Columbus Guatemala Travel

Columbus Travel out of Antigua was no less than amazing. Every single detail was taken care of, every question was answered immediately. They helped us plan the perfect vacation for our family. It was a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. I can’t recommend Sofia and team more! They are simply the very best.

From the beginning the tour operator, Columbus Guatamala Travel, were incredible. From making a WhatsApp Group and giving us information before we even got there, to meeting them all at the office. All the guides were beyond expectation and spoke very good english. A special mention to JJ who spent 3 days with us travelling to Lake Atitlan, who was such a pleasure to have with us and nothing was too much trouble and he was very flexible and helpful.
Following on to El Salvador and Nicaragua, Katherine (Columbus Travel) was in the know about everything and kept an eye on everything we did, making sure everything ran smoothly.
Alfredo, who we had for day in San Salvador, was very informative and really good at showing us around.
Gerald, our guide in Nicaragua, was extremely knowledgeable and we learnt a lot and also was very flexible.
Overall we thanks Columbus Guatamala Travel for looking after us.

Fantastic trip to Guatemala. I wanted to go to three areas of the country: Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Tikal National Park. I also used Guatemala City to be able to use the airport easily when going to Flores. Everything went really well. There were many different trips within Guatemala that needed to be taken and every time the driver was right on time ready to go when we were ready to go. I even decided to plan the Tikal portion on my own and Catherine was just fine to work with my desires. My wife and I felt safe and secure the entire trip.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo

Antigua

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

I just didn't like how there really wasn't a way to open a window at night

Porta Hotel del Lago

Panajachel, Sololá

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Not sure why they close the pool and weight room at 8 PM

Activity Reviews

Villages Around Lake Atitlán by Boat

Guatemala

I think if I was given the option I would have elected for a private boat tour of the lake.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Guatemala

Guatemala

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Everything went seamlessly. There were a few minor glitches which were handled well. Mostly regarding transportation. The activities were perfect for our family. The ATM caves were a highlight. Two activities had to be cancelled due to high water and alternate activities were found quickly. The guides we had were the best- I’ll name Francisco and Kenneth for ATM, Renee and Choco and Poncho and Ivar at the snorkeling.

Hotel Reviews

The Sentinel

There was no hot water for most of the stay. The manager definitely was helpful and came by or sent workers multiple times. The house met

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Vista de Azul & The Pool Club

Mahogany bay is kind of weird- it it under construction with big machinery and roads just gravel. It was fine though and we enjoyed being together. A little small for our family

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

ATM cave - Actun Tunichil Muknal

Belize

Wow! That was a once in a lifetime activity- our guides made it so it was fun for all of us- even 72 yr old grandma! So interesting!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

They helped all of us and were fun and knowledeable

Transport

Discover Xunantunich

Belize

Very interesting and fascinating

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Renee was proud to share his heritage and was knowledgeable

Transport

Enjoy Barton Creek

Belize

We couldn’t do this because river was too high

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We couldn’t do it

Half Day Manatee/Coral Gardens & Caye Caulker

Belize

We loved the guides and Irene and Searious They were professional, knowledgeable and helpful and kind. The snorkeling and visit to Cay Caulker was fun

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fishing In San Pedro Belize

Belize

The fishing was great and we enjoyed eating it the next night

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel

Belize

Again the guides were terrific and knowledgeable and helpful and made the experience good for everyone! Choco went out of his way to show us some wonderful things

Quality of Experience

I

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cave Tubing & zip Line

Belize

We didn’t get to cave tube because of high water but the zip lining was really fun!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guides helped grandma by attaching me to him- very good

Transport

We have to echo what all the other reviews are saying…our trip to Guatemala far exceeded our expectations. Truly, in every way imaginable. From the very beginning, Catherina at Columbus Guatemala Travel was incredibly responsive, thoughtful, and intentional with every detail. She asked all the right questions to make sure our itinerary was perfect for us, and she absolutely delivered. The entire planning process felt effortless.
 
On the ground, everything was seamless. Every driver and guide was phenomenal — on time, easy to find, friendly, and deeply knowledgeable.
 
