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active 20 hours ago

Wendy Romero

Hi, I’m Wendy.

With a Hotel and Tourism Management background, I’ve dedicated my career at ‘The Colombian Trip’ to sharing my homeland's unparalleled beauty and rich biodiversity with you.

I was born on the enchanting island of San Andrés, a gem of the Caribbean with its legendary seven-color sea and a shape that playfully resembles a seahorse.

When I’m not crafting unforgettable journeys, I’m out on the road, discovering hidden treasures. I love exploring charming small towns, savoring local flavors, connecting with the local community, and soaking in the breathtaking landscapes that make each trip a new adventure.

And I’m in awe of Colombia’s incredible biodiversity. With 1,871 bird species, we lead the world in avian diversity. Even close to bustling Bogotá, you can experience a symphony of hummingbirds in the rugged Andean cloud forests—a natural gift that never ceases to amaze me.

I can’t wait to show you how extraordinary it is to visit my country—enriching you with memorable experiences.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"My favorite place to share with travelers is Santa Marta—where the ocean meets the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Imagine having your toes in the warm sand one moment and, within 40 minutes, breathing in the cool mountain air of the Sierra. It’s the best of both worlds, all in one incredible place.
"

How did you get involved in travel?

"Travel and tourism have always been a part of my life. Growing up, my parents worked in the industry, so I constantly explored new destinations, met people from different cultures, and savored unique cuisines.

These experiences shaped my passion for travel and led me to pursue a degree in Tourism. I couldn’t be happier with my chosen path.

Now, I get to share that passion with you, crafting tailored journeys inviting you to discover Colombia's magic firsthand.
"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One unforgettable journey was in Minca. Just 45 minutes from Santa Marta.

This small town is known as the ecological capital of the region for its rich biodiversity, refreshing climate, and stunning elevation. It's also a paradise for coffee lovers, where you can visit a local farm to see how high-quality coffee is grown and processed.

Here, the mountains come alive with birdsong from species that can’t be found anywhere else, including the Santa Marta Parakeet, Yellow-crowned Whitestart, and Santa Marta Brush-Finch. Be delighted by the sight of the Santa Marta Woodstar, one of the region’s captivating treasures.

I finished the day enjoying a grand aerial view over Santa Marta, paired with an orange-pink sunset."

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

Recent trip reviews for Wendy

This trip was almost like a dream vacation! ...
Colombia | May 10 - May 20, 2024

Parine
Parine F.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jun 17, 2024
This trip was almost like a dream vacation! We were extremely pleased with the care and attention to details from Wendy and Julieth at The Colombian Trip- both in the planning process and during our trip. Colombia is one of the most beautiful countries I've visited. We loved the country, the people, the natural beauty and the architecture, the fashion, the gastronomy and above all the tour guides were all amazing! We felt safe every step of the way. Having the tour company suggest... Read more

This trip was almost like a dream vacation! We were extremely pleased with the care and attention to details from Wendy and Julieth at The Colombian Trip- both in the planning process and during our trip.

Colombia is one of the most beautiful countries I've visited. We loved the country, the people, the natural beauty and the architecture, the fashion, the gastronomy and above all the tour guides were all amazing!

We felt safe every step of the way. Having the tour company suggest and plan the day trips and the sightseeing was very helpful. This was the most spontaneous trip I've ever been on and it's because we felt confident of the Kimkim and The Colombia Trip team to keep us not only safe, but in 4 and 5 star accommodations and they sure delivered!

The tour guides were all college educated, knowledgeable and proud to share their history and culture. They were kind and patient and easy going to make last minute changes to accommodate our needs. Even when one of us had a fall and felt it was wise to be seen at a medical clinic, Wendy sent a translator to the clinic to accompany us. That was not part of the plan of course! But knowing they were on top of everything at all times was golden!

We had private drivers accompanied by the tour guides or translators at all pick ups and transfers once we landed into Bogota. We had 3 domestic flights and many transfers in between the cities and regions we visited. The Amazon River was incredible too. Sergio Leon was with us for the entire 3 days of the Amazonas. He stayed in the same hotels as us and accompanied us on the ferry and the private boat ride into the Amazon River and provided rain boots for our walk into the rainforest and full of wisdom about the region as he guided us (alongside indigenous guides).

Luis Mi Barreto was our guide in Bogota. Clau Rodriguez was our guide in Medellin. Keyla Merino was our guide in Cartagena. They were all absolutely incredible!

