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Michael Gold

Since I was little, I have been fascinated by getting to know the great wide world. The exchange with other cultures has always been my focus. Therefore, I have made my interest my profession. In Germany, I studied tourism management and specialized in sustainable tourism. During my travels, I found a country where I feel most comfortable: Colombia! The Colombian advertising slogan: "The only risk is wanting to stay" has proven true for me. In San Agustín, I have found my second home and from here I am happy to share the magic of the country with tourists from all over the world.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Responsible and sustainable tourism is my focus. For me it is important that travel has a positive impact - for the visitors, as well as for the hosts. Therefore, I have specialized in sustainable tourism. It is important to achieve a good cultural exchange, to protect nature, and at the same time to combine one's own interests. Nature and adventure tourism is my main area of expertise. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"Travel broadens your horizons! The world has so much to offer and so many exciting places and stories to discover. That's why I've loved traveling all my life - alone, with my family, together with friends. It's great to share experiences and impressions. Through my travel experience in about 40 different countries so far, I have made friends all over the world. My university has shown me the theoretical background of tourism, jobs in hotels and with tour operators helped me with the practical component."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"After graduating from school, I packed my travel backpack and set off on a long journey through Central and South America. During this period I fell in love with this continent! Hiking tours, boat trips, diving, fishing, jungle tours, visits to deserts, and above all many special life stories and open-minded people. These experiences as a whole package describe for me the most amazing travel experiences - thanks to this trip I decided to live in Colombia. And I am extremely happy about that."

Michael is part of the following groups: Colombia Travel Agents, Colombia Family Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries

Favorite experiences

Tour of Tayrona National Park

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona (Tayrona National Park) is one of about 58 national parks in Colombia, and this protected area is known for having some of the most virgin coastal landscapes in the entire country. Indeed, it's home to one of the most iconic "postcard" destinations in Colombia: the...

Guatapé Day Trip

The town of Guatapé is one of the crown jewels of central Colombia's Antioquia region. There are a few reasons for this, not the least of which is El Peñol, a 7,000-foot (2,135-meter) granite rock that rises out of the ground like a giant silver bullet. A private eight-hour tour of the town...

Zipaquirá & Nemecón Salt Mines Day-Trip

A mere 50 minutes north of Bogotá lies the town of Zipaquirá, which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. While certainly a charming colonial town, Zipaquirá is a must-visit Colombian destination for one single landmark: the Salt Cathedral, located just outside of town. This is indeed a...

Coffee Finca - Hiking - Explore Salento

It's fitting that Salento, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Colombia, is surrounded by the Valle de Cocora (Cocora Valley), which happens to be one of the most beautiful valleys in Colombia. This fertile region, denoted by rolling green hills, abounds with various coffee estates that...

La Guajira: Punta Gallinas & Taroa Dunes

La Guajira is almost a world apart from the green and tropical Colombia most travelers know. The arid desert landscapes in this region are foreboding yet beautiful, with the sun-scorched earth and steep red dunes tapering off into the azure waters of the Caribbean. The most epic landscapes here...

Rosario Islands Day Trip

Cartagena de Indias is not only a beautiful Caribbean coastal destination, but it's also one of the most well-preserved Spanish Colonial cities in South America. Back when the Spaniards were in charge, they utilized a network of offshore islands to help protect their shipments of gold. Beyond...

Recent trip reviews for Michael

Unbelievable experience- would highly recommend!!
Colombia | Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2025

A
Anne R.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jan 11, 2025
Our trip to Colombia was amazing! I cannot say enough great stuff about our visit to Bogota with home dining with Maria Jose, fruit tour with Nicolas, Street Art tour with Deanna and playing Tejo, visit to the Salt Cathederal with Deanna as well. Our lodging at the Hyatt was also top notch. Food and hosptialy were great throughout trip. Transfers were safe, comfortable and wonderful. Visit to Cartagena with Gustavo as guide was also amazing. We loved our market and cooking experience... Read more

Our trip to Colombia was amazing! I cannot say enough great stuff about our visit to Bogota with home dining with Maria Jose, fruit tour with Nicolas, Street Art tour with Deanna and playing Tejo, visit to the Salt Cathederal with Deanna as well. Our lodging at the Hyatt was also top notch. Food and hosptialy were great throughout trip. Transfers were safe, comfortable and wonderful. Visit to Cartagena with Gustavo as guide was also amazing. We loved our market and cooking experience with Dona Gloria and touring with Gustavo trying street food and exploring old town. Evening party for NYE at Bastion was superb. Spending the first day of the New Year in the Mud Baths was great and transfer to Baru by boat to Isla Encanto was great and our stay there was relaxing and perfect way tot end the vacations. We will surely be back and recommend to all who ask!

