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
Unbelievable experience- would highly recommend!!
Colombia
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Dec 27 - Jan 4, 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
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Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2025
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
Stress Free Vacation
Colombia
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Dec 24 - Jan 1, 2025
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
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
Magical holiday getaway
Colombia
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Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2025
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
Colombia 2024
Colombia
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Dec 27 - Jan 3, 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.
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
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Dec 29 - Jan 1, 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
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Dec 14 - Dec 21, 2024
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.
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
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Dec 12 - Dec 19, 2024
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
We spent a wonderful 10 days in Colombia look...
Colombia
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Oct 26 - Nov 5, 2024
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... Read more
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
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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