I would highly recommend working with KimKim and The Colombina Trips for a seamless travel experience. All you need is to open your wallet (haha), pack your bags and get on the plane. The rest is all taken care of.

Hotel Reviews
Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia
Bogotá

Sofitel definitely delivered a 5 star experience. I just wish we had more time to enjoy the fabulous breakfast buffets.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Waira Suites
Leticia

This was the best hotel option in Leticia. The owner/ manager, Ismael, was the only person who spoke English. We left our documents and valuables with him along with our luggage in safe keeping so we could travel light to Puerto Narino. He also made sure we enjoyed our on site restaurant experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was basic accommodations and in line with our expectations of the Amazonas region.
Waira Selva Hotel
Puerto Narino

They upgraded us to a different room with the view of the Amazon River! What more could we ask for! It was just what we expected. Basic, clean, rustic accommodations. Friendly staff, who did our laundry every day @ no charge. Of course we tipped everyone generously along the way.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique
CARTAGENA

This was absolutely THE BEST boutique hotel I've ever stayed in!!! It's like stepping back in time... and right out of a movie scene! Incredibly charming, old world Colonial, arches, pools, friendly staff who greet you with welcome drinks as soon as we walked into the lobby. Highly recommend a stay here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Patio del Mundo
Medellín

In a desirable El Poblado neighborhood. Walking distance to chi chi restaurants and clubs. Beautifully decorated and charming landscape design. The phone in the room didn't work. So if we needed to reach the front desk staff, we had to use WhatsApp to reach them. But that meant we were texting at odd hours and not knowing if that individual was on duty or not. Breakfast was lovely in the back patio. Friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The phone in the room didn't work.
Activity Reviews
Cacao Island Natural Connection
Cacao Island Natural Connection
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover La Candelaria & The Monserrate Hill
Discover La Candelaria & The Monserrate Hill
Colombia

Luis Mi Barreto was our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable, friendly and flexible to meet our needs.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover and learn about Leticia
Discover and learn about Leticia
Colombia

Segio Leon was our tour guide here. He accompanied us for the 3 days we spent in the Amazonas and Leticia was one of those days. He stayed at the same hotels as us and literally spent full days showing us around.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mocagua Island  & Puerto Nariño
Mocagua Island & Puerto Nariño
Colombia

An unforgettable experience! A must see at least once in a lifetime!

Quality of Experience
Food
Farm to table food, very simple ingredients and fish. Absolutely one of the best meals on the whole trip!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We had to take a boat ride to the island. It was wonderful.
Social Transformation In Medellín
Social Transformation In Medellín
Medellín

Clau Rodriguez was our guide here. She was absolutely wonderful!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly, flexible and sensitive to our needs
Transport
Walking Tour
Walking Tour
Cartagena

Keyla Merino was our tour guide here. This was absolutely a highlight tour of our trip to Cartagena. She was so proud to tell us about the troubled past in Colombian history and the positive changes to make the country safer but also the economic impact of tourism and international investors on the locals and their resistance on gentrification.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on Jul 02, 2024

Dear Parine,

Your kind words have truly touched us! We cannot express how delighted we are to read such a thorough, warm, and detailed review of your time in Colombia and (how you have told us) the wonderful people who accompanied you during your journey.

We are overjoyed that your experience lived up to your expectations and that you enjoyed every moment. We look forward to welcoming you back to Colombia again and hope that this beautiful country will always hold a special place in your heart!

Sending you a big hug!

Best regards,
Wendy

The trip was wonderful and memorable. Organiz...
Colombia | May 10 - May 20, 2024

M
Mitra A.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on May 23, 2024

The trip was wonderful and memorable. Organized, on time, well planned with amazing guides throughout. I am going to be a lifetime Kimkim client. Your planing and services surpassed my expectation.
Luis in Bogota, Sergio in Amazon region, Claudia in Medellin and Kaley in Cartagena were amazing , knowledge able about the area. They went above and beyond to make our experience even more special.

Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on May 27, 2024

Dear Mitra,

It was a pleasure welcoming you to Colombia and sharing in your amazement and happiness as you discovered our diverse places, customs, and landscapes. Traveling with an open heart to explore and enjoy is a beautiful way to live. Thank you for bringing your beautiful energy! You will always find friends here whenever you wish to visit us again.

P.S. I hope your arm is feeling better.

