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Margoth Rico

I have seen how Colombia has evolved from a dangerous destination to a safe, welcoming, and upcoming destination, and I am therefore extremely passionate to be part of my country's tourism resurgence.

I was born in Colombia and grew up in a family of entrepreneurs that have started successful travel businesses. I moved to Canada where I earned a degree in International Economic Development from McGill University, and I then worked in the hospitality and event management industries in London. I also worked in the tourism industry in Colombia for many years, and I have had the opportunity to travel extensively around the world. One of my last ventures was pursuing an MBA at the University of Cape Town in South Africa where I focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. I then decided to follow my passion and dedicate my life to ensuring that travelers that visit Colombia, have a fantastic time in my home country and are able to experience all the wonderful things that Colombia and its people have to offer.

I provide superb customer service and have traveled extensively around Colombia and continue to do so. I have the know-how to design unforgettable Colombian experiences. I treat each of my travelers as a VIP Client, and I will go above and beyond to make sure your trip is perfect.

My philosophy of Luxury Travel is to offer a personalized service that seeks to provide clients outstanding and authentic experiences in Colombia. I focus on tailored trips and work with professional and outstanding local partners in all regions across Colombia to design and plan trips that combine exceptional experiences. From diving to trekking, to relaxing on a beautiful beach, to tasting Colombian coffee and flavors, birdwatching, interacting with excellent local guides and storytellers, or hiring your private boat, I design once in a lifetime trips.

I look forward to taking care of you and making sure your trip to Colombia fulfills all your expectations and is filled with the most memorable experiences.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in creating truly personalized trips that are designed for each traveler or group. The main destinations I cover are Cartagena, the islands of Cartagena, Bogota and surroundings, Medellin, Guatape and surroundings, the coffee region, Santa Marta, Tayrona and surroundings, the Amazon rainforest, and San Andres and Providencia. However, I cover all of the country and can plan a trip to any destination you want or that I believe you will like.

I enjoy planning trips for couples, families, independent travelers, for those wanting to relax, for those seeking to learn and immerse in the Colombian culture, for city lovers, nature explorers, beach fans, foodies, coffee lovers, for the ones that love music and dance — for everyone that wants to visit Colombia! I specialize in boutique and 5-star hotels, but I love being creative, and every trip I plan is tailored to your wants and interests!"

How did you get involved in travel?

"My grandmother and parents have run successful travel businesses, and from a very young age, I have been exposed to the wonderful world of travel and to the tourism and hospitality industry. This allowed me to travel around the world, making travel one of my passions in life! I've also lived, worked and studied in different countries including South Africa, Canada, Brazil, France, Colombia, and the UK. I am passionate about seeing Colombia fulfill its potential as a world-class holiday destination, and I look forward to helping you plan your trip!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Traveling to the coffee region of Colombia for the first time, was an unbelievable experience! I never thought we'd have such a beautiful, peaceful and unique destination in Colombia, different from any other place I've visited in the world. This area is a hidden gem for many travelers, and I encourage you to visit it and see for yourself the marvelous coffee fields of Colombia, where you will meet some of the most charming, welcoming and hard-working people on earth.

The coffee farm tours I did and recommend are not touristy, but more off the beaten path, and the farms' main interest is still producing excellent high-quality coffee, as opposed to doing tours. I was very lucky to be able to do a private specialized tour of different farms' facilities, their fields, and coffee crops and understand the entire process that a coffee bean goes through. Being a coffee drinker, it was extremely interesting to interact with the farmers and the people behind recognized coffee brands and learn about good coffee directly at its origin. I also did two excellent coffee tastings and got to try some of the most delicious coffee in the world.

In addition to coffee, I was able to stay in a beautiful boutique hotel in the middle of a cocoa and coffee farm where I was able to try delicious creative restaurants with fascinating food recipes and drinks. This region combines, coffee, nature, good food, nice people, an opportunity to relax, to learn, to swim in thermal waters, to go for a canoe trip on the river and see the tallest palm trees in the world. I had a fantastic time full of surprises, and I encourage you to visit as well. "

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Recent trip reviews for Margoth

KimKim Connected us to Colombia!
Colombia | Feb 24 - Mar 10, 2025

Dorrinda
Dorrinda C.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Mar 17, 2025
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...
Read more