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jan 13, 2025

Hi Anne,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful feedback! I’m so glad to hear that your family trip to Colombia was such a memorable experience.
It’s great to know that you enjoyed everything - from your time in Bogotá and Cartagena to the New Year’s Eve celebration and your relaxing stay at Isla Encanto. I’m also happy to hear that the guides and experiences made your trip even more special.
It was a pleasure helping you plan this journey. I’d be delighted to assist you again whenever you’re ready for your next adventure.
Thanks again for recommending us!
Warm regards,
Michael & The Chaska Team

Amazing trip to Bogota, Cartagena, and Isle de Baru!
Colombia | Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2025

C
Christopher R.
Brookhaven, GA | Reviewed on Jan 10, 2025
Out trip to Colombia was fantastic thanks to Michael and his team. The trip he planned was perfect for our family of 5 (3 kids under 9). The kids were engaged with the activities. Our days were filled with activity but not too booked. Our guides were especially awesome. In Bogota, Maria Jose and Nicholas introduced us to local cuisine and fruits we had never seen before. Deanna was so gracious to meet us at the airport and show us the city and the Salt Cathedral (very cool!). In... Read more

Out trip to Colombia was fantastic thanks to Michael and his team. The trip he planned was perfect for our family of 5 (3 kids under 9). The kids were engaged with the activities. Our days were filled with activity but not too booked. Our guides were especially awesome. In Bogota, Maria Jose and Nicholas introduced us to local cuisine and fruits we had never seen before. Deanna was so gracious to meet us at the airport and show us the city and the Salt Cathedral (very cool!). In Cartagena, Gustavo was a fantastic tour guide for our three days and really showed the city and took care of us. All the guides offered their personal contact information while we were there and made sure we were taken care of. We would highly recommend Michael and his team as well as any of our tour guides!

Hotel Reviews
Grand Hyatt Bogotá
Bogotá

Beautiful hotel in a quiet part of the city. Easy to get to airport and to busier parts of downtown. Club staff and amenities were great. Pool and spa areas are amazing. Recommend without reservation.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Quieter area of the city but we felt very safe.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Isla del Encanto
Cartagena

Beautiful property. Staff was very friendly and welcoming. Swim up bar and large pool area for the kids. They provided ear plugs for music that played at night from neighboring village but we didn't find this to be a bother.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Boat ride was about an hour, car ride back was a good bit longer.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ermita, Cartagena, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
El Cabrero, Cartagena

This hotel is outside of the walled city but still close enough to walk into the walled city without issue. Inside the hotel is beautiful and well kept up. The breakfast was delicious and an impressive spread. Staff was very friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jan 11, 2025
Hi Christopher,
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback! I’m truly grateful that you took the time to share such a detailed review of your trip to Colombia.
It was a pleasure organizing this journey for you and your family. I’m thrilled to hear that the itinerary was a great fit for your family and that your kids enjoyed the activities.
We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to your guides. They’ll be delighted to hear how much you appreciated their dedication and personal touches....
Read more

Hi Christopher,
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback! I’m truly grateful that you took the time to share such a detailed review of your trip to Colombia.
It was a pleasure organizing this journey for you and your family. I’m thrilled to hear that the itinerary was a great fit for your family and that your kids enjoyed the activities.
We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to your guides. They’ll be delighted to hear how much you appreciated their dedication and personal touches.
I'm also glad you enjoyed the hotels. Your detailed descriptions are incredibly valuable - not only for us but also for other travelers.
We look forward to welcoming you back anytime you’re ready for your next adventure in Colombia! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can help with anything in the future.
Warm regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

Stress Free Vacation
Colombia | Dec 24 - Jan 1, 2025

S
Stefanie B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 08, 2025
Columbia is just an amazing country and we are so glad we had the help in planning.
Most of our guides were FANTASTIC- so friendly, intelligent and interesting! We had one guide that was good, I have nothing bad to say but I do not think we needed a guide for the activity and truth be told, it was too touristy. I would not have selected Guatape but went with the suggestion anyway.
I did most of the other planning and KimKim did the rest (booking guides, drivers, internal airfare) but I...
Read more

