Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 16,338 ratings
Read 16,338 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.

Hoa Tran was AMAZING!
Thailand | Dec 21 - Jan 4, 2022

R
Roger A.
the United Arab Emirates | Reviewed on Jan 08, 2022

Hoa Tran was AMAZING! super helpful, took her time to understand my preferences, flexed the itinerary accordingly, provided on the spot support, her availability was remarkable.. the list goes on of her off the chart service!
And The local guides.. super kind people and very helpful!
Just trust her and the team, and you go enjoy yourself with a memorable vacation..

Local specialist: Hoa Tran

Everything was very smooth and went perfectly...
Argentina | Dec 28 - Jan 4, 2022

M
Michael M.
Libertyville, IL | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2022
Everything was very smooth and went perfectly. No issues throughout the entire trip due to the great planning from the travel team. Fernando and Mathias were particularly helpful, knowledgeable, and very friendly. Would highly recommend. Read more

Everything was very smooth and went perfectly. No issues throughout the entire trip due to the great planning from the travel team. Fernando and Mathias were particularly helpful, knowledgeable, and very friendly. Would highly recommend.

Hotel Review
Hotel Bahia Vik
Maldonado
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Ferry Navigation to Montevideo
Buenos Aires
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Replied on Feb 04, 2022

Hi Michael,
Thank you very much for your review. It was my pleasure to plan your trip to Argentina and Uruguay. I am very happy to hear you enjoyed it and I appreciate the feedback.
Wishing you a great year!
Emi

Lorena is amazing!
Chile | Jan 2 - Jan 6, 2022

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Rachel K.
Durham, NC | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2022

Lorena was a super duper help before and during the trip. She was flexible, accommodating, super responsive and very available. She arranged for us to have the best tour guides and we loved the hotel she arranged for us. Everything was the best of the best and would recommend to anyone!

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Jan 07, 2022

Aww you are the sweetest, thanks Rachel! I am so happy the family enjoyed the custom trip prepared for you all. I'd be more than glad to host you again in Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia or Ecuador!! Have an amazing rest of your year.

Excellent trip to Spain
Spain | Dec 27 - Jan 5, 2022

B
Bruce H.
Kankakee, IL | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2022
I found kimkim with a Google search, and was impressed with the positive feedback given by former travelers. Now, I am the one giving the positive review without any hesitation! Our trip to Spain was planned excellently and with attention to detail by Sam. We certainly had some anxiety due to COVID restrictions, but decided to go ahead with the trip and had a wonderful experience. In addition, my wife had a fracture in her foot that limited her ability to walk distances, but wheelchair... Read more

I found kimkim with a Google search, and was impressed with the positive feedback given by former travelers. Now, I am the one giving the positive review without any hesitation! Our trip to Spain was planned excellently and with attention to detail by Sam. We certainly had some anxiety due to COVID restrictions, but decided to go ahead with the trip and had a wonderful experience. In addition, my wife had a fracture in her foot that limited her ability to walk distances, but wheelchair assistance was arranged for her when possible. Transportation between sites was always on-time and each driver was very polite and helpful. Each guide was well-prepared and extremely informative and friendly and welcoming: Teresa in Madrid, Joaquin in Cordoba, Maria in Seville, Roberto and Paco in Granada, and Maria and Craig in Barcelona. We experienced so many wonderful sites, too many to mention, but the highlights were: Prado and Royal Palace in Madrid, Mosque-Cathedral and Alcazar in Cordoba, Cathedral and Alcazar in Seville, Alhambra and Albaicin in Granada, and Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell in Barcelona followed by a day trip to Montserrat and a winery near Barcelona. Our trip also included several meals and a Flamenco show, and we thoroughly enjoyed these as well as the sight-seeing planned in each city. Also, Sam and his colleague Fran checked in with us during the trip to make sure everything was going smoothly--and, of course, everything did go very smoothly thanks to the attention to detail by our travel agent! The accommodations were very nice and always in a convenient location in each city. Overall, we had an amazing experience, and would highly recommend Sam and kimkim to anyone. We have no regrets and only wish we had more than ten days to spend in Spain.

Hotel Reviews
H10 Puerta de Alcalá
Madrid

Nice location, great breakfast, helpful staff. Hallway noise could be heard in rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
H10 Casa de la Plata
Sevilla

Hotel is in a great location close to historical sites and shopping. However, if your room has an outside view, it can be noisy during the night. The staff were friendly and hotel was new and clean and nicely decorated.

Tips for future travelers

While the view of the street was nice, choose an interior room for less noise during the night.

Authenticity & Character
New and nicely decorated.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel NH Califa
Córdoba

Hotel was good--clean and convenient. However, it could use some updating. Staff was friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Casa 1800
Granada

Hotel was in a quiet, secluded street. Building was old with lots of character. Staff was extremely friendly.

Tips for future travelers

Highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful building and rooms.
Location
Close to shopping and sites in center of city,
Staff
So friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds weren't the most comfortable on our trip.
Gallery Hotel
Barcelona

Great location, very helpful staff, comfortable beds and climate control.

Authenticity & Character
A modern hotel. Nicely decorated.
Location
A little farther from tourist sites, but easily reached by taxi or walking.
Staff
Very helpful as this was our last hotel of the trip and we had documents that we needed printed out.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private City Tour of Seville
Private City Tour of Seville
Seville

We toured the Cathedral, Alcazar and explored a neighborhood with our guide, Maria. She was very informative and made the experience so much fun and informative.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was fun, informative, and well-prepared.
Transport
Private Tour of Park Güell & Sagrada Família
Private Tour of Park Güell & Sagrada Família
Barcelona

Parc Guell is fun and whimsical place to visit. Sagrada Familia is just too amazing for words. If you only have time for one place, go to Sagrada Familia. Also, our guide, Sandra, made the place come to life.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Took taxis, but had no issues.
Private Flamenco & Tapas Tour
Private Flamenco & Tapas Tour
Seville

Flamenco show was so much fun and interesting. Tapas tour was also informative and our guide explained the traditions and food choices to us. Delicious!