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

Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Mar 17, 2025
Dear Dorrinda, Thank you so much for your beautiful words and for taking the time to share your experience. It was an absolute pleasure to assist you during your time in Colombia, and it is great to hear that we could make your trip truly special. Your words, kind recognition of the team’s efforts, and feedback mean the world to us. We are so proud to showcase the diversity and magic of Colombia, and it brings us great joy to know that you connected deeply with the stories and places we... Read more

Dear Dorrinda,

Thank you so much for your beautiful words and for taking the time to share your experience. It was an absolute pleasure to assist you during your time in Colombia, and it is great to hear that we could make your trip truly special. Your words, kind recognition of the team’s efforts, and feedback mean the world to us.

We are so proud to showcase the diversity and magic of Colombia, and it brings us great joy to know that you connected deeply with the stories and places we hold so close to our hearts. Hearing that our dedication made a positive impact on your journey inspires us to keep creating extraordinary experiences for travelers like you.

Thank you for trusting Aracanto to be a part of your adventure, and thank you very much for visiting our home country, Colombia. Muchas gracias :)

Sending you our very Best Wishes!

Warm wishes,
Margoth and the Aracanto Team

We highly recommend the Aracanto team led by Margoth & Felipe
Colombia | Feb 25 - Mar 10, 2025

Stephen
Stephen B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Mar 16, 2025
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.... Read more

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
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)
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
Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Mar 16, 2025
Dear Stephen and Jane, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! We are absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a great time in Colombia and that we could help make your trip memorable. It was truly a pleasure meeting you both. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. Every detail you have shared will be reviewed with our team and will help us continue improving and offering the best experiences in Colombia. We’ll also pass along your... Read more

Dear Stephen and Jane,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! We are absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a great time in Colombia and that we could help make your trip memorable. It was truly a pleasure meeting you both.

Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us. Every detail you have shared will be reviewed with our team and will help us continue improving and offering the best experiences in Colombia. We’ll also pass along your kind words to Oscar, Camilo, and all your guides and drivers. Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful comments.

Sending you both our very best wishes, and Muchas Gracias for visiting our home country. We truly appreciate your time in writing this review.

Wishing you all the best,
Aracanto Team, Felipe and Margoth

Very enjoyable trip.
Colombia | Feb 13 - Mar 5, 2025

T
Terence C.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 06, 2025
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. Read more

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
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
Private Cooking Class and Dinner
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guatape and El Peñol
Guatape and El Peñol
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Street Art, Tejo Game and Chocolate Activity in Bogota
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
Thermal Waters Santa Rosa de Cabal
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local Fruit Market and Street food Tour
Local Fruit Market and Street food Tour
Bogotá
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rum Tasting with Chocolate Pairing
Rum Tasting with Chocolate Pairing
Cartagena
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to Colombia!
Welcome to Colombia!
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Colombian Drinks and Cocktail Tasting Experience
Colombian Drinks and Cocktail Tasting Experience
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Monserrate Hill with Transportation
Monserrate Hill with Transportation
Bogotá
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
City Tour of Bogota with Gold Museum!
City Tour of Bogota with Gold Museum!
Bogotá
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Cooking Class and Lunch
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
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)
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)
City Tour of Medellín (with Local Market)
Medellín
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cocora Valley,  Salento, and Filandia Coffee Town
Cocora Valley, Salento, and Filandia Coffee Town
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Colourful and entertaing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Depart Colombia
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
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
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)
Dinner Reservation at Jardin Restaurant (Sofitel Santa Clara)
Cartagena
Quality of Experience
Good food.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great young waiter.
Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Mar 06, 2025
Dear Terence, Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review and share your detailed and valuable feedback with us. We are truly passionate about what we do and care deeply about our travelers and our country. Your comments help us improve and ensure we continue offering memorable, unique, and outstanding experiences in Colombia. They also motivate us to keep showing how incredible and unique Colombia is, while recognizing that there is room for growth and improvement. We’re so... Read more

Dear Terence,

Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review and share your detailed and valuable feedback with us. We are truly passionate about what we do and care deeply about our travelers and our country. Your comments help us improve and ensure we continue offering memorable, unique, and outstanding experiences in Colombia. They also motivate us to keep showing how incredible and unique Colombia is, while recognizing that there is room for growth and improvement.

