We Travel Discovery

Federico was wonderful. Excellent advice and an amazing journey. Carlos and Alex were both great guides in Rio. The Rio Othon Reveillon beyond compare. Marcelinho in Amazonas was knowledgeable, great fun and very accommodating.

The trip planning by Frederico was very good, he was patient with all the back and forth and designed a memorable Amazon vacation for us. We enjoyed the Amazon turtle lodge, friendly and courteous staff, food was excellent and the various activities were well planned and enjoyable. Overall a good first start to the Amazon experience for our family. The travel back and forth from Manaus was long but the staff was very helpful.

As someone who usually researches and plans their own trips and sets up all the things (hotels, day trip passes, transportation, sightseeing itinerary), this was a different approach for me but one for which I am very thankful. Brazil is an incredible country, but as a tourist, there are safety issues to be aware of in some places and the language barrier is real (Google translate helps, sure, but there is nothing like an actual local guide who doubles as a translator).

I went "hybrid" with this Kim Kim experience: I researched what we wanted to see, then handed it off to Federico to bring it to fruition. He did all the itinerary plans and reservations, including setting up the day trips we wanted - some of a quality we could not have set up on our own (historic coffee farm tour, for one - which you can do through day trip companies but are better with genuine local connections). We still got to weigh in on what we wanted to do, but not getting in the weeds with reservations and the itinerary was heaven for a busy professional (or others short on time) and was very reasonable for the level of care and service provided.

We had a local guide with us every day (Alberto was amazing in Rio and Joao Luiz in Foz was great!), along with reliable drivers and a couple of other guides who were all wonderful. Kim Kim works with a local tour agency there, and they were always a text away if we had questions. The only snafu we had was a driver who was late picking us up for dinner and a show, but the local tour company owner showed up in person to apologize and bring us some bubbly to make good :) Noting, it was great to not be with a large tour group the whole trip; the only time we were with others was on a boat excursion, which made it fun in that case.

Going back to Alberto, what a fascinating, knowledgeable man! We loved his level of historical and local knowledge - made the trip so educational - and he has the patience of Job when you are out with him. Appreciated his being attentive to our needs and safety but allowing us to meander around shopping and seeing the sites at our own speed. Top notch! Likewise, Joao Luiz is so kind and attentive - he's a speed warrior, so we had to slow him down at times, but thanks to him we saw more of Iguazu Falls than we would have ever seen otherwise, and we loved that he pointed out all the birds, animals, and best views! He made going from Brazil to Argentina and back so easy - even walked us up to the counter at the airport on the way back to Rio - and was very accomodating in moving activities around to maximize the weather (as were Alberto and Benni in Rio!).

That is another win for KimKim, by the way. Rio's weather is fickle, but because the guides have vouchers rather than hard tickets like we would have purchased for specific times/dates, we were able to flex days around the best times to see Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, the Bird Park in Foz, etc. and go to the Botanical Gardens and other activities the days when it was overcast, foggy or drizzly. HUGE perk and one that allowed us to see everything we wanted!

Federico was good to work with me on hotels. He provided suggestions, some of which we took, but also booked the other hotels we requested. Same with working around a couple of other activities we booked directly (like a cooking class and beach day). Again, Kim Kim is good to accomodate and work with you, and I found it very reasonable for the service and level of attention you receive. Our many thanks to Federico and Kim Kim, their local partner tour company in Brazil, and our wonderful drivers (we loved Ricardo!) and outstanding tour guides (Alberto, Joao Luiz, Benni!) for making the trip such a terrific experience! I will definitely use KimKim again!

Trip planning was excellent and my Agent, Sara was incredibly responsive before and during the trip.