Quality of Experience
Food
Restaurant choices were excellent.
Private Tour of Córdoba
Private Tour of Córdoba
Córdoba

Mosque-Cathedral and Alcazar were fascinating and came to life with our guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Montserrat & Wine Tour
Day Trip to Montserrat & Wine Tour
Barcelona

A great day trip from Barcelona. Nice to see the countryside and experience more culture away from the city.

Quality of Experience
Food
Stopped at a restaurant in a small town and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Craig transported us and was a great guide for our day.
Transport
Local specialist: Sam Lister
Sam
Sam Lister
Local specialist in Sevilla, Spain | Replied on Jan 07, 2022

Hi Bruce,
Thank you so much for writing your review! Both Fran and I really appreciate your words and we're so happy you had such a good time! I'm also delighted Janell was comfortable thanks to the wheelchair assistance. It was a real pleasure to meet you all in Seville and I wish you guys a great 2022!! Un abrazo fuerte, Sam

11 Days of Classic Argentina: Buenos Aires, Salta, Mendoze and MORE!!!
Argentina | Dec 20 - Dec 30, 2021

LYNNETTE
LYNNETTE Y.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2022
Emi is nothing short of a ROCKSTAR! Even with the time zone difference (prior to booking), she considered every detail when crafting this special trip, despite limitations of COVID. All the hotels I stayed in were super clean and literally in the center of town, so venturing out on my own for dinner or to explore neighborhoods was super easy. By far, Salta and Mendoza will forever be stained in my happiest memories. From the seemingly endless Salt Flats, hiking in San Lorenzo, lively... Read more

Emi is nothing short of a ROCKSTAR! Even with the time zone difference (prior to booking), she considered every detail when crafting this special trip, despite limitations of COVID. All the hotels I stayed in were super clean and literally in the center of town, so venturing out on my own for dinner or to explore neighborhoods was super easy.

By far, Salta and Mendoza will forever be stained in my happiest memories. From the seemingly endless Salt Flats, hiking in San Lorenzo, lively squares of downtown Mendoza, beautiful mountain views in Cafayate and Purmamarca to the delicious empanadas and peaceful horseback ride at the ranch, this trip was everything I hoped for and more. Thanks so much Emi and KimKim for ending my 2021 adventures with a bang!

Hotel Review
Hotel Raices Aconcagua
Mendoza

The hotel was located mere steps from one of the larger squares and walking distance to shopping and very good restaurants. At night, I felt very safe walking about and the hotel is just outside a bus stop, with buses running very frequently. Despite COVID, there was a decent selection of pastries and juices for breakfast, but no eggs or anything like other hotels I had stayed in. My room on the 8th floor was very clean and offered an AMAZING view, plus the floor was very quiet at night. The elevators are a little slow at times. The front desk was very attentive upon check-in and even went as far to help me make an appointment with a nearby business for a service. If in Mendoza again, I would absolutely consider them for another stay!

Tips for future travelers

No.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff was very helpful and spoke very good English if your Spanish is not so fluent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fresh towels were provided daily. The safe was functional and locked/unlocked very easily by setting a code. Also the windows open with a latch to enjoy some fresh air if you want.
Activity Review
Full day to Salinas Grandes (Purmamarca)
Full day to Salinas Grandes (Purmamarca)
Salta

The mountain views were breathtaking! The time spent at the Salt Flats was truly a highlight of the excursion.

Quality of Experience
The people of Purmamarca were so kind and very gracious and getting to taste llama was surely a surprise!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was full of knowledge about the history Jujuy, Salinas Grandes and the Salta area that I definitely learned more than I would have just trying to visit the area on my own. Great driving through the winding roads in the mountains and was happy to help us take photos.
Transport
Driver picked me up about 10 minutes past my initial pickup time but it seems that no one in Argentina is ever really on time.
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso
Emilce
Emilce Alonso
Local specialist in Córdoba | Replied on Jan 12, 2022

Lynnette,
Thank you very much for your kind words and for having trusted us for your trip. :)
We are so happy that you had a great and full experience in Argentina. It is reflected in the beautiful photos you shared!
We hope to welcome you soon somewhere else in South America :D
It was a pleasure to e-meet you! Thank you very much and our best wishes for this year that has just begun!

9-day Costa Rican Natural Wonders
Costa Rica | Nov 15 - Nov 23, 2021

A
Alda Bernice M.
Bellflower, CA | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2022
In Arenal/Fortuna we took a Traditional Cooking Class at the Arenal Vida Campesina, a family-owned organic farm, where we learned to cook "verduras salteadas con pasta de achiote" over a wood-fire stove. We hiked (Canoa Aventura) and rafted (Costa Rica Descents) at the Arenal Volcano and la Fortuna Falls. The Tabacon hot springs with dinner was an amazing, relaxing experience. Ziplined and hiked the Cloud Forest hanging bridges; and took a Night Walk (Selvatura Adventure Park) in Monteverde.... Read more

In Arenal/Fortuna we took a Traditional Cooking Class at the Arenal Vida Campesina, a family-owned organic farm, where we learned to cook "verduras salteadas con pasta de achiote" over a wood-fire stove. We hiked (Canoa Aventura) and rafted (Costa Rica Descents) at the Arenal Volcano and la Fortuna Falls. The Tabacon hot springs with dinner was an amazing, relaxing experience.

