Michael Gold
Since I was little, I have been fascinated by getting to know the great wide world. The exchange with other cultures has always been my focus. Therefore, I have made my interest my profession. In Germany and England, I studied tourism management and specialized in sustainable tourism. During my travels, I found a country where I feel most comfortable: Colombia! The Colombian advertising slogan: "The only risk is wanting to stay" has proven true for me. In San Agustín, I have found my second home and from here I am happy to share the magic of the country with tourists from all over the world.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Responsible and sustainable tourism is my focus. For me it is important that travel has a positive impact - for the visitors, as well as for the hosts. Therefore, I have specialized in sustainable tourism. It is important to achieve a good cultural exchange, to protect nature, and at the same time to combine one's own interests. Nature and adventure tourism is my main area of expertise. "
How did you get involved in travel?
"Travel broadens your horizons! The world has so much to offer and so many exciting places and stories to discover. That's why I've loved traveling all my life - alone, with my family, together with friends. It's great to share experiences and impressions. Through my travel experience in about 40 different countries so far, I have made friends all over the world. My university has shown me the theoretical background of tourism, jobs in hotels and with tour operators helped me with the practical component."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"After graduating from school, I packed my travel backpack and set off on a long journey through Central and South America. During this period I fell in love with this continent! Hiking tours, boat trips, diving, fishing, jungle tours, visits to deserts, and above all many special life stories and open-minded people. These experiences as a whole package describe for me the most amazing travel experiences - thanks to this trip I decided to live in Colombia. And I am extremely happy about that."
Michael's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Within 10 days, your family can combine three or more areas of Colombia thanks to low-cost domestic flights. Curious kids can engage in educational experiences, such as a...
Explore three of Colombia's most exciting cities on this nine-day adventure. Start in Bogotá, the sprawling cosmopolitan capital. Tour the colonial streets of the historic...
The romantic city of Cartagena, white-sand Caribbean beaches, beautiful Coffee Country and sizzling salsa dancing combine to make Colombia a wonderful honeymoon destination....
Family itineraries
Despite its name, Colombia's "Coffee Zone" is a fantastic destination for families—a natural paradise with outdoor activities for all ages. This week-long tour starts in the...
Your family can experience Colombia's best on an exciting week-long tour that's based in two very different cities: Bogotá and Cartagena. Kids and parents alike will enjoy...
You don't need to choose between cultural activities and beach time on this week-long family vacation in Colombia. You'll start on the Caribbean coast in Cartagena, which oozes...
Luxury itineraries
Favorite experiences
Tour of Tayrona National Park
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona (Tayrona National Park) is one of about 58 national parks in Colombia, and this protected area is known for having some of the most virgin coastal landscapes in the entire country. Indeed, it's home to one of the most iconic "postcard" destinations in Colombia: the...
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...
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...
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...
La Guajira: Punta Gallinas & Taroa Dunes
La Guajira is almost a world apart from the green and tropical Colombia most travelers know. The arid desert landscapes in this region are foreboding yet beautiful, with the sun-scorched earth and steep red dunes tapering off into the azure waters of the Caribbean. The most epic landscapes here...
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Cartagena de Indias is not only a beautiful Caribbean coastal destination, but it's also one of the most well-preserved Spanish Colonial cities in South America. Back when the Spaniards were in charge, they utilized a network of offshore islands to help protect their shipments of gold. Beyond...
Recent trip reviews for Michael
Highly recommend this family-friendly tour of Colombian culture and wildlife
Colombia
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Aug 13 - Aug 27, 2025
A high point for the kids was seeing pink dolphins and grey dolphins in the Amazon river. My daughter's dream realized! We also loved Leticia and the park with the parakeets and... Read more
thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I’m truly delighted to hear how much you and your family enjoyed your journey through Colombia. It sounds like you were able to experience a great mix of culture, nature, and local hospitality — exactly what makes this country so special.
