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's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Within 10 days, your family can combine three or more areas of Colombia thanks to low-cost domestic flights. Curious kids can engage in educational experiences, such as a...
Explore three of Colombia's most exciting cities on this nine-day adventure. Start in Bogotá, the sprawling cosmopolitan capital. Tour the colonial streets of the historic...
The romantic city of Cartagena, white-sand Caribbean beaches, beautiful Coffee Country and sizzling salsa dancing combine to make Colombia a wonderful honeymoon destination....
Family itineraries
Despite its name, Colombia's "Coffee Zone" is a fantastic destination for families—a natural paradise with outdoor activities for all ages. This week-long tour starts in the...
Your family can experience Colombia's best on an exciting week-long tour that's based in two very different cities: Bogotá and Cartagena. Kids and parents alike will enjoy...
You don't need to choose between cultural activities and beach time on this week-long family vacation in Colombia. You'll start on the Caribbean coast in Cartagena, which oozes...
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
Amazing activities, lovely hotels, great guides, responsive and thorough - HIGHLY recommend
Colombia
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Jul 6 - Jul 13, 2024
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... Read more
Great experience, great staff, everyone from ...
Colombia
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Sep 11 - Sep 24, 2024
Thank you so much for your kind words about your overall experience and the great feedback on our team! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the trip!
We also appreciate your comments about the Bazurto Market experience. We completely understand your perspective, and it’s true that the market can be overwhelming for some visitors. However, we some travellers seek out exactly that type of authentic, immersive experience to connect with the local culture, even if it can be a... Read more
We had an amazing time. Every place and every...
Colombia
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Sep 11 - Sep 24, 2024
Hi Sheila,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an amazing time and enjoyed every part of your journey. It’s fantastic to know that the tours and experiences enriched your visit. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! Safe travels!
Best,
The Chaska Tours Team
Increíble once in a lifetime trip!
Colombia
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Sep 11 - Sep 14, 2024
Dear Kelly,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and all the pictures! We are thrilled to hear that your trip to the Amazon was such an incredible and adventurous experience. It’s fantastic that your guide was able to enhance your journey with his knowledge and support. Colombia's untouched nature truly is something special, and I’m so happy you had the opportunity to enjoy it.
Wishing you many more adventures in the future!
Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team
Nature trip
Colombia
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Sep 10 - Sep 12, 2024
Dear Joyce,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that your excursions to the Tatacoa Desert and Cocora Valley were a dream come true. It was a pleasure working with you to tailor your trip. Your feedback means a lot to the entire team - thank you so much!
Wishing you all the best in your future travels!
Warm regards,
Michael
incredible experience in Colombia
Colombia
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Aug 17 - Aug 24, 2024
Smooth, Efficient, and Excellent
Colombia
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Aug 17 - Aug 24, 2024
Dear Arup,
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review. It was a pleasure assisting you and your friends with your trip to Colombia, and I’m delighted to hear that everything went smoothly. I’m especially glad to know that your guides and drivers made your experience memorable. I’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to everyone involved.
If you ever decide to explore more of Colombia, I would be thrilled to help you plan another adventure.
Best regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team
We felt that some of the tours were not descr...
Colombia
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Jul 22 - Aug 10, 2024
Also, there were too many guides on a number of the tours. Read more
Unforgettable Birding Trip to Colombia
Colombia
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Jul 30 - Aug 10, 2024
Truly amazing, wonderful, unique and special trip
Colombia
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Jun 24 - Jul 2, 2024
Thank you so much for your detailed and heartfelt review of your trip to Colombia. It means a lot to hear such positive feedback, and I’m glad you had such a wonderful experience.
Meeting you in person during your travels was truly a highlight for me. It’s always special to connect with our travelers, and I’m delighted that everything, from the itinerary to the accommodations, met your expectations. I’m also pleased to hear that Camila and Wilson contributed significantly to your... Read more