Ziplined and hiked the Cloud Forest hanging bridges; and took a Night Walk (Selvatura Adventure Park) in Monteverde. On the trip from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, we took a detour to the Jungle Crocodile Safari (Jose's Crocodile Safari & Bird Watching Tour) a must see, along the Tarcoles River.

We spent our last few days in Manuel Antonio, where we were awakened in the morning with the roars of the howler monkeys. What a story to tell!

In addition to our need for adventure, my son and I wanted some relaxation time, so we stayed at resorts: Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs; El Establo; La Mariposa; and Park Inn San Jose Hotel (1 night). All provided excellent accommodations, service, and restaurants. Breakfasts were included at all accommodations. The Arenal Manoa is a couple of miles from the town on a highway, so no hiking into town. Did not feel we missed anything as our excursions usually included lunch and/or dinner. The Establo hotel is located on a hill, so hotel transport is provided to/from the rooms to the reception/breakfast areas. There was a small glitch in our reservation for the La Mariposa, however, the front desk staff accommodated us with cocktails, while we waited. In addition, they arranged for us to have an in-room COVID test prior to checking out. A shout-out to the front desk clerk at the Park Inn San Jose Hotel, who took it upon herself to provide us a take-away breakfast snack as we were leaving at 5:00am the following morning.

Two changes I would make to our trip: (1) the transfer from Manuel Antonio was a 6.5 hr. drive, which meant we did not arrive into San Jose until almost 8:00 pm. (2) Manuel Antonio is known for the howler monkeys, I think I would have liked to have stayed in one of the cabanas at the Howler Monkey Hotel, near the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.

Hotel Review
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna

Great staff, great food, great service, and amazing massages.

Tips for future travelers

We booked a lot of excursions so we were content to be away from town. If someone is planning to spend time in town, they might want to be closer or have access to a car.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel is located in a tropical forest with a variety of birds and wildlife . We had a celebration dinner at the restaurant, which was 5-star presentation and taste.
Location
Loved that we were in a rain forest with a view of the Arenal Volcano. Great way to start our adventure.
Staff
Service at the restaurant was excellent; as well as, the massage therapists.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were clean upon entry; rooms were spacious.
Activity Review
Selvatura Park Self-Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining
Selvatura Park Self-Guided Hanging Bridges & Zip Lining
Monteverde

The ziplining crew was amazing. They provided constant support and encouragement for everyone in the group; and they were constantly mindful of creating a positive fun experience.

Quality of Experience
1st timer and I am looking forward to trying this again.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable and professional on every level.
Transport
Equipment was well-maintained and secure.
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 10, 2022

Hello Alda,

Thanks for your complete review.
I am happy to know your family enjoyed your visit to our country.

I see you have great experiences to tell other people about your experience in Costa Rica, I hope this was not the last time you explore amazing Costa Rica!

Pura Vida!
Olman

Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Dec 19 - Dec 26, 2021

Raka
Raka M.
Naperville, IL | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2022
Chris and Randall planned an absolutely fantastic trip for my father and me. We did activities that the both of us enjoyed, and we appreciated still having flexibility during the trip. The trip had a balance of everything; hiking, wildlife, food, culture, beaches, and relaxation. Read more

Chris and Randall planned an absolutely fantastic trip for my father and me. We did activities that the both of us enjoyed, and we appreciated still having flexibility during the trip. The trip had a balance of everything; hiking, wildlife, food, culture, beaches, and relaxation.

Hotel Review
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Monteverde

Great views from each room!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Arenal Volcano Hike & Baldi Hot Springs & Dinner
Arenal Volcano Hike & Baldi Hot Springs & Dinner
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Christopher Murillo
Christopher
Christopher Murillo
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 07, 2022

Hi Raka! thanks for the great review, it was a pleasure having you and your father in our country.

Colombia is amazing and Kimkim is wondeful
Colombia | Dec 24 - Jan 1, 2022

Brian
Brian G.
Kensington, NY | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2022
Felipe did an outstanding job working tirelessly to customize our trip to see as much as possible in 9 days. Once in Colombia, he remained in constant contact and responded immediately 24/7 to any issues that arose. We had a wonderful time with memories that will last a lifetime. Read more

Felipe did an outstanding job working tirelessly to customize our trip to see as much as possible in 9 days. Once in Colombia, he remained in constant contact and responded immediately 24/7 to any issues that arose. We had a wonderful time with memories that will last a lifetime.

Hotel Review
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Cartagena
Activity Review
Airport Transfer: {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} & Guatape and El Peñol Tour
Airport Transfer: {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} & Guatape and El Peñol Tour
Colombia

Guatape and el penol are must sees

Local specialist: Felipe Rico
Felipe
Felipe Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Jan 05, 2022

It was a pleasure having you in and your family in Colombia Brian! All the guides spoke highly about your family, and had a great time with your kids. Thank you for visiting our home country, and we hope you come back in the near future. My Best Wishes, Felipe

Read this review if planning a trip to brazil
Brazil | Dec 14 - Dec 23, 2021

G
Graeham W.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2022
When we were looking to travel to Brazil, we knew we needed some help planning and organizing never having been to the country and not knowing the best things to see and do, I spent some time looking online and trying to find people that could help. From prearranged tours to private tours, and nobody seem to have the flexibility to be able to book the things that we specifically wanted to do, if you wanna book a private tour, it’s all private, there’s no option for anything else and it Hass... Read more

