Kimkim Trip Reviews for Colombia

We just returned from our 2 week family vacation to Columbia. Michael Gold worked with us for months prior on our itinerary, and he did not disappoint! Everything went off without a hitch! Michael arranged all of our flights, drivers and guides who were always on time, and very knowledgable. Our family wanted a mix of city, beach and nature, and Michael was always happy to modify our itinerary if we changed our minds. Michael was also always available to us while on the trip via Whatsapp if we had a question. We loved the horseback riding in Pereira, and the fruit-tasting there is a must! The scenery in Cocora Valley is not to be missed. Hotel Quadrifolio in Cartegena was a unique, restored hotel that was a gem to stay in and is perfectly located to stroll in the old city. Our kids even enjoyed the Bolero Museum in Bogota and wandering around the city. We would highly recommend visiting Columbia, and we will definitely be using KimKim again in the future!

Huge thanks to Margarita for organizing a wonderful two week trip to Colombia. From our first interactions with Margarita through emails, to our conference call talking about our proposed itinerary, to the warm welcome at the airport, to to the constant contact with her during our trip, she was marvelous. Margarita seamlessly modified our plans based on changing circumstances and arrange for some unique personal experiences.
Our guides and drivers were top notch. Our guides were friendly, informative, patient and really understood what we were looking to experience during our trip. Our drivers were likewise wonderful people who made us feel very comfortable throughout the trip. And we certainly did not leave Colombia hungry, Margarita's suggestions for restaurants were right on target. We had some amazing dining experiences for our dinners, and enjoyed local favorites during the day.
This was my first trip to Colombia, and my preconceptions of the country were totally wrong. I will become an ambassador to my friends about the safety, beauty of the country, cleanliness, and friendliness of the people, We had the opportunity to spend most of our time in Bogota, Villa De Leyva, Medellin and Cartagena, with side trips to small villages and even a lovely boat ride to a small village island near Cartagena. I loved experiencing each of these very different places, though the temperature in Cartagena was a bit too hot for us too stay out all day. I fell in love with Villa De Leyva which is such a beautiful. peaceful old Colonial town. The outdated stereotype about safety in Colombia needs to be changed. I felt totally safe during my entire trip. I felt very comfortable to walk around the neighborhoods by my hotels.
All in all, my trip to Colombia was wonderful. Again I thank Margarita for her excellent planning and I have no hesitation to recommend KimKim as a travel agent.

Michael did a great job. He paid attention to details. He used the airlines we wanted when available, got our seat assignments the way we wanted them and also entered our frequent flyer numbers into the reservation. He had every detail set up and everything went perfectly. His suggestions on where to go was very good. Any time we had a question he answered immediately. It was a great trip with great support.

Hotel Reviews

BH Bicentenario

Bogotá

Authenticity & Character

Nice hotel.

Location

Staff

Staff was helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Salento Plaza

Nice hotel very clean and great location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Finca Hotel del Cafe

Santa Rosa de Cabal

Very nice hotel located at a coffee farm.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Located at a coffee farm, but not close to much else. the restaurant was about a 10-minute walk.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sites

Medellin

Nice spacious hotel located in a nice and safe neighborhood. Convenience store across the street. Two restaurants in the hotel and others very close.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Tour Peñol & Guatapé

Medellín

Good trip but long. The traffic going back and forth was frustrating.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

No problem with driver vehicle just bad traffic.

Coffee Tour

Santa Rosa de Cabal

It was a very nice stay and a very nice coffee tour. Learned a lot about the coffee process and types.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Filandia, Salento and Valle del Cocora

Colombia

It was an amazing tour. Seeing the area was a highlight of the trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Santa Rosa Hot Springs

Colombia

A really pretty area and a fun place to relax. There is a cold waterfall and hot Springs. The combination is unique and beautiful. It was a fun stop.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bogota's Essentials (City Tour & Monserrate)

Bogotá

Very nice tour. Guide with exceptional.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

It was a walking tour. Very interesting.