Warm regards,
Wendy

So glad we chose Colombia!
Colombia | Feb 4 - Feb 17, 2024

Alex
Alex P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 18, 2024
We were first greeted by our cheerful guide, Andrea, at the airport. We spent a day with her traveling around Bogotá. She was enthusiastic and had lots of knowledge re Colombian history, art, food, and culture. We had a great first breakfast at Hotel Coco in their top floor sunroom with views of the mountains surrounding Bogotá and a colorful spread of delicious Colombian fruits and other tasty foods. Next, we went to Medellin and were met by Claudia and Martin. Claudia was a most... Read more

We were first greeted by our cheerful guide, Andrea, at the airport. We spent a day with her traveling around Bogotá. She was enthusiastic and had lots of knowledge re Colombian history, art, food, and culture. We had a great first breakfast at Hotel Coco in their top floor sunroom with views of the mountains surrounding Bogotá and a colorful spread of delicious Colombian fruits and other tasty foods.

Next, we went to Medellin and were met by Claudia and Martin. Claudia was a most excellent guide! Her knowledge, friendliness, and passion for her country was well complemented by English speaking driver, Martin, who added his own perspectives on various parts of Medellin culture and sights. We were so fortunate to have the two of them together. Our time with them was the highlight of the trip.

We then went to Cartagena and enjoyed our time there. We had a different guide for each event (Cartagena walking tour, kayaking, drum demonstration, horseback riding on the beach).
We then ended our trip with some time at the Caribbean resort island of Baru. We enjoyed kayaking to nearby islands and walking around an aviary where all the birds of Colombia are highlighted. Then one last night in Bogota before returning home.

Important points:
- so helpful to have someone greeting us at each airport and facilitating each departure (we took 3 domestic flights since driving within Colombia is too time consuming)
-very impressed with Avianca and LATAM Airlines
-easy and timely communication with trip organizers and guides using WhatsApp
-hotels were all modern and comfortable
-the best part of the trip was learning about the country by spending time with guides that were eager to show their love of Colombia, especially those that we spent multiple days with

Trip highlights not to be missed
-cable ride to Monserrate, a mountain that overlooks Bogota
-Museo Botero and Museo Del Oro- in Bogota, museum of the artist and sculptor Botero and nearby museum of gold
-Mercado de Paloquemao - tasted exotic fruits, a fun place if you like local markets
-Museo Casa de la Memoria, Medellin - museum dedicated to honor the memory of victims of urban conflict, paramilitaries, and drug trafficking in Medellin
-coffee plantation (Café de la Cima) - we visited a great family run place 1.5 hours from Medellin in Fredonia
-Guatapé - big rock to climb with stunning views and a boat ride on a nearby reservoir; tuk tuk ride in colorful town of Guatapé
-Comuna 13 and Santo Domingo neighborhoods in Medellin - use metro and metro cable car with guide
-Plaza Botero and Museo de Antioquia
-Getsemani neighborhood of Cartagena
-rum and chocolate tasting in Cartagena
- kayaking at Isla Baru
-aviary at Isla Baru
-street food: grilled corn, empanadas, arepas, fresh mango slices

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Coco
Bogotá

Such friendly staff! And a spectacular breakfast spread in a room that views the Bogota skyline and mountains.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Safe neighborhood with close by pharmacy and grocery store and tons of restaurants.
Staff
So friendly! Freddy was super helpful and welcoming!
Cleanliness & Comfort
We would recommend this hotel to all travelers.
Quinta Ladera
Medellin

Interior design was very artistic. Quiet, safe neighborhood, close to El Poblado restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very friendly!
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Poblado neighborhood can get noisy at night though this hotel is far from the noise. Laureles neighborhood is a good alternative though not as lush with greenery.
Casa La Factoria by Faranda Boutique
Cartagena

Beautiful decor in an historic building. Great location in the old city within a few blocks of Plaza de Simon Bolívar and Plaza de Santo Domingo.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Appreciated the air-conditioning.
Aura Hotel Barú By Sport Barú
Cartagena, Bolivar

Nice to have some time to relax. This was a low key retreat which was perfect for us. Kayaks, ping pong, paddle boards and other activities and games available.