Columbia is just an amazing country and we are so glad we had the help in planning.
Most of our guides were FANTASTIC- so friendly, intelligent and interesting! We had one guide that was good, I have nothing bad to say but I do not think we needed a guide for the activity and truth be told, it was too touristy. I would not have selected Guatape but went with the suggestion anyway.
I did most of the other planning and KimKim did the rest (booking guides, drivers, internal airfare) but I could have really let KIMKIM select the hotels as they know the area better than I did.
We loved the hiking and the remote villages and of course the tour of the Stilt Village was awesome.
It was truly a carefree trip and while using KIMKIM is certainly more expensive than doing it on your own, it takes all of the stress and organization off your hands and to me, that is worth it to me!

Hotel Reviews
Landmark Hotel Medellín
Medellín

Perfect room, location with a lovely gym and healthy food! Decor was amazing and it was very clean. We appreciated having free laundry!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina
Santa Marta

The hotel is beautiful and the staff were amazing but the location did not feel safe. We stayed in the hotel and did not venture out once we were in for the day. It is also very noisy from the streets around.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
OZ Hotel
Cartagena

We checked out, it was dirty and the staff were not very nice.

Location
Staff
It could be the language barrier and that is my fault for not speaking Spanish but it seemed they were annoyed with me even in terms of showing me my room.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Had bugs, cracks in the walls and the hallways smelled.
Activity Reviews
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Medellín

We did not like this part of the trip as it was too touristy and there was not much to do. We would have preferred to do some activity there other than sit and climb the rock

Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Natural Reserve: "Cerro Bravo"
Natural Reserve: "Cerro Bravo"
Medellín

We love hiking and while this was the scariest hike I ever did, we loved it. What made it challenging was there is no real trail and what is there is very slippery. Going up was fine, hard but good but I was really worried about going down.

Quality of Experience
Food
Wherever you picked the food up from it was amazing!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I forget our guides name Froi, I think and he is AWESOME
Transport
Medellín Transformation Tour
Medellín Transformation Tour
Medellín
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike Tayrona National Park
Hike Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park

You do not need a guide for the first part of the hike and I think that was all that was scheduled for us but we decided we wanted to do more bc we actually like to hike and be in remote areas. Once we got past the crowd it was awesome. You do not really need a guide for this trip but it is nice to have and he was lovely.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking in Cerro Kennedy
Hiking in Cerro Kennedy
El Dorado Nature Reserve

Loved it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Nueva Venecia and the stilt villages of the Ciénaga Grande (On the Way to Cartagena)
Nueva Venecia and the stilt villages of the Ciénaga Grande (On the Way to Cartagena)
Colombia

Our guide was awesome and this was one of the highlights of our trip- definetly worth stopping!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Market Visit & Cooking Class
Market Visit & Cooking Class
Cartagena

While the market is quite the adventure, is is not for the faint of heart- it is truly dirty but very cool place to be! I would not have felt safe being there without all of the support staff we had.

Quality of Experience
We could have done more cooking- we have done cooking classes in other countries and did a lot more.
Food
I think for foreigners you must cook the food and not serve raw.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They were fine but we did not interact much
Transport
Walking tour in Cartagena's Historic Center
Walking tour in Cartagena's Historic Center
Cartagena

The guide did not provide much to the trip, we learned very little. We could have just walked around the city ourselves. She was nice and tried to help get us a dinner reservation but we did not do anything that required a guide and she just did not teach us much. The other guides were full of knowledge and stories.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We had clean cars and transport the entire time never a problem with drivers!
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jan 08, 2025
Dear Stefanie,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback! We’re so glad you had a stress-free and memorable trip to Colombia and that you enjoyed the stunning hikes, the visit to Nueva Venecia, and the remote areas you explored.
Your kind words about the guides and logistics mean a lot to us, and we’re happy that the coordination made your trip easier. We also really appreciate your constructive feedback - especially regarding Guatapé, the walking tour in Cartagena, and the...
Read more

Dear Stefanie,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback! We’re so glad you had a stress-free and memorable trip to Colombia and that you enjoyed the stunning hikes, the visit to Nueva Venecia, and the remote areas you explored.
Your kind words about the guides and logistics mean a lot to us, and we’re happy that the coordination made your trip easier. We also really appreciate your constructive feedback - especially regarding Guatapé, the walking tour in Cartagena, and the cooking class. We’ll be sure to use this to refine future experiences and make them even more aligned with traveler preferences.