I am back home after a most wonderful visit to Colombia. Having never been to Colombia before, I really didn’t know what to expect. It was even more than I hoped for, thanks to your efforts as well as those of the guides, drivers and the gracious people of Colombia. I compliment you on the organization of the trip and all of the planning that went in to it. Our goals of street photography were certainly met. Our guides and drivers were all first rate. I had no issues with communicating with them or in their choices and suggestions on where to go and what to see. I also found a great culinary scene.. Of the places we visited, in my mind Medellin was probably my favorite, with Bogota and Villa de Leyva tied second. Cartagena was interesting, but way too many tourists. The Patio del Mundo hotel in Medellin was quite stunning. The people of Colombia were most gracious and helpful. What also impressed me was the lack of litter anywhere, something the US could take a lesson from. The reputation that Colombia has regarding violence is a sad and underserved one, as it was not evident anywhere we went. I felt completely safe during my whole journey. I would highly recommend Kimkim as a tour operator for any trips to Colombia.

Hotel Review

Patio del Mundo

Medellín

What a place! Divided between two houses, one has in essence a private residence. Everything was first class. It was convenient to a number of nice restaurants, breakfasts were exceptional and the staff most helpful and friendly.

Authenticity & Character

In a quiet neighborhood with a exceptionally comfortable room, as well as 'living room', etc.

Location

Close to several upscale restaurants.

Staff

They could not have been more attentive and helpful. The lady during the day at the front desk couldn't have been more helpful. She also spoke wonderful English.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The whole place is meticulously clean

Activity Reviews

Rum & Chocolate Tasting

Cartagena

We were able to sample eight different rums with very nice side dishes over about an hour a half. The presenter was very knowledgeable about all of the rums. Just a great experience.

Quality of Experience

The depth of rums tasted as well as the knowledge of the presenter.

The Salt Cathedral & Zipaquirá

Colombia

If you are in the area this is a must visit.Carved from a salt mine six hundred feet below the surface, it is something to behold.

Quality of Experience

Capture Bogotá: Art and History Highlights

Bogotá

Spent several hours in the area. Having an interest in wall art, I found the quantity and quality to both be well above average. It is an easy walk through an industrial area with blocks of art.

Quality of Experience

The extent and quality of the art.

Discover the iconic Comuna 13

Medellín

An extensive area in Medellin, Commune 13 is a cornucopia of everything from graffiti to exceptional wall art. the area is now safe to walk and admire the art.

Quality of Experience

The extent of the area and the wall art.

Food

A number of restaurants in the area.

The Magical Getsemaní & Its Graffitis

Cartagena

If you have any interest in wall art, plan on spending some time here. It is a very interesting neighborhood of Cartagena, well worth the effort to experience it. There is some scrawled graffiti, but most is exceptional wall art.

Quality of Experience

The extent of interesting houses and wall art. As in most of Colombia the streets are spotless and filled with friendly people.

Through KimKim we were connected with amazing Colombian agents from Aracanto, Margoth and Felipe. Everything was planned and reserved online easily, and when we arrived for our first day we were welcomed with a gift (travel necessities and more) and by our guide.
Everyday was an adventure with guides and reservations made at enticing restaurants....restaurants we would have never known to book. Each guide not only told stories, they had lived the stories of the city. They were able to connect us personally to the land, town, city or region with their own encounters. Plus everyone was so passionate about their region and proud to share the diversity of Colombia.
At the end of our trip I unfortunately fell ill, BUT Margoth went the extra mile to assist us. I will never forget the care and extra work she magically did to ensure our comfort.
Thank you KimKim for creating a collection of highly knowledgeable and caring agents worldwide.
Much Gratitude~Dorrinda Carlson

We highly recommend the Aracanto team led by Margoth and Felipe who did an excellent job, 1st listening to what we wanted and then planning a seamless complex trip. All their guides and drivers were top class and we learnt so much about this fascinating country. The standout part of their service was Margoth and Felipe’s genuine care and response 24/7 to any issue and willingness to make changes and reservations whilst we were in country which gave us great confidence as 1st time visitors. S&J UK

Hotel Reviews

Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia

Bogotá

Perfect high quality hotel as a base for a Bogata visit located in a nice area - great buffet breakfast but slow service

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hacienda Bambusa

El Caimo

Beautiful and unique property more like a private home than a hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

The roads are dreadful to get this property - it works much better as arrive and chill out rather than as a base for day tours

Staff

All the staff are great but the walking guide was amazing guy and his walking tour around the estate and neighbouring Cacao farm was a highlight!