Location
Very beautiful and picturesque Caribbean retreat but isolated.
Staff
Helped get us a ride to the nearby aviary.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Paloquemao Farmers Market |  Colonial Downtown & Monserrate
Paloquemao Farmers Market | Colonial Downtown & Monserrate
Colombia

One highlight at this visit, and for the whole trip was that our guide presented us with a sample of 6 exotic juices and their corresponding fruit.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andrea was great! She bought us some samples of fruit to take back to the hotel.
Transport
The City of The Eternal Spring & Street Food In La Comuna 13
The City of The Eternal Spring & Street Food In La Comuna 13
Medellín

We didn’t now much about all the factions that was part of the violence in the earlier decades in Colombia. That changed after we visited the Casa de la Memoria museum. It was an emotionally moving set of exhibits that is a must visit for anyone interested in understanding the violence that Medellin and the rest of Colombia suffered under. Saw both comuna 13 and Santo Domingo. Two different and fascinating neighborhoods. Comuna 13 gets all the attention and as a result is very touristy but Santo Domingo is quieter and maybe more authentic. The cable ride to Santo Domingo was a breath taking view of the city.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Loved the dynamic duo Claudia and Martin.
Transport
Travelled on the clean and modern metro and the cable car transportation.
Full day Coffee Workshop - "From the plant to the cup"
Full day Coffee Workshop - "From the plant to the cup"
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Walked the steep hills with the coffee farmer as he explained the the coffee process. We also harvested the coffee berries our selves.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Claudia translated for us as the farmer talked about coffee growing and roasting. Also, we tasted coffee and learn to discern different coffee types.
Transport
Discover Cartagena by Kayak
Discover Cartagena by Kayak
Colombia

Pleasant time kayaking but the trip did not match the description. Guide did not speak English so we did not learn much. Though Cartagena is a beautiful city from the inside, it wasn’t as interesting from the water.

Quality of Experience
Colorful Colombia: Hike to Guatapé Rock, Guatapé & Peñol-Guatape Reservoir
Colorful Colombia: Hike to Guatapé Rock, Guatapé & Peñol-Guatape Reservoir
Colombia

We enjoyed a boat trip on Peñol reservoir viewing vacation homes and beautiful scenery. Some of the properties were owned by Pablo Escobar. We then climbed up the famous rock El Peñol, which was not as difficult as we thought it would be. The views were spectacular. We then went to the town of Guatape, which is a fun colorful place to visit and walk around. After that we had a really tasty lunch at a Spa/Glamping restaurant called Bosko.

Quality of Experience
Great scenery, town, guide, driver, and food.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon-Night Walking Tour
Afternoon-Night Walking Tour
Cartagena

We learned about Cartagena‘s history walking through the old city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Horseback  ride at the Beach
Horseback ride at the Beach
Cartagena

First visited the horse farm of Paso Fino horses and learned about their unique gate. We then went to the beach and met the horses there and rode them on the beach. After that we had a nice lunch at a nearby resort.

Quality of Experience
We were met at our hotel by Maria, who it turned out, was from the family that owned the horse farm. During the drive to the farm, we learned about her life experience riding horses.
Food
Great ceviche!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Drum Safari - Sounds of Cartagena
Drum Safari - Sounds of Cartagena
Cartagena

We had a fascinating experience learning about the Afro – Colombian rhythms presented by an ensemble of drummers and dancers in a small beach town north of Cartagena. The event didn’t include a tour of the neighborhood as the description suggested. we appreciated the importance of maintaining this heritage.

Quality of Experience
Better with a bigger audience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide and interpreter Jhoker, who is also a musician, was really wonderful in helping present the info the drummers were relating.
Transport
Great driver! I left my phone in the car and he came back to give it to me.
Free day in Baru
Free day in Baru
Isla Barú

This was a relaxing place to close out a wonderful two week trip to Columbia. The views were beautiful from the various dining rooms. There were lots of comfortable places to sit and areas where you could play games like ping-pong or volleyball. They had kayaks and paddle boards that could be used at any time. The friendly bartender was available to make great drinks like limonada de coco and exotic cocktails. Paddling around the resort was easy in the morning when the water was still. We did manage to find a ride to a nearby aviary, which is well worth the trip.