When we were looking to travel to Brazil, we knew we needed some help planning and organizing never having been to the country and not knowing the best things to see and do, I spent some time looking online and trying to find people that could help. From prearranged tours to private tours, and nobody seem to have the flexibility to be able to book the things that we specifically wanted to do, if you wanna book a private tour, it’s all private, there’s no option for anything else and it Hass to be using their specific vendors which are generally quite expensive, and if you wanna do one of the prearranged tours you have to stick to those tours and can’t deviate from them. So if you need help finding out what to do, how to get there, and finding accommodations that suit your best needs weather be budget or luxury I’ve done all the research for you, and Camille is the best person for the job, she was able to book tours at an affordable rate rate including flights and make the entire process seamless and smooth. She was able to find budget hotels when we needed them and luxury ones when we wanted somewhere to kick back. I don’t know if you’ve ever had a situation where you show up somewhere and then you need to figure out where to go, how to get there or what to do when you’re traveling, Camille handled everything from A-to-Z and even when we had issues that came up she was there to assist to make sure everything was fixed and went smoothly. I would highly recommend using her, without any questions asked, she did a great and fantastic job was there for us the entire time, and everything was pre-arranged and booked so everything transition smoothly and we didn’t have to stress about anything, and when issues did come up she was there to help immediately handle and address them

Local specialist: Camille Terra

Phenomenal trip to Ecuador
Ecuador | Dec 27 - Dec 31, 2021

L
Lucian C.
Wakefield, NY | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2022
Linda did an amazing job planning our trip! We're incredibly grateful for her organizing a last minute trip during such a busy tourist season. Linda ensured we had the best possible experience in Ecuador. Thank you, Linda! Read more

Linda did an amazing job planning our trip! We're incredibly grateful for her organizing a last minute trip during such a busy tourist season. Linda ensured we had the best possible experience in Ecuador. Thank you, Linda!

Hotel Review
Jamu Lodge
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Birdwatching, Indigenous Community Visit & Night Walk
Birdwatching, Indigenous Community Visit & Night Walk
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Linda Schulz
Linda
Linda Schulz
Local specialist in Quito | Replied on Jan 13, 2022

Lucian, it was a pleasure to help you plan your trip, and I am happy to hear that you've enjoyed your time in the Ecuadorian Amazon! Hopefully you can come back one day to explore other parts of Ecuador as well.
All the best for you and your friends,
Linda

The whole process was easy, and seamless.
Chile | Dec 10 - Dec 22, 2021

H
Howard R.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2022
The whole process was easy, and seamless. Everything was done through online communication and the response time was often less than one day. Overall our trip was seamless and the only areas that brought up any concern had nothing to do with the travel planner but more with the Covid situation. Read more

The whole process was easy, and seamless. Everything was done through online communication and the response time was often less than one day. Overall our trip was seamless and the only areas that brought up any concern had nothing to do with the travel planner but more with the Covid situation.

Hotel Review
The Singular Patagonia
Puerto Natales

One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in anywhere in the world. The property was beautiful, the facilities were wonderful, the dining room was excellent, and the staff was gracious. Everything was comfortable and easy.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Leandro Zamprogno
Leandro
Leandro Zamprogno
Local specialist in CORDOBA | Replied on Jan 21, 2022

Dear Howard,

It was a huge pleasure to have arrange that lovely trip for you and your partner and I'm very happy you enjoyed your time in Chile! Hope to have you back in the future :)

An Amazing Autumn in Slovenia!
Slovenia | Oct 11 - Oct 18, 2021

Chris
Chris M.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2022
Had a wonderful time in Slovenia's spectacular autumnal colours! A great way to get back into adventure travelling after having been unable to for so long. Local specialists Tomaz and Jala were both excellent in helping piecing together an excellent itinerary which included the places I wanted to see (Lake Bled, the Julian Alps etc) and the activities I wanted experience including hiking, paragliding and whitewater rafting. The Seven Lakes trek through the Julian Alps was both challenging and... Read more

Had a wonderful time in Slovenia's spectacular autumnal colours! A great way to get back into adventure travelling after having been unable to for so long. Local specialists Tomaz and Jala were both excellent in helping piecing together an excellent itinerary which included the places I wanted to see (Lake Bled, the Julian Alps etc) and the activities I wanted experience including hiking, paragliding and whitewater rafting. The Seven Lakes trek through the Julian Alps was both challenging and spectacular, just the way I like it to be. Highlight of the trek for me was Lake Krn, coloured green by the minerals and surrounded by the reddish brown autumnal leaves. Jala did a brilliant job helping me find my hostel by phone when returning to Bled after finishing the trek. All local guides were brilliant in helping me find my way around as well as assisting with the local covid protocols. Paragliding above Lake Bohijn's reflections was amazing while lake Bled, the Jewel in Slovenia's Crown, was so relaxing, especially while enjoying the delicious Bled cakes! Finally, the capital, Ljubljana was very pleasant, especially when colourfully lit up at night. From Ljubljana, I had enough to time explore how spectacular Slovenia is underneath with a day trip to Postojna Cave. My first ever KimKim trip was both and exciting and relaxing experience, so well done during very difficult times in which to travel with the pandemic. Hoping for some more such memorable experiences in 2022.

Local specialist: Tomaz Martinek
Tomaz
Tomaz Martinek
Local specialist in Slovenia | Replied on Jan 05, 2022

Hi Chris,

thank you for your nice words and we are really happy that you were travelling with us! I hope to see you again soon!

