Kimkim Trip Reviews

This was our first trip to Costa Rica and we wanted to sample both the volcanic/rainforest interior and Pacific coastline on a self-drive family vacation. Kimkim were impressive - responsive, knowledgeable and well-connected. Serendipity Adventures were also responsive and deeply knowledgeable. The combination of the two saved us many hours of internet research to jump straight to the best accommodation (that we would likely never have found), what to spend time on and setting up a wonderful, tailored itinerary.
Our 'small group' adventure day in the Arenal volcano area turned out to be a private tour for just our family with a superb guide, Mariano, who was full of information and insights that really enhanced our experience.
What made the experience really special is that we didn't just get an itinerary with vehicle, activity and accommodations, we got one on one support throughout our trip. Our advisor, Elena, was incredibly responsive and followed up to make sure that everything was going well. This personal support took a lot of potential stress and uncertainty away. We stayed in three different resort-style hotels that were all fantastic, allowing us to sample different areas, but also to relax and spend quality time together as a family.
For anyone not looking for package tours, but also not wanting to go it completely alone, with some local guidance and expertise, Kimkim and Serendipity are great.

This trip to Ecuador and Galapagos Islands was now my third trip planned with Kim Kim and they did not disappoint! The recommendation to cruise on the Legend rather than stay on one Island was great. We were able to see multiple Islands and a ton of wild life (Sea lions, tortoise, sea turtles, blue footed booby, red footed booby, nazca booby, flamingo and land and marine Iguana. Since Quito was our landing point, we used it as an opportunity to tour attractions near the city including the Center of Earth Musuem and various churches in the city. Javier was a great guide and very knowledgeable. We ended our trip with an excursion outside of Quito to Cayambe to a Rose Plantation (Rosadex) / Hacienda, which was beautiful. A great Trip!

Hotel Reviews

Boutique Expedition Legend

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms were not conditioned well.

Le Parc Hotel, Beyond Stars

Irlanda

Authenticity & Character

Location

Great location! Safe area

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

PM – Highlands Tortoise Reserve and “Fausto Llerena” Tortoise Breeding Center

Cruise Ship

Having traveled to Norway and Sweden in winter, I was looking for a winter excursion this year in Finland, hoping to see the Northern Lights. I often plan my own travel itineraries, but I was intrigued by the Kim Kim approach to planning a bespoke itinerary. My local specialist, Emerson, presented me with an itinerary proposal that was detailed and tailored to what I wanted to see and do. So, I let him do the work for me! It was a good investment.

Flying into Kittilä, I was met by a driver (all my transfers to hotels and activities were included) and taken to The Northern Lights Ranch about 10 KM north of Levi. This was my favorite hotel (though all accommodations were great), with a glass cabin to myself and amazing dinners and a breakfast buffet with real scrambled eggs (other hotels "scrambled" eggs were powdered eggs). The hotel also features a reindeer corral, a skating rink, and a snowshoe trail (with free skates and snowshoes to use). Because the forecast was for clouds on the second night, when I was scheduled to go for an aurora hunt, the excursion was changed to my first night. No time for jet lag! And we did see the lights! I was the only one on the excursion, which was nice and appreciated . . . and atypical. As a solo traveler, I was at the mercy of having enough other folks sign up in order for the other excursions to take place. Fortunately, with one exception, that happened. You have to be flexible when traveling alone!

A couple nights in another glass cabin outside of Äkäslompolo at the Arctic Skylight Lodge gave me a chance to see a bit of the Northern Lights again from the comfort of my bed. Other highlights: Snowmobiling to a cabin beside a frozen lake, a reindeer sleigh ride (alas, no flying), an evening snowshoeing through a forest to Bear Stone followed by a traditional Finnish dinner (reindeer stew and squeaky cheese) prepared in a lavuu by our guide, Susanne.

Then on to the big city of the north, Rovaniemi, where I spent two nights at the Arctic Light Hotel and had the chance to drive a husky team, look for the aurora again (unsuccessfully), float in a frozen lake, and tromp through the snow at Riisitunturi National Park.