We’re so glad to hear that you had a wonderful time overall and enjoyed your travels throughout Colombia. We really appreciate the positive feedback you shared, particularly about the Artisan DC Hotel in Bogotá and El Cielo Hotel in Medellín—both of which aim to excel at providing fantastic experiences for their guests. We’re also thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the authentic coffee farm experience in the Coffee Region, especially the chance to meet the local family and learn about their small business.

It is great to hear you had fun with activities like playing Tejo, the cooking class in Cartagena, the Aguardiente tasting and the City Tour in Medellín. We’re especially happy to hear that your dinner at the Jardin Restaurant at the Sofitel was a memorable experience! We’re also pleased to hear that your time in Cocora Valley was great, and that the transportation arrangements worked smoothly throughout your trip.

That said, we sincerely apologize for the issues you encountered in Cartagena. The heat can certainly be intense, and we understand how that impacted your experience. We are constantly working to advise our travelers on how to stay comfortable and manage the weather while enjoying their time in the city.

Regarding your experience with the guide in Cartagena, we truly appreciate your constructive feedback and will work with the guide to ensure they continue to develop in their approach and interactions with travelers. Our goal is always to provide professional and engaging guides, and we’re sorry that this was not the case on this occasion.

As for the hotel in Cartagena and Sazagua in the Coffee Region, we are sorry to hear that they did not meet your expectations. We take your feedback seriously and will review the services and facilities with both properties to ensure they align with the high standards we strive to maintain.

Thank you once again for trusting us with your journey in Colombia. It was a pleasure meeting you and Mary Arlene, and we truly appreciate you both for sharing your feedback with us. We’re also grateful for the time you spent immersing yourselves in our local culture and exploring Colombia’s unique experiences!

Kind regards,
Margoth and the Aracanto Colombia Team

Colombia - one season for 375 days
Colombia | Feb 13 - Mar 5, 2025

M
Mary Arlene W.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 06, 2025
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... Read more

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!
Welcome to Colombia!
Colombia
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Monserrate Hill with Transportation
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
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
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!
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
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)
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)
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
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
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
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
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
Colombian Drinks and Cocktail Tasting Experience
Colombia

Relaxed, fun and playful experience.

City Tour of Medellín (with Local Market)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Mar 06, 2025
Dear Mary Arlene, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback with us. We really appreciate it. We are very happy to hear that you had an overall positive experience with our local guides and drivers, and that you enjoyed the various destinations and activities on your itinerary. We appreciate your kind words about the Colombian people and your recognition of the importance of tourism and hospitality in improving the quality of life. Your comments about the room... Read more

Dear Mary Arlene,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback with us. We really appreciate it. We are very happy to hear that you had an overall positive experience with our local guides and drivers, and that you enjoyed the various destinations and activities on your itinerary.

We appreciate your kind words about the Colombian people and your recognition of the importance of tourism and hospitality in improving the quality of life. Your comments about the room in Cartagena and the guide's approach are noted, and thank you for bringing this to our attention. We apologize for the inconvenience and will speak with the Sofitel Santa Clara hotel to address these areas for improvement. Your suggestion regarding the inclusion of more English in hospitality for better communication is very valuable as well, and we are working with other companies and local communities to address this.

Thank you very much for your valuable feedback and for helping us enhance our services. And thank you for visiting Colombia! It has been a pleasure having you and Terence in Colombia!

Kind regards,
Margoth

Margoth and team designed a trip that was per...
Colombia | Jan 31 - Feb 7, 2025

L
Leslie G.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 07, 2025

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.

Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 07, 2025

Dear Leslie,

Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. And it is wonderful to hear that you had a great trip to Colombia!

Sending you and your family our very best wishes and thank you very much for trusting us! It has been a pleasure meeting you.

Warm Regards,
Margoth

Overall we had a great time. A few bumps alon...
Colombia | Jan 22 - Jan 30, 2025

Bert
Bert S.
Scottsdale, AZ | Reviewed on Feb 07, 2025
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.
Read more

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.

