Profile photo for Lorena Huidobro
11976 messages
active 8 hours ago

Lorena Huidobro

I believe that those of us who love to travel tend to have a more open mind and free spirit. Being open to experience new adventures, explore the unknown, see the beauty in the simple things, taste unique foods, connect with the local culture, and in the process, become a more round individual.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in preparing customized travel plans to visit Chile from north to south, including Easter Island and Antarctica. I also combine Chile with neighboring countries Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.
All my trip offers are tailor made based on the profile of the client, I listen and offer suggestions. I am flexible to accommodate different budgets but always ensure quality first, as well as assistance throughout the trip."

How did you get involved in travel?

"Nature has always attracted me for the peace it brings about. It fills my heart and soul. I have been to North, Central, and South America, most of Europe, and still have a lot of places on my bucket list, hopefully Asia is next, followed by Australia and Africa.
I was born and raised in Chile and have lived both in Spain and USA. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Being in an exclusive (but rather affordable!) cruise that travels the remote area from Punta Arenas at the very south of Chile, through fjords and glaciers, the legendary Cape Horn, and arrives in Ushuaia, Argentina. We had daily land expeditions, enjoyed amazing food, and explored an area that is completely virgin, with zero communication with the world, nothing to keep your mind busy except the beauty of the scenery. It just fills you up."

Top itineraries and travel advice
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Lorena

The Perfect Trip
Chile | Jan 3 - Jan 26, 2025

David
David K.
Bend, OR | Reviewed on Feb 19, 2025
This trip to Chile was for four of us. We are experienced travelers (including two prior trips to Argentina) and it is from that perspective that we have unqualified praise for Lorena and her team. We provided a general idea of what we wanted to do, she provided options and then helped us make final decisions. With only minor exceptions, (which we have already told her about) everything she booked for us was perfect--the lodging, the tours, the boat trip and the transfers. We had one... Read more

This trip to Chile was for four of us. We are experienced travelers (including two prior trips to Argentina) and it is from that perspective that we have unqualified praise for Lorena and her team. We provided a general idea of what we wanted to do, she provided options and then helped us make final decisions. With only minor exceptions, (which we have already told her about) everything she booked for us was perfect--the lodging, the tours, the boat trip and the transfers. We had one transfer fail to show at the Balmaceda airport, but she had us rebooked with someone else within 30 minutes. Also, we had some itinerary adjustments along the way, including adding a land transfer to Argentina.
Lorena was just super helpful with everything
Other Highlights:
-- Soledad, our guide in Santiago and Valparaiso was top notch. We really enjoyed the two days we spent with her.
--Dinner with Gloria: We felt so fortunate to be able to enjoy a home cooked meal in Glorias home. This feels like a special touch that most travelers don't get.
--The Skorpios Cruise: The perfect way to experience the fjords and archipelago of southern Chile. The crew and program on the ship was very high quality.
--Vicente Perez National Park Tour: Our guide Christian was excellent and proved invaluable in solving a minor medical issue one of us had in Puerto Varas
--Transfers: We had a lot of them and with the one exception noted above, they were perfect. The drivers were on time, interesting to talk with and helpful

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Boutique Le Reve
Santiago

Great location, lovely garden for breakfast, friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel NOI Blend Colchagua
Santa Cruz, O'Higgins

Set among the vinyards and close to many excellent wineries.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Don Luis
Puerto Montt

Do not recommend. Conveyed this to Lorena earlier

M/V Skorpios II Cruise
Santiago

Incredible cruise. The archipelago is stunningly beautiful and the San Rafael glacier was amazing. Highly recommend it. The crew is knowledgeable and helpful Everything is well organized. The food was really good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Wyndham Puerto Varas Pettra
Puerto Varas

Great location with great views. We had two separate one night stays during our trip

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Feb 20, 2025

Dear David,
It was my pleasure to help coordinate and bring to life this fantastic trip for Pam, you, and the MacNichols. I truly appreciate your kind words and I also learned a lot in the process.
Travelers like you make our job more interesting by finding hidden treasures that allow them to enjoy nature and experience the local culture.
I wish you all the best and hope you return to South America soon for more adventures.
Warmest regards,
Lorena

