MATER Sustainable Travel

I am writing this review as a first user of the KimKim platform for booking a trip. I have travelled with several other luxury and boutique companies. Here is my feedback regarding the overall experience:

- The travel agent should inquire regarding the interests of the guests and suggest places of interest. Here I was suggesting the places after my research and they were enabling it.
- Kim Kim travels has a very opaque pricing policy. You can review our text chat - you will note that when I added an extra day the pricing was increased by $3000 . I had to point it out and then it was brought down to the original estimate. That's not trustworthy.
- Travel agent did not highlight that the US citizens need Brazilian visa since April 2025. I had to scramble to get one.
- I called before reaching Iguazo falls regarding airport pick up- when I did not get a response I called the hotel to pick up- cost me extra for the pick up and buy the Iguazo Park tickets.
- We were promised a jazz show dinner on December 25th- when I reached Buenos Aires and inquired- they stated it was closed for the holiday- made me a hurried reservation for elsewhere for Jazz- there was no jazz there that night.
My trip to Iguazo falls was made memorable because I booked the Gran Melia hotel on my own. That was an amazing hotel with great views and excellent hospitality.
This was my most expensive trip abroad and I will hesitate to recommend Kim Kim - the company needs to have transparency and more engaged agents.

Hotel Reviews

Windsor Leme Hotel

Rio de Janeiro

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires

Excellent accommodation, hospitality and food.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Jeep Tour Historic Center

Rio de Janeiro

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide and driver took extra care of the guests and took us to all the important places

Transport

Hike Morro Dois Irmãos con Favela do Vidigal

Rio de Janeiro

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was great- very accomodative to each persons pace

Transport

We had to use Uber

Christ the Redeemer, Botanic Garden and Sugarloaf Mountain

Rio de Janeiro

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half day tour to the Iguazú Falls (Brazilian side)

Argentina

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Gran Aventura Navigation tour

Puerto Iguazú

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full day to the Argentinian side of the falls

Argentina

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Argentine Experience in the Iguazu jungle

Puerto Iguazú

Quality of Experience

Excellent staff and the experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tango & cena show at El Querandi

Buenos Aires

Quality of Experience

Dancers

Food

2 hours for the food service before the dance- too long

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Buenos Aires Walking tour, La Boca & City centre

Buenos Aires

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This was our 6th trip with KimKim, and while we had an AMAZING time, it was not the level of KimKim professionalism and/or efficiency that we have come to expect. We started with Augustina as our trip advisor, then she moved on and we had Juan. Juan left the company just as we started our trip, so Justo took over (and while he did an excellent job, there was obviously some lack of communication/coordination in the pass-off. Also, we ended up with 2 itineraries (one from KimKim, the other from Mater). While they were mostly identical, there were a few times where there were some inconsistencies that caused confusion (and honestly, it was annoying to have to go back and forth to determine which itinerary to use, more details below). An example of this was our trip to the Estancia where the itinerary indicated in one place that we had a 45-minute horse-back riding experience, while in another it indicated 3 hours. We were sure it would be 45- minutes so we booked a dinner reservation only to find out that it would be a 3 hour ride and we wouldn't get back in time for our reservation. Thankfully, the staff at the ranch called the restaurant and arranged for a late dinner (for my husband's birthday), otherwise it wouldn't have been a big deal. Another time, the itinerary for KimKIm indicated one activity, while the Mater itinerary repeated what we had already done a few days prior. items: In Ushuai, our itinerary indicated we should arrange for the hotel to take us to the National Park and back to hike. However, there was a public bus going to/from the park multiple times a day right across the street from our hotel--this should have been an obvious notation on the itinerary (as the bus was inexpensive, efficient and very helpful!). In El Calafate, it would have been nice to know that the established "pick-up" times for the experiences are "rough estimates" and the bus pick up can be as much as 45 minutes later given the number of pick-ups to different hotels that they make. Had we known this, we would not have worried that we had been "missed" or forgotten (we did call, and they let us know they were on their way. Also, our itinerary had indicated that the hotel could provide lunch for us for our "glacier walk", but they do not do this. Thankfully the hotel staff helped us find an alternative caterer who could have a box lunch ready for us in the early morning before we departed. In El Chalten, it would have been helpful to know that tickets to the park should be purchased in cash; aditionally, had I not had a trail "app" on my phone, the directions provided to get to a couple of the hikes were not particularly helpful/useful or accurate. For the day at the private reserve, though we were able to get in, we were the "lucky" ones, as we were supposed to have made reservations in advance (which we wrongly assumed KimKim or Mater had done since this was on our itinerary). Others were turned away. Had we been turned away, given that we had taken the bus to get there, we would have been out of luck and sitting in the rain for 6 hours waiting for the return. Justo was our point of contact from Mater, and he was very helpful/personable, though there was a bit of a language barrier in translating some of our requests. In Torres Del Paine, Juan had mentioned the need to get Park tickets right away, though this turned out to be easy, and nothing to stress over. FInally, while it would not have changed anything, it would have been nice to know that the roads between El Calafate and Torres Del Paine are often gravel, rough and slow, and that you need to download Google maps "offline" to ensure you have map service. So again, we had a phenomenal trip, there were just these little inconsistencies, omissions and/or annoyances that we have not been used to on prior KimKim trips.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Poincenot