Hotel Reviews
Sofitel Baru Calablanca
Cartagena

Very Nice hotel and resort. My wife got sick and the hotel did everything they could to help including getting doctor and nurse. Very Happy with everything.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Cartagena

Very nice hotel with beautiful garden restaurant. Rooms were very nice. Only negative was construction in hotel was a little noisy

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 12, 2025
Dear Bert, Thank you very much for taking the time to write your comments and share your feedback with us. We greatly appreciate it, and your comments are extremely valuable to us. Your feedback is the best way for us to continue improving our choice of hotels and the quality of our trips. We are very happy to hear that, despite being ill for a few days, you still had a great time in Colombia! Thank you as well for letting us know that you enjoyed your time with Anna and the activities in... Read more

Dear Bert,

Thank you very much for taking the time to write your comments and share your feedback with us. We greatly appreciate it, and your comments are extremely valuable to us. Your feedback is the best way for us to continue improving our choice of hotels and the quality of our trips.

We are very happy to hear that, despite being ill for a few days, you still had a great time in Colombia! Thank you as well for letting us know that you enjoyed your time with Anna and the activities in Cartagena.

It is always a pleasure to welcome your family to Colombia, and thank you for trusting us. Sending you all our very best wishes!

Warm regards,
Margoth and The Aracanto Team

Our trip was wonderful our activities were gr...
Colombia | Jan 22 - Jan 30, 2025

stacey
stacey s.
Medford, OR | Reviewed on Feb 04, 2025
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
Read more

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
Local Colombian Emerald Workshop
Cartagena

Wonderful activity

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ceviche and Coconut Lemonade with Transportation
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
Traditional Coffee Tasting with Honey Pairing
Cartagena

I now alot about coffee great activity

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Feb 04, 2025

Dear Stacey,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We are very happy to hear that you had such a great trip and enjoyed all of the activities.

Your kind words and recommendation mean the world to us. We are incredibly grateful for your continued trust and loyalty, and it’s always a pleasure to have you and your family visit Colombia with us. Muchas Gracias!

Warm regards,
Margoth

Margoth was really helpful and on top of everything!
Colombia | Dec 28 - Jan 6, 2025

L
Lauren K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2025
Margoth was really helpful and on top of everything from planned activities to unplanned circumstances (changing plans, illness, etc). The guides took amazing care of us and were great guides! Read more

Margoth was really helpful and on top of everything from planned activities to unplanned circumstances (changing plans, illness, etc). The guides took amazing care of us and were great guides!

Hotel Reviews
York Luxury Suites Medellín
El Poblado, Medellin

Great place, great location!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Shopping, restaurants all nearby. Beautiful area.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel immaculate and well run!
Hotel Capellan de Getsemani
Cartagena de Indias

UNIQUE hotel. Tranquil inside. Great service. Perfect location.

Authenticity & Character
Rooftop great! Food great!
Location
Located in area with many art galleries, shops, activity
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sofitel Baru Calablanca
Cartagena

Cannot say enough about the level of service in every detail of our stay. One of best hotels I’ve been to.

Authenticity & Character
Great international vibe. Incredible food. Breakfast buffet fantastic!
Location
Remote, tranquil spot, away from all but other guests.
Staff
So accommodating!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless. Beautifully appointed everything and aesthetics and decor gorgeous .
Activity Reviews
The Best of Medellín City Tour (with Comuna 13)
The Best of Medellín City Tour (with Comuna 13)
Medellín

Learned a lot and saw a lot of the city. I highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Christmas Lights Medellin Night Tour
Christmas Lights Medellin Night Tour
Medellín

Worth seeing!!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mo
Transport
Mangrove Tour with Local Fisherman
Mangrove Tour with Local Fisherman
Cartagena

Fascinating experience and don’t have to go far from city to do it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mo
Transport
Our guide and driver were fantastic
 Chocolate Tasting and Colombian Cacao Experience
Chocolate Tasting and Colombian Cacao Experience
Cartagena

This was blast. Our guide Koko was a lot of fun and knew her chocolate!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dinner Reservation at OCIO / OCI.Mde
Dinner Reservation at OCIO / OCI.Mde
Medellín

The dinner at OCIO / OCI.Mde in Medellín was amazing. The food and atmosphere were fantastic, making it a perfect dining experience.

Dinner Reservation at Andrés Carne de Res
Dinner Reservation at Andrés Carne de Res
Medellín

Andrés Carne de Res was also an amazing culinary experience in Medellín. The reservation was definitely worth it, and the food was excellent.

Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Jan 21, 2025
Dear Lauren,
It has been a pleasure meeting you and your family and thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review of your trip in Colombia.
We will pass on your comments to your guides and thank you very much for your valuable feedback. It is also great to hear that you enjoyed your hotels, especially the Sofitel Baru and the Capellan de Getsemani :). And we are very happy to hear you had a great time on the mangrove tour and the chocolate workshop! Muchas Gracias for visiting... Read more

Dear Lauren,
It has been a pleasure meeting you and your family and thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review of your trip in Colombia.

We will pass on your comments to your guides and thank you very much for your valuable feedback. It is also great to hear that you enjoyed your hotels, especially the Sofitel Baru and the Capellan de Getsemani :). And we are very happy to hear you had a great time on the mangrove tour and the chocolate workshop!

Muchas Gracias for visiting Colombia and immersing in our local culture.
Sending you all our very Best wishes for 2025!

Best wishes,
Sebastian, Felipe, Margoth and the Aracanto Team

Very attentive and thoughtful planning by Mar...
Colombia | Dec 18 - Dec 27, 2024

C
Candace J.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2025
Very attentive and thoughtful planning by Margoth, Felipe, and Sebastian. Our guides, drivers, recommended hotels and experiences were top notch! Read more

Very attentive and thoughtful planning by Margoth, Felipe, and Sebastian. Our guides, drivers, recommended hotels and experiences were top notch!

Hotel Reviews
Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton
Cartagena

Convenient location in the walled city. Rooms very comfortable and food at rooftop pool/bar was great

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel San Pedro de Majagua
Isla Grande

A slice of paradise. Purposefully stayed during the week to avoid crowds. The staff, especially Edgar, was amazing. Food was delicious! Room/bungalow was spacious with a lovely patio. Grounds and beaches were well kept and peaceful

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Senda Kokkos Beach

Spectacular spot. Wish we had longer to enjoy it. The beach was lovely and the conditions was private, clean and spacious. Pool, hammock and outdoor space was lovely. The food and service was fantastic . Only con was lack of beach chairs

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lack of beach chairs
Marriott Resort Playa Dormida
Santa Marta

Large, impersonal hotel with constant airplane noise and stray dogs at outdoor restaurants. Mediocre food. Out of all the wonderful places we stayed this was a disappointment for tre end of our trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Jan 03, 2025
Thank you so much, Candace, for your kind words! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip to Colombia with us. Margoth, Felipe, and Sebastian, along with our entire team, strive to provide attentive and thoughtful planning to ensure your journey is top notch. It's fantastic to know that our guides, drivers, and recommended hotels and experiences met your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon! Thank you very much for taking the time to write this... Read more

Thank you so much, Candace, for your kind words! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip to Colombia with us. Margoth, Felipe, and Sebastian, along with our entire team, strive to provide attentive and thoughtful planning to ensure your journey is top notch. It's fantastic to know that our guides, drivers, and recommended hotels and experiences met your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon!

Thank you very much for taking the time to write this review and sending you our very Best wishes from Colombia! Muchas Gracias!

Kind Regards,
The Aracanto Team

Stress-free experience with great customer service
Colombia | Dec 19 - Dec 31, 2024

R
Rena D.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2025
We had a great experience with KimKim. From planning to the communication during travel, we were impressed with the level of support. It made our trip enjoyable and stress-free, especially for a family with kids. We especially loved the cooking class with Cristina, fishing in the mangroves, tubing, and the Minca waterfall. Our hotels were great as well. And all of the food recommendations were amazing. As far as our private guides, Ana was great with the kids and gave an informative... Read more

We had a great experience with KimKim. From planning to the communication during travel, we were impressed with the level of support. It made our trip enjoyable and stress-free, especially for a family with kids.

We especially loved the cooking class with Cristina, fishing in the mangroves, tubing, and the Minca waterfall. Our hotels were great as well. And all of the food recommendations were amazing.

As far as our private guides, Ana was great with the kids and gave an informative tour of the walled city. She shared helpful background about her own experiences as well.

Jorge helped us understand a lot about the culture in the northern Caribbean region. Above all, the Indigenous aspect really stands out—it’s something that speaks volumes about this country with so much diversity.

We will likely use KimKim again.