Cleanliness & Comfort

El Cielo Hotel

Medellin

Top boutique hotel in best district of Medellin . Hotel is lovely and well designed but rooms are a bit soulless and corporate

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bedrooms not v comfortable

Villa Playa Tayrona

Magdalena

Beautiful villa style property in an amazing location overlooking river and sea with a pool in front . We would have preferred a room with a view which was not available.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Welcome wasn’t up to the usual up to standard we experienced in Columbia - a tour of the property would have helped.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Casa San Agustín

Cartagena de Indias

Amazing architecture beautiful boutique hotel in heart of old town.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

City Tour of Bogotá with Gold Museum, La Candelaria, and Monserrate Hill

Bogotá

Excellent- Oscar our guide was very knowledgeable and a really nice guy and we really enjoyed visiting the highlights of Bogata

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Short Cacao Tour (Hacienda Bambusa)

Armenia

We did this immediately on arrival and it was a super way to unwind from air travel and an unpleasant journey to the property on v bad roads . This hotel no longer sits in the middle of a Cacao farm - it’s now industrial level citrus planting so this walk takes you to the neighbouring farm to see Cacao farming on a charming local level.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide Camilo was a delight and v knowledgeable and chilled

Drivers were very good; I was happy to have Martin drive us again from Medellin to Jardin.
Carlos was excellent too, he drove us from Jardin to Salamina and then from Salamina to Armenia.
The hotels were great except for Hotel Sites in Medellin. There was no hot water in the sinks.

Our trip was fabulous. The planning was fast and efficient and the execution of the plan was almost flawless (perfection is boring so this is a good thing). We had wonderful drivers and guides. Our experiences were very well thought out, fun and educational. We learned a great deal about the people and culture of different parts of Colombia.

Michael and his team were available and responsive when we had questions and/or concerns that needed to be addressed. Usually, I do the majority of planning and logistics for myself and anyone that I travel with. It usually turns out well, but it is a lot of work. This is my first time using a service like this and I am now spoiled by having the professionals do it for me. I highly recommend KimKim and Michael and his team.

Activity Reviews

Traditional Dinner - Top Chef Private Dining

Bogotá

Maria arranged for a wonderful dinner in her home. The chef and her team allowed us to try our first Colombian food and we loved it. We also had a great educational discussion with Maria about sustainability and her company's mission to educate travelers about it.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fruits of Colombia Food Tour

Bogotá

This is a must do when in Bogota. We tasted so many amazing fruits and learned so much from our guide. There are 433 types of fruit in Colombia and even through we only tried 20 or so, we learned how important diversity is to the overall health and sustainability of our food. After this tour, my travel companion and I said that we would have been completely satisfied with the trip if it had to end right then. It would have been worth the time and effort to get there to experience just this.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Rosario Islands Day Trip

Cartagena

My travel companion and I are not great at just sitting on a beach and relaxing. We did kayak for a while, but it just was not to our taste. We were ready to leave about two hours before the boat was ready to take us back. If you can relax, this would be a great experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hike Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park

This was a full day of hiking with a wonderful beach and dip in the sea in the middle. We saw sloths and howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys and snakes (non poisonous) and birds of all sorts. Our guide was very knowledgeable and fun. Eating at the beachside restaurant was lovely and the food was delicious!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sunset Drum & Dance Safari at the Beach of La Boquilla

Colombia

It was just us on the evening we attended so we had a private experience at the beach. The beautiful young people taught us how to use three different drums and to dance. They were fabulous. A great experience for sure.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Market Visit & Cooking Class