Tomaz

Beyond Amazing - Galapagos (and Daniel!)
Galapagos Islands | Dec 23 - Jan 1, 2022

S
S V.
Hanover, MA | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2022
Planning a visit to a “bucket list” location like the Galapagos can be daunting…especially if you are a working parent on a budget. Whereas many people will tell you that you need to go via a “got you covered, take you everywhere and serve your every need” cruise, that just wasn’t in our budget…and quite frankly, isn’t our style either. We’ve traveled to 5 continents and doing it on our own – getting local flavor – that’s the way we’ve planned all of our trips…But to do the Galapagos right,... Read more

Planning a visit to a “bucket list” location like the Galapagos can be daunting…especially if you are a working parent on a budget. Whereas many people will tell you that you need to go via a “got you covered, take you everywhere and serve your every need” cruise, that just wasn’t in our budget…and quite frankly, isn’t our style either. We’ve traveled to 5 continents and doing it on our own – getting local flavor – that’s the way we’ve planned all of our trips…But to do the Galapagos right, (in a pandemic!)..well, we were beyond thankful to have KimKim (and Daniel specifically) on our team.

Originally planned to go in December 2020, we needed to postpone during the pre-vaccination Covid days. So, we punted a year – and rejiggered our thoughts. We shared what our interests were…hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling...and a little down time. We shared our budget. We shared our needs and wants. And KimKim came up with several options for us to look through and decide between. Once we were a go, we felt great about our itinerary – and even got hotel confirmations to help us feel like we for sure had a place to go (something we worried about a little since we’d never done business with KimKim before.).

At the last minute – weeks before our trip – we asked to add a new option to our plan. Again, KimKim came through. In the end, we were able to explore four islands and had a really wonderful understanding of the geography, endemic animals, and saw every bird, reptile, amphibian, and mammal on our list more than once. We’re an active family – we were genuinely very happy with how busy our days were but that we also had evenings and sometimes afternoons to do a little swimming in the ocean and enjoy local flavors.

We had guides meet us at every point, helping us navigate tricky things like the boats between Santa Cruz and Isabela…if we needed dinner ideas or reservations, they were there. And if a guide was running behind, we had Daniel on WhatsApp always willing to check things out and ensure we had what we needed in real time. As we were there over the holidays, we also appreciated Daniel explaining local traditions to us so we weren’t operating as ugly tourists (and also knew to buy some grapes to bring in the new year!)

In short, we cannot recommend KimKim / Daniel highly enough.

Local specialist: Daniel Larrea
Daniel
Daniel Larrea
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Jan 04, 2022
Hola Susan!!
Thank you so much for these amazing comments! The team and I had a great time working with you for these months and I especially loved talking with you all during your trip via WhatsApp, from reading your excitement about your days in the islands, sending tiny tips about what to do or to keep your eyes peeled for a huge iguana at the airport which you even got to see!
Time passed so fast, working for many months to come up with the perfect trip, the gathering of information and...
Read more

Hola Susan!!
Thank you so much for these amazing comments! The team and I had a great time working with you for these months and I especially loved talking with you all during your trip via WhatsApp, from reading your excitement about your days in the islands, sending tiny tips about what to do or to keep your eyes peeled for a huge iguana at the airport which you even got to see!
Time passed so fast, working for many months to come up with the perfect trip, the gathering of information and new changes to make the trip even better! But we did it!!
I truly hope this was an unforgettable experience for you and your family.
It was fun to joke around and share with you our local traditions such as my hideous Año Viejo, the grapes, the recipe for Sancocho, my super awesome turkey, and much more!

Looking forward to meeting you all sometime in the future :)
Your local friend from the middle of the world,
Daniel

Family trip to Colombia 12/25-1/1
Colombia | Dec 25 - Jan 1, 2022

D
Dave F.
Waterbury, CT | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2022
Family of 4 (kids ages 9 and 11), 1 week in Colombia (Bogota and Cartagena), Margoth arranged an amazing trip. Everything was seamless from pickup/dropoff at the airports, to all tours with local English guides, and reservations at top restaurants. It was my eldest daughters birthday and she arranged a very special day for her with treats and birthday celebrations throughout the day. There was constant communication throughout the trip and nothing was left to chance. They even arranged a... Read more

Family of 4 (kids ages 9 and 11), 1 week in Colombia (Bogota and Cartagena), Margoth arranged an amazing trip. Everything was seamless from pickup/dropoff at the airports, to all tours with local English guides, and reservations at top restaurants. It was my eldest daughters birthday and she arranged a very special day for her with treats and birthday celebrations throughout the day. There was constant communication throughout the trip and nothing was left to chance. They even arranged a nurse to come to our hotel for the obligatory Covid test to come back to the US. 10/10, I've already recommended them to other friends.