Hotel Reviews
Sofitel Baru Calablanca
Cartagena
Authenticity & Character
Loved the contrast between modern and traditional architecture, wishing tree a cute touch
Location
Beautiful location, water was clear, boat ride was easy
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kokkos Beach | Condo Hotel
Santa Marta

Good layout, close to entrance to the park. Good food and very charming.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to Tayrona
Staff
They helped us with laundry and ordering our meals
Cleanliness & Comfort
Weird smell coming from one of the upstairs bathrooms bothered me, power went on and off frequently
Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton
Cartagena

Amazing location, charm and very comfortable rooms. Perfect for our family. Pool and rooftop restaurant were also lovely.

Authenticity & Character
We loved how it blended into the old city feel but had modern rooms. Beautiful lobby.
Location
so close to all the beauty and action of the walled city, great restaurants
Staff
They were so helpful with our bags, getting taxis, answering questions and fixing our key when it stopped working
Cleanliness & Comfort
AC was the best in all of Columbia, shower was great. Perfect layout .
Marriott Resort Playa Dormida
Santa Marta

Amazing hotel all around! Had everything we needed and more

Authenticity & Character
Architecture was Owen but decorations were very Colombian. We appreciated seeing the indigenous accents in the lobby.
Location
Close to the airport but it turned out to be cool to see the airplanes take off. We took a cab to the central part of the city and it was a little far but we didn’t mind much.
Staff
everyone was great. Kids staff were kind and helpful, bag folks helped us when we had to store things for the day, spa got my husband in last minute.
Cleanliness & Comfort
View and jacuzzi were amazing. Two bathrooms were really nice for 4 people. We were in awe of the view. Most amazing room we’ve ever stayed in.
Ermita, Cartagena, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
El Cabrero, Cartagena

Our original room had holes in the door and was extremely small for 4 people plus bags. Blinds were beat up and hallways were a little dirty.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very close to walled city
Staff
When we moved rooms they and handled it professionally and took care of our belongings
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were not in great shape
Activity Reviews
Private Cooking Class and Lunch
Private Cooking Class and Lunch
Cartagena

We loved Cristina, she was so good with the kids and the food was incredible. She spent so much time getting to know us and Shari g her life experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mangrove Tour with Local Fisherman
Mangrove Tour with Local Fisherman
Cartagena

Peaceful and informative, plus vey hands on and fun.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrival in the Islands (Hotel Sofitel Calablanca)
Arrival in the Islands (Hotel Sofitel Calablanca)
Isla Barú
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day at the Islands (Hotel Sofitel Calablanca)
Day at the Islands (Hotel Sofitel Calablanca)
Isla Barú

Multiple pools to choose from, all with ocean views. Loved the restaurant options near the beach, wishing tree was cute activity and beautiful at night. We didn’t love the main Calablanca restaurant but Bahia was amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking tour Cartagena and short Fruit Tasting
Walking tour Cartagena and short Fruit Tasting
Cartagena

Great to understand the difference neighborhoods inside the walled city, the history of Cartagena, and the details like door knocker symbolism. It was hot, but enjoyable. Ana tried to make it kid friendly. The fruit tasting was fun, but it was too much to eat.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Margoth Rico
Margoth
Margoth Rico
Local specialist in Bogota | Replied on Jan 03, 2025
Dear Rena, Thank you for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had a great experience in Colombia. It's fantastic that our planning and communication made your trip enjoyable and stress-free for all the family. We’re thrilled you loved the cooking class with Cristina, the fishing in the mangroves, tubing, and the Minca waterfall. It’s great to know that our hotel choices and food recommendations added to your positive experience. Ana and Jorge will be so pleased to hear... Read more

Dear Rena,

Thank you for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had a great experience in Colombia. It's fantastic that our planning and communication made your trip enjoyable and stress-free for all the family.

We’re thrilled you loved the cooking class with Cristina, the fishing in the mangroves, tubing, and the Minca waterfall. It’s great to know that our hotel choices and food recommendations added to your positive experience.

Ana and Jorge will be so pleased to hear your kind words. They strive to provide informative and engaging tours, and it’s wonderful to hear that they made a lasting impression on your trip. The cultural and indigenous aspects of the northern Caribbean region indeed highlight the incredible diversity of Colombia and thank you very much for your valuable observation.

Thank you once again for taking the time to write this review and for sending us your feedback which we greatly appreciate.

We hope to welcome you and your family back for more adventures in the future!
Sending you and your family our very Best Wishes for 2025!

Warm regards,
Margoth, the kimkim Team and the Aracanto Colombia Team