Cartagena

The market was a bit rough (took off one star for that-but my travel companion LOVED the market part) but Gloria (our chef) was no nonsense and knew exactly what she wanted and helped us to select wonderful ingredients with which she helped us make a feast. The food she taught us to prepare was one of the best meals of the trip.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Walking Tour & Street Food

Cartagena

Great tour of the city with a fun and knowledgeable guide. Eddie brought the walled city to life for us and tried to educate us about the wonderful street food. Unfortunately, both of us were off of food at the moment so could not partake in too much of it.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Very enjoyable trip, except for the excessive heat in Cartagena. All guides, except one were great and that one needs some maturing when dealing with people.

Hotel Reviews

The Artisan D.C. Hotel, Autograph Collection

Bogotá

Top notch.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Reserva Natural Sazagua Valle del Cocora

Rustic, situated in aforested and hilly area.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

El Cielo Hotel

Medellin

Great hotel and menu, on-the-ball staff.

Authenticity & Character

Only odd thing about it was that the reception was on the 5th Floor!!!! Not something I like.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

Cartagena

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Went out of their way to accommodate. Even celebrated my wife's Birthday

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room we ended up with was at the further point away from the centre of the hotel. Dungy, noisy and musty. An old part?? Needs renewal.

Hotel Boutique Sazagua

Pereira

Once upon a time this would have been quite the spot; but it's worn and not kept well.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cobwebs hanging from high ceilings, Worn wall paper. Needs a total renewal

Activity Reviews

Authentic Coffee Farm Visit and Meeting a Local Family

Colombia

Quite the experience and more so by meeting with the family and learning about their small business

Quality of Experience

Food

Thorougly enjoyed the excessive meal cooking by the owner's wife

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Cooking Class and Dinner

Colombia

Quality of Experience

Food

Guatape and El Peñol

Colombia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Street Art, Tejo Game and Chocolate Activity in Bogota

Bogotá

Quality of Experience

Enjoyed playing Tejo. Chocolate experience was interesting but more appropriate for a professional blind taste test. Rather than do the test; just a tasting with explanations is more appropriate

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Thermal Waters Santa Rosa de Cabal

Colombia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Local Fruit Market and Street food Tour

Bogotá

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Rum Tasting with Chocolate Pairing

Cartagena

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Colombia!

Colombia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Colombian Drinks and Cocktail Tasting Experience

Colombia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Monserrate Hill with Transportation

Bogotá

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

City Tour of Bogota with Gold Museum!

Bogotá

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Cooking Class and Lunch

Cartagena

Quality of Experience

Food

Great instruction via translator by the chef. Work tables could be more solid/stable.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Arepa Making Cooking Class

Colombia

Quality of Experience

Kind of a hodgepodge of grinding and making varioos arepas

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Aguardiente Tasting (Local Colombian drink)

Colombia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The general manager of the hotel did the experience. Quite a funny and off-the-wall person

Transport

City Tour of Medellín (with Local Market)

Medellín

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cocora Valley, Salento, and Filandia Coffee Town

Colombia

Quality of Experience

Colourful and entertaing.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Depart Colombia

Colombia

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Overall great co-ordination on all our flights and getting us there.

Music and Colombian Afro Flow Tour - Cultural Immersion at a Comuna

Medellín

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

City Tour of Cartagena with Food Tasting and Graffiti Tour

Cartagena

Quality of Experience

Too long, too Hot for 5 hours

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Alvaro is young ,energetic and friendly. But Alvaro was like a robot having to get through all his memorized items and descriptions. Had to tell him twice that 5 hours in the heat was too much and let's cut it off and head back. He'd be a great guide with the proper tutelage.

Transport

Dinner Reservation at Jardin Restaurant (Sofitel Santa Clara)

Cartagena

Quality of Experience

Good food.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Great young waiter.