Lorena did an outstanding job all the way aro...
Chile | Jan 3 - Jan 26, 2025

C
Carter M.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Feb 07, 2025
Lorena did an outstanding job all the way around. Our accommodations were excellent. Transfers (with one exception) excellent and timely. Lorena always responsive and helpful. This was an epic trip for us and we owe great thanks to Lorena for that! Read more

Lorena did an outstanding job all the way around. Our accommodations were excellent. Transfers (with one exception) excellent and timely. Lorena always responsive and helpful. This was an epic trip for us and we owe great thanks to Lorena for that!

Activity Reviews
Santiago City Tour - Private
Santiago City Tour - Private
Santiago

Sole was fantastic! Great tours. Deep and thoughtful knowledge. A pleasure to be with Sole!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Skorpios II - 6 days/5 nights Cruise
Skorpios II - 6 days/5 nights Cruise
Puerto Montt

Definitely a trip to do., Small ships. Greater food. Incredible experiences.,

Quality of Experience
Private Dinner
Private Dinner
Santiago

Gloria and Leonids were suggest gracious hosts and it was an honor to have a meal in their home. Highly recommend this to anyone who has the chance. Just an amazing experience. I will never forget the “third flavor”.

Quality of Experience
Food
Gloria prepared an amazing dinner, paired with Leonides excellent wines. What a gift it was to be with them!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Valparaíso & Wine Tour - Private
Valparaíso & Wine Tour - Private
Santiago

Old town Valparaiso was excellent! Highly recommended. Sole took us on an awesome tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Montes Winery - Tour Premium
Montes Winery - Tour Premium
Chile

Great restaurant, and great wine.

Quality of Experience
Fly-Fishing Program Magic Waters Patagonia
Fly-Fishing Program Magic Waters Patagonia
Puerto Bertrand
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Feb 07, 2025

Dear Jenny and Carter,
Muchas gracias for your kind words! It truly means a lot to hear that your trip was such a memorable one. It was my pleasure to assist and I'm so glad everything went smoothly (well, almost everything!). If you plan another trip to South America in the future, don't hesitate to reach out.
Always the best,
Lorena

Great Itinerary and Great Experience in Patagonia
Chile | Jan 22 - Jan 28, 2025

D
Dave C.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Reviewed on Jan 29, 2025
I thought the itinerary that Lorena worked with on turned out to be fantastic! A great mix of normal touring and experienced based activities! Specifically our guides for Torres De Paine, Ramiro - W Circuit Patagonia and our Torres Overview Tour Guide - Jose Gonzalez were outstanding. In addition I wanted to give a shout out to Valentina our local KimKIM Operations leader in Chile did a great job. The Magdelena Island / Penguin Colony and the Lago Grey Glacier are don't miss events. Read more

I thought the itinerary that Lorena worked with on turned out to be fantastic! A great mix of normal touring and experienced based activities! Specifically our guides for Torres De Paine, Ramiro - W Circuit Patagonia and our Torres Overview Tour Guide - Jose Gonzalez were outstanding. In addition I wanted to give a shout out to Valentina our local KimKIM Operations leader in Chile did a great job. The Magdelena Island / Penguin Colony and the Lago Grey Glacier are don't miss events.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Ilaia
Punta Arenas

We were only there for a quick overnight ~8 hours. The hotel was fairly comfortable, and the staff was friendly. Probably not the best location or option if you are going to stay more than a couple of nights

Authenticity & Character
Location
Outside of town, not centrally located
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Vendaval
Puerto Natales

If you are looking for a higher end accommodation, this may not be your place. It is centrally located in Puerto Natales, but the rooms were small and you won't be able to control room temperature from individual rooms. The room didn't come with a TV (which was ok, but not great), and no refrigerator...which was an issue because my wife has medications that required that. If you go upstairs to the hotel bar be prepared at checkout to have to pay in Chilean Pesos...since they wouldn't allow credit cards to finalize the bill...just a couple of small amenities that could have been better.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lago Grey
Torres del Paine