El Chalten

We loved the hotel in El Chaltén because of its fantastic location, just a few minutes' walk from the trailheads, which was perfect for our hiking adventure. The hotel was comfortable, and while it wasn't fancy, the staff were amazing and made our stay exceptional.

Pampa Lodge Quincho y Caballos

Torres Del Paine

The views from our hotel in Torres del Paine were simply breathtaking, making our stay truly memorable. The hotel was comfortable, adding to the overall experience of the surrounding natural beauty.

Koi Aiken

El Calafate

We stayed here the longest, and though it was by far the most humble of accomodations, the staff were incredibly helpful in (1) helping us find box lunches for our glacier walk; and (2) reaching out to the Glacier Walk experience provider to figure out if we had been forgotten or if they were just running late. The room had a nice view, though the furnishings and bathrooms are quite dated and in need of repair. Staff made up for any issues with the room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

It's a long walk from town though taxi service is easy.

Staff

Amazing and helpful staff.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The hotel furnishings in our room (drapes, bedspreads etc) were all falling apart; and the bathroom tub did not drain, but the helpfulness of the staff made up for any deficiencies we experienced.

Activity Reviews

Estancia Nibepo Aike

El Calafate

while the experience was wonderful, it's a long day, informative and enjoyable, but it's a long way to go w/not alot of "action". The gauchos were very friendly...the food was "OK" (mostly fat, though the 2nd serving was better). Our itinerary was not clear as to whether we had a 45-minute horse-back ride or 3 hour ride, and we tried to reschedule to 45-minutes (given our impending dinner reservation), but were unable to. THankfully, the ranch staff called our restaurant and let them know we would be very late (for my husband's birthday celebration!)

Quality of Experience

Food

Everything except the meat was exceptional. Felt like we received the "cheap" cuts of meat that they could effectivey serve a large group.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transportation was HOT and long.

Trekking on Perito Moreno glacier

El Calafate

One of the best experiences of the trip. Awesome guide, great hike, spectacular views and wonderful people we met along the way.

Quality of Experience

Dramatic scenery, and experienced guides

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

It's a long day, and the only thing I recommend is that the drivers or transport company let you know ahead of time that it might take time to pick everyone up (depending on where your hotel is along the route).

Overall ... good but not great.

Booked through kimkim but local planning through Mater Travel. I am not sure exactly how the information flow goes between the two but some thoughts.

1. Our local contact Justo from Mater Travel was great. Very attentive and prompt. Great energy. Always willing to help.

2. Some gaps in our bookings which we were surprised about. I had assumed using a travel agent would have made this seamless. I think I could have organized some of this equally well just using google.

a. We happened to stumble (11 days before the trip) that an evisa was needed for Brazil part of Iguazu Falls. I would have thought our agent through kimkim would have been more proactive to tell us this. Thankfully my wife looked this up and then we feverishly submitted our documents. We would have wasted 1 day in Iguazu otherwise.

b. Our plane arrived at 10:40am after overnight flight from US to Buenos Aires. Pick up was arranged at 10:50am. Lunch experience scheduled for 12:30pm. Of course, clearing immigration and deplaning does not take 10 minutes. And we were late to our lunch by 30 min. Again ... we noticed this and not kimkim.

c. Hotel Hunidad Obelisco is a nice hotel in a very ok (being generous) street. Even our local contact Justo said that he would have to talk to the company about booking there again. Why was this a surprise for everyone? I feel like I could have booked a better location myself.

d. One of our excursions changed ... and it was never mentioned to us. Again, I guess we should have checked ... but assumed a travel agency would have proactively mentioned.

