Kimkim Trip Reviews for Colombia

4.9
Based on 473 ratings
Read 473 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Colombia on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Colombia is a beautiful country to visit….
Colombia | Dec 3 - Dec 16, 2024

Kyeong
Kyeong P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 17, 2024
The trip went well overall thanks to Margarita and her team who were well organized and dependable. Expect a few glitches that are part of traveling globally. I’m glad I went to Cartagena and Tayrona NP (stinking hot and humid) after Bogota and my last stop was in Medellin where the weather was much more pleasant. I did 2 shared tours which have more downsides than upsides. I’ll try to avoid them
next time.
The best food I had was Ajiako that I enjoyed almost every day!... Read more

The trip went well overall thanks to Margarita and her team who were well organized and dependable. Expect a few glitches that are part of traveling globally.

I’m glad I went to Cartagena and Tayrona NP (stinking hot and humid) after Bogota and my last stop was in Medellin where the weather was much more pleasant.

I did 2 shared tours which have more downsides than upsides. I’ll try to avoid them
next time.

The best food I had was Ajiako that I enjoyed almost every day!

Colombia was very lush and hilly. It was intriguing that I didn’t see a single Arian during my entire trip. I guess Colombia is under the radar for the Asian tourists?

Overall the trip was rewarding and enjoyable.

Activity Reviews
Discover La Candelaria & The Monserrate Hill
Discover La Candelaria & The Monserrate Hill
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon-Night Walking Tour
Afternoon-Night Walking Tour
Cartagena
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free day In Tayrona
Free day In Tayrona
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Enjoy the Beaches and Coral Reefs of the Rosario Islands (Shared Boat)
Enjoy the Beaches and Coral Reefs of the Rosario Islands (Shared Boat)
Cartagena
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Medellín Treasures: Gardens, Art, and Heritage Tour
Medellín Treasures: Gardens, Art, and Heritage Tour
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day trip to El Peñol & Guatapé - Group Tour
Day trip to El Peñol & Guatapé - Group Tour
Medellín
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cultural Treasures of Colombia: A Shared Journey to Laguna de Guatavita and Zipaquirá
Cultural Treasures of Colombia: A Shared Journey to Laguna de Guatavita and Zipaquirá
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Constelaciones
Constelaciones
Medellín
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Margarita Moreno

Colombia adventures
Colombia | Nov 29 - Dec 8, 2024

Suzanne
Suzanne H.
Wheat Ridge, CO | Reviewed on Dec 15, 2024
Our adventure in Colombia was wonderful. Andrea listened to our needs and requests, the partnered with us to deliver a great trip. We enjoyed the people, the sites, the food, and the sense of adventure. For our first time in Columbia we found the experience to be seamless. We were able to hit some of the major sites and get a sense of Colombia- from the transformation of Medellín to roasting coffee in Salento to the Caribbean coast. We hope to go back and explore more some day! Read more

Our adventure in Colombia was wonderful. Andrea listened to our needs and requests, the partnered with us to deliver a great trip. We enjoyed the people, the sites, the food, and the sense of adventure. For our first time in Columbia we found the experience to be seamless. We were able to hit some of the major sites and get a sense of Colombia- from the transformation of Medellín to roasting coffee in Salento to the Caribbean coast. We hope to go back and explore more some day!

Activity Reviews
Biking Adventure in Guatapé: Nature, Culture, and the Iconic Peñol Boulder
Biking Adventure in Guatapé: Nature, Culture, and the Iconic Peñol Boulder
Colombia

First and foremost Juliana was an amazing host. She was one of the best guides we have had. Her knowledge ability to handle any situation and her general vibe was appreciated. We hiked, biked, rode a Tuk Tuk, and explored by boat.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
El Paraiso Coffee Farm: Where Coffee and History Unite in a Sensory Journey
El Paraiso Coffee Farm: Where Coffee and History Unite in a Sensory Journey
Colombia

Carlos was a good host. It was interesting to learn not only his (and his family) history but also take part in the coffee process. I walked away with a deeper understanding of how to engage with coffee in the future.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking in the Cócora Valley up to "The Hummingbird House" & Explore Salento
Hiking in the Cócora Valley up to "The Hummingbird House" & Explore Salento
Colombia

First the hike itself was beautiful and I enjoyed the activity and reaching the hummingbird house. I would highly recommend this as an activity. The reason it is a low rating was due to the guide. It became very clear early on that our guide was not just leading us but working a second job during his time with us. He told us how he is opening up his own company and kept stopping to film for this new venture. This caused us to take significantly longer and was frustrating at times. Overall we love this as an activity but encourage the use of a different guide in the future.

Quality of Experience
Food
The restaurant we ate at was not great. We felt the trout was undercooked
Guides, Drivers and Staff
As mentioned our guide was working a second job and focused on this work which left us with a sour impression.
Transport
Punta Faro at Múcura Island
Punta Faro at Múcura Island
Colombia

Beautiful resort. If you are up for quiet and relaxing this is it. Our room was one of the coolest rooms I have stayed in.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Andrea Morita
Andrea
Andrea Morita
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Dec 16, 2024

Dear Suzanne,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful feedback. I’m thrilled to hear that your trip was such a positive and memorable experience.

We also truly appreciate your honest feedback, your insights are invaluable in helping us maintain the high standards we strive for.

Colombia has so many treasures yet to unveil, and we’d be honored to help you plan another adventure when you’re ready to return.

Thank you for visiting our country, for your kindness, and for embracing the spirit of exploration.

It was an absolute honor to serve you.

Andrea was very responsive and put together a good itinerary
Colombia | Nov 23 - Dec 2, 2024

Jill
Jill K.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 08, 2024
Andrea was very responsive and quickly set up an itinerary that met our needs. Her team kept in touch with us during the trip, making adjustments due to two delayed flights. The local guides were informed of the delays . All local guides were very professional, arrived on time or early, spoke good English, were very knowledgeable and took good care of us. Most of the accommodations were good. One jungle lodge was very remote, difficult to reach, had no hot water so we would have... Read more

Andrea was very responsive and quickly set up an itinerary that met our needs. Her team kept in touch with us during the trip, making adjustments due to two delayed flights. The local guides were informed of the delays . All local guides were very professional, arrived on time or early, spoke good English, were very knowledgeable and took good care of us. Most of the accommodations were good. One jungle lodge was very remote, difficult to reach, had no hot water so we would have preferred only one night there. Another hotel, in Santa Marta, was very nice but we arrived late and left early so didn't have time to enjoy the facilities. Plus the hotel was near the main square and music blared until the early hours of the morning. The hikes were quite challenging but we were fit enough, though tired.

Hotel Reviews
Casa La Fe
Cartagena de Indias

Great location in the old town and on a square with restaurants nearby. The staff members were all very helpful. The breakfast options were wonderful. We enjoyed the courtyard. The room was small but perfectly adequate. The area was quiet. There was a nice pool upstairs. The Wifi worked well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Quiet area in the old town
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was small but comfortable
Miraflores Boutique Hotel

The hotel is on the west side of the island and doesn't have a beach. It is about 15 minutes by taxi into the town. We had a lovely room above the reception with a big balcony. The room was spacious with a narrow but nice bathroom. Breakfast was good and they have a restaurant (limited choices) for dinner. There are some local restaurants in walking distance with better food choices. The grounds are big and there's a pool but we didn't use it as the weather was wet. The only downside was the constant traffic noise as we were in Room 2 close to the road.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
When we arrived, there was no one in reception and it took about an hour to find someone to check us in. Once we were settled, the staff was nice and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds in Colombia tend to be firm.
Reserva Natural Tierra Adentro
Santa Marta

Gorgeous setting in the jungle with birds, rescued animals and great views. The room was basic with a concrete floor and thatched roof, a small bathroom and a balcony. There was no hot water in the shower but the Wifi was strong. There is an outdoor open eating area with restaurant. Getting to the lodge is an adventure in itself. First a winding mountain road from Santa Marta to Minca, a small village. Then another 40 minutes on some of the worst roads I've ever seen (and I travel a lot). The remote setting was lovely but it would not be a place to have a medical emergency as it's so far from help. We had two nights here, one would have been enough.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
It's such a remote location so probably hard to get hot water. It was wet so we were damp and a bit chilled at times.
Ecohabs Tequendama Parque Tayrona
Cartagena

The location is right out of a travel magazine. We stayed one night in Room 4 perched high on the hill with a view to the ocean. However, there were a lot of inconveniences. First, it was a long walk from the reception to the restaurant, then 106 steps up to the room. Luckily we were fairly fit but it would have been strenuous for people older than us. Secondly, the bedroom was upstairs in the cabin. The lighting in the room was poor and I needed to use a flashlight to get things out of my suitcase. To use the bathroom, you have to go outside and downstairs (avoiding any rain). Not ideal for an older couple who need to go to the bathroom at night. Bring a flashlight. There was a coffee maker tucked away in a dark corner next to the bathroom, but no complimentary coffee, only sugar was provided. There were good breakfast choices in the impressive restaurant but service was slow and we waited about 40 minutes to get our breakfast while other guests who arrived after us got their food, ate and left. It was definitely an experience to stay in such a gorgeous place but it is better suited to younger people.