Lago Grey was outstanding! Yes, it is remote within the National Park....but that was made it terrific. The on-site restaurant was fantastic, staff were very supportive and customer focused, and the rooms were big with knock out views of Lago Grey. The room did have a TV, but no refrigerator, but the staff were super accommodating to helping us get medications properly stored. I can't say enough great things about this property...a definite must go!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Torres del Paine National Park Private Tour
Torres del Paine National Park Private Tour
Puerto Natales

This overview type tour was fantastic. Jose Gonzalez was one of the best tour guides we have ever experienced anywhere. This tour gives a great taste of many aspects of Torres Del Paine National Park...which was a great way to see a lot of things in half a day! The provided lunch at the Lago Grey cafeteria was very good and needed !! Nicely done to Jose!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jose's knowledge and presentation style made this a great tour
Transport
Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Chile

Worth the effort to go to the island and view the penguins and other birds in their natural environment. A great tour for the Punta Arenas time of our itinerary

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat Trip to Glacier Grey
Boat Trip to Glacier Grey
Chile

One of our highlights..especially since we stayed right at the Hotel Lago Grey! The boat trip was fantastic and the views of the glacier were awe inspiring!! This is a can't miss excursion if you are anywhere near Lago Grey.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Base Torres Hike
Base Torres Hike
Chile

Spectacular...but be forewarned, this hike is a difficult trek (not close to moderate) and not for the faint of heart. Views were spectacular and the guides were fantastic. 22 kilometers (13.7 miles) with elevation changes and variable trail conditions and weather conditions made this an experience of a lifetime, but also challenging!

Quality of Experience
Food
The provided lunch bag was not nearly enough nutrition to support this type of hike...bring energy bars and other food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Feb 01, 2025

Dear Dave and Rosana, I loved reading your kind review. Thanks for the sweet words and the details on the hotels and tours. I shared your compliments with Jose and Valentina, they were happy to hear them!
After several years of planning this adventurous trip it finally became true. Please come and visit us again, there’s so much more to see and do in South America and I’d love to plan another great experience for you.
I wish you both an amazing rest of the year.
All the best,
Lorena

Felt in good hands
Patagonia | Jan 5 - Jan 24, 2025

Bruna
Bruna I.
Australia | Reviewed on Jan 29, 2025
We visited Patagonia in Chile and Argentina. Undoubtedly, Patagonia is the most spectacular environment I have ever visited. Biodiversity is still noticeable in that part of the world and I hope it will be forever preserved that way. The Andean Condor, Uppland geese, culpeos and guanacos are still common sight. I wish I had seen the timid armadillo! It was suggested by Lorena that we rented a car to travel within North Patagonia and then Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine. The roads from... Read more

We visited Patagonia in Chile and Argentina. Undoubtedly, Patagonia is the most spectacular environment I have ever visited. Biodiversity is still noticeable in that part of the world and I hope it will be forever preserved that way. The Andean Condor, Uppland geese, culpeos and guanacos are still common sight. I wish I had seen the timid armadillo!

It was suggested by Lorena that we rented a car to travel within North Patagonia and then Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine. The roads from Balmaceda Airport to Puerto Guadal and around Torres del Paine were unpaved or filled with craters in the paved roads, which made the driving conditions dangerous and so it became necessary to drive between 20 - 60 km/h. Nevertheless, the scenery in those areas were breathtaking! Also, petrol stations are hard to come by and we needed to make that planning ourselves. We were not given this information beforehand. A bus trip from Puerto Natales to El Calafate was added to our itinerary and it was not the 4 h stated on our itinerary, but 6 h. It was the most uncomfortable part of the trip, as we were crammed in like sardines.

In the plus side, all hotels suggested were excellent. My top picks were Lago Grey Hotel and Mirador Puerto Guadal, plus the food at the Yegua Loca restaurant. The best boat trip was to Spegazzini glacier.

