The Colombian Trip

This was our first trip with Kimkim as we had no prior knowledge of Colombia and thought it best to book some knowledge and experience. We were delighted with the whole experience. From the great Maria Jose and Richard in Bogota, the wonderful Claudia in Medellin and the super Evelyn and Sofia we were treated wonderfully and with such enthusiasm that each guide had in sharing their country with us. At every step of the way we were advised very well by Margarita and Marcela and the whole trip had the perfect balance of being well structured enabling us to see a do many things that we wouldnt have done if we were solo travellers and all without being too rushed. A great experience.

Huge thanks to Margarita for organizing a wonderful two week trip to Colombia. From our first interactions with Margarita through emails, to our conference call talking about our proposed itinerary, to the warm welcome at the airport, to to the constant contact with her during our trip, she was marvelous. Margarita seamlessly modified our plans based on changing circumstances and arrange for some unique personal experiences.
Our guides and drivers were top notch. Our guides were friendly, informative, patient and really understood what we were looking to experience during our trip. Our drivers were likewise wonderful people who made us feel very comfortable throughout the trip. And we certainly did not leave Colombia hungry, Margarita's suggestions for restaurants were right on target. We had some amazing dining experiences for our dinners, and enjoyed local favorites during the day.
This was my first trip to Colombia, and my preconceptions of the country were totally wrong. I will become an ambassador to my friends about the safety, beauty of the country, cleanliness, and friendliness of the people, We had the opportunity to spend most of our time in Bogota, Villa De Leyva, Medellin and Cartagena, with side trips to small villages and even a lovely boat ride to a small village island near Cartagena. I loved experiencing each of these very different places, though the temperature in Cartagena was a bit too hot for us too stay out all day. I fell in love with Villa De Leyva which is such a beautiful. peaceful old Colonial town. The outdated stereotype about safety in Colombia needs to be changed. I felt totally safe during my entire trip. I felt very comfortable to walk around the neighborhoods by my hotels.
All in all, my trip to Colombia was wonderful. Again I thank Margarita for her excellent planning and I have no hesitation to recommend KimKim as a travel agent.

I am back home after a most wonderful visit to Colombia. Having never been to Colombia before, I really didn’t know what to expect. It was even more than I hoped for, thanks to your efforts as well as those of the guides, drivers and the gracious people of Colombia. I compliment you on the organization of the trip and all of the planning that went in to it. Our goals of street photography were certainly met. Our guides and drivers were all first rate. I had no issues with communicating with them or in their choices and suggestions on where to go and what to see. I also found a great culinary scene.. Of the places we visited, in my mind Medellin was probably my favorite, with Bogota and Villa de Leyva tied second. Cartagena was interesting, but way too many tourists. The Patio del Mundo hotel in Medellin was quite stunning. The people of Colombia were most gracious and helpful. What also impressed me was the lack of litter anywhere, something the US could take a lesson from. The reputation that Colombia has regarding violence is a sad and underserved one, as it was not evident anywhere we went. I felt completely safe during my whole journey. I would highly recommend Kimkim as a tour operator for any trips to Colombia.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Bantu By Faranda Boutique

Cartagena de Indias

Hotel Bantu By Faranda Boutique was a very nice hotel with lots of character, seemingly an old house. However, the door to my room had a large crack which allowed noise from the patio to be a bit disturbing at night. Despite this, it was a charming place to stay.

Patio del Mundo

Medellín

What a place! Divided between two houses, one has in essence a private residence. Everything was first class. It was convenient to a number of nice restaurants, breakfasts were exceptional and the staff most helpful and friendly.

Authenticity & Character

In a quiet neighborhood with a exceptionally comfortable room, as well as 'living room', etc.

Location

Close to several upscale restaurants.