Hotel Reviews

Aymara Lodge

Pocone

The staff was incredibly friendly and responsive throughout the stay! The room was very nice and comfortable and the food was great. My only criticism is this is not really a good place for wildlife photography. The safari rides are in a crowded, big, vibrating truck with very few opportunities. I didn’t see anything on the hikes. The only good shots I was able to get of birds, capybara, couture and monkeys were on my own walking around the grounds. Even then I probably only got 15-20 quality pics in 3 days. So I’d say this is a great place if you want a comfortable venue to enjoy nature and relax but don’t count on getting many wildlife pics.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pousada Berço Pantaneiro

Poconé

First of all the boat safaris and Jaguar spotting were fantastic, exactly what I hoped for. So I am happy overall. But the lodge was very unsatisfactory. The conditions were terrible and the guy running the place very disorganized and didn’t provide any information about meal times, boats, services … I had to ask and push for everything. Other guests complained about this too. At one point I waited for hours at my room thinking someone would pick me up to go to the boat and had to have the Portuguese speaking maid call the manager to find out what was going on. The food was gross and the eating conditions unsanitary. Food prep areas were right next to the very dirty dishwashing area. I didn’t feel comfortable eating. The room was hardly a room but about the size of a tent. The bed and pillows stiff as a board with one blanket and one bath towel provided. No room service was provided or offered in the 3 nights I was there. Dogs from the surrounding slum barked through the night and again starting about 4 am every morning. The room itself was about a block and a half from the main area of the lodge and dining area through what I would call a rural slum with poorly kept huts, broken down cars and with trash everywhere. The attached photo is right outside my room. At night the walk is very dark and if I were a woman I would feel very unsafe walking by the squalor. The WiFi is terrible and cuts in and out constantly, presumably because of the power provided by a weak, intermittent generator.

Authenticity & Character

It feels like a commune. No character at all.

Location

The area is trashy - a rural slum.

Staff

Didn’t communicate about anything. You feel very much on your own to figure things out.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Disgusting and unsanitary

Pousada Rio Claro

Poconé

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Deville Prime Cuiabá

Cuiabá - MT

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Aymara Experience Program - Day 1 – Welcome to Aymara Lodge

North Pantanal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day 2 – Exploration and Adventure _ Aymara Experience

North Pantanal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day 3 – Nature and Movement _ Aymara Experience

North Pantanal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day 4 – Farewell and Departure _ Aymara Experience

North Pantanal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Boat Tour – Jaguar Spotting Experience from Porto Jofre (half day)

Brazil

Boat safaris were amazing. Accommodations were terrible.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Boat Tour – Jaguar Spotting Experience from Porto Jofre

Brazil

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Boat Tour – Jaguar Spotting Experience from Porto Jofre

Brazil

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tour Included in the 1-Night Package at Rio Claro Lodge

North Pantanal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Discovering the Chapada dos Guimarães full day

Brazil

Quality of Experience

Food

The restaurant chosen for lunch was very touristy and the food wasn’t good.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide Alfredo was fantastic!!

Transport

We had an amazing trip to Brazil thanks to the KIMKIM. I worked with Federico to arrange all airport pickups and drop offs as well as guided tours for Rio, Iguazu Falls and Manaus. Our airport pickups and drop offs were timely, pleasant and all drivers helped with the luggage. All guides were excellent, spoke perfect English and were very knowledgeable on the surroundings, flora and fauna. Jacqueline was our guide in Rio. We had 1/2 day booked for our first day, then a full day tour for our second day. Jacqueline arrived on the first day and informed us that the weather was going to be bad the following so we should see Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf on our first day so that we could get good photos. She spent extra time with us Day 1 so that we could see the iconic city sights in the best light/weather. We really appreciated this. Also, she took us through the priority lines (age related) at Sugarloaf so we did not have to spend extra time in line.
On to Iguazu Falls and the amazing Jessica was our guide there. She was at the airport to greet us when we arrived, and she provided the most amazing service. Jessica was so informative on all the flora and fauna of Iguazu and also on the history of Brazil. It was such a pleasure to spend time with her. She escorted us to the Brazilian side of the falls on day 1 and to the Argentinian side on day 2. Everything went smoothly without a hitch. Jessica was such an excellent guide, she far exceeded our expectations.
On to Manaus and we had Edvaldo for our boat trip on the Amazon. Edvaldo was a great guide, he spoke perfect Engligh and was informative and entertaining. We could not have asked for a better experience.
Thank you KIMKIM for such an amazing experience. Your people are the best!!

