sep 06, 2023

Margarita and her team were amazing. She planned a our trip to Colombia including Cano Cristales! Despite Cano being off the typical itinerary, it was a perfect plan! The plan was just right for us as we were travelling with a 6 year old. There was enough downtime for resting, while also options to add on more. The trip was tailor made for us with small private tours and all the tour guides were all prepared to guide us to kid friendly and vegetarian friendly options. The took out all the stress of trying to figure things out on our own. Thank you so much for a super time !

Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Sep 08, 2023

Hi Shailee!
Thank you so much for your feedback; I'm thrilled that Colombia exceeded your expectations!
Seeing the excitement on your family's faces when you arrived from Caño Cristales was incredibly gratifying.
Thank you for entrusting me and the team with crafting a memorable experience for you.

We look forward to the opportunity to dazzle you and your family again, this time exploring new and enchanting regions of Colombia. The wonders of this magical country are waiting for you, and so are we at The Colombian Trip.

Best,
Margarita