We had a full seven-day itinerary — flying to the rainforest one day for Tikal, then exploring the volcanic beauty of Lake Atitlán the next, and finishing in the colonial magic of Antigua. It was full, rich, and truly unforgettable… yet never rushed. Everything flowed so smoothly that we could just relax and enjoy every moment.
 
Benedicto at Tikal was amazing! We spent most of our time with our guide, JJ, who instantly felt like an old friend from the moment we met him. He is knowledgeable, fun, attentive, and always one step ahead with great recommendations. It was clear he genuinely cared about our comfort and whether we were having a great time. He constantly checked in behind the scenes to make sure everything flowed smoothly. We could feel how much heart and intention went into every moment. And let me say, after experiencing Guatemala’s adventurous driving style, I have never been more grateful to have JJ behind the wheel! I felt safe the entire time and appreciated his calm confidence navigating every twist, turn, and surprise the roads offered.
 
The whole team is amazing. We were genuinely touched by the small surprises, thoughtful gifts, romantic dinner, and all the extra care we never expected. They made us feel celebrated and cared for.
 
One thing that truly stood out is how deeply this company lives its mission and values. Their promise to be “your local compañero - your trusted companion” isn’t just a slogan — it’s something you feel every single day. It’s obvious they created their mission with intention, and they live it with heart. Nothing about it feels like publicity or marketing; it feels real, authentic, and woven into every interaction. We appreciated that more than anything.
 
We absolutely love these people and cannot wait to return with our son. We recommend Columbus Guatemala Travel 1000%.
 
We originally connected through the KimKim platform, which was smooth and easy. For future trips to Guatemala, we will definitely book directly with Columbus Guatemala Travel, because they were outstanding, but we’ll absolutely use KimKim again for other countries (including our upcoming Vietnam trip) in hopes of finding another team as incredible as this one.
 
Hands down, one of the best travel experiences we’ve ever had.

Activity Reviews

Tikal Mayan Civilization

Guatemala

Benedicto was amazing!! He was always checking in to make sure we were okay and had great suggestions for food. We appreciated not just his incredible knowledge of Maya history, but also his knowledge of the plants and animals in the region as well.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Villages Around Lake Atitlán by Boat

Guatemala

JJ was fantastic!! He knew just where to take us to learn and experience the best of the villages.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kayaking in Lake Atitlán

Guatemala

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Pacaya Volcano Hike

Guatemala

Loved our local guide up the volcano!! He was so friendly! Appreciated that JJ was also there to help interpret when needed.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Walk Antigua Like a Local

Antigua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Romantic Dinner For Two

Antigua

Food was delicious. View was amazing. The surprise music, flowers, and photos blew our minds ❤️❤️❤️

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We met the KimKim team online. The vibe & the communication was instantly there. So, we were off.
From the port of entry to Belize, drivers, tour guides, & constant communication from Catherina & her team, we were lead through our Belizean trip with ease. The biggest surprise was our daily guides, Leo & Jeronimo. They both filled the silence with history, interest, and favorite food stops. We fell in love with the classic Belize cuisine, so we were taken to a grocery & guided to select local spices for back at home.

Our favorite hotel was the Ka'ana Resort in San Ignacio. The grounds were a traveler's paradise, the restaurant was carefully curated, the rooms were comfortable & beautiful and the staff gracious beyond expectations. This I would rate 10/10.

We were driven to the ruins at Caracol, the baboon sanctuary, and after taking a water taxi to the island of San Pedro, the Searious Adventures guide took us snorkeling at Hoi Chan. After snorkeling we were driven to Shark Ray alley for shark feeding and a bit more history of the reef and the animals that live there. All of these experiences were chosen by KimKim. All of these adventures were memorable, and irreplaceable.

On our free day, we drove our golf cart one hour away to the Secret beach on San Pedro. We were told by one or 2 travelers not to bother, but this is a MUST go! Secret beach has walk in swimming, bar service on lounge chairs under palms and umbrellas. tables to dine IN THE water! Shopping, music. It was the perfect way to wrap up our trip.

All in all, we are very happy! We will meet again, KimKim. Happy travelling!