Lorena was always very prompt at helping us when needed, even when we were still in Santiago. We felt safe under her care and she sorted issues very quickly. On the improvement side, the itineraries could have been checked a few hours in advance to avoid some of the issues.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Mirador del Guadal
Puerto Guadal

Stephan was an amazing host, always checking in with us to provide us with local tips on what to do or just have a friendly chat. The local chef was excellent and we enjoyed the quality of the breakfast and dinners. The best of all was the superb view from the cabin and the amazing nature surrounding us.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Spectacular nature
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Lago Grey
Torres del Paine

Incredible location! We could still see the glacier from our room. We saw so many wild animals, like the caracara, culpeo zorro and Magellanic woodpecker. It is a walking distance to easy walks in the forest through Rio Pingo and Grey Glacier. Restaurant staff were very friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Kosten Aike
El Calafate

Good location and good facilities. A hotel working towards environmental sustainability.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Marble Caves Boat Tour
Marble Caves Boat Tour
Patagonia

The marble caves are really worthwhile a visit! The guide gave some good basic scientific background as to how they were formed and those not listening could still take some amazing photos of the beautiful geological formations.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was knowledgeable and had good sense of humour. Staff back in the office were a bit rude.
Transport
Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Penguin Colony on Magdalena Island
Patagonia

The guide was excellent at covering the information in both Spanish and English. It was good to see the park rangers on watch on the island to protest the welfare of the animals. We saw other bird species, like the Upland Geese and Seagull. The trip to the Marta island was shorter than to observe the penguins, because we needed to stay on the boat not to upset the sea lions, which was sensible.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wildlife Photo Safari in Patagonia
Wildlife Photo Safari in Patagonia
Punta Arenas

The guide was exceptional! She knew so much about the birds in the area. We observed several species and watched several condors fly!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Perito Moreno Blue Safari
Perito Moreno Blue Safari
El Calafate

When we reached the National Park, we could view the glacier from the wooden platforms from the yellow and blue trails. This was also during the time allocated for lunch break. After that, we took the boat to enjoy a walk closer to the glacier where we could touch it and even ‘drink’ a piece of ice from it. It is a real shame that these beautiful glaciers are disappearing as a result of anthropogenic climate change.

Quality of Experience
Food
The sandwich was too dry.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tour from El Calafate to El Chaltén
Guided Tour from El Calafate to El Chaltén
El Calafate

The guide was wonderful! She had great knowledge of the area and very happy to answer extra questions in English. Before we reached El Chalten, we stopped at the Hotel Las Leonas for a coffee, photo, souvenir opportunity and/or toilet break. And she stopped for two other photo opportunities on the way. There was only one hike going up but not for that long. The second walk was at ground level towards the waterfall.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat Tour Through The Glaciers
Boat Tour Through The Glaciers
El Calafate

This is a must tour! We loved it! The catamaran was really modern. We loved the iceberg sculptures. It is a real shame that these beautiful glaciers are disappearing as a result of anthropogenic climate change.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side) & Great Adventure
Explore Iguazú Falls (Argentine Side) & Great Adventure
Patagonia

The trails were great but we were rushed throghout the whole experience. It was very busy with lots of tourists queuing everywhere. We also did the Great Adventure in the boat where we soaked from being underneath some of the falls! We loved that part of the day. Beautiful place and it would be great to do it without a guide rushing through, so that we can enjoy the natural surroundings. The guide should have also spoken in Spanish to the group member who did not speak English but he ignored her most of the time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Iguazú Falls (Brazilian Side)
Explore Iguazú Falls (Brazilian Side)
Patagonia

We only spent two hours on the Park and we were hoping for at least 4 h. We felt rushed again and could not enjoy the beautiful sight standing before us for long enough. We stayed in the Argentinian side so had to travel to the Brazilian side and be subjected to passport control, but we stayed inside the van and the guide handled everything. We also stayed in the van to enter the park as opposed to take their double decker bus.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Feb 05, 2025

Dear Bruna and Rod, I sincerely appreciate your insightful review and am glad to know you enjoyed beautiful Patagonia. We will take into consideration all of your comments to offer a better experience for future travelers. We are always happy to provide in-trip support to ensure a smooth holiday.
All the best to both of you,
Lorena

