Kimkim Trip Reviews

I have to start by saying this was one of the most amazing trips I’ve been on. I spent 15 days in Argentina from mid to late December. Matias helped me put together the perfect itinerary! I covered Buenos Aires, Iguazu, Ushuaia and Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chalten and Bariloche) during my travels. Everything from accommodation to transfers to tours were impeccable and well organized. Even re-working the itinerary when an unexpected storm caused flight disruptions was promptly and professionally handled by Matias.
Argentina truly has some of the most awe-inspiring and varied landscapes - from glaciers to sapphire blue lakes, towering mountains to lush green tropical jungles. The culinary scene and friendly locals made the stay extra special.
I would also like to give a special shout out to the team of local tour organizers and guides at Designer Trips, Canal Fun, Ryan’s travel, Sur time and NEA Travesias that made this possible.

Hotel Reviews

Kau Yatun Hotel Boutique & Estancia

El Calafate

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

O2 Hotel Iguazú

Puerto Iguazú

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Los Acebos Ushuaia Hotel

Ushuaia

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Lunajuim

El Chalten

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Huinid Bustillo Hotel & Spa

San Carlos de Bariloche

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton

Buenos Aires

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Laguna de los Tres Trek

El Chaltén

Quality of Experience

Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest

Argentina

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guides could've been better in english, most explanation was in spanish

Transport

Sea Lions Navigation

Ushuaia

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Penguin Rookery at Martillo Island

Ushuaia

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tierra del Fuego National Park & The End of the World Train

Ushuaia

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tango Show & Dinner at La Ventana

Buenos Aires

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visiting the Argentine Waterfalls of Iguazu

Argentina

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

It has been slightly more than one year since we have completed our honeymoon in Uganda and Kenya, both of which were arranged through Kimkim. Reason I am this late to post this review is because I promised myself I will never look back and remember all the negative aspects of our honeymoon - however, Kimkim kept spamming me with e-mails, and here we are. Luckily, my wife and I both have taken good notes of these incidents, have screen recordings, videos etc. if anyone is interested... We spent majority of our time in Uganda and this is going to be all about Uganda.

Here we go:
1- You should know that Kimkim outsources its clients' queries onto so-called 'local expert's. What's worse is these 'local expert's than in turn outsource it again to someone local. As an example, when we contacted Kimkim, we were introduced to a 'local expert' called Vivian Kironde (Magic Africa), who was in fact living in Germany, and who had outsourced our trip to another agency in Uganda, and who had in turn hired our guide, Gideon. I do not think anywhere on this web-site you can clearly see this through, though I'm pretty sure they make you sign some disclosures which actually tells the customers that they will outsource everything. In short, these guys have zero accountability / responsibility, which I will tell you more later on.
2- On the original itinerary we were provided with, there were 15-hour travel distances by car & by plane, including a flight at 3AM (which included travel to and from the airport of another 4-5 hours each). Instead of Vivian, we found our own flights and actually did all of the connections ourselves. This all had to happen 2 weeks prior to our trip because of Vivian's incompetence.
3- 2 days prior to the trip, we were asked to pay an extra $820 without any explanations. This was originally asked by Vivian, once again, two days prior to the trip. We had paid our money weeks / if not months before. Imagine paying a huge amount of money, only to be asked for more, and when you ask where does it stop, Olivia from Kimkim tells you these are 'legit' expenses but they will 'gift' it to us
4- We had agreed to an all inclusive 'full board food' with Vivian and Kimkim. However, on the first day of our trip, our guide Gideon told us that this was not the case, instructed by Vivian... I cannot explain the level of 'he said she said' on this trip, and especially with the amount of money we had paid
5- During the trip, when we wanted to change the itinerary for an extra day of stay somewhere, we were quoted $170 / per night, instead of $145 that was communicated originally for that extra night on the Kimkim platform... Luckily, we had written proof, similar to our 'full board food'.

If you have read this far - please read the below as it gets better:
- We were supposed to stay for 3 nights in our final hotel in Bwindi National Park and on our last day, leave for the airstrip at 3AM. However, our guide told us that we should leave and go to a different hotel on our 2nd day, given the roads were very dangerous because of rains and heavy landslide. When we asked if Vivian / Kimkim was in the loop, he said, yes they are
- On our second day, we left to go to a different hotel in Bwindi, closer to our airstrip. After we have left and we moved closer to our destination, our guide told us that we were actually going to stay in a 'homestay' with a 'private butler' etc. We were slightly suspicious, but given we had moved from the original hotel already, had no connection / wifi etc., and was instructed that Kimkim was in the loop, we obliged thinking this should be okay. When we arrived to this 'homestay', it was shocking. The place where we were asked to stay had no doors. I do not want to go into more details out of respect for the lovely people who had opened up their home for us - but clearly something was wrong given we had paid tens of thousands for this trip.
- We then pressured our guide to find us a different hotel and he took us to 2-3 other hotels, which were similar to the homestay, and not at all in line with the hotels we so far stayed in Uganda. Finally, we charged our batteries in one of the hotels we were taken by our guide, and was just searching online, trying to find a connection to contact Kimkim
- We had to find our own accommodation (Engagi Lodge), without any help from Kimkim or Vivian (MagicAfrika), or our guide who was trying to put us through different terrible hotels. We were then promised by each of Kimkim, Vivian, and our guide that somebody other than us would be paying for our alternative accommodation, which in the end was denied by all parties. I'm not at all surprised by the guide or Vivian, but mostly by Kimkim. One word, disgusting behavior from everyone involved. They did not even take our calls and closed all channels of communication. I even tried to contact the founder on Linkedin, after all hopes were gone, and he blocked me...
- We were so lucky to have some of the best people in Engagi Lodge, who had heard our guide Gideon promise us that Kimkim / Vivian / Gideon would take care of our stay. When Gideon turned on his promise, the lovely people of Engagi Lodge told us that they will impound Gideon's car until they get their money from either one of Gideon / Vivian or Kimkim.