To finish my trip, I took the overnight train to Helsinki (the private sleeper car was nice!). I had a good tour of the city with a private guide, which got me oriented and helped me plan for my own wandering around the city time. Emerson arranged for a day trip to Tallinn the following day, which was a real high point! The "ferry" from/to Helsinki is essentially a cruise ship . . . it just cruises for 2 hours at a time. Another private tour guide introduced me to the history of Tallinn and then an unexpected but much appreciated bonus was getting to meet Emerson and his wife for coffee and conversation.

Emerson did a great job filling up my agenda with activities that I enjoyed. Again, it was an investment well worthwhile to have a plan built by someone who knows the territory. It was also nice to know that Emerson was available if needed during the trip. If you're thinking of visiting Finland (and/or Estonia), I encourage you to let Emerson help make your trip as memorable as mine!

Hotel Review

Arctic Skylight Lodge

Äkäslompolo

I stayed at the Arctic Skylight Hotel for a couple of nights. The room was nice and comfortable, though the facility wasn't quite as upscale as another hotel I stayed at initially. However, the food was good, and the staff was very accommodating and helpful. Overall, it was a pleasant experience.

Activity Review

Evening Snowmobile Tour to Wilderness Hut

Finland

I was scheduled for an Evening Snowmobile Tour to a Wilderness Hut, but due to lack of participants, it was changed to a daytime trip. Despite this change, I had a great time. It was an enjoyable day with nice activities, and I appreciated the flexibility offered by the organizers to make sure I could still enjoy the snowmobiling experience.

From start to finish, we had a good experience. I don't know if we saved any money using KimKim, but we definitely were more organized and less stress and we didn't have to spend hours and hours doing the planning ourselves. So, that was a huge benefit. We learned about a Puma refuge while we were visiting Chile that I would have liked to have visited (but didn't because we didn't know about it), but otherwise I felt that our trip covered all the "must-do" sights. Francisco managed questions and interactions with vendors along the way, so we felt we were well informed.

Everything was made super simple with kimkim. Truly a relaxing experience! Would definitely consider usingthese services again.

Hotel Reviews

Amor Arenal

La Fortuna, San Carlos

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very private, lots of lush jungle

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Wyndham

Tamarindo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Ruben the supervisor was awesome!

Cleanliness & Comfort

The coffee was meh, no espresso options and if you want drip coffee outside of breakfast hours it’s very expensive.

Activity Reviews

Canyoning in Arenal

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Food

The chicken was excellent!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sunset Catamaran Tour

Costa Rica

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer for Passenger Leaving Early

Costa Rica

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Helena and the Kimkim team helped us plan a trip to Barcelona and the Pyrenees! It was spectacular! They were friendly and helpful and there to support us every step of the way as needed. I would definitely recommend them to anyone planning a trip to Spain.

Activity Reviews

Private Tour of Barcelona & La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Montserrat and Hiking

Barcelona

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Serendipity Adventures in Costa Rica were wonderful! They texted us daily with reminders of the schedule, gave personal recommendations for restaurants, and handled all our questions that came up. The team of Holden, Wilman, and Nancy were excellent.

All tours through the parks were fantastic. We were guided by Oscar, Bernie, and others who were so knowledgable. The accommodations were spectacular. We highly recommend Hotel Lomas del Volcan, Cloud Forest Lodge (with a 5 star restaurant), and La Mariposa with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

All local guides and drivers did a wonderful job. They work out of their way to help us. Especial Mr. Vibol in Siem Reap and Mr. Cuong in Hanoi were very accommodating.

Hotel Reviews

Shinta Mani Angkor

Siem Reap

I would give it a 5 star if it has an elevator. The floor was not very smooth and easily tripped if not paying attention. The shower door is not enclosed and it’s easily get the whole bathroom wet. We had issues with the air condition, but the problem was fixed pretty fast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Given that it does not have an elevator and the bathroom door needs to be replaced.