Thank you again for traveling with us and sharing your thoughts. It was a pleasure to help you plan your trip, and we’d love to welcome you back in Colombia for another adventure in the future!

Warm regards,
Michael

Magical holiday getaway
Colombia | Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2025

Tara
Tara V.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2025
We had a wonderful 8-day family trip to Colombia in December 2024- Jan 2025. Highlights for us and the kids (aged 6 and 10) were hiking and wildlife sighting in Tayrona National Park with Joi, submersion in Totumo Mud Volcano, and enjoying the beach at Islabela, one of the Islas del Rosario. We also enjoyed visiting the coffee reserve, Comuna 13 in Medellin with Andres and La Boquilla Mangrove tour outside Cartagena with Gabo. Our transfers were punctual, our guides informative and... Read more

We had a wonderful 8-day family trip to Colombia in December 2024- Jan 2025. Highlights for us and the kids (aged 6 and 10) were hiking and wildlife sighting in Tayrona National Park with Joi, submersion in Totumo Mud Volcano, and enjoying the beach at Islabela, one of the Islas del Rosario. We also enjoyed visiting the coffee reserve, Comuna 13 in Medellin with Andres and La Boquilla Mangrove tour outside Cartagena with Gabo. Our transfers were punctual, our guides informative and professional, and the kids never wanted to return home!

Hotel Review
Villa Maria Tayrona, a Kali Hotels
Los Naranjos

Kids enjoyed all the wildlife and hotel pool. Outstanding service and food!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close access to Tayrona NP.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
We had a small issues with water going out but it was fixed promptly.
Activity Reviews
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Medellín

The kids really enjoyed the Piedra hike and scenic tour of El Peñol.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip: Comuna 13, Botanical Garden & Coffee Tour
Day Trip: Comuna 13, Botanical Garden & Coffee Tour
Medellín

We enjoyed the Coffee Tour and Comuna 13 with escalator ride.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The fishing village of Taganga
The fishing village of Taganga
Colombia

We didn't have a much of a "tour"-- we were picked up from the airport by a driver and guide (Eduardo), were taken to a lunch spot (to pay on our own), and then taken to Tayrona NP hotel. This day was mostly a travel day but seemed advertised as a bit more interesting with some sightseeting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike Tayrona National Park
Hike Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park

This park was a highlight of our trip to Colombia! We loved hiking through the forest with Joi, spotting wildlife, enjoying the beach and views.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour to Totumo Volcano
Tour to Totumo Volcano
Cartagena

Our son (10) really enjoyed it! It was a bit confusing and we felt a bit pressured by the locals for paying extra for services, but our guide (Gabo) handled it for us.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Salt Pans of Galerazamba
Salt Pans of Galerazamba
Cartagena

We didn't know that tourism to the salinas was restricted. We enjoyed Cristina's hospitality and tour, even a visit to her backyard, in this experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boquilla Mangrove Tour
Boquilla Mangrove Tour
Cartagena

A unique way to view birds and fish via canoe.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking tour in Cartagena's Historic Center
Walking tour in Cartagena's Historic Center
Cartagena

We enjoyed the walking tour of the city center. It was a bit shorter (2h) than advertised, but hit the high points. There was a 4-hour break in the middle of this day which we were a bit surprised about-- in hindsight, we may have wanted to include another activity in our last full day in the city. We loved seeing the sloths in Parque del Centenario.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Cartagena

A beautiful way to spend our last day in Colombia. We were taken care of by our Guide, Gabo, until we got on the boat, and had a lovely day in the sand and sun.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jan 07, 2025
Hi Tara,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed review! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a magical experience in Colombia. It’s wonderful to know that highlights like Guatapé, Tayrona, Rosario Islands, and the Totumo Mud Volcano were memorable for both you and the kids.
We appreciate your honest feedback regarding Taganga and the Cartagena walking tour. Your insights help us refine the itineraries to ensure expectations match the experience. ... Read more

Hi Tara,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed review! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had such a magical experience in Colombia. It’s wonderful to know that highlights like Guatapé, Tayrona, Rosario Islands, and the Totumo Mud Volcano were memorable for both you and the kids.

We appreciate your honest feedback regarding Taganga and the Cartagena walking tour. Your insights help us refine the itineraries to ensure expectations match the experience.

We're so glad that the overall trip was a success and that your family didn’t want to leave! If you ever plan another adventure in Colombia, we’d be delighted to assist you again.