3. Iguazu was great.

4. Buenos Aires as well

5. Tigre Delta good for 24 hrs for our family.

There were many issues of miscommunication throughout the course of the trip.

Firstly, after waiting over half an hour for driver at El Chalten I called the service and person stated they were trying locate driver. After an hour we were on our way.

Since it was hour one way to town and a 120 USD fare. It was impracticle, if not impossible, to take meals anywhere else. Furthermore, there was only a set offering at meal. I felt that by adding the mandatory meal serivce the provider was attempting to present a different cost than we were actually going incur.

The tour of Palermo and Soho were not as advertised. One of the main reasons of this tour for taking this tour was to visit the Recoleta cemetery. We only were notified upon arrival very disappointing.

The beef and wine tasting Fogon Asodo carried an extra charge for wine.

Lastly, I do not remember the name a place the that hosted the Tango show. But food was AWFUL.

My wife I travel several months a year. This is first and last time using Kimkim.

Hotel Reviews

Refugio de Glaciares

El Chalten

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Alto Andino Hotel

Ushuaia

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Blanca Patagonia Boutique Inn and Cabins

El Calafate, Santa Cruz

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Asado tasting with wine pairing

Buenos Aires

the wine pairing was an extra charge

Food

Bike tour: Palermo & Recoleta

Buenos Aires

Tour was not as stated in writing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tango & cena show at El Viejo Almacen

Buenos Aires

The show was good but the dinner was awful.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Estancia Harberton & walk with penguins

Ushuaia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day trip to Tierra del Fuego National Park

Ushuaia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kayak Experience Perito Moreno glacier

El Calafate

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Glaciar Sur Aventura, an immersion in the Glacier National Park

El Calafate

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Estancia Cristina Upsala

El Calafate

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Agustina help us to plan our visit to Argentina. She answered every question and was able to accommodate all the changes we asked for.

The first stop in El Calafate was full of adventure seeing multiple glaciers and ice bergs. Every detail was handled for us from local flights ( Buenos Aires to El Calafate) to our hotel (Hosteria Blanca Patagonia). Even the transfers from the airport always had someone waiting with a clear sign containing our name so we were never worried that we were forgotten.

We then went north to Iguazu Falls. We enjoyed the same personal service. Aguas Grandes were always on time, they always knew our plan for the day (and even the next day) and always made us feel special. La Reserva Virgin Lodge was amazing! Tucked into the jungle it was quiet, serene and the staff were all friendly.

Ending our journey in Buenos Aires at the Casa Su Palermo. A modern, sophisticated and well located hotel.

I can't compliment enough all of our tour operators, guides, drivers, and hotel staff. Everything went off without a hitch.

Thank you KimKim team for a once in a lifetime trip!

Activity Reviews

Gran Aventura Navigation tour

Puerto Iguazú

The boat ride up the river and into the Devil's Throat is a must do. After seeing the falls from above and from the sides, riding right up to the base is amazing. So much fun!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full day to the Argentinian side of the falls

Argentina

Words can not describe the sheer beauty! Every trail leads to a more unique and breathtaking view.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bike and kayak in Andresito

Puerto Iguazú

Unfortunately we had a lot of rain the day before the bike tour and the roads were too muddy to navigate. Our guide still took us on a nice ride near the hotel and pointed out lots of fun facts about the trees and the jungle. The Kayak trip up the river was "ok". Don't get me wrong, standing in Argentina, being able to see Paraguay and Brazil and then kayak for a couple of hours on a beautiful day is hard to beat. But, at the end of the day, it wasn't terrible adventurous or exciting.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half day tour to the Iguazú Falls (Brazilian side)

Argentina

It's impossible to describe the beauty of the falls. Pictures can not capture even part of the experience. Every angle you see something new and different. Truly amazing!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Trekking on Perito Moreno glacier

El Calafate

What a fun "ice hike"! Walking around the glacier and eventually on the glacier was fantastic. The guides were all very knowledgable and eager to share. The glass of whisky with glacial ice at the end was a nice touch!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I thought that the planning of the trip and the excursions were excellent. I also felt that the itinerary provided was done very well and was very straightforward and structured.

I also enjoyed the hotel picks.

What I didn’t like was the lack of support I received when there were disruptions to my itinerary due to weather. The individual I had to deal with (Joaquin) was not helpful and was not willing to work with me to get things back on track. I found his communication to be rude and unprofessional - so much so that I had to escalate to get the support I needed.