Authenticity & Character
Architecture of the cabins and restaurant
Location
Views of the ocean
Staff
Restaurant staff didn't speak English which lead to incorrect orders. I asked for tea with milk and got a cup of tea and a glass of milk. Service was slow.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The lodge is in the jungle so expect mosquitos and cockroaches in the room. The bathroom had hot water though it did run out.
Casa de Isabella, a Kali Hotel
Santa Marta

Lovely hotel. Our room was large and on the third floor. There is no elevator/lift. Unfortunately we arrived late and left early so didn't have an opportunity to use the pool or have breakfast. The bathroom was spacious and had hot water.

Authenticity & Character
It appeared to be built from old houses so was interesting
Location
Close to a main square in the old town. Walking distance to restaurants. We stayed on a Saturday night and the music from the square blared until about 2:00 AM. No sleep for us.
Staff
Receptionist spoke limited English. But in the morning a young lady helped us with our bags as we had an early start.
Cleanliness & Comfort
All good. There were even robes in the bathroom.
Hotel De La Opera
Bogotá

Fabulous hotel in the old city. The staff were very helpful. The hotel has three courtyards with rooms around them. Our room was comfortable with a nice bathroom. The location was quiet. It's very close to the main square and I felt very safe walking around the square early the next morning. It was also a quick walk to several museums. The hotel has a restaurant on the fourth floor with good food for dinner Breakfast is served in the courtyard and was an amazing buffet, the best breakfast of our trip. I had an omelet made to order. I wish we had more time here as the hotel was so nice.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel appears to be made from three adjacent houses so has lovely interior courtyards.
Location
So close to the square and museums, easy to walk around the area.
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice room, good wifi, hot water in the shower
Activity Reviews
The Double Waterfall in Minca
The Double Waterfall in Minca
Colombia

We ended up going to two waterfalls within walking distance of our lodge. Cesar was a great guide. The hike was easy. You could swim at the waterfalls. The Marinka Falls had bathrooms and a restaurant where we had lunch.

Quality of Experience
Cesar was a great guide
Food
We had a nice lunch at the Marinka Waterfall
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Afternoon-Night Walking Tour
Afternoon-Night Walking Tour
Cartagena

Our guide gave us a good overview of the old city.

Quality of Experience
Guide spoke good English, very nice woman
Guides, Drivers and Staff
On time, helpful. took good care of us.
Transport
No waiting, nice vehicle
Nature Walk and Wildlife Spotting Adventure in Matute
Nature Walk and Wildlife Spotting Adventure in Matute
Cartagena

Luis was a wonderful guide and really knows and loves birds. We also saw an iguana and many howler monkeys. The visit to the house of the owners of the reserve was a great experience too. Luis had a good camera and shared the photos he took. The whole tour was quite an adventure walking through this area of regenerated jungle.

Quality of Experience
Luis is so knowledgeable about wildlife
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guide
Transport
Comfortable car
Cartagena Historical: La Popa & San Felipe Castle
Cartagena Historical: La Popa & San Felipe Castle
Colombia

We did this tour by car and went beyond the old city. The monastery on the hill provides great views. Unfortunately we couldn't get into San Felipe Castle as it was closed for a private event. That was a bit disappointing. But the guide took us to see some other fortification instead.

Quality of Experience
The monastery
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and helpful
Transport
On time, comfortable car
Snorkeling  in the San Andrés Coral Reef
Snorkeling in the San Andrés Coral Reef
Colombia

I wanted to go to San Andres for the snorkeling. I've been lucky to have snorkeled all over the world. The guide, Miguel, was very nice and safety conscious. But the snorkeling itself was disappointing. There was some hard coral but no soft coral nor much color. There were some fish but not what I was hoping for. Also, it had rained the day before so visibility was low and the ocean was rough so we got bounced around a lot of the time. Perhaps a different location or day would have been a different experience.

Quality of Experience
Coral bleaching but that is happening worldwide.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Miguel was good, interesting to talk to
Transport
We went on Miguel's little boat. Don't bring anything of value as things may get wet. Miguel had a dry bag.
Discover the treasures of San Andrés Island
Discover the treasures of San Andrés Island
San Andrés Island

The guide took us around the island with three stops - a museum, Baptist church and historic house.

Quality of Experience
Guide was interesting. Carolina is a diver as well as a guide.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledge of the island
Transport
Comfortable car
Hiking in the Tayrona National Park
Hiking in the Tayrona National Park
Colombia

A fairly tough 10 mile hike along the coast of the National Park. It is an out and back hike on the same trail. Lovely views. Lots of people and lots of mud. Wear boots or sturdy shoes. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat. It was very hot and humid. We had a break for lunch and a swim at a beach. For lunch we had fresh fish. Cesar was a considerate guide who knew how to avoid the worst of the mud. Along the way we saw capuchin monkeys, a crab, frog, bats and lots of leaf-cutter ants.

Quality of Experience
This is a place I wanted to see.
Food
Fresh fish on the beach.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cesar was excellent. Very considerate and safety conscious.
Transport
Four wheel drive from the mountain lodge to the National Park. The driver took our bags to the hotel
Bunkuany: The Heart of the Wold
Bunkuany: The Heart of the Wold
Colombia

An amazing experience to see this archeological site in the jungle. We were the only people there. It exceeded our expectations. The hike was somewhat strenuous but seeing Bunkuany was worth it. Also we enjoyed a simple but delicious lunch with a farmer and his wife. Cesar and the local guide took good care of us. The drive to the trail was long and very bumpy but we got to stop and see some interesting rock carvings.

Quality of Experience
Great guides who took care of us.
Food
Nice lunch with the farming family.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very interesting people
Transport
Alex drove in very challenging conditions
Paloquemao Farmers Market |  Colonial Downtown & Monserrate
Paloquemao Farmers Market | Colonial Downtown & Monserrate
Colombia

Luis was an enthusiastic guide and a very interesting person. We loved the market, seeing the fruits and vegetables and tasting some of the food. Luis knew many of the vendors and introduced us. Then we went to Monserrate and appreciated the fast pass tickets as it was very busy. We had a lovely lunch there and enjoyed the views. Luis also provided a walking tour of the old town, taking us along narrow streets and past street entertainers. The next day he arrived on time and accompanied us to the airport.

Quality of Experience
It was all great.
Food
The food at the market and lunch up on Monserrate
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver, also called Luis, was very professional.
Transport
Great driver
Local specialist: Andrea Morita
Andrea
Andrea Morita
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Dec 11, 2024
Dear Jill, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed and thoughtful review. It truly warmed our hearts to read about your journey. Knowing that we could make your experience seamless, even amidst unexpected delays, means the world to us. Your kind words about our local guides, their professionalism, and their care make us incredibly proud. They are passionate about sharing Colombia’s beauty, and it’s wonderful to see how much they added to your trip. We’re grateful for... Read more

Dear Jill,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed and thoughtful review. It truly warmed our hearts to read about your journey. Knowing that we could make your experience seamless, even amidst unexpected delays, means the world to us.