Warm regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

Colombia 2024
Colombia | Dec 27 - Jan 3, 2025

F
Fatema P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2025

Thank you for planning an amazing trip for us. Every detail was well thought off and all our guides were fantastic. Special thanks to Andrez
in Bogota, he went above and beyond with showing us bogota and the surroundings.

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jan 04, 2025

Hi Fatema,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your trip to Colombia was amazing and that every detail met your expectations. Andrez will be delighted to know how much you appreciated his dedication and the effort he put into making your time in Bogotá and its surroundings unforgettable. It was truly a pleasure to help you plan your journey, and we hope to welcome you again for another incredible adventure in Colombia! 😊
All the best,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

Canadian family of 5 visiting Colombia
Colombia | Dec 29 - Jan 1, 2025

Joël
Joël B.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2025
For our first time visiting a country in South America, we decided to get advice and the service from Kimkim and Michael at Chaska Tours. We were impressed by the level of attention and knowledge provided. We particularly enjoyed visiting Medellin, Guatape as well as La Piedra del Peñol with Antonio. Thank you for your support. We will for sure recommend your service to our friends and family in the future. Read more

For our first time visiting a country in South America, we decided to get advice and the service from Kimkim and Michael at Chaska Tours. We were impressed by the level of attention and knowledge provided. We particularly enjoyed visiting Medellin, Guatape as well as La Piedra del Peñol with Antonio. Thank you for your support. We will for sure recommend your service to our friends and family in the future.

Hotel Review
Sites
Medellin

Great location. The appartement size was perfect for a family of 5. The kids lived the rooftop pool.

Authenticity & Character
It’s a generic hotel no specific charm
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jan 03, 2025

Hi Joël,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so happy to hear that your first trip to South America was a success and that you felt supported throughout your journey. We really appreciate your recommendation and wishing you many more amazing adventures and wonderful memories in the future!
All the best,
Michael & Chaska Tours Team

Kim Kim is the way to go!
Colombia | Dec 14 - Dec 21, 2024

J
John C.
Canada | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2025

Our overall experience with KimKim while in Medellin/Cartagena was fantastic as we were taken care of from the moment we landed until the moment we left. Our guides and drivers were all welcoming and knowledgeable, if given the opportunity to recommend an activity from our trip we highly recommend the flower farm and coffee farm tours.

Michael - our KimKim contact was excellent. Great advice, responsive and helpful.

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jan 03, 2025

Thank you, John!

I’m glad you had a fantastic time in Medellín and Cartagena. It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the farm tours. It was a pleasure assisting you throughout your trip!

Safe travels, and I hope we can help you plan another adventure in the future!

Best,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

I really enjoyed the trip to Colombia. I visi...
Colombia | Dec 12 - Dec 19, 2024

S
Sayon D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Dec 20, 2024
I really enjoyed the trip to Colombia. I visited Medellin and Cartagena and had a good time. After visiting Colombia did not want to leave and hope to go back in the future. The guides were great and very helpful and informative I really had a good time visiting Colombia. I had the guides speak to me in Spanish so that it can help me improve my Spanish. Michael and the team were very helpful with their explanations on everything and Colombia is a great place with great people to the point... Read more

I really enjoyed the trip to Colombia. I visited Medellin and Cartagena and had a good time. After visiting Colombia did not want to leave and hope to go back in the future. The guides were great and very helpful and informative I really had a good time visiting Colombia. I had the guides speak to me in Spanish so that it can help me improve my Spanish. Michael and the team were very helpful with their explanations on everything and Colombia is a great place with great people to the point where like how I said before I'm definitely going to visit again.

Hotel Reviews
14 Urban Hotel
Medellin

The hotel was great the staff was friendly I would stay here again in the future. I checked out the areas near the hotel in El poblado to experience the nightlife and the area was very safe.

Authenticity & Character
I like the place where the hotel was located and the view from the top floor was great.
Location
Staff
The staff was very helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms looked very nice
Hotel Casa Tere
Cartagena

I like this hotel it was great the staff was very professional and helpful and informative. When visiting Cartagena I would recommend people to stay at this hotel and I will look to stay here in the future.

Authenticity & Character
I like the hotels location and the rooftop views it was great.
Location
The location was convenient and it was safe in an area where there was a lot of people
Staff
The staff were professional and I really enjoyed talking to them.
Cleanliness & Comfort
I like the rooms they looked good.
Activity Reviews
Medellín Day Tour: Nature, Culture, and Urban History
Medellín Day Tour: Nature, Culture, and Urban History
Medellín

I really enjoyed the tour it was great I learned about the history of Medellin and how Medellin still continues to improve itself with safety. I enjoyed communa 13, parque arvi, Plaza botero, and seeing the biblioteca españa. Medellin is just a great city overall.

Quality of Experience
I got to learn a lot about how Medellin changed from the past to the present and I love how nice the people were whom I met.
Food
I enjoyed trying the different foods that was delicious.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was very helpful she was informative
Transport
Well I got to experience riding the metro and the metrocable and was great.
Tour Peñol & Guatapé
Tour Peñol & Guatapé
Medellín

I enjoyed the tour to Guatape and I took the tour with the Spanish speaking guide to help me improve my Spanish and Guatape was amazing. I would go back again. The guides were helpful with taking me to the moto chivito ride in Guatape and where to meet. I really enjoyed this tour was so much fun and I met great people.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guides were very good and helpful I hope to see them again someday.
Transport
The transport was good I had a good time
Medellín Day Tour: City + Street Food
Medellín Day Tour: City + Street Food
Medellín

I loved trying the different foods in Medellin and seeing the different attractions such as Botanical Gardens and Parque Explora and parque rio and then saw the planetarium but I wish I had more time to see Puebilito Paisa and will look to go again in the future.

Quality of Experience
Overall I had a good experience Puebilito Paisa was fun but wanted more time to explore more.
Food
I loved the different foods I tried such as chicken sancocho and the empanadas and all in all different dishes in Medellin.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
My guide was helpful and she gave good explanations and helped me with my Spanish.
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Dec 20, 2024
Dear Sayon,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about your trip to Colombia. I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time in Medellín and Cartagena. It’s great that you had a chance to practice your Spanish with your guides — they mentioned how much they enjoyed interacting with you as well!
I’m glad the hotels met your expectations and that you felt safe and well taken care of throughout your trip.
Thank you once again for your trust in us. We’d be delighted to...
Read more

Dear Sayon,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about your trip to Colombia. I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time in Medellín and Cartagena. It’s great that you had a chance to practice your Spanish with your guides — they mentioned how much they enjoyed interacting with you as well!
I’m glad the hotels met your expectations and that you felt safe and well taken care of throughout your trip.
Thank you once again for your trust in us. We’d be delighted to welcome you back to Colombia in the future and help you explore even more of this beautiful country.
Wishing you all the best and happy travels!
Warm regards,
Michael and the Chaska Tours Team

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

Ramesh
Ramesh T.
India | Reviewed on Nov 12, 2024
We spent a wonderful 10 days in Colombia looked after by Michael and his team at Chaska Travels.
A special mention about our guide Marylin in Bogota who went that extra mile to look after us personally especially when my wife and daughter were a bit under the weather. All the tours and travel arrangements went without a hitch and frankly there was no part of our trip that we had any negative experience. We loved Colombia as a country, its people and of course its amazing Geography.
The...
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We spent a wonderful 10 days in Colombia looked after by Michael and his team at Chaska Travels.
A special mention about our guide Marylin in Bogota who went that extra mile to look after us personally especially when my wife and daughter were a bit under the weather. All the tours and travel arrangements went without a hitch and frankly there was no part of our trip that we had any negative experience. We loved Colombia as a country, its people and of course its amazing Geography.
The highlight of our trip was our stay at the Sofitel Santa Clara where we could not have asked for more. The service and facilities were wonderful.

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

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

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

Warm regards,
Michael and the Chaska Tours Team

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

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

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

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Oct 07, 2024
Dear Laura,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and glowing review of your trip to Colombia! We are thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had such a wonderful experience. It was our pleasure to help coordinate everything. I’m so glad that everything went smoothly and that you felt supported throughout the trip.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we couldn’t be happier that you felt safe, supported, and able to fully immerse yourself in the trip...
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Dear Laura,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and glowing review of your trip to Colombia! We are thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had such a wonderful experience. It was our pleasure to help coordinate everything. I’m so glad that everything went smoothly and that you felt supported throughout the trip.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we couldn’t be happier that you felt safe, supported, and able to fully immerse yourself in the trip without worrying about the logistics.
We would be absolutely thrilled to help plan another trip for you and your daughter to explore even more of Colombia’s beauty and culture. Until then, thank you again for your amazing review and for choosing us to plan your adventure!
Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team