Hotel Review
Hotel Casa Medina Four Seasons
Bogotá, Cundinamarca
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Jan 04, 2022

Hi Dave, thank you for visiting Colombia with your family! I am glad you had an amazing trip and it was great to be a part of your experience in Colombia! I hope you come back soon, and thank you for recommending us to other friends! Best wishes to you and tour family! Margoth

Patricia, our KimKim Travel Specialist, was perfection personified
Spain | Dec 16 - Dec 24, 2021

J
Jacqueline L.
Munster, IN | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2022
I cannot provide enough superlatives that capture how beautifully my family's trip to Spain, (and side trip to France) unfolded. While very well traveled, and having used Trip Advisor incessantly for many years, I had been unaware of kimkim.com, until I saw it mentioned in a travel magazine. Learning of its origins and creators, and then reading excellent reviews about it, I thought I would give it a try. I generally arrange all of my family's travel, but have been feeling overwhelmed in... Read more

I cannot provide enough superlatives that capture how beautifully my family's trip to Spain, (and side trip to France) unfolded. While very well traveled, and having used Trip Advisor incessantly for many years, I had been unaware of kimkim.com, until I saw it mentioned in a travel magazine. Learning of its origins and creators, and then reading excellent reviews about it, I thought I would give it a try. I generally arrange all of my family's travel, but have been feeling overwhelmed in the past year like many, and decided it would be nice to have a little bit of help "in country", in connecting some of the dots and details. That said, I didn't have very high hopes because cause in the past I have tried a couple of travel agents and been sorely disappointed. Because of my experience in traveling and preference for exacting detail in hotels and itinerary overall, I have found I have to explain too much to an agent. They also tend to want to designate something "typical" or popular for the average tourist.
Well… from the very first encounter with Patricia to our last communication upon arriving back in the States, I could not have been more blown away by the excellence and professionalism offered by Patricia and her associates.

We first exchange some letters and I explained the basics of what I was after. She suggested a phone call to better communicate; I found kimkim's set up of arranging a phone call via the website worked beautifully. Phone calls seem to route through Palo Alto headquarters and the connections were always excellent. At any rate, Patricia was so intuitive fom the get-go. I never felt guilty or pressured when I expressed atypical things like my family doesn't generally like to have a tour guide at attractions. We prefer to just be together and educate ourselves via audio guides or internet searches. She started to get a real sense of our travel preferences and really ran with it. She suggested hotels but knew that I had done a lot of research and respected my considerations. We had such a wonderful back-and-forth regarding selections and I was so impressed at her savvy, warmth, and kindness. I always felt throughout the 7 or 8 weeks of planning that Patricia had my back with every detail. Kimkim has a wonderful platform for sharing every detail of the itinerary, including what is and is not included in the final cost proposal.

Our trip was only 9 days and fairly full. I always felt confident, though, because Patricia had placed the entire detailed itinerary right on the cell phone she provided upon our first hotel check in. An in-country local phone might seem like the smallest detail, but It was seriously the smartest travel luxury I think I've ever been given. I could text Patricia on it at any time and it was unreal how quickly I would hear back from her. What travel agent is that responsive any time of the day or evening?!

We centered in Barcelona, with side trips to Montserrat, the Pyrenees for skiing, the coast, Girona, Perpignan, France, and Port Aventura. So much of it was simply stunning, and always culturally-enriching. There were quite a few times that questions would arise, due to language barrier or a typical international travel snafu, and my husband and I were absolutely blown away at the convenience of having that phone. Patricia would think of a suggestion for a dinner reservation and make it intuitively, just knowing that places would be filling up around the holidays. Then she would check in with me as to whether we were interested. We always were. I just felt like she read my mind and was saving me the trouble; so refreshing not to have to be "Mom the Travel Director" every minute! Her business partner and the driver, Omar, they assigned to us for all of our transiting, pick-ups and drop offs (except for when we rented our own car) were also fabulously professional, sharp, and proactive.

Some real challenges were presented because of changing Covid protocols and requirements, and I thought it spoke volumes that Patricia's team were so adaptable and helpful in overcoming these obstacles (twice very late in the evening!), making it as easy as possible for us. Whether just to check in that all was going well, or calls and texts related to troubleshooting, the level of enthusiasm and responsiveness from Patricia and her team was almost shocking. Such an incredibly high bar was set that I'm almost afraid to arrange a trip to a different part of the world because I will miss her level of service! That stated, I will definitely look to kimkim in the future, since this trip was so seamless.

Do not hesitate- in fact, RUN to arrange a trip to Spain or Portugal and request Patricia and her company Your Trip to Spain and Portugal via kimkim!!

Local specialist: Patricia Marques
Patricia
Patricia Marques
Local specialist in Spain | Replied on Jan 06, 2022

Hello Jackie,

Thank you for your amazing review and your kind words!!! It was a pleasure helping you organize an unforgettable trip to my beautiful country!!

And I will be here when you are ready to plan the Canary Island or a trip to Portugal!!

Best,
Patricia

What a beautiful country filled with the nice...
Costa Rica | Dec 17 - Dec 25, 2021

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Beth B.
Kensington, NY | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2022
What a beautiful country filled with the nicest people on the planet! Diego helped our family plan a memorable trip to Costa Rica. We trekked through the rainforest, swam in the waterfalls at La Paz, zipped lined for forever (terrifying but incredible), walked around the Arenal Volcano and ended that day at the Tabacon Hot Springs (so awesome). Our last three days were at Samara where we swam, kayaked and snorkeled on the most beautiful beach (Playa Carrillo). Our guides along the way--... Read more

What a beautiful country filled with the nicest people on the planet! Diego helped our family plan a memorable trip to Costa Rica. We trekked through the rainforest, swam in the waterfalls at La Paz, zipped lined for forever (terrifying but incredible), walked around the Arenal Volcano and ended that day at the Tabacon Hot Springs (so awesome). Our last three days were at Samara where we swam, kayaked and snorkeled on the most beautiful beach (Playa Carrillo). Our guides along the way-- Jorges, Philipe, Ray, Walter, Samantha-- all so knowledgeable about the rainforest, plants, animals, history--and so full of love for their country. All our transfers around the country were seamless and easy, and the hotels were so sweet-- especially Hotel Arenal Montechiari, complete with a resident sloth. Diego was incredibly helpful and available throughout the whole planning process, and during the trip when I had questions. Will definitely book another trip through kimkim! Thank you Diego!!