Local guides/drivers were prompt, pleasant and anxious to please. Tourism and hospitality is recognized as essential to improve quality of life. Our program included Bogotá, Salento, Pereira, Medellin, Guatape and El Penol, ending in Cartagena. Enjoyed all of the activities and hotels with the exception of our room in Cartagena which was at the end of a long corridor, dark and musty...not a great image for a tourist given the rest of the hotel. Improvement with guide in Cartagena to better know the needs of their clients...very hot city and a walk about for 5hrs is not sensible nor was it fun...excessive details about the fort etc., was way too much. Other guides were knowledgeable, fun and genuinely cared about their jobs and their clients. The Colombian people are generous, pleasant, quick to smile and proud of their country. Language in hospitality needs to include more English for an easier rapport and better understanding of what is being requested. Our program provided me with a better understanding of this interesting country and am very happy to have visited.

Hotel Review

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

Cartagena

The hotel looks beautiful and has lovely food...unfortunately we did not have a nice room...at the end of a long corridor on main level , dark and musty.

Activity Reviews

Welcome to Colombia!

Colombia

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Monserrate Hill with Transportation

Bogotá

Enjoyed the cable car ride up the hill and learning about how it was developed. The site at the top was beautiful and we carefully maneuvered the slippery paths...rainy day ..

City Tour of Cartagena with Food Tasting and Graffiti Tour

Cartagena

Felt our guide was inexperienced, not well organized and didn't seem to know how to relate to the client. As senior clients walking about in 41 degree weather for 5 hours is not OK....we ended our walking tour before seeing the market or taste testing. Our introduction to Cartagena was not a positive lasting impression. Our hotel room was not up to the standard of the other places we had enjoyed. The overall impression of the hotel is most positive, beautiful grounds, pool dining areas but our room was at the end of a long corridor on the main floor and it was dark, dingy and needed refurbishing...the picture over the bed was a frame only. Our dining experiences were all positive.

Local Fruit Market and Street food Tour

Bogotá

Many fruits are new to the tourists and it is nice to be able to try them. The arepas made by a special lady were the best I ate compared to the many I tasted through out Colombia. The flower market was colourful and nice to see .... wasn't too sure the vendors were too happy with us walking through as they were getting ready to close....might we worth considering talking with a vendor to learn more about the business and even receive one flower as token....

City Tour of Bogota with Gold Museum!

Bogotá

The museum was delightful...our guide told us about a few key issues and then we took whatever time we wanted to look at the various exhibits.

Street Art, Tejo Game and Chocolate Activity in Bogota

Bogotá

Colourful, insightful and fun...enjoyed the street art. Most fun for us was playing tejo accompanied by a mulatto local beer...chocolate pairing made us feel like we were in a lab doing a very detailed taste tasting...far too much technical stuff for regular tourist...this program needs to be delivered in a more relaxed fun manner.

Aguardiente Tasting (Local Colombian drink)

Colombia

Very generous manager and chef introduced us to your national drink. We had lots of laughs and can see why this is such a social beverage.

Dinner Reservation at Jardin Restaurant (Sofitel Santa Clara)

Cartagena

Many kind wishes were sent my way for my BD celebration....even the hotel dining staff had a lovely dessert for me and sang happy birthday. The meal was delicious, beautiful presented and we enjoyed. There seems to be the thought that if you remove a plate as soon as finished it is efficient...not so when you are eating with another person ... my question which never has been answered is why does Colombia mark up their price of wine so significantly? If tourism is the goal, expect wine drinking goes with that....we were able to find delicious wines in the local grocery for a reasonable amount.

Arepa Making Cooking Class

Colombia

Enjoyed my time with the chef learning about the different corns and how they are treated. With the help of his kitchen staff, the final presentation was delightful.

Cocora Valley, Salento, and Filandia Coffee Town

Colombia

Amazing valley and seeing these magnificent palms was awesome....our guide was very knowledgeable about the area and shared this with us in an easy to understand discussion. He was happy to accommodate a request to show me an avocado tree and took the time to explain the growth etc. Both Salento and Filandia were colourful and easily walkable locations.

Private Cooking Class and Lunch

Cartagena

A very well spoken knowledgeable chef taught us lots about the cuisine and how to actual tackle some items that were new for us. We enjoyed all of the dishes that we made and have a much better understanding of the work and effort that goes into some of the Caribbean dishes. Loved the aprons that were easy for me to get home...great memory jogger of a fun time.