Almanity Hoi An Wellness Resort

Hoi An

This is the worse hotel of the whole trip. The rooms we got were at the very end of the building. They were a bit outdated and with the construction next door, and the dust around, we are happy.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room was clean but I would not say super comfy.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Hanoi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tam Coc Garden Resort

Ninh Binh

This place has a lot of characters. It’s a retreat and we love to spend more time here. The only thing missing is outlets by the coffee/tea makers. It’s a little inconvenience, but we worked with it.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Caravelle Saigon

This is not a five star hotel. We have seen better hotels around.

Authenticity & Character

Not a lot of character that the hotel offers.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Authentic Mekong Delta Tour By Luxury Speedboat

Ho Chi Minh City

It was good that we can see the Mekong river and the delta area, good experience visiting someone’s home and eat a home cooked meal. Visiting to the orphanage was wonderful and the small temple and the wet market we all enjoyed.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ho Chi Minh City Half-Day Tour

Ho Chi Minh City

Time is never enough. Wish we could have more time to see the museums.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dining at Michelin-star restaurant - Gia Restaurant

Hanoi

Dinner takes way too long, food was not what we expected. We wanted upscale Vietnamese food, that are simple and healthy. We didn’t choose this restaurant, we went because KimKim recommended this and we thought was included in our tour. The schedule says on the last day, breakfast and dinner were included, but we had to pay for this dinner, which was too expensive and the kind of food we did not enjoy. The table next to us were loud, the music the played was not songs from the 90’s. No class!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Poor driver had to come after 3 plus hours to pick us up.

Transport

Traditional Apsara show with dinner

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

VIP Fast Track Service

Vietnam

I do not understand why we had this. It was good that we didn’t have to stand in line and got out of the airport in no time.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the Complex of Angkor

Siem Reap

This is what we came to see, beautiful, serene. Wished we could spend more time here.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Vibol is very knowledgeable about the history and culture of Cambodia.

Transport

Driver was very attentive. Besides cold water and cold wet towels, he cleans the van every time we were sight seeing.

Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus Show

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Steve was a pleasure to work with. He kept us informed and was always very responsive. We loved the program he put together for us. The guides and drivers we had in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap added immensely to our enjoyment of the trip. Would 100% recommend this trip to anyone!

Hotel Reviews

iRoHa Garden Hotel & Resort

Phnom Penh

The staff was so welcoming and helpful. Loved the breakfast!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Very welcoming and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Exceptionally clean

The Aviary Hotel

Siem Reap

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Royal Palace

Phnom Penh

Angkor Wat morning visit

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Really enjoyed Mr. Arn

Transport

Always nearby when we were done. Always had a cold water when we needed it

HAVEN Restaurant

Siem Reap

Short cyclo tour to Wat Phnom

Phnom Penh

Tuol Sleng, Central Market & Killing Fields in the afternoon

Phnom Penh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

{{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Skuon & Spean Praptos, Kompong Khleang,

Cambodia

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Len and Mr. Ya were great!

Transport

Ox cart ride, Village Activities & Sunset drinks in the rice fields

Siem Reap

Phare, the Cambodian Circus (Seat B - open seating in the rear half of the middle seating area)

Siem Reap

Koh Ker & Beng Mealea temples

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Very interesting and unique

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Angkor Thom & Ta Phrom by remork with lunch

Siem Reap

We were wonderfully taken care of throughout our trip, particularly by Toto in Bangkok and Bamie who travelled with us through Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

We were amazed by the many markets we visited and our day with elephants in Chiang Mai and on the waters near Phuket stand out as highlights.

Hotel Review

Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel

Bangkok

The Avani truly impresses with its remarkable rooftop infinity pool, impressive modern rooms, and mutating daily breakfast.

Activity Reviews

Baan Chang Elephant Park - Elephant Day Care

Chiang Mai

A magical day spent learning and interacting very closely with these amazing animals.

Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai - Half day exploring the temples

Thailand

Just when you think you’ve seen everything Thai temples have to offer, the White Temple and Blue Temple remind you that Thailand can always still surprise and delight.

Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk

Bangkok

A visit through the throngs of Thai street markets really drives home just how unique Thailand is from any other travel experience you may have had. Particularly surprising were the flower market and our daytime visit to the incredible Icon Siam mall whose entire ground floor is an astounding street market mimicking the streets of geographic regions across Thailand.

Bangkok Symbolic Temples

Bangkok

Nothing can prepare you for the grandeur of Bangkok’s Royal Palace and Temple. You hardly know where to look as the site becomes more impressive from each new angle.

With our significant input, Coraima and Kim Kim came through on their promise of a great 6 vacation in Portugal
Here are pics of some of our great guides and experiences

We booked a 3 week trip to Ecuador with KimKim. The agency made the trip very easy for us, for the most part. The three weeks included time in the Andes for a Cotopaxi expedition, the Galapagos, and the Amazon.

The booking and planning process was simple and convenient as well.

As far as the trip itself goes, the Galapagos and the Amazon went seamlessly, and we were grateful to have gone with KimKim. Outside of that, our tour guide, Marco, was fantastic - taking us to Mindo, Otavalo/Cotacachi, Riobamba, Cuenca, Cajas, Guayaquil, and Antisana. Not to mention, multiple trips to the airport and back. He went above and beyond to keep us comfortable and happy.

For the Andes portion of our trip, we realized it might have been better to go with a company specialized in mountaineering to ensure we got the experience we wanted—proper acclimatization and ultimately summiting Cotopaxi. We had to make last-minute itinerary changes in Ecuador, and we felt some of the acclimatization days at the start could have been used more effectively. Additionally, we had some confusing experiences with our mountain guide. The most stressful part for me was that the itinerary we were given and following had us staying an extra night at Chilcabamba lodge (the night we were to summit Cotopaxi), and I believed we could safely leave our luggage there while we summited Cotopaxi. However, when I asked about it, we were told we'd need to check out before the climb and that a driver would watch our luggage while we climbed—this was not the case. In the end, our mountain guide arranged for our luggage to be left at the ranger station at Cotopaxi National Park. This aspect of the plan felt poorly executed, and I was stressed about our luggage being left behind in such an uncertain manner.

The other thing I would have liked is to have an idea of how many guides we would have to tip and how much cash would be required- we arrived in Ecuador with far less cash than we should have brought with us. Luckily, the agency was able to get more cash to us so we could appropriately tip.

For the Galapagos and the Amazon, we had several domestic flights, which all went rather smoothly. KimKim booked us a cruise for the Galapagos, which was fantastic, and a wonderful Amazon lodge where we had some great experiences. I would definitely recommend KimKim for vacationing in Ecuador, as long as mountaineering is not involved.

From the moment I decided to plan a trip to Argentina, Agustina was by my side (via texts and email) Yes, we could even have spoken on the phone, but each step of the way, she was there to offer ideas, guide and facilitate everything we wanted in our adventure. This was a different way for us to plan and travel as we generally self-drive, cater, and explore independently. However, will all lodgings, transfers, shuttle, excursions planned for us, it was easier to relax and enjoy. Meeting fellow travelers and seeing large groups with touring guides and sometimes hassled fatigued travelers, we were ecstatic that we weren't one of them. At each location, we were met with local companies for our shuttles and transfers and confirmation of tours. Very responsive companies under the umbrella of Agustina and Mater. We had a road book that was updated and confirmed each day.

Our trip included Buenos Aires, Ushuaia (end of the world), El Calafate (Patagonia), and Puerto Iguazu.

Hotel Reviews

Awwa Suites & Spa

Buenos Aires

In a peaceful and safe place in Buenos Aires. Accustomed to English speaking travelers to some extent. No restaurant, but morning delivery of breakfast to your room. While we didn't use, there was a pool, spa, sauna, availability of massage, robes and kitchen set.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Away from bussle of centro - walking distance to many cafes and restaurants, green parks closeby, and the Japanese Rose Garden.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Alto Andino Hotel

Ushuaia

Uphill from town center with magnificent views over the water. Easy walk to the pier for excursions.

Authenticity & Character

Breakfast was served on the 4th floor with spectacular views. Midday coffee and tea with cookies was available.