To recap - my wife and I paid c.$20k for this trip. A quick calculation back in the day would give us c. $8k for the same trip, if we had done it on our own. We knew that we had overpaid, but we were okay with it, given Uganda is a relatively hard to navigate country and we needed accountability from Kimkim and local expertise from Vivian. However, none of this mattered.

It was extremely stressful and unsafe at certain points in time, with zero accountability from Kimkim.

Do not ever use them. I am more than happy to speak to anyone (just a concerned citizen) - feel free to email.

Thanks,
Oncu
[email protected]

Overall the trip was fantastic. Especially all the help with the Airlines and basically anything else that I needed. The only couple of things that I would change is the hotel in Pasto and in Bogota on the last night. The hotel in Pasto was ok but incredibly loud and the room didn't have a window, AC, fan anything so it was just hot and bad air. When you drive through the student district there are a bunch of restaurants there and hotels that would be more fun to stay in and have the opportunity to go out. The hotel in Bogota that I am talking about is the last night. Again just had a window but with the airplanes you couldn't have it open. No toilet paper in there, towels etc again which is ok because I know it was booked for the convenience of being able to get to the airport early.

One other thing that I would add is the guides need to be more clear on what days they will be with you and for what times. This may be an American thing but I wanted to tip the driver and guide at the end of the time that I would be with them so each day I would ask...are you with me tomorrow? Sometimes they would say yes, sometimes it was just the driver etc. Again non of this is a problem but for me to tip I want to tip at the end of the journey not each day. With that being said it was hard to make sure I had the right amount of cash on hand not knowing what day the guide would leave or if I had the same driver daily. Hopefully that makes sense.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Habitel

Bogotá

No toilet paper, no towels just not ready to stay in. There was a window but you couldn't keep it open because of the planes so the room was hot.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Took a very long time to check out in the morning especially being at 2AM and me being the only one there.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Cuellar's

San Juan de Pasto

The hotel was loud and hot. No air in the rooms and not even a window to open. You could hear someone on the phone from 3 doors down. I would of rather stayed in the student district than here.

Authenticity & Character

The hotel handled more large groups with music and meetings than feeling like you were at a local nice hotel.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Volcano Mud & The Pink Sea

Cartagena

This was sold as the Pink Sea but in reality its a man made salt production that has no reason to go to. It was a waste of a day in my mind and I would tell everyone going to skip it.

Quality of Experience

Food

Finally got taken to a real restaurant after asking multiple times and it is so much better than the tourist food.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I recently had the privilege of experiencing an unforgettable journey to the Amazon Rainforest and Galápagos Islands, meticulously crafted by the incredible team at KimKim and expertly planned by the brilliant Tamer. From the moment I embarked on this adventure, it became abundantly clear that this was no ordinary trip—it was a seamless blend of natural wonders, personalized service, and unparalleled expertise.
Tamer, our dedicated planner, proved to be the linchpin of our Galápagos escapade. His passion for the Amazon and islands coupled with a deep understanding of their unique ecosystems shone through in every detail of our itinerary. Tamer took the time to get to know our preferences, ensuring that each day held the perfect mix of exploration, relaxation, and wildlife encounters. His thoughtful recommendations and insider knowledge made our journey feel like a curated masterpiece, tailored just for us.
The Galápagos Islands are a natural wonder, and KimKim ensured that we experienced their magic in the most authentic and immersive way possible. The seamless coordination of our activities, accommodations, and transportation left us with nothing to worry about except soaking in the awe-inspiring landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity.
The handpicked local guides provided by KimKim were not only knowledgeable but also passionate ambassadors for the Galápagos. Their insights into the islands' history, geology, and wildlife added a rich layer to our exploration, turning each excursion into a fascinating learning experience.
Vinnie was our guide during our stay in the amazon. We stayed at the Napo Cultural Center and were completely blown away by the hospitality shown by the Kichwa people. We did several day hikes and one night hike. On our very first day, we spotted a three toed sloth. The personal attention shown was outstanding. Our guide Vinnie was with us every step of the way. And of course, Tamer was always checking in to ensure we were conformable and had everything we needed.
We left the Amazon and spent 1 day touring the city of Quito. Again, Tamer set up amazing guides that were devoted to us the whole time. Sebastian and his father Alejandro were full of knowledge and catered to us to ensure we got to experience as much of the city as we could in our short time.
After Quito, we headed to the Galapagos! And once again, Tamer was with us every step of the way. I cannot express adequately how grateful we are to Tamer. We had a few minor glitches (like the plane to the Galapagos was delayed several hours due to a bird hitting it and even then Tamer was on top of everything.) We never once felt like we needed to worry as Tamer was always in the background giving us updates and new plans. One of the highlights of our trip was the flexibility and responsiveness of the KimKim team. Our plans were adjusted seamlessly when unforeseen circumstances arose, demonstrating their commitment to delivering a flawless travel experience.
Accommodations were carefully selected to complement the unique character of each island, ranging from cozy boutique hotels to eco-friendly lodges. Tamer's attention to detail extended to every aspect of our stay, ensuring that our accommodations were not just places to rest but integral parts of the overall Galápagos experience.
On each island, we had guides waiting for us to help us get to our hotels, grab a taxi, go on an expedition, etc.
Viviana was our guide for Santa Cruz and she was spectacular. Julio was our guide on Isabela island and once again, he was amazing. Our last island was San Cristobal with our guide Mafer. Just like all the previous guides, she was fantastic. I could go on and on but this review would turn into a novel! Essentially, we would not have had the experience of a lifetime if not for Tamer and the KimKim team. All of our amazing experiences and guides to help us along the way were due to Tamer and his planning.
In conclusion, my Galápagos adventure with KimKim and Planner Tamer was nothing short of extraordinary. The combination of Tamer's expertise, KimKim's flawless execution, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the Galápagos Islands created a travel experience that surpassed all expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend KimKim and Tamer to anyone seeking a meticulously crafted, personalized, and unforgettable journey to this natural wonder.