Your kind words about our local guides, their professionalism, and their care make us incredibly proud. They are passionate about sharing Colombia’s beauty, and it’s wonderful to see how much they added to your trip.

We’re grateful for your insights about the accommodations and activities, as they help us grow and improve. Colombia’s magic lies in its contrasts—wild jungles, vibrant cities, and tranquil beaches—and your adventurous spirit shone through in embracing it all.

It was truly our pleasure to be part of your adventure, and we hope the memories of Colombia stay with you forever. Whenever you’re ready to explore more of our beautiful country, we’ll be here to create another unforgettable journey for you.

Andrea

Andrea was great! Everything she planned wen...
Colombia | Nov 29 - Dec 8, 2024

Thomas
Thomas C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Dec 09, 2024
Andrea was great! Everything she planned went off without issues. She was also very flexible with planning. Read more

Andrea was great! Everything she planned went off without issues. She was also very flexible with planning.

Hotel Reviews
Quinta Ladera
Medellin

Great hotel! Close to bars and restaurants but still secluded. The coffee/breakfast place downstairs had some of the best coffee we had in Columbia.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Terasu

Lovely place. Tucked away from town and overlooking the Andes. Restaurant/bar staff was very friendly and kind. Food was really good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Punta Faro
Isla Mucura

Great hotel - but important to know that it’s a resort with nothing significant outside of the hotel grounds.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Island itself is small and remote.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean rooms with daily service! One thing to note is that it’s an open hotel - so no door locks. Each room does have a safe deposit box and at no point were we worried about our stuff.
Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton
Cartagena
Authenticity & Character
Great roof top
Location
In a good part of town away from street vendors!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Biking Adventure in Guatapé: Nature, Culture, and the Iconic Peñol Boulder
Biking Adventure in Guatapé: Nature, Culture, and the Iconic Peñol Boulder
Colombia

Great day tour! We left super early to avoid crowds. Had the boulder to ourselves. Bike tour way great - what’s good for traveler's to know is that it is on mountain bikes and VERY hilly. The lunch and boat rides were highlights.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Juliana was AWESOME. She was very knowledgeable and thought on her feet whenever a plan went sideways.
Transport
Great driver!
Hiking in the Cócora Valley up to "The Hummingbird House" & Explore Salento
Hiking in the Cócora Valley up to "The Hummingbird House" & Explore Salento
Colombia

The hike itself was AMAZING from a views standpoint. We struggled with our guide (Juan Camilo) at times.

Quality of Experience
The beauty of the area was stunning. At the base there was a market for locals which made it feel less touristy.
Food
Trout was a bit raw. I had to pay out of pocket for my beer despite it being on 50 cents more than a lemonade. Felt cheap given how much we paid. Tree planting ceremony felt a little hokey.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Juan Comilo struggled with us. He is starting his own agency and used a significant time on the hike to take photos as part of that pursuit. This took time away from his focus and felt inappropriate. At some point I just started walking ahead of him out of frustration.
Transport
Punta Faro at Múcura Island
Punta Faro at Múcura Island
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Liz was amazing!
Transport
It’s crazy driving in Cartagena - and these drivers are insanely good at navigating that craziness.
El Paraiso Coffee Farm: Where Coffee and History Unite in a Sensory Journey
El Paraiso Coffee Farm: Where Coffee and History Unite in a Sensory Journey
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Loved hearing the personal story of the farm owner! We learned so much from him.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Andrea Morita
Andrea
Andrea Morita
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Dec 12, 2024

Dear Thomas,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for choosing to explore Colombia with us! We are thrilled to hear about your wonderful experience with Juliana – she truly embodies the spirit of dedication and passion we strive for in every journey. Your appreciation of her quick thinking and warm personality means the world to us.

It was our absolute pleasure to serve you and make your trip memorable. We hope to welcome you back to Colombia in the future to discover even more of its beauty and charm! 😊

70th Birthday
Colombia | Nov 22 - Nov 28, 2024

M
Mark D.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Nov 29, 2024
Issac did an exceptional job of taking care of us. He took the time to make sure we knew what each had to store. The only thing that was not fun was the boat ride to the island. Pretty rough ride especially for small kids. But everyone enjoyed the pool and the service was great. The Santa Clara was an exceptional hotel. Everyone enjoyed the amenities they offered. All the restaurants were great and the last nite at Harry Sasoon was over the top. We appreciate your quick... Read more

Issac did an exceptional job of taking care of us. He took the time to make sure we knew what each had to store.

The only thing that was not fun was the boat ride to the island. Pretty rough ride especially for small kids. But everyone enjoyed the pool and the service was great.

The Santa Clara was an exceptional hotel. Everyone enjoyed the amenities they offered.

All the restaurants were great and the last nite at Harry Sasoon was over the top.

We appreciate your quick responses during the week.

We all enjoyed the activities you scheduled for us….

It turned out to a memorable 70th birthday adventure for the whole family.

THANKS AGAIN!

Mark

Hotel Review
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Cartagena

exceptional sevice and great amenities

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Welcome to Colombia!
Welcome to Colombia!
Colombia
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Pass at Tierra Bomba Island at Makani Beach Club
Day Pass at Tierra Bomba Island at Makani Beach Club
Colombia

The day pass to Tierra Bomba Island at Makani Beach Club was enjoyable once we got there. However, the boat trip out to the island was quite rough. It was a small boat barely fitting us all, and we were bouncing quite a bit, which didn't make for the most enjoyable ride.

Rum Tasting with Chocolate Pairing and Chocolate making Workshop for Children
Rum Tasting with Chocolate Pairing and Chocolate making Workshop for Children
Cartagena

The rum tasting with chocolate pairing and chocolate making workshop for the children was outstanding. They did a great job with the presentation, and it was nice that kids and adults could be in the same room enjoying different activities.

Drums and Music Workshop
Drums and Music Workshop
Cartagena

The drums and music workshop was a hit. Everyone got into it, and they did a great job getting everyone involved in playing the drums, including all the kids. It was a fun and engaging experience for the whole family.

Short Cooking Class - Local Appetizers
Short Cooking Class - Local Appetizers
Cartagena

The short cooking class was not the best part of the trip. It was held inside a restaurant with people coming and going, which made it not very private. It was difficult to communicate as we were stretched over a long table, which affected the overall experience.

Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Nov 29, 2024
Dear Mark, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We are very happy to hear that Issac took exceptional care of you and that the service met your expectations. We understand that the boat ride to the island was a bit rough, especially for the small kids, and we appreciate your feedback on this. We're glad to know that everyone enjoyed the pool and the other services provided. It is wonderful to hear that you found the Santa Clara hotel and its amenities... Read more

Dear Mark,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We are very happy to hear that Issac took exceptional care of you and that the service met your expectations.

We understand that the boat ride to the island was a bit rough, especially for the small kids, and we appreciate your feedback on this. We're glad to know that everyone enjoyed the pool and the other services provided.

It is wonderful to hear that you found the Santa Clara hotel and its amenities exceptional, and that the dining experiences, especially the last night at Harry Sasson, were memorable.

It sounds like it was a fantastic 70th birthday adventure for your whole family, and we are honored to have been a part of it.

Thanks again for your kind words and for making us a part of this special family trip. It has been a pleasure meeting you, and we send our very best wishes to your family!

Best wishes,
The Aracanto Team

Our trip to Cartagena and Santa Marta/Tayrona...
Colombia | Nov 1 - Nov 8, 2024

E
Erin B.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 19, 2024

Our trip to Cartagena and Santa Marta/Tayrona was amazing. The combination of history, culture, and nature was a perfect balance. The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable, and the activities were perfectly tailored to meet our family's needs. Margoth was very helpful and quick to respond with proposals to make the trip personalized. I would highly recommend her.

Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Nov 19, 2024

Dear Erin,

Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review!
It has been a pleasure meeting you and your family, and thank you for trusting us with your trip to Colombia. We hope you come back in the future, and sending you our very best wishes in the meantime :)

Warm Regards,
The Aracanto Team

We spent a wonderful 10 days in Colombia look...
Colombia | Oct 26 - Nov 5, 2024

Ramesh
Ramesh T.
India | Reviewed on Nov 12, 2024
We spent a wonderful 10 days in Colombia looked after by Michael and his team at Chaska Travels.
A special mention about our guide Marylin in Bogota who went that extra mile to look after us personally especially when my wife and daughter were a bit under the weather. All the tours and travel arrangements went without a hitch and frankly there was no part of our trip that we had any negative experience. We loved Colombia as a country, its people and of course its amazing Geography.
The...
Read more

We spent a wonderful 10 days in Colombia looked after by Michael and his team at Chaska Travels.
A special mention about our guide Marylin in Bogota who went that extra mile to look after us personally especially when my wife and daughter were a bit under the weather. All the tours and travel arrangements went without a hitch and frankly there was no part of our trip that we had any negative experience. We loved Colombia as a country, its people and of course its amazing Geography.
The highlight of our trip was our stay at the Sofitel Santa Clara where we could not have asked for more. The service and facilities were wonderful.

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Nov 12, 2024

Hi Ramesh,
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time in Colombia! I’m especially glad that your guides were able to provide extra care when needed. It’s fantastic that you had such a positive experience throughout your journey and enjoyed the beauty and warmth of Colombia and its people.

We hope to welcome you back to explore more of Colombia’s wonders in the future!

Warm regards,
Michael and the Chaska Tours Team

Amazing activities, lovely hotels, great guides, responsive and thorough - HIGHLY recommend
Colombia | Jul 6 - Jul 13, 2024

laura
laura p.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2024
Our trip was amazing. Michael was incredibly responsive and helpful, I was travelling alone with my daughter AND trying to coordinate with a first leg of the trip already planned with friends, and he made it all go smoothly and answered all of my many questions. Our guides were fantastic, Freu and Cielo, and the scheduled activities were wonderful. The hotels were also lovely. I think the highlight for me was visiting the village outside Cartagena, where we made jewelry with an amazing group... Read more

Our trip was amazing. Michael was incredibly responsive and helpful, I was travelling alone with my daughter AND trying to coordinate with a first leg of the trip already planned with friends, and he made it all go smoothly and answered all of my many questions. Our guides were fantastic, Freu and Cielo, and the scheduled activities were wonderful. The hotels were also lovely. I think the highlight for me was visiting the village outside Cartagena, where we made jewelry with an amazing group of women (Damartes) who have created a business making items from coconut shells and hosting workshops with tourists; took a boat tour through mangroves and learned a lot about the people who live there; got to drum with a group of local musicians. We also did a chocolate making workshop in Cartagena that kept my 11 year old engaged most of the day. In Medellìn the food tour through the market and to a few small food shops was amazing, there is no way I could ever have known to go to those places on my own. I really was blown away by the quality of the activities, and I really liked the businesses and initiatives connected with those activities, and felt good about having the opportunity to learn about them and support them. Colombia is by far one of the most amazing (if not THE most amazing) places I've travelled to, and while I do speak Spanish it was reassuring being accompanied by local guides and it was amazing not having to coordinate and organize all the finer details of the trip. I was able to actually enjoy myself; Cielo in particular kept my daughter engaged, so I didn't have to translate for her and could participate in the activities myself; Freu was delightful to talk to and I learned so much about Medellìn and its history from him. Not having to worry about arranging all the transportation etc meant I could focus on the trip and be present instead of constantly staying on top of logistical details. And as a very obvious tourist alone with a child, I felt safe, both because of the guides' confidence and connection with the people around us and because I knew that someone was checking in with our accommodations and with me to make sure everything was going well. I absolutely recommend Kimkim, and Michael, for planning a trip to Colombia. There's so much more of the country we haven't visited, I hope to be able to book another trip very soon.

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Oct 07, 2024
Dear Laura,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and glowing review of your trip to Colombia! We are thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had such a wonderful experience. It was our pleasure to help coordinate everything. I’m so glad that everything went smoothly and that you felt supported throughout the trip.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we couldn’t be happier that you felt safe, supported, and able to fully immerse yourself in the trip...
Read more

Dear Laura,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and glowing review of your trip to Colombia! We are thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had such a wonderful experience. It was our pleasure to help coordinate everything. I’m so glad that everything went smoothly and that you felt supported throughout the trip.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we couldn’t be happier that you felt safe, supported, and able to fully immerse yourself in the trip without worrying about the logistics.
We would be absolutely thrilled to help plan another trip for you and your daughter to explore even more of Colombia’s beauty and culture. Until then, thank you again for your amazing review and for choosing us to plan your adventure!
Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

Great experience, great staff, everyone from ...
Colombia | Sep 11 - Sep 24, 2024

M
michelle c.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Oct 04, 2024
Great experience, great staff, everyone from Michael to the drivers were excellent. Read more

Great experience, great staff, everyone from Michael to the drivers were excellent.

Activity Reviews
Local Market Experience: Bazurto Market
Local Market Experience: Bazurto Market
Cartagena

We suggest you delete this tour from your options. Awful, dirty, smelly. not one good thing about it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
all great. very professional and knowledgeable
Transport
everything, the people, the punctuality.
Cartagena City-Tour by Bike
Cartagena City-Tour by Bike
Cartagena

not too safe, very chaotic city to ride bicycles. more stress than fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Oct 07, 2024
Dear Michelle,
Thank you so much for your kind words about your overall experience and the great feedback on our team! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the trip!
We also appreciate your comments about the Bazurto Market experience. We completely understand your perspective, and it’s true that the market can be overwhelming for some visitors. However, we some travellers seek out exactly that type of authentic, immersive experience to connect with the local culture, even if it can be a...
Read more

Dear Michelle,
Thank you so much for your kind words about your overall experience and the great feedback on our team! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the trip!
We also appreciate your comments about the Bazurto Market experience. We completely understand your perspective, and it’s true that the market can be overwhelming for some visitors. However, we some travellers seek out exactly that type of authentic, immersive experience to connect with the local culture, even if it can be a bit different from what they expect. Your input is incredibly valuable, and we’ll certainly take it into consideration as we continue to refine our offerings.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

We had an amazing time. Every place and every...
Colombia | Sep 11 - Sep 24, 2024

S
sheila a.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Oct 01, 2024
We had an amazing time. Every place and every tour we had was a nice experience. We learn so much from the places we visited. We highly recommend your agency. Read more

We had an amazing time. Every place and every tour we had was a nice experience. We learn so much from the places we visited. We highly recommend your agency.

Hotel Reviews
14 Urban Hotel
Medellin
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Casa Tere
Cartagena
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
BH Bicentenario
Bogotá
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa de Isabella, a Kali Hotel
Santa Marta
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visit the Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira
Visit the Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Medellín Transformation Tour (Public Transportation)
Medellín Transformation Tour (Public Transportation)
Medellín
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour Peñol & Guatapé
Tour Peñol & Guatapé
Medellín
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cartagena City-Tour by Bike
Cartagena City-Tour by Bike
Cartagena
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local Market Experience: Bazurto Market
Local Market Experience: Bazurto Market
Cartagena
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Cartagena
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset Bay Cruise
Sunset Bay Cruise
Santa Marta
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike Tayrona National Park
Hike Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tubing on Don Diego River
Tubing on Don Diego River
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bogotá Walking Tour
Bogotá Walking Tour
Bogotá
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee-Culture Tour
Coffee-Culture Tour
Medellín
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Oct 01, 2024

Hi Sheila,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time and enjoyed every part of your journey. It’s fantastic to know that the tours and experiences enriched your visit. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! Safe travels!
Best,
The Chaska Tours Team

Increíble once in a lifetime trip!
Colombia | Sep 11 - Sep 14, 2024

Kelly
Kelly K.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 22, 2024
Increíble once in a lifetime trip! Our guide heraldo was excellent - Very knowledgeable and helpful along the way. Hands down the most adventurous trip we’ve ever taken. The untouched nature was amazing. Read more

Increíble once in a lifetime trip! Our guide heraldo was excellent - Very knowledgeable and helpful along the way. Hands down the most adventurous trip we’ve ever taken. The untouched nature was amazing.

