Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 15,949 ratings
Read 15,949 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Memorable trip
Costa Rica | Apr 1 - Apr 7, 2025

N
Naseem K.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025

Serendipity Adventures was the tour company assigned to us via Kim Kim. Holden, Mariana, Nancy and Wilman are all exceptional. They planned an amazing trip for us that suited our interests and ensured everything ran smoothly. Everything was extremely organized, punctual and communication was seamless.

Special mentions to: Alex and Rodney our drivers and tour guides Andres, Mallo, Stephanie and Olger.

I highly recommend booking your Costa Rica trip with Serendipity.

Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Apr 14, 2025

Naseem, I am so glad to hear that your trip to Costa Rica was a success. Thank you also for recognizing the work of my team here at Serendipity Adventures, as well as your drivers and tour guides.

Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures

First trip to Costa Rica and first kimkim trip
Costa Rica | Mar 30 - Apr 5, 2025

J
Jennifer B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025
This was our first trip to Costa Rica and we only had a week- so tried to hit 3 of the major areas based on an already suggested route by the kimkim team. Worked out great! Really got a feel for the country and what we would do more of on the next trip. So glad I went with the local drivers instead of trying to rent a car. For the time we had, we surely would have lost time finding our way and the roads were quite rough in some areas. It was great to have a local driver who knew the... Read more

This was our first trip to Costa Rica and we only had a week- so tried to hit 3 of the major areas based on an already suggested route by the kimkim team. Worked out great! Really got a feel for the country and what we would do more of on the next trip. So glad I went with the local drivers instead of trying to rent a car. For the time we had, we surely would have lost time finding our way and the roads were quite rough in some areas. It was great to have a local driver who knew the roads and where to go - much less stressful than driving. All our drivers and guides were great. Manuel Antonio park and area was definitely a favorite due to sloths, beaches and beautiful views.

Hotel Review
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

Great views and services.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
Monteverde

Great overall experience at the park - bridge guide was very knowledgeable and zipline team made everyone feel comfortable and safe.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano Hike & Paradise Hot Springs Experience with Meal
Arenal Volcano Hike & Paradise Hot Springs Experience with Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna

Hike was good - guide was knowledgeable and interesting. We had a partly day but views were still nice. Hot springs were ok - better pools than our hotel; but would do something else next time as most hotels have something similar.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Walk
Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Walk
Monteverde

This walk is very dependent on what you see. The night we went was not super interesting - bugs and a couple birds.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Adam Gomez
Adam
Adam Gomez
Local specialist in kimkim HQ | Replied on Apr 23, 2025

Hey Jennifer, thank you for the thorough review of your activities and hotels! This will be very helpful for future travelers! 🙌

I agree. Manuel Antonio National Park is beautiful, with so much wildlife, and sits right on the Pacific Ocean! 🌊

We truly have the best drivers, especially when maneuvering the mountains, curvy, and dirt roads!

It was fun working with you!

Be well,
Adam

Fantastic trip all around!
Iceland | Mar 28 - Apr 3, 2025

Lynn
Lynn H.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025
Adam did a fantastic job understanding what I wanted to do and translated that into a very practical plan. The activities, which included hiking volcanic craters, black sand beaches, glaciers, and waterfalls, whale watching, and snorkeling were all exactly what I wanted. Adam did a great job mapping out stopping points such that we maximized fun with relaxation. Even the last minute requests such as places to eat and geothermal pools were fantastic. We had the best steaks I’ve ever had at... Read more

Adam did a fantastic job understanding what I wanted to do and translated that into a very practical plan. The activities, which included hiking volcanic craters, black sand beaches, glaciers, and waterfalls, whale watching, and snorkeling were all exactly what I wanted. Adam did a great job mapping out stopping points such that we maximized fun with relaxation. Even the last minute requests such as places to eat and geothermal pools were fantastic. We had the best steaks I’ve ever had at a Efstidalur Farm. It gave a whole new meaning to the phrase “farm to table” as we at our meal watching the dairy cows feed! Sumac, Ox and Moss was also a favorite/best meal experience. My favorite activities were the whale watching tour where we saw two separate orca pods and two different humpback whales. Ryan’s favorite activity was style Silfra snorkeling tour. We both enjoyed the geothermal pools and hiking as well, especially the Djupalonssandur black sand beaches and the Hraunfossar & Barnafoss waterfalls. I would love to go back and do many of the things we didn’t have time to do. Adam and Kim Kim were responsive, knowledgeable, and affordable. I highly recommend them and will definitely use their services again.

Hotel Review
Hótel Hafnarfjall
Hvalfjarðarsveit

Clean, neat, homey. Great location!

Authenticity & Character
Small, friendly, family run establishment.
Location
Beautiful views and close to Borganes
Staff
Went out of their way to accommodate us with breakfast out of season.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was clean, comfy, and practical. No more or less than what we needed.
Activity Reviews
Whale Watching Tour
Iceland

Great trip! Saw two pods of orcas and two humpback whales. Tour company supplied everyone with very necessary insulated wind and waterproof clothing. The boat was a decent size but not like a loud ferry boat; not too crowded. The crew was knowledgeable and very careful not to stress out the whales. Would recommend them.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Lagoon
Iceland

Lagoon looks out over the ocean. Very picturesque. Nice spa walkthrough with cold plunge, sauna, salt scrub, steam room, and health juice at the end. It was a bit crowded and seemed to draw a young adult crowd.

Quality of Experience
Silfra Snorkeling
Iceland

Fantastic experience! Visibility of the water was phenomenal! Company supplied very necessary dry suit and took underwater pictures for a small price.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rye Bread tour (Geothermal bakery)
Iceland

This was ok. Since the baking area is outside, I don’t recommend doing this in rainy, or otherwise unpleasant weather. The bread and food sapling was very good.

Quality of Experience
Covered area where the bed is baked
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They could organize and keep track of their group better.
Skaftafell Ice Cave Tour & Glacier Walk
Iceland

Very cool hiking on the glacier. The guides were knowledgeable and tried hard to keep everyone safe and to have a good time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Adam Warszawski
Adam
Adam Warszawski
Local specialist in Poland / Iceland | Replied on Apr 14, 2025

I'm more than happy to hear that you had a great time in Iceland, and thank you so much for the wonderful review! And just like you said -I hope you'll come back to Iceland, as there are still so many places to visit!