Spot on Communication and Service
Chile | Dec 26 - Jan 4, 2025

Mike
Mike T.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jan 11, 2025
The KimKim Team's planning was spot on. Lorena and her on the ground team in Chile were communicative, clear, and patient with our questions and needs. The trip delivered on every planned meeting, excursion, driver, and connection. The team on the ground was helpful with airline check-ins, local recommendations, and thoughtful check-ins. Tours, hotels, and excursions were exactly as described and were well done. The Stargazing tours in the Atacama desert were a once in a life time... Read more

The KimKim Team's planning was spot on.

Lorena and her on the ground team in Chile were communicative, clear, and patient with our questions and needs. The trip delivered on every planned meeting, excursion, driver, and connection. The team on the ground was helpful with airline check-ins, local recommendations, and thoughtful check-ins. Tours, hotels, and excursions were exactly as described and were well done. The Stargazing tours in the Atacama desert were a once in a life time experience. Lorena did a very nice job taking into account the ages and ability level of my traveling party which made the trip more doable and memorable.

Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Jan 11, 2025

We appreciate your kindness and gratitude! It was a pleasure to plan this trip for both of you. We are always happy to assist with questions and ease the mind when traveling to a far country with a foreign language so that you never feel alone. If you plan on visiting South America in the future, let us know and we will take great care of you once again.
All the best,
Lorena

Trekking Torres del Paine with Patagonia Adventures
Chile | Dec 29 - Jan 3, 2025

G
Gavin D.
Australia | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2025
Trekking Torres del Paine with W Circuit on day 1 was a good introduction to the sights of Patagonia, however the mini bus was poor with cramped seating on rough roads.
Boat tour to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers was a highlight as the fiords were spectacular, however the boat had poor worn seats and was best viewed from the upper deck. Also ranch lunch was poor as meat full of crissle and salad only lettuce.
Full day tour of Torres del Paine Park partly doubled up on the first day trekking,...
Read more

Trekking Torres del Paine with W Circuit on day 1 was a good introduction to the sights of Patagonia, however the mini bus was poor with cramped seating on rough roads.
Boat tour to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers was a highlight as the fiords were spectacular, however the boat had poor worn seats and was best viewed from the upper deck. Also ranch lunch was poor as meat full of crissle and salad only lettuce.
Full day tour of Torres del Paine Park partly doubled up on the first day trekking, however while overcast and raining on first day the Full Day vehicle tour was better with clear skies and superior comfortable vehicle from Patagonia Planet which is highly recommended.
Last day trekking and Condor watching was the highlight as the guide Patagonia Adventure Jorge was brilliant and spoke fluent English. He went out of his way to find condors and we were treated to clear skies and a condor aerial display.
Hotel accommodation at Puerto Natalie's Hotel Vendaval offered small modern rooms which were ok however very noisy as sound travels through the floor and walls.

Hotel Review
Hotel Vendaval
Puerto Natales

Small modern rooms which were ok however no sound proofing and very noisy.

Authenticity & Character
Distinctive red multi storey building and modern by Puerto Natalie's standard.
Location
The hotel is located between the waterfront and the town square and good facilities nearby.
Staff
No problem with English communication
Cleanliness & Comfort
Good modern facilities and large king bed.
Activity Reviews
Trekking Torres del Paine Active
Trekking Torres del Paine Active
Chile

Good tour guide, however poor mini bus.

Quality of Experience
Food
The food served at the Rio Pingo restaurant is expensive and terrible.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park & Surroundings
Full-Day Tour of Torres del Paine National Park & Surroundings
Chile

Good driver and guide and comfortable vehicle.

Quality of Experience
Food
The lunch provided at the Rio Pingo restaurant was expensive and terrible.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trekking and Condor Watching
Trekking and Condor Watching
Puerto Natales

Beautiful scenery and expert guide.