Location

Although hilly, broken sidewalks, you could reach restaurants and shops easily.

Staff

Welcoming! The hotel was connected to our tours and would inform us of our activities.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Blanca Patagonia Boutique Inn and Cabins

El Calafate, Santa Cruz

Although a taxi ride away from town center, this was a spectacular location for view. The main lobby was like being in an elaborate lodge or private home. The restaurant upstairs was small and intimate. The breakfast service was also upstairs and was abundant. We stored our luggage on our last day and relaxed in the environment before our airport shuttle arrived. There was an outdoor spa that we didn't use, but again, a glass enclosure with a spectacular view.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

So friendly, helpful, engaging.

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Reserva Virgin Lodge de Selva by DON

Puerto Iguazú

We were truly in a rainforest, complete with birdlife, and amazing trees. We had a screened porch with table and chairs and hammock to complete the rainforest appeal. Other hotels were in town center and while close to restaurants and shops did not seem to offer the appeal of rainforest.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Welcoming after our 2 AM arrival. Johann assisted with cart to our room especially since we were on second level.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Walking tour: Palermo & Recoleta

Buenos Aires

Wonderful to reconnect with Jessica who first met us at airport and then was our guide to Buenos Aires in our early days of our visit. We visited yet another area full of information. So comfortable to travel with her.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jessica was attentive to both our needs and questions. Flexible, caring, organized, friendly, knowledgeable.

Transport

Jessica was on time, organized our rides

Palermo Food Tour

Buenos Aires

We had to get ourselves to the meeting place (1st restaurant) Walked with a group of 10. We certainly got the flavor of many dishes and different outdoor cafes. We were expected at each location which was welcoming. The one serving steak and sausage was touch and the food dry. Perhaps change this stop.

Quality of Experience

Food

Variety of food choices at each locale. Ending with gelato and dessert was a treat.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Navigation through the Beagle Channel 2.30 hs

Ushuaia

There was confusion about the time of this tour and our expected arrival. You had to get yourself to the port to check in. We arrived too early, and had to wait too long for an average tour. It was informative to be on the channel that separates Argentina and Chile. Guide spoke in English and Spanish but w/o much enthusiasm,

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

no hotel pick-up; unclear about arrival time and check in was crowded and haphazard

Buenos Aires Walking tour, La Boca & City centre

Buenos Aires

Jessica was the guide that first met us at the airport as we checked into our hotel. We were with her for this walking tour and again when we returned to BA two weeks later. She was super accommodating with some help that we needed and handled everything about our first view of the city so easily - moving from walking, to Uber, to local bus.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Boat trip along the Iguazu River

Puerto Iguazú

Fun experience down a calm river with 18 people. We didn't have to paddle, just enjoy

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Pamela arranged tickets for park entrance, train ride, boat experience and met us each time to keep the tour moving w/o hesitation or interruption - seamless!

Transport

Tango & cena show at El Viejo Almacen

Buenos Aires

Having never attended a Tango show, we were warmly greeted and seated. The service was excellent and the show fantastic.

Quality of Experience

Food

Argentine steak! Malbec wine!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Always felt like we had a guardian angel with us that kept track of times and our location

Transport

Estancia Harberton & walk with penguins

Ushuaia

Great experience with penguins for an hour on their island

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide did his best to keep us together as we explored the island paths.

Transport

Well timed, but since you could only travel to island by boat for 20-30 people, you had to wait til they returned from their one hour penguin island tour. The tour could have been shorter with less folks booked.

Trekking & Canoeing in Tierra del Fuego National Park

Ushuaia

Quality of Experience

small group experience

Food

Lunch served in a heated geodeisic dome complete with starter, soup, lunch, dessert and WINE!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Valentine created a team. We bonded and we enjoyed ourselves in the national park. Valentine was always aware of his group, attended to our needs and shared his knowledge of the forest.

Transport

From our first pick-up Valentine was friendly and engaging. Made you eager for a day together

Full day at Glaciares National Park: Perito Moreno

El Calafate

From start to finish, we were guided, transferred and informed about the best way to explore the glacier walkways.