It was a real pleasure to tailor the trip to your family’s interests, and I’m very glad to know that both the kids and the adults found highlights to enjoy along the way. I’ll make sure to pass your... Read more
Brilliantly organised holiday - highly recommend Michael and Chaska
Colombia
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Jul 20 - Aug 1, 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your kind words — we truly appreciate it! It was a real pleasure helping you and Rhys plan your first trip to Colombia. I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the mix of history, culture, food, and outdoor experiences, and that everything felt seamless from planning to travel. Your feedback means a lot to me and to our team, and it’s wonderful to know that we could contribute to making your holiday memorable. I hope you’ll keep... Read more
Michael planned a great trip for us. It was p...
Colombia
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Aug 8 - Aug 19, 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It was a real pleasure helping you plan this adventure through Colombia, and I’m so glad to hear that everything came together smoothly.
I especially enjoyed arranging those little special touches, like the private dinner in Bogotá and making sure your experiences like Tejo were memorable.
Your kind words and recommendation mean the world to us at Chaska. Colombia has so many layers of history, culture, and natural beauty, and I’m... Read more
An exceptional and trustworthy team to bring your dreams of visiting Colombia to fruition!
Colombia
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Jul 18 - Jul 26, 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful words and for taking the time to share your experience! It was truly a pleasure to help you design your journey through Colombia, and I’m thrilled to hear that everything - from the nature and birding experiences to the cultural touches - met your expectations. On behalf of myself, your guides, drivers, and the entire Chaska team, thank you for your trust and enthusiasm throughout the planning and travel process. It was a pleasure to be part... Read more
Cartagena and Medellin with the family
Colombia
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Aug 2 - Aug 8, 2025
Thank you so much for your detailed and kind review!
I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed Cartagena and Medellín – and that the trip was not only relaxing but also enriching. I especially love that the coconut workshop provided not only a creative moment but also valuable insight for your children. I’m so glad everything went smoothly and that you could enjoy your trip without any logistical worries.
I hope you will carry many fond memories of these special days in... Read more
Amazing Experience in Colombia
Colombia
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Jul 12 - Jul 15, 2025
Wow — thank you so much for this amazing feedback! I’m really happy to hear that your trip to Colombia was such a special and memorable experience.
It’s great to know that everything went smoothly. Sounds like you had a great mix of nature, comfort, and warm hospitality, which is exactly what we hope for our travelers. I’m especially glad the guides, hotel and staff made such a positive impression! Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience in such detail. We’d love... Read more
Another amazing trip to Colombia!
Colombia
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Jun 25 - Jul 5, 2025
Thank you so much for your amazing review – I truly loved reading it!
It means a lot that you decided to travel with us again, and I’m so happy to hear that your second trip to Colombia was just as incredible as the first.
And yes – unexpected issues can always happen, but I’m really glad we could be there for you and make sure everything continued smoothly.
Working with you to craft the itinerary was a true pleasure, and I’m already looking forward to the next round of planning... Read more
Tour exceeded our high expectations. We had ...
Colombia
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Jun 21 - Jul 6, 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review - we’re absolutely delighted to hear that the tour exceeded your expectations!
It was a real pleasure for us to help you explore more of Colombia and to know that you found the country’s beauty, as well as the experiences and logistics, so memorable. We’re especially happy that our guides and drivers made a positive impression and that everything worked smoothly for you.
We’ve also taken note of your detailed feedback about... Read more
Michael was amazing and his communication and...
Colombia
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May 26 - Jun 3, 2025
Dear Erin,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear you and your kids had a great experience. It was a real pleasure planning your journey through Colombia.
Your recommendation truly means a lot, and I’d be delighted to help you or your friends with any future adventures to Colombia again! :)
All the best,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team
My husband and I had a very memorable vacatio...
Colombia
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May 11 - May 18, 2025
My husband and I had a very memorable vacation in Colombia .
All our excursions and meals were carefully arranged and we were pleased at the very high standards that Michael and his team adhered to.
My favorite spot was the Cocora Valley and the majestic palm trees. A must see for everyone.
Driving in the antique Willy ( jeep) was perhaps my husband’s favorite for sure.
Do give Micheal and his team a chance to plan a trip for you , you won’t be disappointed.
Munir and Tarannum