Spain...WOW!
Spain | Mar 30 - Apr 7, 2025

J
James B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025
First time with KimKim and it will not be our last! Our trip to Spain began with no planning other than a good value on plane tickets to Madrid. We approached KimKim and lucked into Coraima who took our blank slate and put together an amazing trip package that left us wanting more. Each day seemed to build upon our knowledge and enjoyment from the previous day. Our expert guides added an accelerated depth of both which could not have been achieved without them during our 8 day visit... Read more

First time with KimKim and it will not be our last!

Our trip to Spain began with no planning other than a good value on plane tickets to Madrid. We approached KimKim and lucked into Coraima who took our blank slate and put together an amazing trip package that left us wanting more. Each day seemed to build upon our knowledge and enjoyment from the previous day. Our expert guides added an accelerated depth of both which could not have been achieved without them during our 8 day visit (way to short by the way):

-Irene, born and raised in Toledo, knew all of the short cuts
-Elena brought the Prado to life
-I will not attempt to spell our Grand Palace guide's name, she delivered more than just a "big house" by filling it with many fun royal anecdotes
-Avila and Segovia and all points between were handled expertly by Martin
-Lorena brought sun to a rainy day in Seville showing us the Acalzar and Cathedral
-Yohanna made us feel like family during our Triana Flamenco and Tapas experience. Is there anyone she doesn't know in that town?
-Carlos was a pleasure guiding us through Ronda and Zahara de la Sahara's rich history while finding us local treats and securing a Puento Nuevo view table by a fire for lunch on a chilly day

Our itinerary did leave some time for self-exploration, and we took full advantage of that time: Tapas, parks, Tapas, squares, Tapas, casino, Tapas, shopping...and Tapas. Averaging nearly 15K steps each day we actually lost weight on the trip. Accommodations were convenient, friendly and clean (Cetina in Seville, Regina in Madrid). Transports were on time with strong communication and friendly drivers.

Coraima and Lea were diligent in communication throughout the entire journey, they felt like angels on our shoulders!

Hope this comes off as a positive review, as it is meant as nothing less!

Hotel Reviews
Círculo Gran Vía, Autograph Collection - Adults Only
Madrid
Authenticity & Character
We had a lovely patio upgrade with a few of the clock "sky scraper"
Location
Central to all of the sites. While we did not realize a casino was next door when we booked, the exclusive guest entrance was a welcome surprise
Staff
Everyone was very friendly and nothing special was needed which a sign of a well-managed establishment
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved the full ceiling shower head!
Hotel Cetina Sevilla
Seville

Lovely little boutique hotel within walking distance of all the sites and sounds of Seville. Included breakfast was outstanding. On two occasions we had to depart prior to the start of breakfast and accommodated us with a pre-ordered carryout breakfast...a nice surprise!

Authenticity & Character
Location
easy walk to everything in Seville
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Regina
Madrid

Excellent restaurant. Great rooftop. Amazing breakfast buffet. Great location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Central to everything Madrid has to offer. Easy pickup and drop off for ground transport
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Coraima Yañez
Coraima
Coraima Yañez
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Apr 29, 2025

Hi Jim! Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review. It was so great meeting you and working with your group throughout the planning process. I was also happy to read your experience with your guides! I know they love sharing their knowledge and passion for Spain with our travelers. The tapas, tapas, and tapas stops don't sound too bad either 😊 I hope your time has left you wanting to return again in the future!
Coraima

A Super Team enhances an already Incredible Adventure!
Morocco | Apr 4 - Apr 11, 2025

E
eugene b.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025
Before writing about Hakim, who planned our trip and who was amazing at every juncture, I have to highlight our driver Mohammed. Wow! Personable, knowledgeable, intelligent and caring. I felt like we were touring with our son. Really became fond of him. Mohammed provided the local insight we lacked on negotiations, local politics, and just navigating Morocco. He was always pleasant, always on time and always optimistic. He personally added to our enjoyment of the Moroccan adventure. I hope we... Read more

Before writing about Hakim, who planned our trip and who was amazing at every juncture, I have to highlight our driver Mohammed. Wow! Personable, knowledgeable, intelligent and caring. I felt like we were touring with our son. Really became fond of him. Mohammed provided the local insight we lacked on negotiations, local politics, and just navigating Morocco. He was always pleasant, always on time and always optimistic. He personally added to our enjoyment of the Moroccan adventure. I hope we will become lifelong friends. As previously stated, Hakim who organized the tour was also a star. If we had a question or issue, he was super responsive and helpful. His Riad selections were top-notched both in terms of the accommodations and staff. His, was a near perfect execution. My hedge here is due only to the fact that one Riad was a little bit below our standards. The others were exceptional. I would also like to spot light Saraa, our guide in Rabat, and Henyn, our Marrakech guide. Both were knowledgeable, informative and engaging. Saraa had an amazing wit that was equally as entertaining as her color commentary. Henyn was just smart. Kudos to KimKim on the quality of the team they’ve put together. Highly recommended!

Local specialist: Hakim ALIBOUCHE

Sri Lanka 5 night, safari, tea and driving
Sri Lanka | Mar 30 - Apr 4, 2025

Susy
Susy V.
Malaysia | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025
We enjoyed our stay in Sri Lanka and especially found Nuwara to be a beautiful area and stayed in a lovely hotel. Yala and the hotel were also nice. We all liked our tour guide and appreciated his level of knowledge and recommendations. The amount of time spent driving was a surprise and would have made different decisions had I know. I also think it should have been communicated the first hotel was not at all a luxury experience. The service, food and room were all mediocre. It would be... Read more

We enjoyed our stay in Sri Lanka and especially found Nuwara to be a beautiful area and stayed in a lovely hotel. Yala and the hotel were also nice.

We all liked our tour guide and appreciated his level of knowledge and recommendations.

The amount of time spent driving was a surprise and would have made different decisions had I know. I also think it should have been communicated the first hotel was not at all a luxury experience. The service, food and room were all mediocre.

It would be nice to have helpful information proactively provided. For example the bathrooms along the highway charge to use them so having smaller bills would have been very helpful. Recommended tips for tour guide and safari drivers, clothing for higher elevation etc.

Activity Reviews
Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Yala National Park Jeep Safari
Sri Lanka
Quality of Experience
Wildlife was great including water buffalo, elephants, owls, deer and many birds. We did not see a leopard.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The driver was distracted by his phone especially the 2nd half of the tour.
Transport
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park
Sri Lanka

Really the rated should be N.A.- We opted not to do this based on feedback from several people that the weather is iffy and no animals. Sounded like a nature walk but required 2 additional hours of driving.

Explore Nuwara Eliya
Explore Nuwara Eliya
Sri Lanka
Safari in Udawalawa National Park
Safari in Udawalawa National Park
Udawalawe
Visit to Elephant transit home in Udawalawa
Visit to Elephant transit home in Udawalawa
Udawalawe
Local specialist: Dhanushka Wijeyekoon
Dhanushka
Dhanushka Wijeyekoon
Local specialist in Sri Lanka | Replied on Apr 19, 2025

Hello Susy,
Thank you so very much for the wonderful review & comments!
I am glad that you enjoyed the vacation in Sri Lanka & truly honored to be your local travel expert who planned your holiday.
Sri Lanka has so much to offer & I invite you to visit Sri Lanka again to discover & explore the beautiful island.

Stay tuned & connected with Kimkim travel !
See you soon in Sri Lanka again !
I remain at your disposal.
Thanks again,
Dhanushka

Wonderful Personalized Trip to Portugal
Portugal | Apr 1 - Apr 11, 2025

Peter
Peter B.
Wellfleet, MA | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025
This was our first time in Portugal, and as for several other trips, kimkim made it possible. Kimkim worked with us to plan out a perfect itinerary for 12 days in and around Lisbon and Porto. But planning is only part of what makes a trip great - it's also being there to manage when things don't go as planned. And our 12 days in Portugal started with a plane cancellation due to weather - but kimkim was there for us to re-arrange airport pickups, hotel and dinner reservations, and to help... Read more

This was our first time in Portugal, and as for several other trips, kimkim made it possible. Kimkim worked with us to plan out a perfect itinerary for 12 days in and around Lisbon and Porto. But planning is only part of what makes a trip great - it's also being there to manage when things don't go as planned. And our 12 days in Portugal started with a plane cancellation due to weather - but kimkim was there for us to re-arrange airport pickups, hotel and dinner reservations, and to help us think thru how to do in 11 days what we planned for in 12 days.
Kimkim and their local affiliate in Spain (which handles planning for Spain and Portugal) use the app "Trip Plans" - which creates realtime updates for your itinerary, including bookings and tickets... and also contains an in-app messaging service, which was monitored and responded to in near realtime by our trip planner Rita and her associates.

Because we wanted flexibility in day trips out of Lisbon and Porto, we opted for a few day trips with private drivers. Rita and team helped us put together realistic itineraries, and then found the best drivers for us. And for those worried about driver pickup locations and times (will someone actually be there for us, even if the plane/train is late???), their choice of car services and drivers comes with a traveler-friendly text-message that includes your driver's name, number, pick-up time, location mapping... and an emergency number to call if something unexpected happens. We had the same great driver (Alex) for our airport pickup, two day-trips from Lisbon, and a drop off at the Lisbon train station (to go to Porto).

Our best day trip from Porto... Douro Valley-Expert Guide-Boat-Lunch-Tastings Premium Service. We were picked up at our hotel by Pedro, who knew everything (and seemingly everyone) in the Douro Valley. Pedro took us on a beautiful drive from Porto to our first tasting, providing us with local knowledge and fun facts about the Douro valley... and patiently stopping when I saw a particularly scenic spot for photos. Pedro continued his personalized tour with us on the hour river cruise, and then to our 2nd vineyard for lunch and another tasting. And after a day of vineyard sampling, what's better than having a private car service back to your hotel.

Thank you Rita (and kimkim) for another great trip.

Hotel Reviews
Portugal Boutique City Hotel
Lisbon

Beautiful hotel with a warm and friendly staff. Walkable to many tourist sites and lots of restaurants and cafes. Rooms are spacious and well appointed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pousada Porto - Rua das Flores
Porto

A beautiful boutique hotel on one of the most walkable streets in Porto.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Private Douro Valley Excursion with Wine Tastings, Local Lunch & Rabelo River Cruise
Private Douro Valley Excursion with Wine Tastings, Local Lunch & Rabelo River Cruise
Porto

The Private Douro Valley Excursion was a fabulous experience. We had a private driver who was knowledgeable and friendly, making the day feel special and tailored just for us. The wine tastings were excellent, and having the flexibility with a personal driver meant we could stop for photos and experience the scenery in a way a group tour wouldn't allow.

Local specialist: Rita Pagano
Rita
Rita Pagano
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Apr 14, 2025

Dear Peter, thank you so much for sharing your detailed experience! I’m so glad to hear your kind words and appreciation for our team. 🥹 Your feedback about the personalized service—especially the reliable driver communications and expert guidance on exploring Portugal—truly means a lot to us. I will forward your feedback to our guides, who for sure will be happy to hear that!! It was a real pleasure to help you plan this wonderful trip, and I look forward to creating more great travel experiences in the future. I wish you all the best, Rita🥰

Great trip!
Morocco | Apr 8 - Apr 11, 2025

Rachelle
Rachelle F.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025
Our guide Rachid was so kind, fun, and we felt well cared for. Highly recommend! Read more

Our guide Rachid was so kind, fun, and we felt well cared for. Highly recommend!

Hotel Review
Kasbah Tiziri
Kelaat Mgouna

Beautiful service and setting! Would stay here again for sure!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nihad Hammi
Nihad
Nihad Hammi
Local specialist in Tinghir | Replied on Apr 13, 2025

Hi Rachelle,

Thanks you for taking the time to write us about your experience, we are so glad that you had a great time with Rachid and that you liked your stay at Kasbah Tiziri. We're always here and happy to help you plan your next visit to Morocco.

Thank you again for trusting us with your trip!

Nihad, Rachid & the rest of the Morocco immersion family

Disappointed.
Japan | Mar 22 - Apr 11, 2025

J
James andrew P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025
Planning and booking went well, it was the execution and detail once we got there that was terrible. Every day we were in contact with Shona, or at least trying to get in contact with her, trying to get clarity on our itinerary. We needed to check on every transfer, do we have a driver or do we need to get a taxi.. when we took the bullet train the first time , it would have been nice to know you need your QR code ready when leaving the station. And you can only go through the one lane... Read more

Planning and booking went well, it was the execution and detail once we got there that was terrible. Every day we were in contact with Shona, or at least trying to get in contact with her, trying to get clarity on our itinerary. We needed to check on every transfer, do we have a driver or do we need to get a taxi.. when we took the bullet train the first time , it would have been nice to know you need your QR code ready when leaving the station. And you can only go through the one lane that accepts QR codes. I'm sure the signs in Japanese said this, but that's why we hired a travel agency and guides, we don't speak or read Japanese.
When we arrived in Hiroshima we were told we had 3 options to get to the Sheraton Hotel, Train, Taxi, or a short walk.
1, We were already at the closest train station , 2, The taxi stand was a longer walk than to the front desk of the Sheraton.
This was the final straw and we realized KimKim was a bad choice.
We were a small group of 4, and it was very unfair for the one person who had planned the trip to be burdened almost every day doing the work of the agency. Look for her review.

Hotel Reviews
The Happo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU
Hakone
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mercure Kyoto Station
Kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
Hiroshima
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
Osaka
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mitsui Garden Hotel Roppongi Tokyo Premier
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Shona Zhang
Shona
Shona Zhang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 19, 2025

Hi Andrew,
Thank you very much for your feedback. It has helped me identify areas for improvement and aspects where I can enhance my service. I will strive to work harder and pay closer attention to service details, especially during busy periods like the cherry blossom season.
Best wishes
Shona

We had a wonderful experience in Chile with t...
Chile | Apr 4 - Apr 11, 2025

Alan
Alan O.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2025
We had a wonderful experience in Chile with the help of Kim-Kim. Camila was our host and she suggested some wonderful day trips. We really got to experienceChilean cuisine, history., and the wonderful people in Santiago, Valparaiso , and Vina Del Mar.
A standing ovations to our guides, Alex, Pablo, Sebastian, and Angel. Camila and her team were responsive to our needs and questions. Coming to Chile for the first time, we were a little nervous and anxious. Camila and her team really put...
Read more

We had a wonderful experience in Chile with the help of Kim-Kim. Camila was our host and she suggested some wonderful day trips. We really got to experienceChilean cuisine, history., and the wonderful people in Santiago, Valparaiso , and Vina Del Mar.
A standing ovations to our guides, Alex, Pablo, Sebastian, and Angel. Camila and her team were responsive to our needs and questions. Coming to Chile for the first time, we were a little nervous and anxious. Camila and her team really put our minds at ease. We were totally relaxed and felt well cared for. Gracias Camila!!!
Alan y Regina Osofsky

Activity Reviews
Visit to Quintessence Alpaca Farm
Visit to Quintessence Alpaca Farm
Chile

The Alpaca farm visit was a standout during our trip. The journey to the farm, despite some car sickness, was enjoyable with our driver and guide, Angel. Upon arrival, the owner, Mary, welcomed us warmly, and it felt like visiting an old friend. The entire experience was so much fun and left a lasting impression.

Local Markets and Cooking Class in Valparaiso
Local Markets and Cooking Class in Valparaiso
Chile

The Local Markets and Cooking Class in Valparaiso with Sebastian was a great experience. Starting with selecting fresh ingredients at the Mercado, followed by an exciting bus ride in Santiago, and then a hike to the hilltop house for cooking. The food was just incredible, and the whole experience made us feel like locals.

Street Art Tour
Street Art Tour
Chile

The Street Art Tour was fascinating, with Alex providing rich insights about the area. We admired the street art and graffiti, and appreciated Alex's flexibility in allowing us a lunch break and later picking us up.

Local specialist: Camila Fierro
Camila
Camila Fierro
Local specialist in Santiago | Replied on Apr 14, 2025

Hola Alan y Regina!
Thank you so much for your beautiful message, it truly made my day!!
I’m delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time exploring Chile, and I’m so glad you got to experience the food, history, and warm spirit of the Chilean people. It means the world to me that you felt relaxed and well cared for, that’s always my goal :)
Gracias a ustedes for trusting us and for coming to explore this beautiful country. You’ll always have a home here in Chile <3
Un abrazo gigante,
Camila

Great time in Vietnam and Laos
Vietnam | Mar 23 - Apr 5, 2025

Matt
Matt B.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025

We had a great time on our two week trip to Vietnam and Laos. Trang was a great asset. She was very responsive, thorough, and communicative. Everyone was on time and the accommodations were great. Both countries are spectacular with a lot of great activities. We couldn't have asked for a better trip!

Local specialist: Trang NGUYEN
Trang
Trang NGUYEN
Local specialist in Hanoi, Vietnam | Replied on Apr 15, 2025

Hi Matt,
Hope you and Sloane are doing fine. You might miss Vietnam and Laos . Thank you so much for your nice feedback and your kindness. It was my absolute pleasure to accompany you on your Vietnam and Laos journey. I am so happy that you enjoyed the trip and had great moments with my colleagues (tour guides, drivers,…).
Wishing you and your family all the best in life, filled with many more happy and unforgettable adventures ahead. I do hope to have a chance to accompany you on your next holiday in Southeast Asia!
Warmest greetings from Vietnam ♥️
Trang

France 2024 | Discovery DMC – Aline & Bastien
France | Jul 5 - Jul 15, 2024

Tyler
Tyler S.
Santa Clara, CA | Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025
We had a wonderful family vacation to France in Summer 2024, thanks to the exceptional planning and support from Aline and Bastien at Discovery DMC. They designed a thoughtful and well-paced itinerary that included the highlights of Paris, the historical sites of Normandy, and the beauty of Nice. The mix of guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and seamless travel logistics made the entire trip feel effortless. What stood out most was their attention to detail and responsiveness—before... Read more

We had a wonderful family vacation to France in Summer 2024, thanks to the exceptional planning and support from Aline and Bastien at Discovery DMC. They designed a thoughtful and well-paced itinerary that included the highlights of Paris, the historical sites of Normandy, and the beauty of Nice. The mix of guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and seamless travel logistics made the entire trip feel effortless.

What stood out most was their attention to detail and responsiveness—before and during the trip. They tailored the experience to fit our family’s preferences and made sure everything ran smoothly. It was a perfect balance of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and relaxation. We highly recommend Aline, Bastien, and Discovery DMC, and would definitely work with them again for future travel.

Hotel Review
Le Churchill 3*
Bayeux
Local specialist: Aline Durant
Aline
Aline Durant
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Apr 14, 2025

Dear Tyler,
Thanks a lot for your excellent review!
You've been amazing to us and we were more than happy to exchange informations and knowledge with you during the process :)
All the team is happy to read that you had a great time in France and enjoyed our activities and guides!
We also really have pleasure organizing this France trip for your family:)
Take care! We can't wait to organize your next trip to Europe or Asia!
Best
Aline

This was a fantastic trip and The KimKim team...
Portugal | Sep 17 - Oct 1, 2024

Krista
Krista B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025
This was a fantastic trip and The KimKim team was very helpful and knowledgeable about the country. They helped guide us on length of time and types of tours based on our interests. It really was tailored to our needs. The only thing that could have made it better was to have a local contact in country during our stay. Read more

This was a fantastic trip and The KimKim team was very helpful and knowledgeable about the country. They helped guide us on length of time and types of tours based on our interests. It really was tailored to our needs.

The only thing that could have made it better was to have a local contact in country during our stay.

Hotel Reviews
Exe Almada Porto
Porto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Mondego
Coimbra
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cascade Wellness Resort
Lagos
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Noble House
Evora
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade
Lisbon
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Adam Gomez
Adam
Adam Gomez
Local specialist in kimkim HQ | Replied on Apr 23, 2025
Krista!!! Yes, love reading that you had a fantastic trip!!! 🙌 It was so nice working with you and learning more about your ideal adventure during the planning process, ultimately leading to activities tailored to your preferences! :) Thank you for your feedback on the hotels, because it gives travelers insight into each hotel! 😀 I know there was an in-trip issue, and I'm glad we were able to refund you and take care of the situation with our provider! On your itinerary, you have access to... Read more

Krista!!! Yes, love reading that you had a fantastic trip!!! 🙌 It was so nice working with you and learning more about your ideal adventure during the planning process, ultimately leading to activities tailored to your preferences! :)

Thank you for your feedback on the hotels, because it gives travelers insight into each hotel! 😀

I know there was an in-trip issue, and I'm glad we were able to refund you and take care of the situation with our provider! On your itinerary, you have access to each local provider, and our European support team is located in Amsterdam to provide emergency support for all our travelers in the EU time zones! We have the best team, and we're glad they were able to assist you! 🎉

Have the best year! :)

Feeling ripped off
Czech Republic | Mar 31 - Apr 6, 2025

Frances
Frances F.
Lakewood, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025
I felt I overpaid for what I received. Disappointed in the hotel in Prague. My room was about 6 feet from the reception desk and was a handicap accessible room. The agents didn’t respond as quickly as I would have liked when planning especially since it was a trip planned just a month in advance. Read more

I felt I overpaid for what I received. Disappointed in the hotel in Prague. My room was about 6 feet from the reception desk and was a handicap accessible room. The agents didn’t respond as quickly as I would have liked when planning especially since it was a trip planned just a month in advance.

Activity Reviews
Sightseeing Evening Cruise
Sightseeing Evening Cruise
Prague

The audio was difficult to understand. They would say the building on the right but there were so many buildings you didn’t know which one they were talking about. The boat went in a circle.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Prague Food Adventure: A Half-Day Culinary Journey
Prague Food Adventure: A Half-Day Culinary Journey
Prague
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Highlights of Vienna: Walking Tour
Highlights of Vienna: Walking Tour
Vienna
Local specialist: Kamilla Sengwein-Reti
Kamilla
Kamilla Sengwein-Reti
Local specialist in Vienna | Replied on Apr 25, 2025
Dear Frances,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. I'm truly sorry to hear that your stay did not meet your expectations and that you left feeling disappointed — that is never the experience we want any of our guests to have.
I want to sincerely apologize if there was any lapse in communication or if we missed an opportunity to make your stay more enjoyable. Had I known you were feeling this way, I would have done everything I could to make it right during your... Read more

Dear Frances,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. I'm truly sorry to hear that your stay did not meet your expectations and that you left feeling disappointed — that is never the experience we want any of our guests to have.

I want to sincerely apologize if there was any lapse in communication or if we missed an opportunity to make your stay more enjoyable. Had I known you were feeling this way, I would have done everything I could to make it right during your visit.

I did offer to change your room as soon as another became available, though I completely respect your decision to stay where you were. I also made the coffee house visit complimentary as a gesture of goodwill and checked in with you regularly to ensure everything was going smoothly. I'm truly sorry if these efforts didn’t come through or meet your expectations.

Please know that your comfort and satisfaction are very important to me, and I only wish we had known more clearly at the time how you were feeling. Still I am happy you liked most of your experiences and the Vienna part :)

Your feedback is invaluable, and I will be sure to share it with our team so we can continue to improve. I would love the opportunity to welcome you back and provide the experience you rightfully expected and deserve.

We wish you all the best, Kamilla

Exceptional planning, superior local guides and the “best” driver
Morocco | Apr 1 - Apr 10, 2025

Elonide
Elonide S.
Jacksonville, FL | Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025
I’ve been traveling for 40 years and I am rather picky at this point. We found this trip incredibly easy to plan. Majid listened carefully to our preferences and did a great job adapting what he first proposed. The trip would not have been the same without our driver, Said. He met us when we stepped off the boat in Tangier and then dropped us in Casablanca 10 days later. He was the right amount of tour guide, balanced with letting there be quiet in the car. He went out of the way to tailor... Read more

I’ve been traveling for 40 years and I am rather picky at this point. We found this trip incredibly easy to plan. Majid listened carefully to our preferences and did a great job adapting what he first proposed. The trip would not have been the same without our driver, Said. He met us when we stepped off the boat in Tangier and then dropped us in Casablanca 10 days later. He was the right amount of tour guide, balanced with letting there be quiet in the car. He went out of the way to tailor each day to exactly how we wanted to spend it. Every single local guide was exceptional and that is saying a lot. Highlight for us was a hike in the Dades valley followed by lunch at the guide’s home. I can’t recommend this team enough. Superior compared to many of the trips I’ve taken with the highest end tour companies at a much higher price.

Hotel Review
Dar Rihana Dades
Douar Aït Ouffi

We came here after being in the desert for several nights. What an oasis. Our room was tucked away near the pool. We had a view down to the river and agricultural fields. We identified 9 birds from our room. The food was some of the best of the trip.

Authenticity & Character
The two brothers who run it make the experience!
Location
Beautifully situated on the river in an area tour buses can’t access.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Majid Mrabti
Majid
Majid Mrabti
Local specialist in Morocco & France | Replied on Apr 21, 2025
Hello Elonide,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It truly means the world to us
especially coming from such an experienced traveler!
I’m so glad to hear that the planning process felt smooth and personalized, and that the itinerary reflected your preferences. It was a real pleasure working with you to shape the journey.
I'm thrilled to hear how much of an impact Said made ; he’s a true gem, and we’re lucky to have him on our team. He'll be especially touched...
Read more

Hello Elonide,
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. It truly means the world to us
especially coming from such an experienced traveler!
I’m so glad to hear that the planning process felt smooth and personalized, and that the itinerary reflected your preferences. It was a real pleasure working with you to shape the journey.
I'm thrilled to hear how much of an impact Said made ; he’s a true gem, and we’re lucky to have him on our team. He'll be especially touched to know that his presence, balance, and care stood out during your trip.
The Dades Valley hike and lunch experience is one of our favorite hidden treasures, and I’m so happy it was a highlight for you. We believe those authentic, intimate moments are what make travel truly special.
Your kind words about our local guides and the overall value of the experience are deeply appreciated. We aim to offer meaningful, well-curated experiences without the inflated price tag, and your feedback truly validates that effort.
We would be honored to welcome you back to Morocco — or assist with any future adventures you might have in mind.
With warmest regards,
Majid

Our Norway trip exceeded our expectation beyond imagination!!!!!
Norway | Mar 16 - Apr 5, 2025

Yumi
Yumi A.
Kent, WA | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025
This is our third trip with Kimkim. We absolutely had a wonderful time traveling by car in Norway. We couldn’t have done it without our Kimkim consultant, Kadri, booking agent, Fenne, and 24/7 assistance agent, David. It was a beautifully smooth operation they run as a team. Kadri listened to what we wanted: slower pace, and accommodations (boutique hotel, cottage or cabin) with beautiful views and balcony or deck when possible. She met our wish to perfection! You cannot imagine how much... Read more

This is our third trip with Kimkim. We absolutely had a wonderful time traveling by car in Norway. We couldn’t have done it without our Kimkim consultant, Kadri, booking agent, Fenne, and 24/7 assistance agent, David. It was a beautifully smooth operation they run as a team. Kadri listened to what we wanted: slower pace, and accommodations (boutique hotel, cottage or cabin) with beautiful views and balcony or deck when possible. She met our wish to perfection! You cannot imagine how much we enjoyed staying at each hotel, cottage or cabin with absolutely gorgeous views!! Fenne did all the bookings perfectly (which is not as easy as you think based on our experience), and she was always quick to communicate with us like Kadri. Lastly, but not least, David. We knew that there are a team of people on the other side of WhatsApp messages and calls, but we happened to get help from David most of the time. Norway is a large country with so many roads and ferries. There were some road closures as well due to snow David was always there to help us navigate our way. Just for a few of many examples, we once changed our itinerary at the last moment by going to Kvitnes to stay over night, rather than driving to Hennningsvaer directly as originally planned. We thought we just had to plug in the driving route with google maps, but it showed 2 ferry rides. So, we talked to David and he found a solution by plugging in 2 towns in between, that made it shorter routes without ferry rides. We couldn’t have done it, but he could do it quickly with his local knowledge. When our flight was delayed, he informed the hotel of our late arrival as well as arranging for our dinner. We loved the seamless team efforts to make our Norway experience just so superb beyond our imagination! Thank you for everything. We loved our Norway trip and will cherish the beautiful memory forever.

Hotel Reviews
Grand Hotel Oslo
Oslo

The Grand Hotel Oslo was elegant and glamorous. We loved its location, and it felt very luxurious to stay there. If we ever go back to Oslo, we would definitely stay there again.

Kilsti Compact Lodge
Eidsdal

Kilsti Compact Lodge was a fantastic choice with stunning views. We appreciated the option to ask for a food box due to its isolated location. The experience was wonderful and unforgettable.

Opus XVI
Bergen

Opus XVI was centrally located and very elegant. As someone interested in music, the name after Edvard Grieg and the accompanying biography made it an even more unique and delightful stay.

Storfjord Hotel
Storfjord

Storfjord Hotel was our favorite. It offered a gorgeous view, exceptional personal attention from the staff, and our room came with a balcony, perfect for relaxing. Even before booking, I upgraded the room after checking their website, and it was worth it.

Local specialist: Kadri Talvik
Kadri
Kadri Talvik
Local specialist in Norway | Replied on Apr 11, 2025

Hi Yumi,
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a real pleasure helping you design this journey, and I’m thrilled to hear it met your vision. I’m so glad you enjoyed our wonderful country and got all the help necessary from our team to make it the best trip ever!!
Wishing you continued inspiration in your travels and work – and hopefully, our paths cross again someday!
Warm regards,
Kadri

Definitely recommend our travel guide Melanie! She booked the most memorable family trip for us!
Italy | Mar 29 - Apr 2, 2025

C
Cynthia S.
the United Arab Emirates | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025
Rome was unforgettable — and we owe so much of it to Mélanie! 🇮🇹❤️ This was our second time booking a trip with Mélanie, and once again, she went above and beyond. From airport transfers to tours, dining recommendations to unique local experiences, everything was thoughtfully planned and effortlessly executed. What we appreciated the most was how flexible, attentive, and accommodating she was — always making sure our family's needs were met, even with last-minute changes. Thanks to her,... Read more

Rome was unforgettable — and we owe so much of it to Mélanie! 🇮🇹❤️

This was our second time booking a trip with Mélanie, and once again, she went above and beyond. From airport transfers to tours, dining recommendations to unique local experiences, everything was thoughtfully planned and effortlessly executed.

What we appreciated the most was how flexible, attentive, and accommodating she was — always making sure our family's needs were met, even with last-minute changes. Thanks to her, we didn’t just visit Rome… we experienced it.

She even connected us with amazing local tour guides that made us fall in love with the city even more. We now have our go-to people in Rome!

Thank you, Mélanie, for making this trip smooth, memorable, and full of joy. Already looking forward to our next adventure with you! 🌍✨

Local specialist: Melanie Rapuano
Melanie
Melanie Rapuano
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Apr 11, 2025
Hi Cynthia,
thank you so much for such a lovely review.
Every trip really is special to me and knowing I helped create lasting memories for you and your family really is special and reminds me why I love my job :)
I was so happy to hear the booking team were able to get Rachele for your tours too, I know how much that meant to your and your mum, andI'm pleased your dad and brother also enjoyed it with you this time and you experienced it and not just visited, that's exactly what my aim is... Read more

Hi Cynthia,
thank you so much for such a lovely review.
Every trip really is special to me and knowing I helped create lasting memories for you and your family really is special and reminds me why I love my job :)

I was so happy to hear the booking team were able to get Rachele for your tours too, I know how much that meant to your and your mum, andI'm pleased your dad and brother also enjoyed it with you this time and you experienced it and not just visited, that's exactly what my aim is everytime I design a trip!

I can't wait to book your next trip to Italy!! You'll have to come and see me on the Amalfi Coast one day.

Get Leny of Kim Kim for Japan & Korea. Don't do it yourself...!!!
Japan | Mar 14 - Mar 29, 2025

Tim
Tim C.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025
Most all websites and others say it takes about 14 days to really see Japan. Well, when you're working with Leny of Kim Kim and you tell her we only have 7, she put together a most amazing trip we ever took...!!!!
Everything went as plan with no hiccups...!! If you're a little phone savvy, good with GPS and directions then all it takes ...!!
We went from Toyko, Hakone, Kyoto, Hirashima then Osaka with only our backpacks...!!!! With all the walking tours & running around, I even lost 10...
Read more

Most all websites and others say it takes about 14 days to really see Japan. Well, when you're working with Leny of Kim Kim and you tell her we only have 7, she put together a most amazing trip we ever took...!!!!
Everything went as plan with no hiccups...!! If you're a little phone savvy, good with GPS and directions then all it takes ...!!
We went from Toyko, Hakone, Kyoto, Hirashima then Osaka with only our backpacks...!!!! With all the walking tours & running around, I even lost 10 pounds...!!!
The price was also very reasonable because we don't like 5 or even 4 stars hotels. All those we stayed in were clean and had everything we needed including washers and dryers...!!!
She also arranged out stay in South Korea as well, which that was also amazing. I told her i wanted to go see Busan as its use to be called Pusan when i was there in the Navy in 80-83. Our tour guide there show me the area the Sailors hang out, but it has really changed since then.
Don't take a chance on trying to do this yourself like i thought i was going to because you will not have a good experience.
Call the best in the business...!! Leny of Kim Kim...!!!!

Hotel Review
Gora Kansuiro
Hakone

This place was amazing....!!! The staff food private hot spring tub was the bomb...!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was perfect...!!!
Local specialist: Leny Vergara
Leny
Leny Vergara
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 10, 2025
Hi Tim and Ivonne, Thank you so much for the amazing review—it truly means a lot!
I’m so glad to hear you had such a fantastic time in both Japan and South Korea. It sounds like it was a full-on adventure (and wow—losing 10 pounds just from exploring? That’s impressive!). I'm happy I got to be part of a holiday that doubled as a workout. 😄 I enjoyed planning this trip with you, and it was great hearing your stories from your Navy days. I’m so glad we could include Busan in the itinerary. It... Read more

Hi Tim and Ivonne,

Thank you so much for the amazing review—it truly means a lot!
I’m so glad to hear you had such a fantastic time in both Japan and South Korea. It sounds like it was a full-on adventure (and wow—losing 10 pounds just from exploring? That’s impressive!). I'm happy I got to be part of a holiday that doubled as a workout. 😄

I enjoyed planning this trip with you, and it was great hearing your stories from your Navy days. I’m so glad we could include Busan in the itinerary. It was wonderful that it brought back those special memories for you.

If you’re ever planning another trip, I’d love to help again!

Warm regards,
Leny

This was our first trip with Kimkim as we had...
Colombia | Mar 29 - Apr 6, 2025

J
James W.
the United Arab Emirates | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025
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... Read more

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.

Local specialist: Margarita Moreno
Margarita
Margarita Moreno
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Apr 13, 2025
Dear James!
Thank you so much for your kind words, It was such a joy to have you travel with us, and we’re so happy to hear that the experience felt both enriching and balanced. Colombia has a way of opening its arms wide, and it was a pleasure to watch you connect with its people, places, and rhythms.
Maria José, Richard, Claudia, Evelyn, Sofía, and the entire team were all delighted to share their love for this country with you & reading your words reminds us exactly why we do what we...
Read more

Dear James!
Thank you so much for your kind words, It was such a joy to have you travel with us, and we’re so happy to hear that the experience felt both enriching and balanced. Colombia has a way of opening its arms wide, and it was a pleasure to watch you connect with its people, places, and rhythms.
Maria José, Richard, Claudia, Evelyn, Sofía, and the entire team were all delighted to share their love for this country with you & reading your words reminds us exactly why we do what we do.
We’ll await you with open arms whenever you’re ready for more Colombian magic. You’ll always have a home here.
Con Cariño
Margarita, Marcela & The Colombian Trip team

Great trip to Monteverde & Sámara, Costa Rica!
Costa Rica | Mar 22 - Mar 30, 2025

Julie
Julie O.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2025
Booking our family's trip to Costa Rica with kimkim was easy and streamlined. We simply told Gustavo what we were interested in doing & seeing, and what level accommodations we wanted, and he came up with a fantastic itinerary, including transfers between airports, hotels and activities, as well as great activities that we only needed to tweak a little on our initial call with him. In Monteverde, we particularly loved the zip lining at Treetopia Park Monteverde, our birding guide, Oscar with... Read more

Booking our family's trip to Costa Rica with kimkim was easy and streamlined. We simply told Gustavo what we were interested in doing & seeing, and what level accommodations we wanted, and he came up with a fantastic itinerary, including transfers between airports, hotels and activities, as well as great activities that we only needed to tweak a little on our initial call with him. In Monteverde, we particularly loved the zip lining at Treetopia Park Monteverde, our birding guide, Oscar with Ocotea Tours & Transfers (who was very flexible and indulging based on our birding priorities), and our coffee & chocolate tour with Katherine at Don Juan Monteverde. The treetop dining experience at San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience was fun too, and the food was delicious. In Sámara, we enjoyed our fishing and snorkeling adventure with Sámara Adventures, even though we didn't catch fish--but we saw lots of dolphins right up close to our boat! Our hike at the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve was good too--lots of wildlife. I would say that the Scarlet Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center Experience was a little disappointing; it was scheduled for 3 hours but only lasted about 1.5 hours including transportation; we had hoped to see the actual breeding facilities but only saw the macaws being fed by staff. This was great, but since we were staying at nearby Punta Islita, we had seen several of them flying around and eating in the trees on the resort property by the time we attended the experience. I will say that Punta Islita is a good 30 minutes away from Sámara, and 2 of our 3 experiences were in Sámara, so there was a lot of driving. The Hotel Punta Islita offers many of the same tours and adventures that we had with Sámara Adventures--so maybe we could have had fishing/snorkeling and hiking without as much driving if we'd used the hotel's options instead?

We loved our accommodations at the Cloud Forest Lodge in Monteverde and the Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection near Sámara--especially the views and wildlife (mostly birds) at Cloud Forest, and the pool, beach access and wildlife (including howler monkeys & scarlet macaws) at Punta Islita. While both these accommodations are beautiful and fairly luxurious, they are both removed from local culture, making it more difficult to explore the nearby (far in the case of Sámara--about 30 minutes away) towns, restaurants and cultural life on foot without having to call a taxi or other ride service. They did have all the amenities we needed on site, but we found ourselves eating at the same hotel restaurant (which were still excellent) for most meals in each hotel. I wanted to have some local gallo pinto, but the hotel restaurant versions were not the same as the gallo pinto I got at sodas when I was in Costa Rica many years ago--and we never found the time to find a soda or smaller restaurant at which we could get authentic gallo pinto (though if we'd made more effort to call a taxi for a ride into town in Monteverde for lunch or dinner one day, I'm sure we could have found some!). In addition, neither of these accommodations seemed to have good suite options for a family of 3--2 adults and a teen son--that would allow for much privacy (Cloud Forest Lodge was better in this sense--at least there was a large bathroom). They would be better suited for a couple, or you'd have to book more than one room/suite.

Overall, we LOVED our trip to Costa Rica, and particularly loved the fact that booking with kimkim made it easy, with an easy-to-follow itinerary, so that we didn't have to worry about ground transportation (especially between airports & hotels) or scheduling of tours while in-country. It was great to have a schedule to follow, but also enough downtime to relax and enjoy the beauty of Monteverde and Punta Islita!

Hotel Reviews
Cloud Forest Lodge
Monteverde

Beautiful surroundings and views. Endémica restaurant is fantastic with so many delicious options and a beautiful fireplace and balcony. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Removed enough from Monteverde that you must call a cab to go into town. A little more difficult for families--we had the largest suite, the Tityra Junior Suite for our family of three (parents & 1 teen son), and it's still only one large room (with king bed & a daybed) with a large bathroom. In the future, I might book 2 different rooms. The nature trails around the property were great for hiking and some wildlife, and the bird viewing as well as cloud forest views from the balconies were excellent.

Authenticity & Character
in the middle of the cloud forest
Location
beautiful natural surroundings and wildlife
Staff
very friendly; we loved our waiter at Endémica Restaurant (who I think was the manager but can't remember his name!)
Cleanliness & Comfort
everything squeaky clean
Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection
Bejuco

Beautiful surroundings, excellent pool, excellent beach access with great restaurant at the beach and beach-side service. Great amenities and options for activities--surfing lessions, bird watching, monkey sighting, etc. Excellent restaurant at the hotel itself. The mountain view room was excellent for wildlife sighting--we saw howler monkeys in the valley below and scarlet macaws in the tree above our little "yard".

Authenticity & Character
Great wildlife opportunities, beautiful beach, staff was wonderful. There is a cultural museum (which we didn't visit) but removed from opportunities to actually meet and mingle with local people.
Location
Absolutely beautiful with lots of wildlife and great beach, but removed from "nearby" town so no real opportunity to experience local culture.
Staff
Very accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean.
Activity Reviews
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
Monteverde

LOVED the ziplining! The hanging bridges were great too--saw lots of wildlife including many birds and a snake!

Quality of Experience
Ziplining was awesome! Hanging bridges were fun but more like checking a box.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ziplining staff was amazing. Our hanging bridge guide seemed to play favorites with some in our group a bit which could be a little off-putting.
Transport
Private Curi-Cancha Bird-Watching Experience
Private Curi-Cancha Bird-Watching Experience
Monteverde

Oscar, our birding guide, was fantastic! Knowledgeable, and very accommodating to our birding priorities!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Werner Sauter Biological Reserve Hike (Seasonal)
Werner Sauter Biological Reserve Hike (Seasonal)
Sámara

Saw lots of wildlife including many "lifer" birds as well as howler monkeys! Learned lots about the local flora as well--very interesting. Great view of Sámara beach during the hike.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Experience
Private Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Experience
Monteverde

Katherine, our guide, was fabulous! We loved chatting with her and learning from her. I would highly recommend this experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Treetop Dining Experience with Wine Pairing
Treetop Dining Experience with Wine Pairing
Monteverde

The food was excellent and the service fantastic. The view was amazing!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Adventure Fishing and Snorkel
Private Adventure Fishing and Snorkel
Sámara

We loved this adventure! Unfortunately, we were there during a season when the fishing wasn't great so we didn't catch anything--but our son (a seasoned fisherman) was OK with that ("that's why they call it fishing and not catching"). The boat ride was beautiful and we saw lots of dolphins right alongside the boat. The snorkeling was great too--our son spotted a ray as well as a turtle for us all! The boat driver & fishing guide were fantastic as well--and the fruit at the end of the ride was incredibly delicious!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Scarlet Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center Experience
Scarlet Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center Experience
Sámara

It was fun to learn about the breeding project that has been so successful at reinvigorating the scarlet macaw population in Costa Rica--what a great accomplishment! In terms of seeing the macaws, we were led to the area where food is put out for them, which our guide did, and tons of them came to eat the food provided (these were birds that had been bred & hatched at the center then released into the wild after 2-3 years--the center provides less than 50% of their daily nutritional requirements--can't remember exactly how much--20-40%??--so that the released birds can learn to forage and survive on their own but have a backup just in case). So we learned a lot about the project and are happy that we were able to support the project. But we were hoping to see the actual breeding center itself--where the eggs are laid/chicks are hatched, and that wasn't part of the tour. Also it was billed as a 3-hour experience, and only lasted about 45 minutes (plus transportation there & back--about 10 min each way).

Quality of Experience
seeing the breeding area itself
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Gustavo Camperos
Gustavo
Gustavo Camperos
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Apr 15, 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! I’m so glad to hear that your family loved your trip to Costa Rica and that the planning process with kimkim felt easy and stress-free. It’s great to know the zip-lining at Treetopia Park, birding with Oscar from Ocotea Tours, and the coffee and chocolate tour with Katherine were highlights in Monteverde. I'm also happy to hear you enjoyed the treetop dining experience and had such a fun time spotting dolphins during your fishing/snorkeling tour... Read more

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! I’m so glad to hear that your family loved your trip to Costa Rica and that the planning process with kimkim felt easy and stress-free.

It’s great to know the zip-lining at Treetopia Park, birding with Oscar from Ocotea Tours, and the coffee and chocolate tour with Katherine were highlights in Monteverde. I'm also happy to hear you enjoyed the treetop dining experience and had such a fun time spotting dolphins during your fishing/snorkeling tour with Sámara Adventures.

Your feedback about the Scarlet Macaw Refuge and the driving logistics between Punta Islita and Sámara is really helpful—we’ll keep this in mind for future travelers looking for more convenience or time-efficient options. And thank you for sharing your thoughts on the hotel dining and suite setup—we always aim to match accommodations to travelers’ needs as closely as possible, and this insight is invaluable.

It was a pleasure helping you plan this adventure, and I’d love to work with you again if you decide to return—maybe next time we’ll make sure to fit in a stop at a local soda for that authentic gallo pinto, I have some great places I would love to share with you 🦥

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.