Quality of Experience
Hotel Aura Baru was well situated, relaxing, and low-key, but isolated. There is no town nearby to visit. It would been great to have an opportunity to go by shuttle to the aviary. Perhaps the hotel could provide a daily trip to the aviary for visitors who are interested.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly staff.
Transport
The ride to the aviary, which took 10 minutes, was quite expensive for Colombian standards. The hotel should provide a shuttle to the aviary once a day for anyone interested.
Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on Feb 21, 2024

Dear Alex and Mitra,

Thank you so much for your wonderful comments and acknowledgments to our team. Your feedback is incredibly important to us as it allows us to ensure that everyone who works to make your trip unforgettable feels appreciated and happy.

We truly appreciate your beautiful energy and willingness during the trip! It was a pleasure to see you connect with our people, history, customs, traditions, and landscapes. Those pictures are amazing! 😍

You are always welcome here, and it was truly incredible to share these days with you too!

Warm regards,
Wendy

Enjoyed our trip to Colombia
Colombia | Jan 26 - Feb 6, 2024

B
Barb N.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024
Enjoyed our trip to Colombia. Highly recommend Wendy. Excellent contact and follow up before and throughout the trip. The itinerary was great to see the sites and absorb the culture of Colombia. Read more

Enjoyed our trip to Colombia.

Highly recommend Wendy. Excellent contact and follow up before and throughout the trip. The itinerary was great to see the sites and absorb the culture of Colombia.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Salento Real Eje Cafetero
Salento

Rooms were hot but thankful they gave us a portable fan. Breakfast was basic though personable staff cooked to order. TV didn’t work but the staff tried.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy walking to the Main Street. Quiet location.
Staff
Staff did not speak English but our guide helped.
Cleanliness & Comfort
York Luxury Suites Medellín
El Poblado, Medellin

Excellent staff and many spoke English which was helpful. All were friendly and personable. Great sunset from balcony off the fitness room. Modern hotel with kitchen facilities.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A ways from everything
Staff
Friendly and very helpful that many spoke English. Reception staff was excellent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel
Santa Marta, Magdalena

Older hotel. Rooms were comfortable. Breakfast was satisfactory. Rooms were clean but towels a bit worn.

Authenticity & Character
Location
I think everywhere in Santa Marta seemed a bit sketchy.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ermita, Cartagena, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
El Cabrero, Cartagena

Comfortable hotel but on a busy road and hectic sidewalk to walk into the historic town. Floor in our room was filthy. We took our shoes off at the door and I could feel dirt under my feet. I took toilet paper and water and mopped the floor to try to get the floors clean enough. There was water under the sink and the hairdryer pouch was wet. I put tissue under the pipe to try to determine if major leak and it seemed condensation. It wasn't major so didn't call the staff. The next day the cleaning staff removed the tissue and put a towel there. Beds were comfortable. The rest of the hotel was kept very clean. Breakfast was good. Loved the fresh fruit.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Please mop the floors in the rooms between guests.
GHL COLLECTION HOTEL 93
BOGOTÁ

Excellent breakfast. Food and serving staff were outstanding. Nice to have pancakes and eggs made to order. Presentation was amazing. Nice to have flavoured water in the lobby in the afternoons. The beds were comfortable. The only complaint I have is the bathroom sink is of very poor design. The angled sink was not practical. The tap was not a simple turn on and off and it sprayed everywhere including on us every time it was turned on.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Good location to walk to restaurants and shopping mall if so desired.
Staff
Staff at Breakfast were 10 stars!!!!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Paloquemao Farmers Market |  Colonial Downtown & Monserrate
Paloquemao Farmers Market | Colonial Downtown & Monserrate
Colombia

Amazing to tour the flower displays. Great to sample the fruits and drinks to get a flavour for Colombia. Interesting to see the Gold Museum. Enjoyed the drive past the murals but would have been nice to walking tour of them instead. Good to go up Monserrate mountain.

Quality of Experience
Food
Lunch was amazing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andrea was an excellent guide. She had great knowledge, enthusiasm and tailored the tour to do this the day after it was scheduled due to the impact of the fires where we wouldn't have been able to do a lot of it. The driver was great too. Nice to have water provided.
Transport
Good vehicle. Nice to sit in front seat so I could take pictures out the window.
The Salt Cathedral & Zipaquirá
The Salt Cathedral & Zipaquirá
Colombia

The Salt Cathedral is a must do when you go to Bogata. Spectacular to see and experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andrea explained things very well and knew where to get the best pictures of us. She is very personable and respectful of other tourists.
Transport
Coffee Farm Experience
Coffee Farm Experience
Colombia

We enjoyed our visit to the coffee farm and hearing the family's story of struggles and survival and seeing how they have developed and do their business. They were very engaging. Also enjoyed meeting their family.