Hotel Review
Hotel Arenal Montechiari
La Fortuna

Super nice place-- in walking distance to town, and the staff is so charming and nice! The bungalows are nice and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Sweet pool as well!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
Arenal/La Fortuna
Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 04, 2022

Thank you very much for your comments Beth! I hope you can come back in the future, there are many more places to see and explore. Pura Vida :-)

What an amazing trip!
Costa Rica | Dec 19 - Dec 28, 2021

Wendy
Wendy S.
| Reviewed on Jan 03, 2022
We had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica planned by Olman (through KimKim). From start to finish the whole experience was easy and seamless. Olman was extremely responsive to our requests during our planning and made every modification that we requested. When we were on our trip, every reservation was waiting for us without any issues. KimKim and Olman made this trip absolutely stress-free for us. First, our driver Roy. We decided to use a driver for our trip so that we didn't have to deal... Read more

We had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica planned by Olman (through KimKim). From start to finish the whole experience was easy and seamless. Olman was extremely responsive to our requests during our planning and made every modification that we requested. When we were on our trip, every reservation was waiting for us without any issues. KimKim and Olman made this trip absolutely stress-free for us.

First, our driver Roy. We decided to use a driver for our trip so that we didn't have to deal with renting a car and navigating from city to city (3, 4, 5 hour drives), so we hired Roy as our driver and that was a GREAT decision. Roy was professional, easy-going, and SO FUN. He has a great personality and just made our trip so fun and effortless. Roy drove us everywhere and accompanied us on many of our day trips. He was part of our family for 10 days and we truly loved having him. He definitely gave us space to do our own thing, so even though he was with us a lot it was a good balance. I cannot recommend Roy highly enough - such a gem.

Stop 1: Manuel Antonio. The Parador Resort/Hotel was wonderful. It was a luxurious resort - great food, lovely staff, beautiful property and great rooms. It was a sure treat. Manuel Antonio itself was just okay in my opinion. We went on a sunset catamaran cruise and it was also only ok. It was very crowded, very loud and very party-like (not what we wanted). Overall, we felt that Manual Antonio was very touristy and busy, and after going to Arenal and Monteverde I'd put it last on my list of favorites. Glad we went there first...

We then drove from Manuel Antonio to Arenal (5 hour drive - while long, it's a lovely drive)

Arenal: We stayed at Las Lomas de Volcan Hotel for 4 nights. This is also a lovely property. Our family had our own cabana/room and it was very nice. The property itself was lovely and the hotel restaurant was delicious. The cabanas themselves are comfortable. While in Arenal we did horseback riding to the waterfall and white water rafting - both were very fun. We also spent a day volunteering at Proyecto Asis. My family loves animals so this was really fun for us. We also took a cooking class one evening and that was really fun. We made tortillas and ceviche (and they'd already cooked the rest of the food) but it was a great experience. We really enjoyed Arenal overall. There's a lot to do and it was all really enjoyable.

Monteverde: We stayed at Koora Hotel, which was hands down the most wonderful hotel I've ever stayed at. It is a boutique hotel with only 14 rooms and it was AMAZING. The service, the accommodations, the food, the view... everything was absolutely top-notch. This is not a resort so there's not a pool or other amenities so I wouldn't necessarily recommend this for families with young children. My kids are 12 and 15 and they loved it. We had a two-level family unit so it was extremely spacious and comfortable. It was a splurge for sure, but it was worth it. This hotel was a total highlight for us.

Monteverde was top of our list overall. The surroundings are beautiful and we just really enjoyed being there. We did ziplining and went to a sloth sanctuary - both were family favorites for us.

Overall, it was an absolutely amazing trip. My blood pressure stayed at a constant low level for 10 days so there you have it :)

Hotel Review
Koora Hotel
Monteverde

This hotel was hands down the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at. This is not a resort (no pool, spa or other similar amenities). It's a boutique property with just 14 rooms and it is absolute paradise. From the second we walked in the door the staff was nothing short of amazing. They exude warmth and professionalism. The family unit we stayed in was so lovely. It had two levels (it's like a mini apartment) and it was just so comfortable, light-filled, and spacious. The food at the hotel was wonderful. The view was breathtaking. The service was impeccable. I cannot recommend this hotel enough.

Tips for future travelers

Do it! It's worth the extra money to stay here. It's a total treat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall
Horseback Riding to La Fortuna Waterfall
Arenal/La Fortuna

This was a really fun experience. The guides were excellent and really helped us out.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 03, 2022

Hola Wendy!

What a great experience!
Our team is so happy to know you had an unforgettable trip to our country.

I enjoy planning your vacation from beginning to end, unique experiences, and personalized services.

We hope this not going to be the last trip with us!

Pura Vida!
Olman

Actually, it's 4-1/2 stars.
Patagonia | Dec 15 - Dec 30, 2021

Wendy
Wendy D.
Rochester, NY | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2022
It's a 17-day trip to Chile and Argentina involving activities that's 95% outdoor. Clearly, I am an outdoor person. Enjoyed meeting gracious people with different personalities in both countries. Overall, there are many great places to visit but not enough time. I would like to visit South America again in the near future. Read more

It's a 17-day trip to Chile and Argentina involving activities that's 95% outdoor. Clearly, I am an outdoor person. Enjoyed meeting gracious people with different personalities in both countries. Overall, there are many great places to visit but not enough time. I would like to visit South America again in the near future.