Hotel Reviews

La Isla Hotel

Puerto Ayora

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Opuntia Galapagos Hotel

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Amazing location!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Casita de la Playa

Puerto Villamil

Words cannot describe the beauty of this beach and the location of this hotel. We were surrounded by pristine beach and blue footed bobbies the whole time!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ikala Quito Hotel

Quito

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Napo Cultural Center

Quito

Nestled deep within the enchanting embrace of the Amazon Rainforest, the Napo Cultural Center stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of indigenous culture and the awe-inspiring biodiversity that defines the lungs of our planet. My recent visit to this extraordinary destination was nothing short of magical, leaving me with memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. From the moment I arrived, the warm and genuine hospitality of the Kichwa Añangu community enveloped me, creating an immediate sense of connection with the people and the land. The eco-friendly lodges seamlessly blend with the lush surroundings, offering a perfect balance of comfort and immersion in nature. Waking up to the symphony of exotic birds and the vibrant hues of the sunrise over the Napo River is an experience that transcends words. The guided tours provided an invaluable insight into the intricate web of life within the Amazon Rainforest. Knowledgeable local guides, who are deeply connected to their ancestral lands, shared their wisdom about the flora and fauna, medicinal plants, and the delicate ecological balance that sustains this unparalleled ecosystem. The ethereal beauty of the jungle unfolded before my eyes, with every step revealing a new wonder. One highlight of my stay was a visit to the parrot clay licks, a spectacle that can only be described as a vibrant, living canvas. The sight of brilliantly colored parrots and macaws gathering to feed was a breathtaking display of nature's artistry. Additionally, a canoe ride along the Napo River offered a serene and intimate encounter with the heart of the rainforest, where the interconnectedness of the flora and fauna became abundantly clear.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Wyndham Quito Airport

Quito

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Free morning on San Cristobal until Departure

Isla San Cristóbal

We only had a few hours before our flight but spent the morning watching the sea lions. It was an amazing last morning!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

El Junco Lagoon - Galapaguera Colorado Hill - Puerto Chino Beach

Galapagos Islands

Nestled within the captivating embrace of the Galápagos Islands, El Junco Lagoon, Galapaguera Colorado Hill, and Puerto Chino Beach collectively offer a day of awe-inspiring natural beauty and unique wildlife encounters. Our visit to this trio of destinations proved to be a journey of ecological discovery and scenic splendor. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for us when visiting El Junco Lagoon so we did not see much more than fog and mist. It was still a fun little hike to the top however. Our next stop was Galapaguera Colorado Hill, a sanctuary for giant tortoises. The conservation efforts here are commendable, and the informative guides shed light on the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures. We were fortunate to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat, plodding gracefully through the highland terrain. The well-maintained trails and interpretive signs enhanced our understanding of the Galápagos' delicate ecosystem. The sheer proximity to these ancient giants, coupled with the dedication to conservation, earned Galapaguera Colorado Hill a well-deserved five-star rating. Our day reached its zenith at the pristine Puerto Chino Beach, a hidden gem on San Cristóbal Island. The ivory sands stretched beneath a cloudless sky, and the azure waters beckoned for a refreshing dip. The beach's remote location ensured a serene atmosphere, interrupted only by the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. The resident sea lions and marine iguanas added a delightful touch to the idyllic scene. Snorkeling along the rocky outcrops provided an opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world, teeming with diverse marine life. Puerto Chino Beach's unspoiled beauty and rich biodiversity easily earned it a five-star rating. In conclusion, a day spent exploring El Junco Lagoon, Galapaguera Colorado Hill, and Puerto Chino Beach is a symphony of diverse ecosystems and unforgettable encounters with the Galápagos' unique flora and fauna. While El Junco Lagoon presented a mystical start to the day, the giant tortoises of Galapaguera Colorado Hill and the pristine beauty of Puerto Chino Beach left us with lasting memories of the unparalleled wonders of the Galápagos Islands.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