The 6 day trek through the Pati Valley was stunning and exceeded our expectations. Landscape was beautiful and varied. The bathing in the waterfall pools was divine. We felt privileged to see and enjoy the Park. Our guide Jeorge was first rate, attentive and helpful. We were impressed with his knowledge of the area and his English was excellent. Even down to making us wonderful coffee each day during the hike.

Hotel Review

Bahiacafe Hotel

Salvador

Great location, excellent breakfast. Room comfortable and quiet. Staff very helpful. Very secure luggage storage (we had been told by KimKim that the hotel did not have any).

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

GENERAL INFO - Trekking Vale do Pati 1 week

Brazil

An excellent trek crossing the Pati Valley Pick up and hotel arrangement were all good.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jorge was a brilliant guide

Transport

FROM THE PATI VALLEY TO ANDARAÍ - LENÇÓIS - day 6

Brazil

A very early start to climb out of the valley and cross a more barren, rocky area to Andarai. Very interesting geologically and also evidence of historic mining activities.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

CACHOEIRA DA FUMAÇA day 1 - ROTEIRO TREKKING VALE DO PATI

Brazil

Very good walk to viewpoints and return the same way. As expected -very little water in the waterfalls-nevertheless spectacular

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

FROM CAPÃO TO PATI VALLEY - day 2

Brazil

A short, hot ascent, across a plateau to spectacular views. Night in homestay. Nice swim in pools on the way

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

WATERFALL FROM ABOVE - day 4

Brazil

Steady ascent to the plateau then across this to spectacular views. Return the same way. Night in home stay-not very good bed in this one.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

FUNIS WATERFALL AND CASTLE CAVE - day 3

Brazil

Steep ascent to viewpoints on the castle-one of our favourite days. Amazing views on this walk from two viewpoints on the castle. The cave entrance was also impressive even if you can no longer go through it. Swim in the river in a deep pool-lovely. Home stay at Raquels-probably the best homestay, room and food

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Historical tour of Salvador*

Salvador

We had only one tour in Salvador which seemed to cover both Pelourinho and the area at the bottom of the elevator. We were very happy with this tour, felt we had seen quite a bit of the historical part of Salvador

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Yan was our guide

HD Panoramic tour of Salvador*

Salvador

We didn't seem to do this tour (we did parts at the lower town between the elevator and inclined plane) ? We were quite tired after our trekking and enjoyed having a quiet wander around Pelourinho so didn't mind too much and didn't bother chasing it up. Not sure what happened.

CROSSING THE VALLEY – PATI DE BAIXO - day 5

Brazil

An easier day with swimming in a couple of wonderful pools Homestay at Donna Lindo-probably the most basic but charming and feels like it hasn't changed much in the last hundred years!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

My guide for Iguacu, Flavio, was absolutely AMAZING. I can't stress how kind, generous, and authentic he was. I was running behind schedule because of travel delays and he made it all happen. My main tour guide for North Pantanal, Pedro Paulo, was also just as amazing! Talking to both of them was so easy and I felt right at home.

I had many flight delays that were beyond Sara's control, but they were quick to pivot and ensure that I still had a wonderful experience. I was nervous traveling by myself, but I will 100% go back again having had this trip.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend Sara and everything/everyone that was suggested or scheduled for me. I can't wait to go back to Brazil!