Private Cooking Class and Dinner

Colombia

Well organized with an interpreter and set up efficient for us to easily manage the steps. Enjoyed the class, the chef, the gift of columbian pots and the experience.

Colombian Drinks and Cocktail Tasting Experience

Colombia

Relaxed, fun and playful experience.

City Tour of Medellín (with Local Market)

Medellín

Enjoyed the exhibition of sculptures by Botero. Our guide shared comical information which kept the history fun and memorable.. the wonderful metro cable up to Santo Domingo was enjoyable and knowledgeable and an amazing method to move people through this massive city in a cost efficient manner.

Quality of Experience

Authentic Coffee Farm Visit and Meeting a Local Family

Colombia

One of the best activities and learning experiences in Colombia. From costume setting, to picking the beans and walking through the fields and learning about the many steps that are taken to produce this bean was amazing. The lady of the manor prepared drinks and snacks and then a sizeable lunch for all of us to enjoy. Language wasn't difficult with a fluent guide and gestures and smiles all added to the enjoy,ent.

Thermal Waters Santa Rosa de Cabal

Colombia

We enjoyed taking the path with our guide at a leisurely pace to see the thermal waters. Quite a stunning area of natural beauty.

Guatape and El Peñol

Colombia

Other than the rain, we enjoyed getting to the area as well as learning about La Piedra rock. No pressure to climb and didn't.

Music and Colombian Afro Flow Tour - Cultural Immersion at a Comuna

Medellín

Essential to experience this neighborhood in order to better understand the massive changes that have taken place by those living in very poor dangerous conditions.

Depart Colombia

Colombia

A tour guide arrived at our VBRO, same young chap we had met before......he waited with us until the driver arrived...we were not aware a guide was to accompany us...and off we went to the airport where we were dropped off outside....every other guide that we had accompanied us inside the terminal to ensure a smooth transition, and that's when we tipped....without meaningful service, no tipping. The driver was new to us and the seat belts were non workable in the rear and when we pointed this out we were advised that the car had been cleaned and they hadn't pulled the clips back through....whatever the reason, the client should not be put in that position.

Rum Tasting with Chocolate Pairing

Cartagena

Cartagena takes a little time to get oriented ... our guide walked us to this event which was essential for us as it was an evening event. The owner and presenter of the event was friendly and fun and enjoyed his job. We enjoyed learning about the different flavour profiles and how they were created and the little tapas to aid with the palette were delicious. On our walk back to the hotel we were able to see the party buses and how night life lives in this city.

Our trip to Colombia was put together by Michael and it was an amazing adventure. We enjoyed all the places we visited and the experiences we had. We took in many historical and cultural activities as well as many nature excursions and hikes. It was tailored to what we like to do and our tour guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. The trip went very smoothly with all the details looked after. We loved visiting Solento and the Corcora Valley with a hike to the top to see the hummingbirds. San Augustin and the Archeological Park was excellent. Purace National Park was amazing and we were able to see the condor birds up close. The Tayrona National Park is beautiful and well worth visiting. All the cities we visited were very interesting and the Gold Museum in Bogata is definitely worth taking in. The trip was fantastic and we didn't want it to end. Thank you Michael and Chaska Tours.

From initial planning to ultimately finishing the trek in the beautiful Cocora Valley, we couldn’t have been more pleased with every aspect of this journey. The attention to detail and our needs were amazing and the care and knowledge of our outstanding new friend, our guide Benjamin, was simply the best.

We would recommend KimKim and this specific trek to our journeyman friends in search of truly diving into the culture and natural diversity of Colombia’s Los Nevados National Park.