Hotel Reviews
Reserva Natural Tanimboca
Leticia - Amazonas

Incredible experience. Truly at one with nature. Note it’s a treehouse with no power in the middle of the jungle but amazing to experience sleeping at one with nature. Food was good and night walk was a can’t miss.

Authenticity & Character
Totally unique. Unmatched in nature and eco.
Location
Staff
Very knowledgeable and professional.
Cleanliness & Comfort
As in the middle of the jungle there were bugs in room. But mosquito nets a good touch. Rats on roof and inside kitchen walls.
Reserva Natural Marasha
Puerto Alegría

Excellent setting on remote lake. Activities were awesome including fishing and kayaking as well as caiman watching. Note no power after a certain time of night and absolutely no cell service. Fully unplugged and relaxing.

Authenticity & Character
One of a kind!
Location
Picturesque lakeside setting
Staff
Extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Didn’t speak English but so welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maloka Napü
Puerto Narino

Bare bones hotel. Fans were great touch. Staff was very friendly and provided fresh cold water.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Frog in sink and linens were questionable
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Sep 30, 2024

Dear Kelly,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and all the pictures! We are thrilled to hear that your trip to the Amazon was such an incredible and adventurous experience. It’s fantastic that your guide was able to enhance your journey with his knowledge and support. Colombia's untouched nature truly is something special, and I’m so happy you had the opportunity to enjoy it.
Wishing you many more adventures in the future!
Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

Nature trip
Colombia | Sep 10 - Sep 12, 2024

J
JOYCE R.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Sep 21, 2024
Many thanks to Michael and the kimkimteam for making my tailored excursions to the Tatacoa Desert and Cocora Valley a wish come true. Your patience and accommodation has truly contributed to making my trip to Colombia a memorable one. And for this, I give many thanks! Read more

Many thanks to Michael and the kimkimteam for making my tailored excursions to the Tatacoa Desert and Cocora Valley a wish come true. Your patience and accommodation has truly contributed to making my trip to Colombia a memorable one. And for this, I give many thanks!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Salento Real Eje Cafetero
Salento

Centrally located to shops and restaurants, beautiful aesthetic with clean, comfortable rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
TATACOA STAR ECOHOTEL
Villavieja, Huila

Encanto, treehouse themed hotel with comfortable bathrooms, A/c and cable television. Staff were friendly and easy to communicate with. Breakfast was made to order.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visit Tatacoa Desert's Astronomical Observatory
Visit Tatacoa Desert's Astronomical Observatory
Villavieja

What better way to experience the solar system then out in nature under the desert skies? Guillermo was enthusiastic and informative about the locations of the constellations, we were able to see Saturn, Alpha Centuari stars, the moon up close and the positions of the stars through his telescope.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to Tatacoa Desert
Visit to Tatacoa Desert
Villavieja

This is a breathtaking desert! During this trip I learned about the prehistoric animals that roamed these lands and the current animals and plants that thrive there. I got to experience the juxtaposition of the red desert and the grey desert. This is a unique experience to walk through a remarkable landscape. It's an easy walk and the cool breeze in the morning made the walk comfortable, especially at the grey desert.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
I rode in a tuk-tuk to get around and the experience felt much more authentic as you can feel the road below and take in the air.
Cocora Valley & Salento
Cocora Valley & Salento
Colombia

I road in an open top jeep along open farmlands to get to the Cocora Valley and it was very scenic and liberating. There are different hiking trails and it's not difficult, but the incline up the hill is noticeable. My guide, Carlos, was informative and I learned about the background of the wax palms, its history and preservation. The nature is beautiful. The area is so green and the trees have to be experienced firsthand to see their remarkable endurance and height. The weather was excellent in the morning with a breeze.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Sep 30, 2024

Dear Joyce,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that your excursions to the Tatacoa Desert and Cocora Valley were a dream come true. It was a pleasure working with you to tailor your trip. Your feedback means a lot to the entire team - thank you so much!
Wishing you all the best in your future travels!
Warm regards,
Michael

incredible experience in Colombia
Colombia | Aug 17 - Aug 24, 2024

Kakali
Kakali C.
Nicetown-Tioga, PA | Reviewed on Aug 31, 2024
We had an incredible experience during our recent trip to Colombia. From start to finish, every aspect of the journey exceeded our expectations. Read more

We had an incredible experience during our recent trip to Colombia. From start to finish, every aspect of the journey exceeded our expectations.

Hotel Reviews
GHL Hotel Armería Real
Cartagena

Comfortable and local charm

Authenticity & Character
Very comfortable stay reflecting local culture and very friendly and helpful staff
Location
Staff
Eager to help with finding local places to eat and very cooperative.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The property maintained its local decor with much hygiene and cleanliness.
Villa Maria Tayrona, a Kali Hotels
Los Naranjos

Great experience in staying in the log cabins in this resort.

Authenticity & Character
Although the resort is in the deep forest, we never felt short of any supplies. The kitchen offered various choices of meals and breakfast was sooo amazing.
Location
Very comfortable and luxurious amidst the wilderness of the dense forest. Easily accessible and close to hiking places.
Staff
Very very friendly staff. It felt like returning home every time after the day out.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds and blankets were clean and comfortable.
Bh El Poblado
Medellín

Excellent location, close to malls and shops .

Authenticity & Character
We flew from Santa Marta early in the morning, and reached the hotel a few hours early before the check in time. We would appreciate if we could get our rooms a bit early and not wait until 4 pm.
Location
Excellent location, close to shopping and accessibility to bus, metro and train stations is very convenient.
Staff
Fairly friendly staff. The staff at the restaurant were amazing though.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
BH Bicentenario
Bogotá

The location of this hotel was superb. Within walking distance from the main attractions, shopping and promenades. Security was very tight and overall service was excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Very comfortable stay and well attended to every details.
Location
Great location.
Staff
Super friendly and helpful. The staff at the reception helped us book Uber and their suggestions about places to eat was super helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable. The housekeeping was very efficient and attentive.
Activity Reviews
Visit the Silletera Culture & The Flowers of Santa Elena
Visit the Silletera Culture & The Flowers of Santa Elena
Medellín

Amazing experience. Carlos the owner of the farm was a very humorous person. He showed us how the flowers were arranged and millions of flowers carried on the backs of silletas ,for the show . He also took pictures with us that we will cherish later in our memories.

Quality of Experience
The vibrant flower displays, showcasing the beauty and creativity of Colombian culture.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Claudia was our tour guide and she was simply amazing. Carlos the guide of the Silletas was very humorous and fascinating.
Transport
Comfortable vehicle was provided to us .
Medellín Transformation Tour (Public Transportation)
Medellín Transformation Tour (Public Transportation)
Medellín

Amazing and very motivating. Our journey to Comuna 13 in Medellín, a neighborhood known for its transformation from violence to vibrancy. The guided tour showcased the community's resilience and creativity through street art and local stories. The colorful murals depicted themes of hope and renewal, and we were inspired by the community's spirit. The visit also included a ride on the famous escalators, which have made the area more accessible.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Claudia was our tour guide in Medellín. She was exceptional and her knowledge of the history and local customs truly enriched our experience.
Transport
Awesome and comfortable
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Sep 02, 2024
Hi Kakali, Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an incredible experience during your trip to Colombia and enjoyed every part of your journey. We really appreciate your kind words about the hotels, from the local charm of Hotel Armería Real in Cartagena to the luxurious wilderness at Villa Maria Tayrona, and the great location of BH Bicentenario in Bogotá. Your feedback on the tours, especially the visit to Santa Elena and the... Read more

Hi Kakali,

Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an incredible experience during your trip to Colombia and enjoyed every part of your journey.

We really appreciate your kind words about the hotels, from the local charm of Hotel Armería Real in Cartagena to the luxurious wilderness at Villa Maria Tayrona, and the great location of BH Bicentenario in Bogotá. Your feedback on the tours, especially the visit to Santa Elena and the Medellín Transformation Tour, is also much appreciated. We’re glad your guides made the experiences memorable and that the vibrant culture and history of Colombia left such a strong impression.