Quality of Experience
The guide was excellent at finding resting condors.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great information, very personable and fluent English.
Transport
Private car for 4 people.
Boat Tour to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Boat Tour to Balmaceda & Serrano Glaciers
Chile

Great scenery on the fiords.

Quality of Experience
Food
Lunch at the ranch poor.
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Jan 06, 2025

Gavin, we really appreciate the time to leave a thorough review of your Patagonia trip. I will pass on the comments to our providers. It is good to know that you were able to enjoy various activities in the area, ending with the best!
We wish all the best to you and Ruth and hope you will continue to enjoy visiting new places around the world,
Lorena

A year in the making
Chile | Sep 30 - Oct 16, 2024

Aris
Aris D.
Hilo, HI | Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024

This trip took a year to plan, though that time Lorena was so patient and communicated very well. The itinerary that she made for me was tweaked for my liking. Everything was to the T from pick up, tour, hotel, bus. The hotel that she picked was great. Lorena did an excellent job and her team was great.I was going to this trip knowing it's going to be a good trip but it exceeded my expectations it was great!!

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Oct 24, 2024

Hola Aris, I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this fully customized trip to Chile. You are an adventurous traveler who got to see so many different places in our country and experience a variety of activities. Come back to visit the rest of South America any time, we'll be excited to host you again!
Best always,
Lorena

Our guides, Lorena and Johnny; and our driver...
Chile | Sep 27 - Oct 10, 2024

D
Dan B.
Sedona, AZ | Reviewed on Oct 18, 2024
Our guides, Lorena and Johnny; and our drivers, William, Ivan, and Carlos were excellent. The driver who took us to and from the Chilean/Bolivian border knew the procedure very well. The guides were exceptional, having very good local knowledge, cultural, political, geologic, archeological, etc. information. Their English language skills were very proficient and this was helpful for us non-Spanish speaking visitors. The guides listened to our needs and wants and adjusted schedules... Read more

Our guides, Lorena and Johnny; and our drivers, William, Ivan, and Carlos were excellent. The driver who took us to and from the Chilean/Bolivian border knew the procedure very well. The guides were exceptional, having very good local knowledge, cultural, political, geologic, archeological, etc. information. Their English language skills were very proficient and this was helpful for us non-Spanish speaking visitors.

The guides listened to our needs and wants and adjusted schedules accordingly. They understood that our group was photographically oriented and they readily accommodated our needs. They also were aware of good photo locations. They were customer-focused and attended to our needs. The afternoon snacks and beverages offered by the guides was a classy touch. Guides and drivers were on time.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama

Friendly and attentive staff. The restaurant served very good food a reasonable prices.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mallku Cueva
Villa Mar

Clean, quiet, nicely decorated. Simple meals. Friendly staff.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel de Sal Luna Salada
Uyuni
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff was unresponsive to our requests to control the noise made by 80 high school students running, yelling, etc. in the halls and rooms until 3:00 am on the two nights we stayed.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tayka Del Desierto
Ojo de Perdiz
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Noi Borde Loa
Calama
Authenticity & Character
Well appointed and decorated
Location
Convenient location to the airport
Staff
Staff was somewhat lackluster, especially with the dinner service.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tayka de Piedra
San Pedro de Quemes
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Ancestral Convoy with Llamas
Ancestral Convoy with Llamas
San Pedro de Atacama
Quality of Experience
Competent local guide, just wasn't interesting for me.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgable, competent, friendly, helpful
Transport
On time, clean vehicles, comfortable
Explore Yerbas Buenas & Rainbow Valley
Explore Yerbas Buenas & Rainbow Valley
San Pedro de Atacama

Good breakfast, nice scenary. Felt a bit rushed with the photography, as we were a private group.,

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Oct 18, 2024

Dan, I appreciate you leaving such a detailed review of your Chile/Bolivia adventures. I will contact our local providers with this information to either congratulate them or suggest improvements. Thanks again for trusting Kimkim and me to plan a unique multi-country experience. I hope you will return to visit the rest of South America for new explorations.
All the best,
Lorena