Activity Reviews

Half-Day Tour – Brazilian Side of the Iguaçu Falls + Bird Park (Parque das Aves)

Foz do Iguaçu

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full-Day Argentinian Side of the Falls

Foz do Iguaçu

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wonderful trip! Sara was an excellent communicator and planner and we found the itinerary to be interesting and fun, and I thought the price was fair, especially considering the fact that it included transportation, lodging and meals (*there was a daily budget per meal we did not know about, so ask your guide) across a vast area. We did see many jaguars- which is a thrill with Noor and Pedro Paulo from the UESO chalana. We saw the beautiful rocks and waterfalls of Chapada dos Guimaraes and learned about the flora and fauna from our guide, Yann. Yann also introduced us to "pizza pantaneira" which was probably some of my favorite food on the trip. *Pro tip: ask your guide to tell you when you will need your bathing suit- you can swim in some of the waterfalls, but some are only to look at.* It was of course, hot, but that is what was expected. We enjoyed swimming in the beautiful clear streams of Nobres. We did get to see anteaters, lobete (little foxlike animals), bats, rhea, lots of caiman and capybara. We had a good trip. You may want to clarify what to bring and when you are meeting, just to ensure no miscommunications for your trips. The service was good overall and people were kind.

Hotel Reviews

Cantos da Mata

Chapada dos Guimarães

We had a lovely time. Sandra is a very gracious hostess. We enjoyed breakfast and her beautiful garden as well as the coffee tree by our door.

Authenticity & Character

The plants she has chosen to plant on her property are so beautiful.

Location

I liked feeling like we were in the forest. I heard the Howler monkeys in the morning, which I thought was great.

Staff

They were very nice at breakfast. Sandra is very kind. She made us feel welcome and gave us ice when one of our group pulled a muscle on the hike.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Probably would have been a 5/5 if there had only been 2 people, but we squeezed 3 in and it was a little tight (less comfortable.)

Reino Encantado Pousada

Nobres - MT

This place is beautiful. I loved the wooden ceilings and architecture of the main area. We had our first cachaca here. They have burrowing owls everywhere and resident monkeys (variable visibility).

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

UeSo Pantanal Lodge

Very nice little lodge with resident blue macaw and capybara family as well as many green parrots. It seems to mainly cater to German speaking tourists, but they did have 2 guides that spoke English. Roxy at reception is very nice. The breakfast is plentiful and the serving staff from the kitchen also seem very pleasant. The wifi works and the price is reasonable. You will have to buy your water/drinks. They offer coffee and juice at breakfast, but not other times. They have tea at times. I bought postcards from them, and it seemed pretty reasonable, but they do not have stamps. The laundry service is good but be careful about humidity and rain. One thing I did not know prior to going is that although the Pantanal is swamp, all the non-water areas seem very dry and dusty. It looked smoggy coming into the Pantanal area because of the dust of the road and other motorists. We enjoyed the activities that were based from there: walking around the area, the lookouts they have built to look into the canopy, the jaguar tour, and paddling. Not high-octane, but doable for multiple ages and ability levels. The horseback riding was a little different from other rides I have done. I was really hoping to see more animals on it because of the decreased threat of being on a horse, but we did not see many.

Activity Reviews

Welcome to the Chapada dos Guimarães! First tour

Chapada dos Guimarães

Had a good first day with timely pick up. Ride was comfortable, and our guide, Yann was friendly.

Quality of Experience

Food

Plenty of meat and veggies. All you can eat.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Discovering the Chapada dos Guimarães full day

Chapada dos Guimarães

Very nice hike, and our guide was flexible with our party having variable hiking tolerances.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Nobres - tours

Mato Grosso Norte

This was an absolutely charming place to stay and base from. The water is so clear and beautiful. The ranch was pretty.

Quality of Experience

Food

Passionfruit mousse/ice cream was delicious! We enjoyed the different flavors.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

First day at the Ueso Pantanal Lodge

North Pantanal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day 2 at Ueso Pantanal Lodge

North Pantanal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jaguar Full-Day Safari – From UeSo Pantanal

North Pantanal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

day 3 at Ueso Pantanal Lodge

North Pantanal

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Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Last day at Ueso Pantanal Lodge

North Pantanal

Very comfortable last day- nature hike, then returned to Cuiaba in air conditioned, spacious van. Unfortunately, the only wildlife seen on the road was an armadillo. Made it back in plenty of time.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Pedro Paulo, who drove us back is great!

Transport

Van was very comfortable- we all had plenty of room and air conditioning.