Thanks again for choosing us to help with your travels. We hope to assist you with another adventure soon!

Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

Smooth, Efficient, and Excellent
Colombia | Aug 17 - Aug 24, 2024

Arup
Arup M.
Easton, PA | Reviewed on Aug 25, 2024
Michael, our advisor and chief planner was excellent throughout the process. Thank you. Each of our guides and drivers chosen by Chaska tours was excellent. They were efficient and did more than was needed without hesitation. Sandra in Cartahena, and Claudia, in Medellin were both excellent. Claudia warm, shared many stories and the history of Medellin, and we enjoyed her company. One of us felt tired on our hike in Tayrona. Our guide helped us back via a short cut when we needed... Read more

Michael, our advisor and chief planner was excellent throughout the process. Thank you.

Each of our guides and drivers chosen by Chaska tours was excellent. They were efficient and did more than was needed without hesitation.

Sandra in Cartahena, and Claudia, in Medellin were both excellent. Claudia warm, shared many stories and the history of Medellin, and we enjoyed her company.

One of us felt tired on our hike in Tayrona. Our guide helped us back via a short cut when we needed to come back.

Hotel Review
Villa Maria Tayrona, a Kali Hotels
Los Naranjos
Authenticity & Character
Constructed from locally sourced material, the cottages blend in.
Location
In the jungle.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Medellín Transformation Tour (Public Transportation)
Medellín Transformation Tour (Public Transportation)
Medellín

We used public transportation for this tour. It was a transformative experience. Medellin and Communa 13 was a highlight of our trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Aug 26, 2024

Dear Arup,
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review. It was a pleasure assisting you and your friends with your trip to Colombia, and I’m delighted to hear that everything went smoothly. I’m especially glad to know that your guides and drivers made your experience memorable. I’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to everyone involved.
If you ever decide to explore more of Colombia, I would be thrilled to help you plan another adventure.
Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

We felt that some of the tours were not descr...
Colombia | Jul 22 - Aug 10, 2024

J
Jennifer L.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024
We felt that some of the tours were not described very well, some were too touristy for us.
Also, there were too many guides on a number of the tours.
Read more

We felt that some of the tours were not described very well, some were too touristy for us.
Also, there were too many guides on a number of the tours.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Dann Monasterio
Popayan
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
San Antonio Hotel Boutique Cali
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Water was often cold. Breakfasts poor
Bio Habitat Hotel
Quindío, Armenia
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Just be aware that there are many mosquitos as the rooms are in the forest!
Hotel Boutique Casa Passiflora
Jardín

Beautiful hotel right in the center of everything!

Authenticity & Character
Excellent breakfasts, wonderful coffee, great ambience, etc
Location
Walking distance to everything
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
GHL Hotel Portón Medellín

Like any chain hotel! Excellent breakfast buffet

Authenticity & Character
Like any chain hotel
Location
Close to big shopping malls
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel y Spa Getsemani
Villa de Leyva

Too close to the main road. Breakfast just okay

Authenticity & Character
Location
Too close to the main road
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Finca Romelia

We really loved this farm stay in an authentic coffee plantation. The family was very gracious, kind and hospitable; and Don Fernando is obviously passionate about orchids, birds, bonsais, and everything else. His wife Marisa is such an elegant and lovely lady. This multi generational family have been here for over 140 years. We enjoyed spending time watching the birds in their big garden, surrounded by nature and rolling hills of coffee and cacao trees.

Authenticity & Character
Hospitality of the family, the main hacienda is surrounded by lush gardens filled with orchids, bonsais, butterflies, and birds.
Location
Set in over 140 hectares of rolling hills around Manizales. A real working coffee plantation.
Staff
Don Fernando and Dona Marisa
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Boutique y Spa Terra Barichara
Barichara – Santander

Food/breafast offerings were mediocre

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful setting
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Florecer Event: Orchids, Nature, and Traditions
Florecer Event: Orchids, Nature, and Traditions
Medellín

We didn't have enough time at the event. We had to rush through the exhibits and didn't have time to see the many stands in various areas.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful exhibits, lots of local booths but we didn't have enough time to go through them
Food
Don't know about the food as we didn't have time to eat. We just gave the lunches to the driver and the guide.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent driver, we absolutely did not need the guide. Guide was an obstacle to us as we would have preferred to do see everything ourselves.
Transport
Again, Martin was one of the best drivers. He could have been both driver and guide as we would have preferred that.
Natural Reserve Nirvana & Hacienda El Paraiso
Natural Reserve Nirvana & Hacienda El Paraiso
Cali
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Interactive Coffee Tour in Hacienda Combia
Interactive Coffee Tour in Hacienda Combia
Armenia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
We didn't need two guides, the one at the Hacienda was enough
Transport
Excursion to the Puracé National Park
Excursion to the Puracé National Park
Popayán

The local guide was excellent and very knowlegable

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit of Silvia and the Guambiano-Misak community
Visit of Silvia and the Guambiano-Misak community
Silvia

Too touristy, we mainly just went to a few stores and visited a herbal pharmacy We didn't need two guides. I guess it is because the local one did not speak English Wished we could have visited the community's village instead of the town.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Orchid Valley Nursery (Ginebra) + Alameda Market
Orchid Valley Nursery (Ginebra) + Alameda Market
Cali
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jardín: Coffee Village Tradition
Jardín: Coffee Village Tradition
Jardín

Beautiful town. Excellent hotel Perfect guides

Quality of Experience
Wished we had one more day in Jardin
Food
Excellent breakfast
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Both Roberto and Alejandra were excellent guides.
Transport
Visit the Silletera Culture & The Flowers of Santa Elena
Visit the Silletera Culture & The Flowers of Santa Elena
Medellín

We didn't enjoy the visit to the particular "farm". The owner sounded like he's done this millions of times, he appeared really fake. It was a shame that we didn't see any other farms or where flowers are grown. Also, why did we need a guide when we had the owner of the farm giving us the tour?

Quality of Experience
It's too fake for us.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver was excellent, guide was poor
Transport
Martin is an excellent driver and very personable. We really liked him.
Botanical Garden with Biologist
Botanical Garden with Biologist
Medellín

The Botanic Garden is disappointing for visitors who have been to other gardens. The biologist is not very good. Also, why did we need a guide when the biologist was assigned to give us the tour?

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver excellent, guide poor
Transport
We really liked Martin. Froi, the guide, not so much
Orchid Discovery Tour in La Ceja
Orchid Discovery Tour in La Ceja
Medellín

Amazing place. I'm very happy that I requested this visit Local guide is very experienced and is obviously passionate about everything to do with orchids and the place he works at. Bonus was that the owner came out to chat with us. We didn't need the tour guide assigned. The guide at La Ceja was much better.

Quality of Experience
Excellent guide at La Ceja
Food
Unexpected tasty lunch was served.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent driver, mediocre and unecessary guide assigned
Transport
Again, Martin was a wonderful and personable driver who can speak good English (bonus)
Visit the Guatavita Lagoon
Visit the Guatavita Lagoon
Bogotá

We didn't realize that we would spend so much time at the Lagoon. Place felt very touristy.

Quality of Experience
It wasn't for us. Plus, our guide talked too much so we just tuned him out.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver was fine, guide talked too much.
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Aug 19, 2024
Dear Jennifer, Thank you for your detailed feedback regarding your trip to Colombia. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed many aspects of your journey, including the beautiful locations and the hospitality of our country. However, I’m sorry to hear that some of the tours and experiences did not meet your expectations. We take your comments seriously and will work on improving the descriptions of the tours to better align with what you are looking for. We understand that the number of guides on... Read more

Dear Jennifer,

Thank you for your detailed feedback regarding your trip to Colombia. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed many aspects of your journey, including the beautiful locations and the hospitality of our country. However, I’m sorry to hear that some of the tours and experiences did not meet your expectations. We take your comments seriously and will work on improving the descriptions of the tours to better align with what you are looking for. We understand that the number of guides on certain tours was excessive; this is a situation in Colombia in some regions because many local guides unfortunately do not speak English, and local guides are mandatory in many places.