Staff

They could not have been more attentive and helpful. The lady during the day at the front desk couldn't have been more helpful. She also spoke wonderful English.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The whole place is meticulously clean

Activity Reviews

The Magical Getsemaní & Its Graffitis

Cartagena

If you have any interest in wall art, plan on spending some time here. It is a very interesting neighborhood of Cartagena, well worth the effort to experience it. There is some scrawled graffiti, but most is exceptional wall art.

Quality of Experience

The extent of interesting houses and wall art. As in most of Colombia the streets are spotless and filled with friendly people.

Discover the iconic Comuna 13

Medellín

An extensive area in Medellin, Commune 13 is a cornucopia of everything from graffiti to exceptional wall art. the area is now safe to walk and admire the art.

Quality of Experience

The extent of the area and the wall art.

Food

A number of restaurants in the area.

Capture Bogotá: Art and History Highlights

Bogotá

Spent several hours in the area. Having an interest in wall art, I found the quantity and quality to both be well above average. It is an easy walk through an industrial area with blocks of art.

Quality of Experience

The extent and quality of the art.

The Salt Cathedral & Zipaquirá

Colombia

If you are in the area this is a must visit.Carved from a salt mine six hundred feet below the surface, it is something to behold.

Quality of Experience

Legendary Rum & Chocolate Tasting

Cartagena

We were able to sample eight different rums with very nice side dishes over about an hour a half. The presenter was very knowledgeable about all of the rums. Just a great experience.

Quality of Experience

The depth of rums tasted as well as the knowledge of the presenter.

Panama City 3 day stay in Sofitel
Christian was our private guide for 2 days. He brought us to the Panama Canal and a city tour for one day and then to the Embara tribe another day. WOW BITH WERE AMAZING. What an educational and fun experience both of these days were. Christian was absolutely amazing, smart and personable! Would highly recommend him.
The Sofitel was great and in a great area to walk around!

4 days and 3 nights Nayara
Nothing else to say but YOU MUST STAY HERE IN BOTH THE TREEHOUSE AND THE VILLAS!!!
The food , the people, the service, the wow factors, the tranquility. Just go and you will not regret

Hotel Reviews

Nayara Bocas del Toro

A MUST STAY the treehouse was a room that was so unique, views for miles from every area. To have cocktail hour on the top floor during a sunset or breakfast as the birds awoken is something we will never forget The over water bungalows with private saltwater pools led to a brilliant morning and evening. The service was more of a 7,8,9 star hotel than a 5star. At a push of a button you can have any food , that was Michelin like , a kayak, a bottle of champagne/sparkling wine, a cocktail, or some waters at any time of day. The food does take 45minutes to come out when ordered (except for dinner which is in a restaurant). The ELEPHANT HOUSE FOR DINNER—the most romantic beautiful best food I have ever eaten at a hotel. This is more then just a restaurant, it’s an experience The staff—wow wow wow. So polite so genuine so nice. 12/10

Authenticity & Character

Location

Beautiful island (but def an adventure to get too)

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

Panama city

We did not have a balcony for some reason but we had a 2 story lifted hotel room that was beautiful! The service and the food is 5star. Every morning breakfast got better and better. The bartenders were fun and personable. The pool was beautiful. The moet roof top is something to not be missed on a weekend with live music and a dj.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Easy to walk around, safe, a million restaurants and a great view

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room was cleaned 2-3 times per day.

Activity Reviews

Embera Village Adventure: Culture, Nature, and Traditions along the Chagres River

Panama

Please do this and support the tribe. Such nice People Started with a 30 min canoe ride that was BEAUTIFUL! We then hiked 20 min into the forest to a waterfall that we swam in before continuing our canoe ride to the village. We danced with the children and watched some music. We walked around learning about the village and how they lived This is a MUST DO

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Panama City! Arrive at Tocumen International Airport

Panama City

Christian was there to pick us up on time in a lovely car. He is great!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Christian is AMAZING

Transport

Loved the Trip, the activities were really cool. the glamping in the coffee region was fantastic. Only drawback sometimes was commute to / from activities. Would like to waste less time in the car if possible.