Margoth Rico
I have seen how Colombia has evolved from a dangerous destination to a safe, welcoming, and upcoming destination, and I am therefore extremely passionate to be part of my country's tourism resurgence.
I was born in Colombia and grew up in a family of entrepreneurs that have started successful travel businesses. I moved to Canada where I earned a degree in International Economic Development from McGill University, and I then worked in the hospitality and event management industries in London. I also worked in the tourism industry in Colombia for many years, and I have had the opportunity to travel extensively around the world. One of my last ventures was pursuing an MBA at the University of Cape Town in South Africa where I focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. I then decided to follow my passion and dedicate my life to ensuring that travelers that visit Colombia, have a fantastic time in my home country and are able to experience all the wonderful things that Colombia and its people have to offer.
I provide superb customer service and have traveled extensively around Colombia and continue to do so. I have the know-how to design unforgettable Colombian experiences. I treat each of my travelers as a VIP Client, and I will go above and beyond to make sure your trip is perfect.
My philosophy of Luxury Travel is to offer a personalized service that seeks to provide clients outstanding and authentic experiences in Colombia. I focus on tailored trips and work with professional and outstanding local partners in all regions across Colombia to design and plan trips that combine exceptional experiences. From diving to trekking, to relaxing on a beautiful beach, to tasting Colombian coffee and flavors, birdwatching, interacting with excellent local guides and storytellers, or hiring your private boat, I design once in a lifetime trips.
I look forward to taking care of you and making sure your trip to Colombia fulfills all your expectations and is filled with the most memorable experiences.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize in creating truly personalized trips that are designed for each traveler or group. The main destinations I cover are Cartagena, the islands of Cartagena, Bogota and surroundings, Medellin, Guatape and surroundings, the coffee region, Santa Marta, Tayrona and surroundings, the Amazon rainforest, and San Andres and Providencia. However, I cover all of the country and can plan a trip to any destination you want or that I believe you will like.
I enjoy planning trips for couples, families, independent travelers, for those wanting to relax, for those seeking to learn and immerse in the Colombian culture, for city lovers, nature explorers, beach fans, foodies, coffee lovers, for the ones that love music and dance — for everyone that wants to visit Colombia! I specialize in boutique and 5-star hotels, but I love being creative, and every trip I plan is tailored to your wants and interests!"
How did you get involved in travel?
"My grandmother and parents have run successful travel businesses, and from a very young age, I have been exposed to the wonderful world of travel and to the tourism and hospitality industry. This allowed me to travel around the world, making travel one of my passions in life! I've also lived, worked and studied in different countries including South Africa, Canada, Brazil, France, Colombia, and the UK. I am passionate about seeing Colombia fulfill its potential as a world-class holiday destination, and I look forward to helping you plan your trip!"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Traveling to the coffee region of Colombia for the first time, was an unbelievable experience! I never thought we'd have such a beautiful, peaceful and unique destination in Colombia, different from any other place I've visited in the world. This area is a hidden gem for many travelers, and I encourage you to visit it and see for yourself the marvelous coffee fields of Colombia, where you will meet some of the most charming, welcoming and hard-working people on earth.
The coffee farm tours I did and recommend are not touristy, but more off the beaten path, and the farms' main interest is still producing excellent high-quality coffee, as opposed to doing tours. I was very lucky to be able to do a private specialized tour of different farms' facilities, their fields, and coffee crops and understand the entire process that a coffee bean goes through. Being a coffee drinker, it was extremely interesting to interact with the farmers and the people behind recognized coffee brands and learn about good coffee directly at its origin. I also did two excellent coffee tastings and got to try some of the most delicious coffee in the world.
In addition to coffee, I was able to stay in a beautiful boutique hotel in the middle of a cocoa and coffee farm where I was able to try delicious creative restaurants with fascinating food recipes and drinks. This region combines, coffee, nature, good food, nice people, an opportunity to relax, to learn, to swim in thermal waters, to go for a canoe trip on the river and see the tallest palm trees in the world. I had a fantastic time full of surprises, and I encourage you to visit as well. "
Featured trips & expertise
Explore Bogotá and Cartagena - 9 Days
This tour of Colombia starts in the bustling capital of Bogotá, where you'll explore its trendy neighborhoods and culinary scene before hiking through the nearby nature reserves of Chicaque and Chingaza. Make your way to the coastal city of Cartagena for walking tours of its walled Old Town, then head to the Rosario Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Relax along the white-sand beaches, try your luck with sports such as snorkeling and kayaking, tour mangrove farms, and view the bioluminescent plankton at night.