Michael and Chaksa tours planned a fabulous tour of Colombia for my family including two adult kids in their 20s. Medellin was fascinating and our tour guide Liliana was awesome - very knowledgeable, patient, caring and flexible. Our hotel Sites was very nice and in a lovely, safe neighborhood. Our trip to a local flower finca (farm) was wonderful and we loved shopping in the charming town of Guatape. Senda Watapuy hotel right outside Tyrona National Park was a jungle paradise. Our kids loved the hike to a pretty beach and kayaking a river all the way to the ocean. Then in Cartagena, our guide Isaac was amazing. We loved the old town, making empanadas in our cooking class, and the boat ride in the mangroves was not to be missed.

KimKim provided the drivers to meet me at the airports/hotels/preserves. All were on time. A couple of drivers could speak no English, (and I can speak no Spanish) so that made for interesting rides.

The major problem here was my cell service provider. After getting back home, I contacted them and, hopefully, this problem has been corrected. I had a translator app on my phone but it was useless when not connected to Wi-Fi.

I also had a couple of guides who were just awesome. They were knowledgeable of the areas, bird identification and willing to help/answer all questions. Could not have been a more pleasant interaction with them and their English was very good.

Destinations:
Paramuno Birding-Trail in Monserrate
La Minga Ecolodge
Tinamu Natural Reserve
El Dorado Nature Reserve

The birding at Paramuno Birding-Trail was absolutely amazing. After spending hours here, I’m hoping the other places are as good as this is. They were! It just kept getting better.

At La Minga Ecolodge, after two days here, I was convinced this is the best place for birding. Lina, (Host?) although could speak no English, was just great. (I had Wi-Fi here) The food/preparation was excellent.

The downside here is your shower water is lukewarm at best. They have one of those “Tankless Water Heaters.”

Tinamu
No English spoken here either and Wi-Fi saved the day. The birding is just amazing here and even better if you’re willing to hike.

Sandra, the host, fed us very well and the food/preparation was outstanding. Some of the best soup I’ve ever had.

They do have hot showers here. Definitely my favorite place.

El Dorado
Excellent birding here if you’re into hummingbirds. This is rugged country and not an easy place to get to from Santa Marta. The 4-wheel drive road is long and brutal.

Once in El Dorado, my room to the restaurant (the only two places I could get Wi-Fi) are far apart and all uphill. You either walk a steep trail or catch a ride on a three wheeled contraption provided that you called the restaurant ahead of time. So, a couple of times, I had to walk the trail.

This place also has HOT water.

Once again, the food/preparation was outstanding. I had hot chocolate at other locations but chocolate at this place was the best.

I could not give two locations the top spot so I would rank Tinamu 5 stars for birds AND personnel and El Dorado 4.75 stars for birds. Because of the remoteness of El Dorado, they did not have the personnel but what they did have, they were great also. (Fred, in the restaurant)

Conclusion
I could and will visit these places again but will also be looking for new places to explore.

I don’t know why hot water seems to be a luxury in some locations in Colombia, but each place tells you to use as little hot water as possible.

KimKim did an outstanding job putting an itinerary together for me and I would not hesitate to use their services again. Well done, KimKim, (Michael Gold) well done!

We went to Columbia in the first half of February and visited Bogota, Medellin, Tyrona National Park and Categena. The trip was organized by Michael from Kimkim. Michael did an outstanding job in planning and booking us with enjoyable and interesting tours. Michael was available and responsive via whatsapp for any questions regarding our Itinerary. Most of the tours were private, or small group where we had the same guides and drivers in each location. Columbia is a very diverse country with a rich, interesting and conflicted past and breathtaking scenery. Each place was a like a new vacation. We worked with Michael to customize some aspects of the trip to suit our interests(including bucket list paragliding adventure in the mountains above Medellin) Can't say enough about the guides we had, shout out to Maria, Ciello, and Wlson and the drivers who were always there to keep us on time(kudos to Emerson who also spoke great english and was a wealth of information). Our accommodations were all in strategic locations, clean and comfortable. There is much said in North America about the safety of Columbia, As seasoned travelers, we exercise caution where ever we go. We never felt any sort of danger in the areas we travelled in Columbia and other than a flip the bill taxi scam when we were on our own(recommended to use Uber) we found the people of Columbia warm and friendly. This was a fantastic vacation, thank you Michael, and KimKim

