
Monique Santamaria
My name is Monique and I grew up in a charming little town called Volcán, which lies on the slopes of the only volcano that Panama has, Volcán Barú.
I enjoy walking early in the morning in Gamboa because it is a peaceful town and it is only 45 minutes drive from Panama City and you can hear and watch birds also you can see agoutis and capybaras. If you are lucky, you may see deers.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I specialize on custom-made trips to discover Panama and all of its tropical blessings.""
How did you get involved in travel?
"I got involved in travel because I enjoy my history and geography classes when I was in high school then one of my cousins took me to a hotel to check how it is the work and I liked it."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"My trip to Bolivia was amazing because my guides were knowledgable about their country's history and friendly. The food was delicious and the decorations of the plates were beautiful. "
Featured trips & expertise

Panama's Pacific Coast: Panama City, Playa Reina, & Santa Catalina - 10 Days
This 10-day trip to Panama’s Pacific Coast is the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation. Begin in Panama City, where you’ll tour the iconic Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, and take a day trip to visit the indigenous Emberá. Then, rent a car and drive to the beach—you’ll stay in Playa Reina for two nights, where you can observe turtles nesting and hatching. Next, enjoy some surfing and downtime in Santa Catalina, followed by a whale-watching excursion, before you return to Panama City.

Ultimate Panama Road Trip: Panama City, Gamboa, Pacific Coast, & More - 15 Days
Panama is a great place for a scenic and adventurous road trip. In 15 days, this self-drive itinerary will take you around the most notable regions of the country. Begin in Panama City, then hit the road to discover the jungle, beautiful mountains, charming villages, and pristine islands. Some stops along the way include Gamboa, El Valle de Anton, Boquete, and the Pacific Coast.

Panama Rainforest Adventure - 8 Days
Ideal for hikers, birders, and lovers of wild nature, this off-the-beaten-path trek takes you to Darien National Park—an ecologically-diverse rainforest at the tip of Central America. In addition to rare species of flora and fauna, the region is full of history and native people who are happy to display their artistry and hospitality. Start and end the trip in cosmopolitan Panama City for a dose of urban culture.

Panama Multi-Sport Adventure - 11 Days
Get ready for an active trip to an undiscovered region of Panama that combines beautiful landscapes, exuberant nature, and pleasant weather. On this 11-day multi-sport itinerary, you'll fly through a cloud forest, raft along a river, and trek up a volcano where you can witness two oceans from above before camping under the stars—an unforgettable experience!
Recent trip reviews for Monique

Panamà 2019 · Panama - Dec 15 - Dec 22, 2019
Our trip to Panamà went very smoothly, due to the organization of the trip by Kim Kim. We especially appreciated that Kim Kim works with local groups. YeYe was an excellent tour guide and understood our needs and interests. Our driver, Julio (sp?) was excellent. Ankhill (sp?) was an excellent guide on our boat tour. The guide and driver for our adventure to Gulan Yala were both really good. Monique was excellent and was always available whenever we needed help and/or had questions. Delicious... read more

Hello Penny,
I am contented that you and your daughter enjoyed your custom-made trip plan and you had excellent experiences in Panama.
I like you had a great cultural and knowledge exchange about Panamanian history, culture, food and fauna & flora.
Happy New Year!
I would recommend KimKim to anyone traveling to Panama · Panama - Dec 20 - Dec 25, 2019
Monique not only put together a wonderful itinerary for our visit to Panama, she met us at the airport, reviewed our plans and checked in with us daily. We saw locks in action at both the Caribbean and Pacific, took in the beauty of the rainforest and its inhabitants, and learned of the country’s diverse history.
Our guide, Jose, was friendly, knowledgeable, energetic and flexible. He made sure each day was special and tailored to our interests.
Both Monique and Jose provided good... read more

Hello Jacqueline, I am delighted that you enjoyed the trip plan that I designed for you and your family and that your kids were very interested in Panamanian History and Culture specially the "Molas".
It was important for me that you and your Family visit Panama City, the outskirt of this city, and the Caribbean side.
I will pass your message to Jose and Carlos.
Happy Holidays!
The Wonders of Panamá - 7 Days · Panama - Aug 12 - Aug 18, 2019
My trip last week included retracing family history on the maternal side of both my mother’s and father’s side of the family, celebrating 500 years of the founding of the oldest city in the Pacific, being singularly called out to belly dance in a Lebanese restaurant (and convincingly holding my own) in the middle of Panamá City, thence to receiving the warmest, kindest, globalist, most beautifulest birthday greetings from around the world on my seminal 25th-again-for-the-62nd-time-birthday... read more

Hello Eca,
I am so happy that you had a great experience in Panama. It was my pleasure to meet you and to hear your maternal family history to the point I got goosebumps that probably you were able to meet a family member here.
When I had finished reading your review, I realized the reason why I enjoy so much to work on tourism and to help clients that a trip plan can become a reality and give them a different perspective of my country, Panamá. It is more than just The Panama Canal, it is... read more