Quality of Experience

Well planned - ample time to explore views of this spectacular glacier

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Explained our schedule, showed us overall map of walkways along with helpful advice.

Transport

well connected from hotel pickup by coach to boat and back

Private tour to the Argentinian side of the falls

Argentina

The most spectacular waterfalls we've ever experienced. We had a private guide that added to both our knowledge and fun experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Pamela was amazing. So attentive. Easily kept track of time and us. Paced activities well

Transport

Family dinner in Calafate

El Calafate

How special to be greeted by your host in his home. Gabriel prepared his specialties using his mother's recipes. Lively group that melded well.

Quality of Experience

Wonderful food in cozy surroundings

Food

everything from start to finish. Gabriel explained his food and ingredients and allowed the opportunity to share dishes.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Picked up from our hotel and returned seamlessly after dinner.

Transport

Discovery Estancia Cristina

El Calafate

From a ride by coach to a boat to a long boat ride to 4x4 transport to return, it was a full day of so many experiences. Luch at the restaurant was wonderful! Full service again complete with wine.

Quality of Experience

Ease of transfer from one activity to another

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We were divided into English and Spanish groups which made it easier for guides to explain w/o having to repeat twice.

Transport

Coach always there, boat always ready, activities at the Estancia ready and organized for us upon our arrival

Bird's Park

Argentina

Such a calm experience (1 1/2 hours) after the crowds of the Falls. Interpretive signage in 3 languages. Extensive areas in protected aviaries so you could experience close hand all the birds.

Quality of Experience

Our guide got us our prepaid tickets and arranged for our taxi pickup to both cross the border and return us to hotel seamlessly.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Bruno was soft spoken and spoke clearly to each traveler always keeping us informed of what we were going to do and how to keep us together

Transport

Half day tour to the Iguazú Falls (Brazilian side)

Argentina

Slightly confusing for us travelers as we picked up at hotels and then many stops to facilitate border crossing. Our apprehension was due to our inexperience. We were a large group that made visiting the Falls together hard to manage. Getting lost was a slight concern in the crowds. However, the trip to BOTH sides of the Falls is not to be missed.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Bruno tried his best, but there could have been an easier way to keep us together at various meeting points. A lot of time was wasted at each check point as our group reconnected. Simply giving us a time and location meet would have sufficed.

Transport

While the group crossed the border, 4 of us remained in Brazil to visit Bird Park. Separate arrangements were made for our safe, prompt return with taxi to cross the border and return to our lodge.

Milonga night

Buenos Aires

While we skipped the Tango lesson, we enjoyed going to a local Milonga with our guide Martene. While a late night, it was a wonderful experience and enjoyed our last night in Buenos Aires.

Quality of Experience

Welcomed to Milonga by owner and seated at a reserved table where we could enjoy our drink without participating, but could appreciate the evening.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Martene made us comfortable and explained so much about a Milonga answering all my questions. He joined in the dance on several occasions allowing us to take photos although generally frowned upon

Transport

Prompt pickup, arranged our travel by Uber both to the Milonga and home again to our hotel.

Katie was great to work with. She was very responsive and knowledgeable about our destination, Norway. We had a number of requests to customize the trip and she was able to accommodate those requests. One of the biggest benefits we realized was when our original destination (Tromso) was booked up and she was able to pivot to another location (Alta) while still fulfilling our requests. We also enjoyed the daily check-in’s and follow through during the trip and after. We highly recommend Katie for your travel needs!

Hotel Reviews

Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardemoen

Gardemoen

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge

Alta

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bjørnfjell Mountain Lodge

Alta

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel

alta

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Trasti og Trine Dog Sledding

Alta

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Polar Night Bonfire Trip

Alta

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arctic Light Snowmobile Experience

Alta

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Snowshoe Tour

Alta

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ice Sculpting Experience

Alta

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sami Culture Experience with Reindeer Sledding

Alta

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had an amazing itinerary for a 10 day vacation to Costa Rica put together by Holden on the serendipity adventures team! They were very prompt with replies to all of our itinerary change requests, and ensured we were 100% satisfied prior to booking. We loved the activities they booked for us and the shuttle services were always on time and very convenient!

The Riley hotel was great; the snorkeling was beyond my wildest expectations (too bad it was raining and cloudy). I have been a diving for almost 50 years and I have never seen corals that beautiful. The trips into the rainforest were also fantastic and I would highly recommend a night rainforest visit. Well done!!

Hotel Review

Crystalbrook Riley

Cairns

The pool was great and the access to great places to eat was fantastic. Very relaxing.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Near the Great Barrier Reef; east access to excursions; good restaurants

Staff

Front desk staff were very friendly and extremely helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Dreamtime Cruise (From Hotel) - Snorkel Great Barrier Reef

Australia

Be prepared for a long trip to and from the reef. However, the experience once there was GREAT! You have no idea how colorful and varied the sealife is on the reef. It is something you will never forget. The staff were extremely friendly and informative. And talented.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Grand Kuranda Rainforest Day Trip

Australia

Unfortunately, rain put a damper on the excursion as we had the boomerang and spear exhibition abbreviated and the cable car ride cancelled. But, overall, a great experience. The best part of the trip had to be the Duck boat tour.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon/Evening Adventure & Nocturnal Wildlife Tour

Australia

I loved trekking, but especially at night as it was a far different experience that any of the daytime walks. Guide (Paul) was friendly and fun. Got to see a platypus!!!!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hanging bridges, flowers, ferns, tree roots!above ground, very walkable terrain, I loved that we avg. 4 miles / hike😊 snakes, frogs, crocodiles, stopping to look over a bridge where I counted 14 crocs sun bathing! The flower I could squeeze and smell a delightful fragrance!Sorkeling and all the great food!!

We generally research and plan our own travel; this was the first time we used an agency, and it was well worth it. Since we had not been to South America previously, having the expertise Anahi provided was part of what made our trip go so smoothly. She gave us excellent advice, made last minute changes to add an extra stop in Ushuaia (so glad we did this!), and she set up excellent excursions and guides for the days we requested them. When there was a minor issue (had to reschedule an excursion due to weather), they responded quickly, and everything was taken care of. It really was seamless without the frustrations that can sometimes occur when traveling. Every guide and driver we had was professional, knowledgeable and personable.
We would use KimKim again!

Hotel Reviews

Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa

Torres del Paine

Hotel Intersur Recoleta

Recoleta, Buenos Aires

InterContinental Santiago Hotel

Santiago

Esplendor by Wyndham El Calafate

El Calafate, Santa Cruz

Activity Reviews

Santiago: Half Day Concha y Toro Winery - PRIVATE

Santiago

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Perito Moreno Glacier Excursion 🗻

El Calafate

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Minitrekking in "Los Glaciares National Park"

El Calafate

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tango Show & Dinner

Buenos Aires

KimKim and our agent, Paula, provided a truly exceptional 5-star experience planning our South Island New Zealand adventure. Our trip was on the short side, 7 days, and we didn't know how to get started or what was best to pack into our stay. From the initial inquiry, Paula's communication was prompt, friendly, and professional. She patiently listened to our vague ideas, given we knew nothing about New Zealand and expertly crafted a personalized itinerary that perfectly matched our interests and budget. Paula's knowledge of New Zealand was evident; she offered insightful recommendations for hidden gems and must-see attractions, enhancing our trip beyond the typical tourist experience. The entire planning process was seamless, with Paula handling all the details, from accommodations to activities and transportation, along with some last minute changes along the way. Her responsiveness throughout, even during our trip when we had a minor query, was remarkable. Thanks to Paula and KimKim, our New Zealand vacation was unforgettable.

Rinolda was great with helping us book the trip. It was on short notice and part way through we added a day to the trip and she didn't falter at all. We got to see lots of Iceland without feeling rushed along with lots of tips. The places we stayed at were fantastic and despite the shorter sunlight days we still were able to fit it all in (and Rinolda knew which places we could visit while still slightly dark and get great photos). We all really enjoyed the trip