360° Tour of San Cristóbal Island: Highlights, Beaches & Marine Life

Isla San Cristóbal

This was the most amazing tour so far! We were taken around the island and were able to snorkel 3 times. We saw eagle rays, sea turtles, sharks and so much more. This is a definite must do trip!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to San Cristóbal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill, or La Lobería (Speedboat from Santa Cruz)

Galapagos Islands

Visiting the Interpretation Center and Tijeretas Hill on San Cristobal Island was an unforgettable experience that seamlessly blended educational insights into the Galápagos' unique ecosystem with breathtaking natural beauty. The Interpretation Center served as an exceptional starting point for our journey, offering a comprehensive overview of the archipelago's formation, evolution, and the ongoing conservation efforts. The exhibits were informative and engaging, providing a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between the flora and fauna that make the Galápagos Islands a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stepping outside, we made our way to Tijeretas Hill, a short but invigorating hike that rewarded us with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The trail was well-maintained, featuring endemic vegetation and occasional encounters with curious wildlife, such as Darwin's finches. As we ascended, the mesmerizing vistas of the coastline and turquoise waters unfolded, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The strategically placed viewpoints allowed us to witness the convergence of two ocean currents, creating a rich feeding ground for marine life. Snorkeling off the nearby cove provided an opportunity to explore the underwater wonders, from colorful reef fish to playful sea lions. In conclusion, a visit to the Interpretation Center and Tijeretas Hill on San Cristobal Island is a must for anyone seeking a harmonious blend of environmental education, stunning landscapes, and an intimate encounter with the unique biodiversity that defines the Galápagos Islands. This excursion left us with a profound appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and a commitment to preserving this extraordinary ecosystem for future generations.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano (AM) & Speedboat to Santa Cruz Island (PM)

Galapagos Islands

Such a wonderful experience! Visiting the Galápagos Islands is a journey into a world unlike any other, and hiking Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island is an absolute must for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. My recent trek to the summit left me in awe of the island's unique geological wonders and unparalleled natural beauty. The highlight of the hike undoubtedly lies in the expansive views of the Sierra Negra Caldera. The vastness of the volcanic crater is nothing short of breathtaking, offering a surreal panorama of otherworldly landscapes. The contrast of the rugged volcanic terrain against the azure sky and the surrounding ocean is a visual feast that stays etched in memory. The trail itself, while not overly strenuous, presents a good challenge. Hiking boots are a must, as the terrain can be uneven, and the path may transition from dusty to muddy. The journey provides an intimate experience with the island's unique flora and fauna, including the chance to spot giant tortoises and the iconic Galápagos finches.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sacred Wayusa Ritual, Goodbye and return to the City (Yaku Kausay Experience)

Yasuni National Park

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Quito - Coca - Napo Cultural Center

Galapagos Islands

The Napo Cultural Center exceeded any expectation I thought I had. My time at the Napo Cultural Center was an immersive, eye-opening, and deeply enriching experience. It is not merely a destination; it's a journey into the soul of the Amazon, where the spirit of nature and indigenous culture converge to create an unforgettable tapestry of wonder. For those seeking an authentic and transformative adventure, the Napo Cultural Center is an absolute must-visit.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Discover the Wonders of Tintoreras Islet: A Journey into Breathtaking Biodiversity

Puerto Villamil

Another amazing tour of the island. We saw so many amazing creatures!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kayaking Adventure in Tortuga Bay & Afternoon Bay Tour of Santa Cruz Island

Puerto Ayora

Visiting Tortuga Bay and indulging in the Santa Cruz Island Bay Tour was an unparalleled experience that surpassed all expectations. The Galápagos Islands are renowned for their unique biodiversity, and this journey offered a front-row seat to the marvels of nature. Tortuga Bay, accessible by a scenic walking trail, is a pristine stretch of white sand that unfolds like a postcard-perfect paradise. Marine Iguanas were EVEYWHERE! And it was such a magnificent sight! Kayaking was also amazing and we saw many turtles and white tip sharks. The Santa Cruz Island Bay Tour was a comprehensive exploration of the surrounding waters, showcasing the diverse ecosystems of the Galápagos. The naturalist guide on board shared insightful information about the islands, wildlife, and conservation efforts, adding depth to the experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands (Plant a Tree) & Charles Darwin Research Station

Puerto Ayora

Our trip was cut short due to a plane delay so we did not visit the Charles Darwin Research Center. However, we did make it the Highlands and toured Rancho Primicias, a privately owned giant tortoise reserve. Located on Santa Cruz Island, Rancho Primicias is a sprawling sanctuary for the iconic Galápagos giant tortoises. The moment I entered the reserve, I was greeted by the gentle giants peacefully grazing amid lush greenery. The park's well-maintained trails and informative signage allowed me to navigate the area effortlessly while learning about the fascinating natural history of these ancient creatures. The highlight of Rancho Primicias was undoubtedly the close encounters with the giant tortoises. Observing them in their natural habitat, meandering gracefully through the landscape, was a truly humbling experience. The reserve's commitment to conservation is evident, with efforts to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures for generations to come.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Half-Day City Tour & Mitad del Mundo