Best of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena - 9 Days
Explore three of Colombia's most exciting cities on this 9-day adventure. Start in Bogotá, the sprawling cosmopolitan capital. Tour the colonial streets of the historic center, taste local cuisine, and visit museums. Then, transfer to Medellín to see street art and communal projects, and learn about Colombian coffee culture. The adventure ends in tropical Cartagena, where you'll appreciate Spanish forts and architecture, enjoy fresh seafood, and swim in the Caribbean.
Colombia's Caribbean Coast: Tayrona & Cartagena - 9 Days
This diverse 9-day itinerary showcases the highlights of Colombia's Caribbean coast. Start by soaking up the colonial charm, vibrant nightlife, and myriad attractions of Cartagena, then head north to the bustling Pacific port of Santa Marta. Spend your final three days immersed in the natural beauty of Tayrona Natural Park, where you'll hike through biodiverse rainforests, explore sandy beaches and volcanic coves, and tour the lush coffee farms of nearby Minca.
Experience Colombia's Amazon - 4 Days
This 4-day excursion into the Amazon will give you a taste of one of the most beautiful and diverse ecosystems in the world. This itinerary is the perfect introduction to the Amazon as it will bring you down the river, through the rainforest, and into various indigenous communities along the way. Take a boat cruise along the Amazon River, stroll through the eco-friendly village of Puerto Nariño, take a dip in the beautiful waters of Lake Tarapoto, and more.
Explore Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena - 8 Days
On this eight-day excursion, you'll visit Bogotá, the largest city in Colombia and a melting pot of people from around the country. Travel to Medellín and see with your own eyes how it's transformed from one of the most dangerous cities to a fascinating destination. Then explore Cartagena, the jewel of the Caribbean ocean, and go on a trip to the beautiful beaches and islands nearby.
Discover Medellín and Cartagena - 9 Days
Discover the hidden wonders of Colombia on this excursion through two of its historic cities. Travel to Medellín, capital of the Antioquia province, and see with your own eyes how the once-controversial city has transformed through its rich Paisa culture. You'll then explore Cartagena—the jewel of the Caribbean ocean—for the second half of the trip and experience the nearby beaches and islands first-hand.
Recent trip reviews for Margoth
Cartagena and Santa Marta, Columbia: December 2020 · Colombia - Dec 12 - Dec 19, 2020
My friend and I had such a wonderful and memorable time in Cartagena and Santa Marta. Margoth did an amazing job organizing and suggesting activities, transportation, hotels, and restaurants. Everything went so smoothly. She was even available during our stay and would check up on us. She is very knowledgeable on creating out perfect vacation. I wanted to visit Cerro Kennedy which not many tourist hike and she was able to make arrangements last minute as I was not sure what traveling would... read more
It was a pleasure helping you with your trip Sabena! And thank you once again for visiting Colombia! I am very glad you had a great time here, and enjoyed your time with Juan! All my Best Wishes to you and Layla!
Excellent Service · Colombia - Mar 11 - Mar 19, 2020
We cannot be more impressed with the exceptional service provided by Margoth @ Aracanto on our Colombia trip. We found her on kimkim.com to help us put together a 10-day itinerary. She promptly responded to our emails, eloquently answered every little query and request and gave excellent recommendations and options for every aspect of the trip. Our itinerary was unfortunately truncated by the COVID pandemic travel restrictions but we have nothing but praise for Margoth’s concern and support... read more
Hi Natasha, thank you for your review and it has been a pleasure meeting you and Ake!
And Thank You for visiting Colombia! We are very glad you enjoyed your stay in our country!
We look forward to having you back, and in the meantime please take care.
Best wishes, Margoth
Awesome family trip to Colombia · Colombia - Feb 23 - Mar 2, 2020
We had an amazing family trip to Colombia thanks to Margoth and her team. We were a party of 7, including children and grandparents, and we wanted to get a taste of everything that Colombia has to offer in an 8 day trip. Already at the planning stage Margoth completely understood what we were looking for in terms of activities, culture, nature, hotels and comfort. She put together a great trip for us and we just had to click “yes” and everything was booked and organised for us. Our trip... read more
Marianne, muchas gracias! It is a pleasure meeting you and your family, and helping you with your trip! I really hope you come back to Colombia, and we wish you all the very best in the meantime! Margoth
Excellent. We really enjoyed all parts of our... · Colombia - Dec 29 - Jan 6, 2020
Excellent. We really enjoyed all parts of our trip. The tour guides were excellent and the trip was well planned and very enjoyable.
It was a pleasure meeting Omar you and thank you for trusting us with the planning of your trip to Colombia! I am very glad you had a good time with the tour guides as well! All the very best and stay in touch, Margoth