Once again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We’re committed to improving our services based on your valuable input and hope to have the opportunity to better meet your expectations in the future.

Feel free to let us know if we can assist you with your next orchid tour in Colombia!

Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

Unforgettable Birding Trip to Colombia
Colombia | Jul 30 - Aug 10, 2024

Thea
Thea B.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 13, 2024
Booking our trip through Kimkim was incredibly easy. For many years now, I've wanted to go birdwatching in Colombia but knew so little about the country and where to go. Michael put together an amazing itinerary starting in Bogota, ending in Santa Marta, and including Manizales in the "coffee triangle". We saw over 200 species of birds, most of which were lifers, and stayed in some of the most beautiful places I think I've ever seen. Hacienda Venezia was a spectacular historic home on a... Read more

Booking our trip through Kimkim was incredibly easy. For many years now, I've wanted to go birdwatching in Colombia but knew so little about the country and where to go. Michael put together an amazing itinerary starting in Bogota, ending in Santa Marta, and including Manizales in the "coffee triangle". We saw over 200 species of birds, most of which were lifers, and stayed in some of the most beautiful places I think I've ever seen. Hacienda Venezia was a spectacular historic home on a coffee plantation; El Dorado had "glamorous" huts on the top of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, with panoramic views of the entire planet, it felt; and Senda Koguiwa felt like a luxurious tropical resort. Even the HAB hotel, where we stayed in Bogota, was chic, comfortable, and upscale. The guides were incredibly knowledgable and everyone was kind and attentive. There were some live changes to the itinerary, but that's par for the course.

There were just a few issues, all of which could be ironed out with a few adjustments:

1. The breakfast box supplied by Senda Koguiwa was awful: a dry bread roll with tasteless cheese and ham, and nothing else. It was clear to me that they don't usually put these together for guests.

2. The accommodations at El Dorado were beautiful but they were dangerous. The pathways that lead from the huts up to the main restaurant were loose, slippery, and muddy and didn't have any hand railing to help people stabilize themselves. The wooden boards that were used to create steps in the mud were rotting and collapsed when stepped on. Someone literally could break their leg hiking this path. They also haven't strung up any lights along these pathways and so when you walk back from the restaurant at night (it's a good 8-minute walk to the furthest cabins!) you essentially do that in the pitch blackness. We weren't prepared for this: no one told us to bring torches for the journey.

3. Our final guide for the trip (and I won't mention his name here) was extremely knowledgeable but he lacked experience actually GUIDING people, particularly larger groups. He didn't really look after us at all but rather walked ahead, birded, and told whoever was closest to him what they were seeing. He didn't explain anything, didn't make sure the whole group had seen the birds, and didn't wait for the stragglers to catch up. We had some older folks in our group and he never waited to help them up/down slippery slopes or difficult obstacles. He just forged ahead and if someone had dropped off the edge of the mountain, he probably wouldn't have noticed. I learned how to work with him—by sticking closely to his side and asking him relentless questions—but the rest of the group struggled. He also never explained what we were doing or what to expect so we were often ill-prepared for the activities we were doing. I'm able to say these things about him because the other guides we had were so wonderful with the group.

4. Finally, birding is a long and physical activity. It would be nice if all the guides kept a cooler in the back of the van with bottles of cold water, soft drinks, and perhaps some snacks (health bars / fruit or whatever) on trips that are longer than 3 hours. There were many early mornings we left to bird and weren't given any coffee or tea at all, and had to wait until mid-morning breakfast or lunch to eat or drink again. It would take so little to address this and it would have a major impact on the happiness of your future birders.

5. Recommendation for Senda Koguiwa: put up bird feeders! They have such a gorgeous property with so many birds already but with feeders, you'd attract birdwatchers by the thousands!

None of these are criticisms but rather intended as feedback to help Kimkim fine-tune its services for birders. Overall, we had the adventure of a lifetime and it was wonderful to sit back and enjoy the ride!

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Aug 19, 2024
Dear Thea, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. I'm thrilled to hear that your group had such a memorable birdwatching adventure in Colombia and that the itinerary met your expectations, allowing you to see over 200 bird species in these diverse locations. WOW! It’s great to know that you enjoyed your stays, particularly at Hacienda Venecia, El Dorado, and Senda Koguiwa, and that our guides were knowledgeable and attentive throughout most of your trip. I... Read more

Dear Thea,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback. I'm thrilled to hear that your group had such a memorable birdwatching adventure in Colombia and that the itinerary met your expectations, allowing you to see over 200 bird species in these diverse locations. WOW! It’s great to know that you enjoyed your stays, particularly at Hacienda Venecia, El Dorado, and Senda Koguiwa, and that our guides were knowledgeable and attentive throughout most of your trip.

I truly appreciate your constructive feedback regarding the areas that could use improvement. Your comments are incredibly valuable as they help us enhance the experience for future travelers. We will discuss the points you mentioned with the hotels and guides to ensure these improvements are made!

Thank you again, and we hope to welcome you back soon.

Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

Margoth and her team planned a wonderful trip...
Colombia | Aug 1 - Aug 10, 2024

M
Megan H.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Aug 12, 2024

Margoth and her team planned a wonderful trip for us to the coffee region, Medellin, and Cartagena. Every detail was thoughtfully planned. And, when we were traveling, they were extremely responsive to our needs and helped us make a few changes along the way. I would highly recommend a trip to beautiful Colombia. Be sure to use Margoth and Arcanto travel when you do!!

Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Aug 12, 2024

Dear Megan,

Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review. It was a pleasure meeting you and Lucas, and we appreciate you including us in your trip! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience and enjoyed your time in Colombia 😊!

Sending you our very best wishes from Colombia, and we hope you stay in touch!

Best regards,
Margoth and The Aracanto Team

Truly amazing, wonderful, unique and special trip
Colombia | Jun 24 - Jul 2, 2024

Clare
Clare T.
Menlo Park, CA | Reviewed on Jul 31, 2024
I absolutely loved my trip to Colombia this past June/July. I had the good fortune to have Michael as my trip planner. He did such a fantastic job listening to what I wanted to see and focus on while still staying within my budget. We went through several iterations of plans and ideas, and he was just patient and thoughtful and full of suggestions and recommendations. In the end I had just the perfect trip planned, and I got to see so many wonderful places. Another highlight of my trip was my... Read more

I absolutely loved my trip to Colombia this past June/July. I had the good fortune to have Michael as my trip planner. He did such a fantastic job listening to what I wanted to see and focus on while still staying within my budget. We went through several iterations of plans and ideas, and he was just patient and thoughtful and full of suggestions and recommendations. In the end I had just the perfect trip planned, and I got to see so many wonderful places. Another highlight of my trip was my guide, Camila, who has to be one of the most special, smart, caring, generous guides and people I've had the pleasure to meet. She went out of her way to explain things to me and show me things and encourage me to try things. She was always putting me first. Her English was excellent and she even let me practice my Spanish a bit. I had such an amazing trip that I am already committed to going back next summer, and hopefully Michael can work his magic and come up with another wonderful journey and Camila will be available to guide me. I loved all the hotels and special places Michael found for me. I did have some questions during my trip, and both Camila and Michael were immediately responsive and tried to fix and improve things to make sure I had the best trip ever...which I did. I could not be more grateful to both of them...and to my amazing driver, Wilson, as well! He was such a conscientious driver and friendly and outgoing and I hope he is free next summer as well as I can't way to go back and explore more of this beautiful country.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Dann Monasterio
Popayan

Great hotel! After more than a week of staying in some random and small places, it felt like luxury to find a clean hotel with wifi (everywhere!) and hot water in the shower! It was very clean and the customer service was impeccable. I think I was nearly the only tourist there, but everyone attended to me and helped me. I am especially grateful to Nathalie who was working in the kitchen. I walked down and gave her my dinner order, and she went above and beyond to make it special and deliver it to me. She was so kind and sweet...totally made my stay. Would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Finca El Maco
San Agustin