Hotel Review
Quijote Hotel
Argentina
Activity Review
Full day Hiking Base Las Torres - 20km approx
Full day Hiking Base Las Torres - 20km approx
Puerto Natales
Local specialist: Emilce Alonso

Amazing experience with Kim Kim - especially our advisor (Margoth!) and guide (Juan Manuel)
Colombia | Dec 23 - Dec 31, 2021

S
Sumi M.
Broad Ripple, IN | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2022
I want to preface this review by saying that I've traveled to almost 50 countries, so I've had my fair share of trip planners that I've worked with. Margoth has by far been the most efficient, professional, responsive, and thoughtful one I've ever encountered! We just got back from a trip to Medellin last week. There were 8 travelers, all with different arrival and departure dates. Margoth seamlessly planned around each individual and crafted an itinerary that best fit our needs and numbers... Read more

I want to preface this review by saying that I've traveled to almost 50 countries, so I've had my fair share of trip planners that I've worked with. Margoth has by far been the most efficient, professional, responsive, and thoughtful one I've ever encountered!

We just got back from a trip to Medellin last week. There were 8 travelers, all with different arrival and departure dates. Margoth seamlessly planned around each individual and crafted an itinerary that best fit our needs and numbers on any given day. We had a mix of requests for her - from adventure to food to relaxing days - she was able to meet them all, offering several suggestions that helped make the most members of our group happy. She always responded within a few hours of our requests (often much sooner), even over the holidays! There was never a time when I felt something would not be taken care of because we had that much trust in Margoth. She is amazing!

Beyond Margoth, the trip we took was so great , in large part because of our tour guide, Juan Manuel. His English is perfect - he was able to describe to us in detail about the history of all we were seeing, often bringing in vivid imagery to bring home his commentary. He was patient and helpful - from e-biking to waterfall hiking (where his patience was needed in spades!) to our various questions about everything - he could always be relied upon to help! There was one day our car had issues (small!), but he made up for them by getting another car ASAP. I could not have imagined a better guide for us on this trip.

Overall, we loved Medellin, and we are so happy that we used Kim Kim to book it. I researched thoroughly before choosing a trip provider, and we chose Kim Kim due to a combination of reasonable pricing, great offerings, and the responsiveness of Margoth. Thank you for a great trip!

Hotel Review
Sites
Medellin

Sites was good for our needs - we had three different families, so it was nice to have a common area to hang out in while in our rooms. The amenities were nice and clean and modern. The cleaning staff was amazing. We appreciated the on-site laundry and breakfast each morning. The pool and workout facilities were also good for our needs. The dinner at the hotel restaurant was fantastic! What we think could have been better: --Lighting - it was so dark everywhere. Some brighter lights would have added to the cheeriness of this place --Breakfast - we had to make a reservation to go down in the morning, but if we didnt let them know in advance, we would not get the timeslot we needed. We are used to being able to go down at anytime for an included breakfast, especially considering that the meal was the exact same, EVERY SINGLE DAY (no variation at all). --The elevator was very very slow, and there was only one on site. We often walked down or up the stairs to get anywhere. --All of the above wasn't a huge deal to us. We are not too picky when it comes to hotels, and we would not even complain about the above. But the biggest problem for this hotel was bad wifi. Only if you were in the lobby or floor 12 was it good. In our room (floor 6), our wifi came and went constantly. If it was connected, it was very fast. But for the most part, it rarely connected, and we could not even get 3G or LTE service, so we were often without internet for our entire stay. In nice hotels these days, to not have reliable wifi, especially for international travelers who don't have local phone plans, is tough.

Tips for future travelers

Do not stay here if you need reliable wifi

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
'La Miel' Waterfall and Hike Tour
'La Miel' Waterfall and Hike Tour
Colombia

So much fun to hike along the river, but not for the faint of heart!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Jan 03, 2022

Dear Sumi,
Thank you for your kind words and comments, and it was a pleasure for all of us to meet you all and have you in Colombia. Thank you as well for taking the time to write this review, I really appreciate it. Your guide Juan Manuel had a great time with all of you and spoke highly about you. He called me today to make sure you had all arrived safely back home, and sends you his best wishes as well!
We really hope you come back to Colombia, and sending you my very Best Wishes for this year, Margoth

Best Vacation Ever!
Costa Rica | Dec 19 - Jan 2, 2022

Kelly
Kelly J.
Fairfield, CT | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2022
Our 14 day trip to Costa Rica was the best vacation we have ever had! Diego planned a trip that had a perfect balance of fun, adventure, relaxation, beauty, and learning! He was very easy to work with during the planning stages - and very kind and affable. Diego was also very accessible and responsive during the trip. I would highly recommend KimKim for planning your next trip and for working with Diego if your plans take you to the incredible country of Costa Rica! Read more

Our 14 day trip to Costa Rica was the best vacation we have ever had! Diego planned a trip that had a perfect balance of fun, adventure, relaxation, beauty, and learning! He was very easy to work with during the planning stages - and very kind and affable. Diego was also very accessible and responsive during the trip. I would highly recommend KimKim for planning your next trip and for working with Diego if your plans take you to the incredible country of Costa Rica!

Hotel Review
Parador Nature Resort & Spa
Manuel Antonio
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Transfer San José to Arenal with Rafting on the Balsa River en Route (Class II & III)
Transfer San José to Arenal with Rafting on the Balsa River en Route (Class II & III)
Costa Rica
Local specialist: Diego Rivera
Diego
Diego Rivera
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Jan 03, 2022

Hello Kelly, thank you sooo much for your special review. I highly appreciate the honor of trusting your family vacation with me. I hope you and your family keep alive the Pura Vida spirit!!!

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