The Atacama Desert and Uyuni
Chile | Sep 27 - Oct 10, 2024

Terry
Terry M.
| Reviewed on Oct 17, 2024
We spent two great weeks on our trip, one in the Atacama Desert in Chile and one in Uyuni, Bolivia. Our guides in Chile, Lorena and JD, were so knowledgeable and fun. William, our driver, was very kind and patient. Our guide Jhonny and our drivers Carlos and Iván in Bolivia were equally as wonderful. We felt so well cared for during the entire time. Our guides and drivers even prepared delicious breakfasts and lunches for us while we were on the road. All we had to do was sit back, relax,... Read more

We spent two great weeks on our trip, one in the Atacama Desert in Chile and one in Uyuni, Bolivia. Our guides in Chile, Lorena and JD, were so knowledgeable and fun. William, our driver, was very kind and patient. Our guide Jhonny and our drivers Carlos and Iván in Bolivia were equally as wonderful. We felt so well cared for during the entire time. Our guides and drivers even prepared delicious breakfasts and lunches for us while we were on the road. All we had to do was sit back, relax, and have fun! We didn't always sit back and relax; sometimes we did some hiking, too. We felt the whole trip was very successful. Thank you to Lorena at Kimkim for setting everything up for us and allowing us not to have to worry about anything. I was nervous about crossing the Bolivian border, but since we had prepared so thoroughly beforehand, it wasn't difficult at all. If you're an American, fill out paperwork online at Bolivian website and have it printed along with the USD cash to buy the VISA. I highly recommend this trip. So beautiful!

Hotel Review
Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás
San Pedro de Atacama

Our stay at the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama was mostly pleasant. While they occasionally had issues with hot water, they worked hard to resolve it. The restaurant was excellent, and the staff was very kind. The laundry service was a big plus as well.

Activity Reviews
Wildlife Photo Safari
Wildlife Photo Safari
San Pedro de Atacama

The Wildlife Photo Safari was an incredible experience, especially thanks to our guide JP. We even managed to see a puma, which was thrilling. JP was very knowledgeable and made the whole safari worthwhile.

Stargazing Experience
Stargazing Experience
San Pedro de Atacama

The Stargazing Tour was an unexpected delight. JP gave a great presentation before the tour, and his wife Valeria was very knowledgeable during the telescope session. It exceeded our expectations. It was a very pleasant surprise that it was so interesting.

Discover the Salt Flats of Uyuni
Discover the Salt Flats of Uyuni
Chile

Discovering the Salt Flats of Uyuni was a magical experience. The drivers made it fun with creative photography, and despite initial reluctance, we all participated and ended up with some fantastic photos.

Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Oct 25, 2024

Hola Terry and Tony,
I appreciate your comments. The day you saw the puma, JP called me to tell me about it. It is a one-in-a-lifetime event! He said he was more excited than a dog with two tails. I am so happy this trip exceeded expectations after many months of planning and I hope your photos will be a treasure to hold on to dearly.
All the best,
Lorena

Enjoyed Lorena’s knowledge of the history and...
Chile | Sep 27 - Oct 10, 2024

Pat
Pat K.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2024
Enjoyed Lorena’s knowledge of the history and current affairs in Chile. Driver William was a great help too. Read more

Enjoyed Lorena’s knowledge of the history and current affairs in Chile. Driver William was a great help too.

Hotel Review
Hotel de Sal Luna Salada
Uyuni

We were not informed that there would be 50+ 17 year olds staying there partying well after midnight. The hotel staff didn’t seem to be able to control the situation. Chaperones were useless and very inconsiderate. Nice hotel otherwise

Authenticity & Character
Location
Location
Close to the Uyuni Salt Flats
Staff
What problems might be in store
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ask about other groups that might be president you’re staying
Local specialist: Lorena Huidobro
Lorena
Lorena Huidobro
Local specialist in Houston, TX & Santiago, Chile | Replied on Oct 15, 2024

Thanks, Pat. I hope you got some fantastic photos from the trip. I will reach out to the hotel in Bolivia. I wasn't aware they would have a large group of young and loud students either, that's unfortunate.
Best always,
Lorena