Michael Gold with KimKim organized a very personalized itinerary for us. He was always available on Whats App when we had questions. We experienced a nice variety of experiences in Columbia and had quick and easy transfers between the activities. We felt very safe and welcome in the country. The guides all spoke English and were knowledgeable and helpful at all times.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel De La Opera

Bogotá

Great location! Nice rooms in historical building. Friendly and helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Finca El Maco

San Agustin

We stayed in the Tiki hut which was fun. Outdoor shower with tropical flowers and bird sounds was fun. Restaurant on sight was good. Not close to town though.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Movich Casa del Alferez

Cali

Modern hotel with nice restaurant. It was a nice retreat in the middle of our trip.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Camino Real

The staff was helpful in moving us to an inside courtyard room which was quieter. Great old building right next to the downtown plaza.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Homestay in Silvia

An interesting stay with a local couple in their home. Clean and comfortable room. Hostess Vivi was super kind and friendly.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Senda Koguiwa

Santa Marta

A beautiful hotel with very nice landscaping and swim pool. Big clean room. Nice restaurant next to the pool.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Chiniuu

When we arrived we didn't like our room and the staff upgraded us to nice room on the second story with a beautiful room with a view of the beach and two swim pools. The hotel was advertised as 4 star but we felt it was more like a 3 star. The wifi didn't work unless we walked over to the restaurant. At one point we were locked in the room for over an hour because of old locks. The staff was kind and did their best and actually changed out the lock that same day and even provided us with a free dinner which was one of the best dinners we had on the whole trip. The restaurant was slow but the food was amazing.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

GHL Hotel Armería Real

Cartagena

Nice location where we could walk through the Getsemani area and also the old historical district. The staff was very helpful. Pool on roof was refreshing and had a great view.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Visit the Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira

Colombia

We wished we had skipped this activity because it took so much time to drive their and back.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Social Dinner-Experience: Colombian Food

Bogotá

A highlight of the trip. We were a little concerned about what was going on the drive and the arrival at an apartment building. Once we got into the apartment we were treated to a very special dinner made by two cooks and a kind hostess. It was fun getting to see a modern apartment in Bogota suburbs. The hostess was very helpful and told us about the local fruit and vegetable market which we visited the next day on our own.

Quality of Experience

Food

Excellent!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bogotá Walking Tour

Bogotá

There was confusion and miscommunication several times on the tour where we didn't understand what was included and what we really wanted and expected. At the end we felt disappointed we didn't get more history of Bogota and Columbia.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Loved the Trip, the activities were really cool. the glamping in the coffee region was fantastic. Only drawback sometimes was commute to / from activities. Would like to waste less time in the car if possible.

Margoth and team designed a trip that was perfect for us. All internal flights, accommodations, transfers and tours were well organized. Our guides and drivers were friendly and knowledgeable and everything worked seamlessly. I would highly recommend the Kimkim team.

Overall we had a great time. A few bumps along the way. Three of us got sick on different days on Isla Baru so that slowed us down a bit. But we still managed to have a good time
Time in Cartagena was well planned and and tours were well appreciated. Tour guide Anna did a very good job. We enjoyed our time very much.

Our trip was wonderful our activities were great the people are so friendly and are eager to help in anyway they can.
I would recommend this trip again and again

Hotel Reviews

Sofitel Baru Calablanca

Cartagena

They people are so friendly and helpful the food is wonderful

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

So friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms are clean and comfortable

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

Cartagena

The people are so friendly and helpful such a beautiful hotel food was amazing

Authenticity & Character

The age of hotel and how beautiful it is and wonderful staff and food

Location

Good location lots of things to do around

Staff

Friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean and comfortable

Activity Reviews

Local Colombian Emerald Workshop

Cartagena

Wonderful activity

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ceviche and Coconut Lemonade with Transportation

Cartagena

This was a wonderful experience I would recommend it

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Traditional Coffee Tasting with Honey Pairing

Cartagena

I now alot about coffee great activity

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport