Profile photo for Magalie Damour
1073 messages
active 3 days ago

Magalie Damour

Traveling adds immeasurable value to our human experience, offering a profound way to feel alive and broaden our perspectives. It is an escape as much as an immersive experience into diverse ways of living, cultures, and practices. Whether savoring exotic foods, enjoying vibrant music, discovering the beauty of nature or making meaningful human connections, travel is a doorway to new worlds.

With over 12 years of travel and guiding experience under my belt in more than 40 different countries, my passion for exploration has become a rich source of valuable insights and I am delighted to share this enthusiasm with others who seek to make the most out of their journeys.

I am dedicated to crafting personalized and unique travel experiences tailored to your specific needs and interests. It brings me immense joy to leverage my expertise and passion to enhance your travels, making your next trip, a memorable and fulfilling adventure.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I've traveled across the Americas for over 10 years, from Brazil to Canada, through Mexico and all Central America. For me, Panama stands out as a hidden gem, and of course Canada, as the country I grew up in, will always be a special place that I wish everybody could discover the way I did!

My personal explorations have enriched my comprehension of the continent's diverse landscapes. My love for nature and the ocean, I am well-versed in various ocean-focused activities and nature hikes. Additionally, my passion for culture and music guarantees a finely tuned experience of cultural events and city wandering, extending your journey beyond landscape exploration to a genuine immersion in the vibrant tapestry of local cultures."

How did you get involved in travel?

"Since childhood, I've known that travel would be an integral part of my life.

During my young adulthood, I had the opportunity to get myself into long-distance sailing, navigating diverse oceans and engaging in projects ranging from chartering to artistic endeavors. These experiences led me to fluently speak four languages, a skill that proves quite handy in many aspects of my work. Currently based in Mexico, I actively support various events and retreats while also leading nature hikes."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"After 42 days at sea, sailing across the Pacific Ocean, arriving in the Polynesian islands was breathtaking. I smelled the land before I saw it. Rediscovering life on land brought out the most beautiful colors, smells, and textures, making me appreciate how precious it all is. This unique experience is forever engraved in my memories and has deepened my connection and fueled my desire of discovering always more about the ocean and its wonders. "

Magalie is part of the following groups: Canada Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Magalie

Our trip was amazing from start to finish.
Panama | Mar 20 - Mar 29, 2025

Jeanette
Jeanette T.
Arlington, VA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025
Our trip was amazing from start to finish. Eric was a fabulous driver, and navigated the congested Panama City traffic like a pro. Victor, our tour guide in the Panama City area, was friendly and informative. He provided lots of information on the areas we visited, and even worked in some time for me to do some shopping (which is a must). Carlos, our tour guide in El Valle de Anton was friendly and very informative. I liked listening to his history of the area and the evolution of... Read more

Our trip was amazing from start to finish. Eric was a fabulous driver, and navigated the congested Panama City traffic like a pro. Victor, our tour guide in the Panama City area, was friendly and informative. He provided lots of information on the areas we visited, and even worked in some time for me to do some shopping (which is a must). Carlos, our tour guide in El Valle de Anton was friendly and very informative. I liked listening to his history of the area and the evolution of natural landmarks over time, and the preservation ideas being considered for the future. We saw monkeys and sloths in the trees, and lots of beautiful birds. The Golden Frog Inn was my favorite of our accommodations. I tried ceviche for the first time, and I liked it. I tried an electric bike for the first time and after the first mile I wanted to buy one for myself. Whether we were hiking in a forest, on a boat ride, swimming in the blue waters, or walking around town, everything was enjoyable. The catamaran cruise to end the week was perfect - great music, great food, beautiful views, friendly people, and time at the beach. Thank you to KimKim Travel and your partner in Panama, Gapa Travel, for all of your efforts.

Hotel Reviews
Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel
Panama City

This hotel was very nice. The decor beautifully reflected the name. It was pretty in all of the common areas, and had all the amenities you would need. The room was spacious and clean. The rooftop bar was convenient for evening cocktails. The rooftop infinity pool was nice, and inviting. The breakfast buffet was plentiful with a lot of variety. We could walk to nearby stores, restaurants, and the Metro easily.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful decor that reflected the "Zen" theme perfectly.
Location
We could walk to nearby stores, restaurants, and the Metro easily.
Staff
The staff were helpful with answering our questions about the location of restaurants, stores, the Metro, etc.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Every was clean, and the atmosphere was comfortable.
The Golden Frog Inn
El Valle de Antón

The Golden Frog Inn was tucked away in the woods, and the views from our room, and from the dining area, were like looking at a small piece of paradise. Very green, lush, and plentiful with flowers and birds. The staff was accommodating and nice. The food was delicious, and the drinks were refreshing. We liked the swimming pool, and we also enjoyed walking around the grounds to look at the many flower varieties. There was a craft brewery within walking distance, which was an added perk.

Authenticity & Character
Delicious food and drinks. Nice swimming pool. Golden Frog theme is cute.
Location
The Golden Frog Inn was tucked away in the woods, and the views were like looking at a small piece of paradise
Staff
Staff were attentive and friendly. They called cabs for us when we need them, since we didn't speak Spanish.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was comfortable and clean, with a beautiful view.
The Westin Playa Bonita Panama Hotel
Playa Bonita, Panama Pacifico, Ciudad de Panama

The Westin was a nice hotel. We stayed on the 16th floor with an Ocean View. The room was clean and spacious. There were lots of restaurants to choose from and several swimming pools.

Authenticity & Character
The common area was open and nicely decorated.
Location
The hotel was right on the beach.
Staff
There were communication difficulties occasionally because we don't speak Spanish, but the staff seemed nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel seemed nice, but there was a lot of debris in the swimming pool, and an elevator that was broken.
Local specialist: Magalie Damour

Panama and Panama Canal Vacation
Panama | Mar 20 - Mar 29, 2025

K
Ken R.
Arlington, VA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025
Magalie,
I would echo John’s comments to a very large degree.
Our driver Eric was great. Punctual, personable, and able to navigate the chaos they call traffic with ease. Victor was personable, knowledgable, informative, and willing to tailor our outings to our wishes. Carlos knew the area well and obviously had a real connection to it as he provided information about El Valle de Anton. I enjoyed the trip through the locks a great deal. It was fascinating to watch the... Read more

Magalie,
I would echo John’s comments to a very large degree.

Our driver Eric was great. Punctual, personable, and able to navigate the chaos they call traffic with ease.

Victor was personable, knowledgable, informative, and willing to tailor our outings to our wishes.

Carlos knew the area well and obviously had a real connection to it as he provided information about El Valle de Anton.

I enjoyed the trip through the locks a great deal. It was fascinating to watch the operation.

The accommodations were all nice. Though John and Sharon were stuck on the second floor of the Playa Bonita with a very obstructed view. It would have been much better had they been up on the 16th floor near us with a clear view of the canal entrance.

The trip excursions were all enjoyable and provided a wide range of experiences and different areas of Panama.

The only thing that might have assisted us and provided a better journey was more clear descriptions of what we would be doing. There were times where we were uncertain if we would need to bring our swim wear or not.

Overall, a very nice trip that was efficient in connections, informative as to the area, and very enjoyable.

Regards
Ken

Local specialist: Magalie Damour

Our trip to Panama was wonderful and exceeded our expectations!
Panama | Mar 20 - Mar 29, 2025

Sharon
Sharon N.
Derby, KS | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025
Our trip to Panama was wonderful and exceeded my expectations! We had a phenomenal driver, Eric, who skillfully navigated the busy Panama City traffic. Our main guide, Victor was very personable, knowledgeable and informative. He went out of his was to ensure that our trip was memorable and meaningful. I especially enjoyed his candor and sense of humor. The Zen Panama hotel was very modern and the location was in a lively neighborhood with great restaurants and easy access to the Metro. ... Read more

Our trip to Panama was wonderful and exceeded my expectations! We had a phenomenal driver, Eric, who skillfully navigated the busy Panama City traffic. Our main guide, Victor was very personable, knowledgeable and informative. He went out of his was to ensure that our trip was memorable and meaningful. I especially enjoyed his candor and sense of humor. The Zen Panama hotel was very modern and the location was in a lively neighborhood with great restaurants and easy access to the Metro. Carlos, our guide in El Valle de Anton was very friendly, knew the area well and gave us excellent recommendations for restaurants. He lead us on a very enjoyable e-bike tour. The Golden Frog Inn and the grounds were stunning! It truly felt like a slice of paradise. Our final hotel, the Playa Bonita was a beautiful gated resort. The accommodations, restaurants and pools were all very nice and we enjoyed our stay. The highlight of our trip was the Red Cat catamaran tour. Jumping into and swimming in the calm, clear Pacific Ocean was unbelievable! Of course the Panama Canal boat trip was a once in a lifetime experience and mingling with and observing the Panamanian people was very rewarding. This trip opened my eyes to the beautiful country and peoples of Panama. I highly recommend it to others.

Hotel Reviews
The Golden Frog Inn
El Valle de Antón

The Golden Frog Inn and grounds felt like a slice of paradise. The views from our balcony and the dining patios were stunning! I really enjoyed listening to the birdsong as we dined each day. I highly recommend the Golden Frog to anyone looking to get away from the city and enjoy nature.

Authenticity & Character
The beautiful foliage and views made the Golden Frog feel like a slice of paradise!
Location
Staff
The staff were very efficient and friendly. They were very patient with my very limited Spanish language skills.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The grounds, common areas and individual rooms were well cared for, clean and comfortable.
The Westin Playa Bonita Panama Hotel
Playa Bonita, Panama Pacifico, Ciudad de Panama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel
Panama City

This was a very modern hotel in a lively neighborhood. The accommodations were very nice and the restaurant, bar and swimming pool very enjoyable. Easily walked to neighborhood restaurants, shopping and the Metro.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cultural Experience Dinner
Cultural Experience Dinner
Panama City

The Ceviche was amazing!

Quality of Experience
The Ceviche was amazing!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone was very helpful, friendly and welcoming.
Transport
We had an amazing driver , Eric , who made us feel safe!
Portobelo Day Tour: Ruins, Beaches and Snorkel in Carribean waters
Portobelo Day Tour: Ruins, Beaches and Snorkel in Carribean waters
Panama

Enjoyable walk through the old town.

Quality of Experience
Food
Excellent lunch!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
City Tour - Casco Viejo & Panama Canal
City Tour - Casco Viejo & Panama Canal
Panama City
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panama Canal Ferry Adventure: Partial Panama Canal Tour
Panama Canal Ferry Adventure: Partial Panama Canal Tour
Panama City

Once in a lifetime experience! Pictures don’t do it justice…you have to see it for yourself.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone was very helpful and patient, especially with my very limited Spanish language skills. Everyone was very professional.
Transport
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Panama Canal Boat Tour
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Panama Canal Boat Tour
Panama City

We really enjoyed the informative walk through the nature preserve and the boat ride. It was especially nice to eat a leisurely lunch on the boat, taking in the gorgeous surroundings. The monkey, birds and sloth sightings were fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island
Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island
Taboga Island

Great experience! It was such a happy, relaxing time. Great music, drinks and dancing. The highlight was jumping into and swimming in the clear, calm Pacific Ocean! Unbelievable!

Quality of Experience
Such a happy, relaxing time! Great music, drinks and dancing.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our personal guide on board the catamaran was very helpful and friendly. The entire staff/crew were very upbeat and helpful.
Transport
The catamaran itself was amazing. Surprisingly comfortable!
Guided E-Bike Tour in  El Valle de Antón
Guided E-Bike Tour in El Valle de Antón
Valle de Antón

The e-bike tour was a much welcomed chance to commune with the natural surroundings and get some exercise!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Carlos, our guide was terrific. He shared his love of the area and made the experience very positive.
Transport
First time on an e-bike and it made biking on steep roads a breeze! Highly recommend it!
Trip to the Pozo Azul Waterfall
Trip to the Pozo Azul Waterfall
Valle de Antón

Enjoyed being surrounded by the serenity of the forest. The birdsong and fragrant plants and waterfall were very pleasurable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Carlos was a wealth of information and he truly loves this area. He made the experience impactful.
Transport
Local specialist: Magalie Damour

 The trip was wonderful.
Panama | Mar 20 - Mar 29, 2025

John
John N.
Derby, KS | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025
 The trip was wonderful.  
Our driver, Eric, was punctual and superb in the chaotic Panama City traffic.
Victor, our guide for the Panama City area was personable, helpful, knowledgeable, informative and went out of his way to make all our outings enjoyable. The Panama Canal tour, being able to travel through the locks was especially interesting. Carlos, our guide in El Valle de Anton, was friendly, knew the area well, gave us excellent suggestions on where to eat and made our stay there...
Read more

 The trip was wonderful.  
Our driver, Eric, was punctual and superb in the chaotic Panama City traffic.
Victor, our guide for the Panama City area was personable, helpful, knowledgeable, informative and went out of his way to make all our outings enjoyable. The Panama Canal tour, being able to travel through the locks was especially interesting. Carlos, our guide in El Valle de Anton, was friendly, knew the area well, gave us excellent suggestions on where to eat and made our stay there very enjoyable. We really enjoyed the E-Bike tour.
We would say the highlight of the trip was the Red Cat catamaran tour to Isla Taboga. Jumping off the catamaran into the Pacific was a thrilling experience. The water was so fresh and clear.
The trip's excursions exceeded our expectations.  Everything was very well organized and went as planned.

Hotel Reviews
The Westin Playa Bonita Panama Hotel
Playa Bonita, Panama Pacifico, Ciudad de Panama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel
Panama City
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Golden Frog Inn
El Valle de Antón
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Panama Canal Ferry Adventure: Partial Panama Canal Tour
Panama Canal Ferry Adventure: Partial Panama Canal Tour
Panama City

Being to travel through the locks was especially interesting.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island
Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island
Taboga Island
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
City Tour - Casco Viejo & Panama Canal
City Tour - Casco Viejo & Panama Canal
Panama City
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cultural Experience Dinner
Cultural Experience Dinner
Panama City
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trip to the Pozo Azul Waterfall
Trip to the Pozo Azul Waterfall
Valle de Antón
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panamanian Night Tour
Panamanian Night Tour
Panama City
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided E-Bike Tour in  El Valle de Antón
Guided E-Bike Tour in El Valle de Antón
Valle de Antón

It was fun to tour Anton by bike.

Quality of Experience
First time I rode an E-bike.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Carlos was an excellent guide
Transport
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Panama Canal Boat Tour
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Panama Canal Boat Tour
Panama City
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Portobelo Day Tour: Ruins, Beaches and Snorkel in Carribean waters
Portobelo Day Tour: Ruins, Beaches and Snorkel in Carribean waters
Panama
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Magalie Damour