Quito

Exploring the vibrant city of Quito is an enchanting journey that seamlessly blends history, culture, and a touch of scientific wonder. My recent visit to the Equator Museum and Mitad del Mundo provided a captivating experience that left me with a deep appreciation for this Ecuadorian gem. The day began with a stroll through the heart of Quito, where the city's rich colonial history unfolded before my eyes. The well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and ornate churches created a captivating atmosphere that transported me to another era. The blend of Spanish, Moorish, and indigenous influences is evident in every corner, making Quito's Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true testament to the city's cultural richness. My excitement heightened as I approached the Equator Museum, a place where science and culture converge. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the equatorial line, showcasing the efforts of scientists who meticulously mapped the Earth's equator. Engaging exhibits presented the unique challenges faced at the equator and the profound impact on local cultures. The interactive displays made learning fun and accessible, catering to visitors of all ages. The day concluded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Quito from the top of the Mitad del Mundo monument. The sprawling city below, surrounded by lush greenery and crowned by the Pichincha Volcano, showcased the natural beauty that complements Quito's rich cultural tapestry. In retrospect, touring the city of Quito and experiencing the Equator Museum and Mitad del Mundo was an unforgettable adventure that seamlessly blended education, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a science buff, or simply a traveler seeking a unique experience, Quito's equatorial charm promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kuri Muyu (Kichwa traditions) - Canopy Tower - Traditional Dinner

Yasuni National Park

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We really enjoyed our tour of Jordan with our driver Khaldoun. He is an excellent driver and guide. Based on our itinerary, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea he shared ideas and found opportunities to show us special locations along the way. He was very helpful in managing the itinerary to suit our interests and communicated with the local hotels and jeep operators. Khaldoun was really flexible as we decided how much time we wanted to stay in each location. He was prompt and extremely reliable.

The Hotels selected by KIMKIM were excellent, Petra Moon Hotel, The Captains Camp in Wadi Rum and the Movenpick Hotel and Spa on the Dead Sea were all fantastic. All the guides and jeep operators were so kind and helpful. Our trip was really special and so memorable for all those f us!

Vincenzo was excellent to work with on our Italy trip. Not only was he very attentive during the planning phase of our trip, but he was also very responsive to questions we had while on our trip and reached out often to ensure things were going smoothly. We were very impressed with the quality of hotels selected on our behalf. We also enjoyed all of the tours that Vincenzo set up for us, especially the wine tour in the Valpolicella region and our private boat tour on Lake Como. This was our second trip to Italy using KimKim, and we were very happy with our experience, especially this second time around with Vincenzo as our specialist.

Activity Reviews

Amarone Wine Tour

Verona

Private guided tour of Como

Italy

Day Trip to Parma: Parma Food Walking Tour with Parmesan and Balsamic Vinegar tasting

Italy

Modena Walking Tour

Italy

Guided Tour Bologna

Bologna

Lake Como boat tour

Italy

Milano Aperitivo Street Food Tour

Milan

We are a group of 6 from Australia travelling with 4 adults (including one 82 year old) and three teenagers. We had a lovely tour of Vietnam organised by Hien and Realistic Asia through Kimkim. We visited Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong. We loved every minute of our trip. Our guides were fabulous, specifically Johnny Cuong who took us for three days to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong.

I'd highly recommend every part of our tour. Ha Long Bay on Heritage Cruises was brilliant. La Siesta Hotel in Hanoi was AMAZING. The Vespa Food tour in Ho Chi Minh City was so much fun. Even my 82 year old Mum got on the back of a scooter. We had a cycling experience in the Mekong too which was lovely. The Cu Chi Tunnels were a must see too if you love history.
Hien our travel agent even arranged some flowers for my birthday!

Honestly we were sad to leave Vietnam. Thank you for our lovely holiday!

A very active but enjoyable vacation! The excursions gave us plenty to do during the day and the overall logistics of the trip ran fairly smoothly. Just a couple of hiccups on the start times for the first 2 excursions but flawless for the rest of the trip!

Hotel Reviews

Karahé Beach Hotel

Manuel Antonio

Adequate hotel. The AC worked well. Beach front is a relative term....you could "kind of see" the beach if you squinted. The room was very dark but reasonably clean. The food was adequate.

Authenticity & Character

Not much character. LIGHT in the room would be amazing )

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Aguila de Osa Rainforest & Marine Adventure Lodge

Drake Bay

An absolutely wonderful hotel! The views were incredible, the food was AMAZING and the staff was extremely helpful!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Kokoro Mineral Hot Springs

La Fortuna

The grounds are amazing! We saw so many beautiful birds from the comfort of our deck! It had a fabulous view of the volcano and the mineral springs were very nice! The 24/7 coffee in the lobby was not 24/7. The food was pretty good for breakfast but only adequate for dinner. Contrary to advertising, there was NOT a lunch option. The staff was friendly. Coffee was not very good for a country known for amazing coffee....probably the worst coffee we had in a hotel during our stay. The hotel is fairly far from the town, but we considered that a positive. A taxi is needed if you wish to visit the town.

Authenticity & Character

amazing gardens

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room was very tired and in desperate need of updating. The room was very quiet though!

Arco Iris Lodge

Santa Elena

Loved the location and value for this hotel. The area was extremely quiet...an oasis literally in the middle of town. The room was very large and could easily have accommodated 3 more guests. The breakfast was VERY good and we LOVED the coffee!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Could not be more convenient!

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Loved all the details...including items to help clean your boots after hiking in the cloud forest!

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton

San José

A good location. The hotel itself was okay, the food was okay. The AC was appreciated!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River

Costa Rica

We really enjoyed the experience. The 3 1/2 hour drive each way was tedious, but the rafting was amazing!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cloud Forest Reserve Hike

Monteverde

The weather severely impacted this tour. It was raining very hard.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Corcovado Sunrise Tour

Costa Rica

LOVED the animals and the guide was outstanding! The park is WELL worth the effort and expense to view! The boat ride is about an hour from Drake Bay

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure

Monteverde

This was VERY fun! The runs were awesome, long and had amazing views! Even in the rain it was SO worth it!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Whale & Dolphin Tour

Drake Bay

This was the most amazing thing EVER! I have been a certified scuba diver since 1976 and I have NEVER experienced anything like this basic snorkeling experience. We literally ended up in a huge bait ball of sardines while hundreds of dolphins and a 35 foot Bryde's Whale feed very close to us! This was not the guide's intent, but the bait ball moved towards us for protection from the feeding frenzy.....truly a National Geographic experience of a lifetime!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Loved having a marine biologist on the boat!

Transport

Sunset Birdwatching Tour

Drake Bay

We had a late start to the excursion, but after that it was very good. We saw many nice birds in a short amount of time

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Lost Canyon Waterfalls & Rappelling Adventure

Arenal/La Fortuna

Very good guides who were patient and very helpful! We really enjoyed our first experience rappelling!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike

Manuel Antonio

The guide was new and not experienced. One other guest pretty much monopolized the whole hike. They needed to book a birdwatching tour since they were only interested in that. The guide ignored the needs of the other guests. She was nice and tried to be helpful but it was by far, the weakest of our tours.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Great hotels, trip was rushed but we covered a lot in 7 days. Tour guides did speak English -however expectations need to be reset in SouthAsia. We did HoChi Min City, Hoi Ann, Hanoi and Halong Bay - such a beautiful country. We will be back for a more relaxed tour in the future.

Hotel Reviews

La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa

Hoi An

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Majestic Saigon

Ho Chi Minh

Authenticity & Character

No

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

Hanoi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Capella Cruise

Halong

Activity Reviews

Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Ho Chi Minh City

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dark & Bright Cave - Lan Ha Bay - Tuan Chau (Capella)

Ha Long Bay

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Halong - Lan Ha Bay - Frog Lagoon Area (Capella)

Ha Long Bay

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Boat Trip Exploring The Natural Beauty of Trang An & Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Vietnam

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Cooking Class at the Red Bridge Cooking School

Hoi An

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hanoi Half Day City Tour (In afternoon)

Hanoi

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our 2-week trip to Spain with kimkim was a fantastic experience. Amazingly the itinerary was provided (AI generated I believe) within an hour after submitting a free-form request.

Yuri was our primary contact at kimkim, and he was directly available 24x7 the entire trip. When does he sleep? He answered our questions in minutes and sometimes in seconds. We had 4 guides in Spain and each one said they knew Yuri personally, with glowing remarks about him and kimkim. Jessica provided administrative assistance throughout the trip and was very responsive as well.

Changes after booking, even mid-trip, were very easy. Some vendors have a time limit on cancellations, which is reasonable. We got refunds for cancellations we requested mid-trip with no issue.

We will definitely use kimkim again, and would give more than 5 stars if possible.

Activity Reviews

Private Cádiz & Jerez Day Trip with Sherry Tasting

Seville

Carlos is now our friend. I can't say how much we loved him and the trip. He loves music and we played each others' spotify music on the way to Cadiz. He is easy to interact with and he deserves kudos for the quality of service he provides.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Carlos is the best

Transport

Carlos is an extremely skilled driver.

Private City Highlights Walk

Madrid

A little long at 4-1/2 hours of walking, but worth every minute. This guy entertains as well as teaches. He's fun, nice, and likes to talk. He takes you through the town and you see all the tapas bars, visit if they are open. I recommend if you want to have a good long fun walk and feel like you really know Madrid.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private History & Culture Walk

Seville

The guide was amazing. She was fun and knowledgeable. Nice 2-1/2 hour walk with tons of education about the city.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Give her kudos and a raise in salary.

Transport

Private Alhambra & Generalife Gardens with a Historian

Granada

Carlos was fun and entertaining. Very knowledgeable about Spanish history and the Alahambra. I can't say enough good things about this tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Give Carlos a raise!

Private Madrid Wineries Trip

Madrid

Very personal and interesting experience at three wineries. Learned a TON about wine making. The guide had a very good rapport with us and made the day fun. Beware of the amount of alcohol you can taste on this trip, so go easy. This was certainly one of the highlights of our trip to Spain.

Quality of Experience

Personal encounters with winery owners, sitting down at the table with them. Wow, very fun and educational.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was truly exceptional in every way.

Transport

Great driver and guide!

Private Tapas Tasting in Albaicín District

Granada

Theresa, our guide, was fantastic. We instantly had a good rapport with her and had lots of fun walking around on a chilly December night. She took us to several tapas restaurants, and it was just a great time. She was very knowledgeable about Granada. I recommend this highly for couples or groups that want to get closer to the locals.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Theresa is a wonderful person and guide. You will love her.

Transport

Penedès Vineyards, Wines & Tapas Day Trip

Barcelona

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ultimate Flamenco Experience: Dance Lesson, Museum Visit & Flamenco Show

Seville

OMG so fun. Be ready to be seen while you take the lesson, since the space is visible while folks are seated for the show. I was so surprised at the quality of this museum/show/school. This is an amazing and very unique experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

our teacher (also a show performer) was extremely patient and kind.

Ancient Bath Experience

Spain

ARIA administers your experience very efficiently. The greeter and helper makes what could be an otherwise awkward experience into a comfortable one. This was a highlight of our visit to Spain. Everything was top shelf treatment, including the massage and baths.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Extended Visit to Sagrada Família

Barcelona

Unless you know about the Sagrada Família, you have no idea what you are about to see. Far from just a cathedral, it is a bizarre beautiful simultaneous expression of modern art and architecture. Seriously, it looks like a bunch of gigantic cartoon spaceships, combined with an explosion of color. My guide was fun, courteous and knowledgeable. It was the perfect tour for the day after our jet lagged arrival from TN.

Quality of Experience

The experience was a surprise. I didn't expect the "wow factor" that the Sagrada Familia provides.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Lovely and intelligent guide. Enjoyed every minute.

Transport

very nice walk to the meeting location.

Self-Guided Walk in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter

Barcelona

This was near our hotel, which was fortunate since we just flew in from Atlanta and were pretty loopy. It was a lovely first taste of Spain for us, and we easily found a tapas restaurant there to stumble into!

Quality of Experience

close proximity to our hotel

Summer Magic Nights at Casa Batlló

Barcelona

This is a fun experience. I didn't know much about Gaudi before the tour, and now I feel like I know him personally. We got into the Casa quickly with no wait.

Quality of Experience

Had an amazing time in Ecuador and visiting the Galapagos. Alvaro planned an amazing itinerary for us, and we had a great balance of activities and rest.

Overall we had a wonderful experience planning and experiencing Rome. Our local specialist, Vincenzo was extremely responsive and patient. We made many adjustments throughout the planning process and he took it all in stride and adjusted as necessary. He was extremely responsive while we were in Italy and was truly on call throughout to handle any things that came up.

Specifically, a highlight was an Italian cooking class in Rome that he recommended. Also, a lovely wine-tasting dinner where we met several other travelers from the U.S. Our group tour of the Colosseum and Forum was terrific as was our private tour of Naples and Pompeii. The hotels that were recommended were very high quality (particularly in Amalfi) with good service and we also very much enjoyed the restaurants that were suggested. All of our transfers were on time and enjoyable.

We did unfortunately have one private tour guide on two days that we did not care for much and there was a little bit of confusion regarding our time in the Jewish district and at the Vatican. Overall, however, we enjoyed working with Vincenzo and his company.

Really, everything was amazing! The various pickups, our tour guides, hotels and tours were simply great. The tour of the Douro Valley was especially memorable. We are now thinking about a month in Greece and will, without a doubt, be using KimMim’s services.

Hotel Reviews

Zenit Lisboa Hotel

Lisbon

Very nice accommodation Modern, clean and with all the amenities one would expect.

Authenticity & Character

Modern

Location

Fine, could be a bit closer to old Lisbon.

Staff

At best, efficient. Dining room staff was the only slight blemish on our whole trip.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Spotless

Porto Charming Hotel

Porto

So quaint, clean and super friendly. Food was terrific.

Authenticity & Character

Our first evening the manager showed up with a carafe of port and two glasses!

Location

A bit of a hike but still great.

Staff

Very efficient and friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

A1

Activity Reviews

Exploring Sintra & Cascais: Palaces, Cliffs & Coastline

Lisbon

Very educational but a long day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Very comfortable and clean.

Hands-On Portuguese Cook Class with a Local Chef

Lisbon

Such a pleasant evening with a wonderfully pleasant chef.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Lisbon with a Local

Lisbon

Our guide was very knowledgeable and pleasant.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Douro Valley Highlights: Wine, Olive Oil & River Cruise

Porto

Totally incredible. The highlight of our stay in Porugal!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Craft Beer Side of Porto: Tastes & Surprises

Porto

Our guide, Marion, was super. She was pleasant and quite knowledgable of the area. Some businesses were more outgoing and welcomingly.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Working with kimkim helped take away the 'too many options' freeze that can happen when planning a trip. Adam was very communicative and helped with suggestions for the Spain trip that met my wishes and wants for it.

Activity Reviews

Evening Tapas, Taverns & History Walk

Madrid

Arantxa was a wonderful guide, full of anecdotes, life advice and historical stories!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Begur Self-Guided Walk

Spain

Staying in Begur and enjoying the scenery was a highlight of our trip; we travelled in November during off-season and it was very peaceful and quiet.

Moonika was the best! We have only been on cruises, never flown out of the country, so we did not know where to begin, when planning our Northern European Honeymoon!!
We chose Finland, as we LOVE Christmas, and wanted to experience the sight of the Northern Lights. We told Moonika our preferences and what we were looking for on our trip. She gave us everything we could've asked for and more!!
She gave us an unforgettable experience, with a SPOT ON itinerary! She went as far as telling our tour guides my nut allergy! Not only did she assist us in planning our trip, she was a phone call away the entire trip! Unfortunately, we caught a cold on night 3 and decided to miss out on an excursion. She and the tour guides were all in contact and knew that we did not go and she reached out to make sure we were okay. She was really on top of things! The overnight train was a couple hours late, and she reached out to assist us in getting us a partial refund. All we had to do was show up-she had literally everything else covered! Thank you Moonika for making our first European trip one we will never forget!

-The Newlyweds: Steph and Casey :)

We had a grest time on the trip to Costa Rica planned by Serendipity. Many thanks to Bryan and his team for making the trip smooth and enjoyable. Lodgings were very nice, especially the Lagarta Lodge in Nosara. The Hotel Arenal Paraiso rooms were dated but comfortable. They could update and improve the interiors considerably. Their breakfasts were excellent. All the tours went smoothly. Guides and transportation were on time, courteous and knowledgeable. We had to change the transportation schedule a couple of times but the team handled the changes perfectly. Overall, using Kim Kim and Serendipity was a great way for us to make our first tour of Costa Rica. Thank you!

I had a great experience using kimkim for a trip to Croatia in early 2023. So when it was time to plan a family adventure to Costa Rica, kimkim was at the top of my list for assistance in selecting locations and planning activities and hotels. Our travel company, Serendipity Adventures, gave us a fabulous itinerary specific to our family's needs and desires, giving us a good mix of different activities and plenty of downtime. Our local specialist, Bryan, and his team immediately responded to the Kimkim message board and WhatsApp. They kept us up to date on any changes or itinerary issues. It was helpful to have a local contact when there were language barriers (such as returning our rental car), and just knowing somebody would help communicate if needed provided a lot of peace of mind.

The best part of our trip was the guided tours. We were matched with expert guides in every town, and through this experience, we could see so much more wildlife than we would have seen on our own. Additionally, the guides gave us a comprehensive overview of the country, the region, and the culture. Every guide we had was excellent, but the ones who stood out were Mariano in La Fortuna (he took us on the waterfall and volcano hike), Andres in Monteverde, and Andres "Socio" in Manuel Antonio, who guided us through the Manuel Antonio park.

Costa Rica was an easy place to travel and an enjoyable experience. We would definitely use kimkim and Serendipity Adventures if we go again!

We had a great time with no issues at any event! The only hiccup was when we first arrived and the driver was a couple of minutes late and not behind pole three. The Concept hotel had a lovely woman who checked us in and another lovely woman who made breakfast. It was an easy walk to the Spanish steps from there and when we returned for the last night felt like returning home! There was only one outlet in the room which made charging our devices challenging.
Our walking tour of Roma was great as it was just us so we could see what we wanted, linger for photos, and got into the collesium.
The hotel in Venice was also in a great location! The breakfast there was typical best western, meh. I am not in Italy to drink lousy coffee! We enjoyed the boat tour- the second island had little to offer on a cold cloudy day, but Murano and Burano were awesome.
The gondola ride was as expected- on a quiet night actually felt kind of creepy…
The Joy Hotel in Florence was close to the train station, and easy walk to everything, although the neighborhood itself felt sketchy. Joy hotel hands down had the best breakfast!! We truly enjoyed the street food tour. Would do that again !
To top off a wonderful trip, we were able to see the Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican our last night.

We just came back from a 5-day/4-night adventure trip to Guatemala (Flores, Tikal, Yaxha) and Belize (activities in and around San Ignacio) organized by Catherina. We traveled as a family of 5 (including 3 kids with ages 7 to 14). The whole process of planning and then the trip itself went very smoothly . Our driver/guide in Belize was Rene and in Guatemala - our guide was Henry. Everyone was truly professional, very knowledgable and friendly the entire time - clearly professionals who know and love what they are doing. That allowed us (especially the parents) to just relax and enjoy the adventure trip and not worry about anything. A pleasant surprise was how easy it was to find food for our two kids with food allergies (egg, dairy, nuts), even in really rural places. It helped that we lucked out with the weather - a (really) rainy season was coming to the end - most days were overcast/cooler (70s) but no rain, which allowed us to cover a lot of ground on foot. Highly recommend this travel service, trip and time of the year for visit.

Dear Michael!
I returned overflowed with impression from my trip in Colombia. Organization was perfect, my guide Lorenzo was very professional and tried to do everything for my sucсessfull shots of birds. All drivers were very polite, nice and helpful. I dream about new trip in Colombia next year. The Mountain House hotel was truly a paradise and heavenly place for observing beautiful birds
One suggestion for driving to El Dorado Reserve: it very cold in mountain and travelers should have warm clothes.