This was my very favorite place to stay during my 9 day visit to Colombia. Granted, I think I stayed in the best room they had! But it was really remarkable and unique. The staff was very helpful, the breakfast was delicious, and the room I had was unbelievable. Probably the best place I have ever stayed. I agree with other comments about the barking dogs...they really need to do something about that! (Not chain them up at night??) But I still loved it and would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
POSADA TURISTICA DANTAYACO

What a lovely place! I was enchanted. So unique and special. Everyone there was so helpful and kind. Quiet and so cute! Lots os monkeys and you can hear the river nearby. I was the only tourist there but the staff was super friendly and helpful. Delicious food. It was really unique and I'd stay there again in a heartbeat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel De La Opera
Bogotá

Really lovely hotel. I had a great stay here. The staff was super helpful, the breakfast was very tasty, and everything was more than I could have asked for. There was hot water in the showers and free wifi! Comfortable bed and quiet. I did get there early so could not check into my room but they watched my bag until the room was ready. I saw some other comments about the staff not speaking English and I just disagree. We are guests in their country and if you can't take the time to learn some basic Spanish then at least know you can use Google translate to communicate with them. I do not think the onus should be on the staff; it is on us as guests to be good visitors. I know rudimentary Spanish and I think they appreciated my attempt to be understood. The hotel is really well located and would totally stay there again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Chalet Guamuez

This place is very cute and spacious. Each room has great views and some rooms have fireplaces. The breakfast was delicious and the staff was super friendly. I personally had problems as I found the rooms very cold (there is no central heat...just space heaters) but my guide swooped in to help me resolve this. Also, the wifi in the rooms is again not totally reliable, but the staff there did their best to help me solve this. There are not too many places to stay in this particular area, and it was very pretty.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Majestic Coffee Hotel And Restaurant

This was a very cute place to stay, and I have to stay that I had the best meal EVER at this particular place...for $6! :) The lady who runs it should be running a Michelin restaurant. The rooms are very simple but clean. Note there is no Wifi in any of the rooms, despite what their website says. Still..there are not a lot of options if you want to see Tierradentro, so I think this was totally the best option. It was very pretty and charming, and the lady and her family there were super friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore the Town of San Agustín
Explore the Town of San Agustín
San Agustín

Camila gave me a personal tour of the city, and it was really fun and interesting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Excursion in Tierradentro Archaeolgical Park
Excursion in Tierradentro Archaeolgical Park
Tierradentro

Loved my trip to the park. Learned a lot and the site was amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit of the "Fin del Mundo"
Visit of the "Fin del Mundo"
Mocoa

Loved my hike to fin del mundo! It was much longer and more difficult than I first thought, but I am glad I did it. So beautiful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Indigenous Market in Silvia
Indigenous Market in Silvia
Colombia

Really interesting visit to this market!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bogotá Walking Tour
Bogotá Walking Tour
Bogotá

I loved my walking tour! I had a fantastic guide. Wish it were longer, but it was my first day after a long flight, and I was exhausted. Still, my guide was awesome.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bus-Tour to Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
Bus-Tour to Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
Colombia

Loved seeing this cathedral! Totally unique. Worth a visit. My guide was awesome.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit to the Sanctuary of Las Lajas
Visit to the Sanctuary of Las Lajas
Colombia

Visiting Las Lajas was one of the highlights of my trip. Brought me to tears...it was so pretty.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the La Cocha Lagoon
Visit the La Cocha Lagoon
La Cocha

Loved my boat trip on the lagoon. It was cold and windy, but so pretty!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee Tour on a Local Farm
Coffee Tour on a Local Farm
San Agustín

Loved my trip to the coffee farm! I learned a lot and the coffee was very good.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jul 31, 2024
Dear Clare,
Thank you so much for your detailed and heartfelt review of your trip to Colombia. It means a lot to hear such positive feedback, and I’m glad you had such a wonderful experience.
Meeting you in person during your travels was truly a highlight for me. It’s always special to connect with our travelers, and I’m delighted that everything, from the itinerary to the accommodations, met your expectations. I’m also pleased to hear that Camila and Wilson contributed significantly to your...
Read more

Dear Clare,
Thank you so much for your detailed and heartfelt review of your trip to Colombia. It means a lot to hear such positive feedback, and I’m glad you had such a wonderful experience.
Meeting you in person during your travels was truly a highlight for me. It’s always special to connect with our travelers, and I’m delighted that everything, from the itinerary to the accommodations, met your expectations. I’m also pleased to hear that Camila and Wilson contributed significantly to your journey; they are indeed exceptional at what they do.

I’m excited to start planning your next trip for next summer. We will make sure it’s another unforgettable experience, full of new adventures and discoveries. I’ll coordinate with Camila and Wilson to see if they can join us again.

Thank you once again for your kind words, and I look forward to working with you on another memorable journey!

Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

We loved Colombia!
Colombia | Jul 4 - Jul 13, 2024

Stephanie
Stephanie O.
Chaumont, NY | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024
What an unforgettable trip Colombia was! I don’t normally get help when planning travel, but I’m so glad I did. From the moment we arrived, our tour guide, Lee, took incredible care of us. We learned so much from her about each place we went, but it didn’t *feel* like learning, it felt like a fun conversation! She was full of surprises, ducking into a store and emerging with local chocolates for us to try, bringing my husband and I a local cocktail, etc. You could tell it was a joy for her to... Read more

What an unforgettable trip Colombia was! I don’t normally get help when planning travel, but I’m so glad I did. From the moment we arrived, our tour guide, Lee, took incredible care of us. We learned so much from her about each place we went, but it didn’t *feel* like learning, it felt like a fun conversation! She was full of surprises, ducking into a store and emerging with local chocolates for us to try, bringing my husband and I a local cocktail, etc. You could tell it was a joy for her to share her country with us. The biggest endorsement- three teenagers loved the trip and had a ton of fun!
My kids loved riding ATVs and playing soccer with the locals, my husband and I loved visiting the coffee farm and having lunch in the kitchen of an amazing mountainside organic farmer/chef. Medellín blew us away. It felt so safe and was quite beautiful. Cartagena was a vibrant (and hot!)
There is no way I could’ve found the hidden gems that Kim Kim took us to without their help. Thank you for memories that will last us a lifetime!

Local specialist: Andrea Morita
Andrea
Andrea Morita
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Aug 08, 2024

Dear Stephanie,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We are thrilled to hear that your trip to Colombia was unforgettable. That is our mission and the reason we get inspired by our travelers in doing our job.

Thank you for entrusting us with your travel plans and for highlighting the hidden gems we love to share. Your kind words and memories mean the world to us, and we’re so happy to have been part of creating lifetime memories for your family.

Wishing you all the best,
Andrea

KimKim Tours - Colombia
Colombia | Jul 5 - Jul 14, 2024

K
Kandavel P.
Canada | Reviewed on Jul 21, 2024
KimKim is one of the best companies in which you can book your tours for any country. They offer a great variety of tours for each country. We used Kimkim for different countries like Australia and Cambodia, but we decided to try for Colombia and it was great. Our tour organizer was Micheal, who arranged the tour perfectly well and made us really happy of his excellent service. All the guides in the cities in Colombia were very informative, kind and friendly. The hotels chosen by Micheal were... Read more

KimKim is one of the best companies in which you can book your tours for any country. They offer a great variety of tours for each country. We used Kimkim for different countries like Australia and Cambodia, but we decided to try for Colombia and it was great. Our tour organizer was Micheal, who arranged the tour perfectly well and made us really happy of his excellent service. All the guides in the cities in Colombia were very informative, kind and friendly. The hotels chosen by Micheal were all really good. The food options are great if you are a non-vegetarian, but it is very hard to find vegetarian food in Colombia.

So, KimKim, you guys did a best job. Please do keep it up. Thank you!

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jul 22, 2024

Dear Kandavel,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for choosing Chaska Tours through KimKim for your travels in Colombia. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience here. It's fantastic to know that our guides were informative, kind, and friendly, and that you were pleased with our hotel selections.
We appreciate your feedback about the food options and understand that finding vegetarian meals can be challenging in Colombia.
Best regards,
Michael & Chaska Tours Team