Quality of Experience
Food
We didn't have lunch at the farm due to appointment by the farm owner but had a good meal in a restaurant with a beautiful property.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Personable guide who was a good interpreter with the farm owners and took some good pictures of us picking the coffee beans.
Transport
Part of the overall experience was travelling in the back of the jeep to get to and from the farm.
Salento, Filandia, & the Valley of Wax Palms
Salento, Filandia, & the Valley of Wax Palms
Colombia

Enjoyed the Valley of Wax Palms and doing the hike to the lookouts. A bit commercialized but you can avoid the tacky touristy things they have added and focus on the trails and the views. Nice viewpoint above Salento to see the valley. We did not go to Filandia due to our guide not having it in their itinerary.

Quality of Experience
Food
Excellent restaurant and food.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Both the guide and driver were personable. Nice to have water provided.
Transport
Comfortable vehicle.
The City of Eternal Spring and Its Story of Transformation
The City of Eternal Spring and Its Story of Transformation
Medellín

Interesting tour of the city and history of the transformation. Juan Carlos Vanegas was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable. The only disappointment was that the guides and drivers provided water in the other places we had visited on the tour and we expected the same. But it wasn’t provided . We had landed by plane and started the tour immediately so had no water with us. We noticed the guide stopping a few times a picking up water for himself and he should have advised us to do the same.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Colorful Colombia: Hike to Guatapé Rock, Guatapé & Peñol-Guatape Reservoir
Colorful Colombia: Hike to Guatapé Rock, Guatapé & Peñol-Guatape Reservoir
Colombia

Enjoyed it all despite it being a rainy day. Guide adjusted the order of the sightseeing due to the weather. Glad we were able to climb the rock - it stopped raining for us and the fog lifted briefly at the top so we could get a bit of the view.

Quality of Experience
Food
Lunch was incredible.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bunkuany: The Heart of the Wold
Bunkuany: The Heart of the Wold
Colombia

The description of the tour did not say it would be 12 km hike over uneven and challenging terrain. Even the guide was shocked when he read the description. The guide was excellent and very helpful. We were proud of ourselves for doing the trek. We are in good shape but others would find it difficult. Even the drive to get to the start of the hike was quite the twisty and bumpy experience. We only did this as it we needed an option to replace Tayrona Park since it was closed.

Quality of Experience
Food
Beautiful setting for the meal. Nice to have snacks during the hike.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent guide and highly skilled driver.
Transport
Discover the Magical City of Cartagena & Getsemaní
Discover the Magical City of Cartagena & Getsemaní
Cartagena

Loved the city. Beautiful colours and interesting streets. No food provided on the tour so didn’t rate it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Good guide and driver.
Transport
Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on Feb 20, 2024

Dear Barb,

It was a pleasure to welcome you here in Colombia and South America! I hope you've been enjoying your trip. Thank you for including us in your adventure and for acknowledging the efforts of our team in showing you the best of our country.

You will always be welcome here; Colombia awaits you with open arms and a cup of coffee.

Warm regards,
Wendy

Well organized, active trip snorkeling, hiking and tubing
Colombia | Dec 19 - Dec 28, 2023

M
Miriam M.
San Mateo, CA | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2024
The trip was very well organized. All the guides and drivers showed up when they were supposed to. The guides were all very knowledgeable and personable. We spent the most time with Andres for our Playa Tayrona National Park portion of the trip. He was a great person to work with, fun, knowledgeable and polite and well organized. We had a great day hiking with him in the Park and another great day with him tubing down the Don Diego River. Our private boat trip through the Rosario Islands to... Read more

The trip was very well organized. All the guides and drivers showed up when they were supposed to. The guides were all very knowledgeable and personable. We spent the most time with Andres for our Playa Tayrona National Park portion of the trip. He was a great person to work with, fun, knowledgeable and polite and well organized. We had a great day hiking with him in the Park and another great day with him tubing down the Don Diego River. Our private boat trip through the Rosario Islands to snorkel was fantastic!

One aspect of Kim Kim I loved was being able to ask questions of the guide on What's App such as what to bring, when we were going to have lunch, etc. It was like having a personal guide with you all the time at your disposal.

I would highly recommend Wendy and the KIM KIM team for your travels to Colombia.

Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on Jan 18, 2024
Miriam! Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It warms my heart to know that I was able to positively contribute to your travel experience in Colombia. Hearing that the activities and our guides met or exceeded your expectations truly means a lot to me. I'll be sure to convey your kind words to Andrés and let him know how much you appreciated her company. Once again, thank you for choosing The Colombian Trip for your journey. It was my absolute pleasure to ensure that your trip was... Read more

Miriam! Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It warms my heart to know that I was able to positively contribute to your travel experience in Colombia. Hearing that the activities and our guides met or exceeded your expectations truly means a lot to me.

I'll be sure to convey your kind words to Andrés and let him know how much you appreciated her company.

Once again, thank you for choosing The Colombian Trip for your journey. It was my absolute pleasure to ensure that your trip was memorable, and I'm overjoyed that you and your family had a fantastic Christmas time!

Warm regards,
Wendy

Overall the trip was fantastic. Especially a...
Colombia | Dec 4 - Dec 12, 2023

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christian r.
San Diego, CA | Reviewed on Dec 28, 2023
Overall the trip was fantastic. Especially all the help with the Airlines and basically anything else that I needed. The only couple of things that I would change is the hotel in Pasto and in Bogota on the last night. The hotel in Pasto was ok but incredibly loud and the room didn't have a window, AC, fan anything so it was just hot and bad air. When you drive through the student district there are a bunch of restaurants there and hotels that would be more fun to stay in and have the... Read more

Overall the trip was fantastic. Especially all the help with the Airlines and basically anything else that I needed. The only couple of things that I would change is the hotel in Pasto and in Bogota on the last night. The hotel in Pasto was ok but incredibly loud and the room didn't have a window, AC, fan anything so it was just hot and bad air. When you drive through the student district there are a bunch of restaurants there and hotels that would be more fun to stay in and have the opportunity to go out. The hotel in Bogota that I am talking about is the last night. Again just had a window but with the airplanes you couldn't have it open. No toilet paper in there, towels etc again which is ok because I know it was booked for the convenience of being able to get to the airport early.

One other thing that I would add is the guides need to be more clear on what days they will be with you and for what times. This may be an American thing but I wanted to tip the driver and guide at the end of the time that I would be with them so each day I would ask...are you with me tomorrow? Sometimes they would say yes, sometimes it was just the driver etc. Again non of this is a problem but for me to tip I want to tip at the end of the journey not each day. With that being said it was hard to make sure I had the right amount of cash on hand not knowing what day the guide would leave or if I had the same driver daily. Hopefully that makes sense.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Cuellars
San Juan de Pasto

The hotel was loud and hot. No air in the rooms and not even a window to open. You could hear someone on the phone from 3 doors down. I would of rather stayed in the student district than here.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel handled more large groups with music and meetings than feeling like you were at a local nice hotel.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Habitel
Bogotá

No toilet paper, no towels just not ready to stay in. There was a window but you couldn't keep it open because of the planes so the room was hot.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Took a very long time to check out in the morning especially being at 2AM and me being the only one there.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Volcano Mud & The Pink Sea
Volcano Mud & The Pink Sea
Cartagena

This was sold as the Pink Sea but in reality its a man made salt production that has no reason to go to. It was a waste of a day in my mind and I would tell everyone going to skip it.

Quality of Experience
Food
Finally got taken to a real restaurant after asking multiple times and it is so much better than the tourist food.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on Jan 18, 2024
Dear Christian, Thank you very much for your valuable feedback. Your comments mean the world to us, as they provide us with the opportunity to enhance our services and continue showcasing the best of Colombia!
I’m delighted to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed the cultural experience in Pasto and that our guides met your expectations during your visit.
We have carefully reviewed your comments regarding Galerazamba, the last hotel in Bogotá and the hotel in Pasto, the recommended order of... Read more

Dear Christian,

Thank you very much for your valuable feedback. Your comments mean the world to us, as they provide us with the opportunity to enhance our services and continue showcasing the best of Colombia!
I’m delighted to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed the cultural experience in Pasto and that our guides met your expectations during your visit.

We have carefully reviewed your comments regarding Galerazamba, the last hotel in Bogotá and the hotel in Pasto, the recommended order of destinations when combining places like Cartagena and Pasto, the seat selection process on flights, and the information provided about the guides and drivers accompanying our passengers. Your insights will be instrumental in improving our future travel proposals.

We look forward to welcoming you back to Colombia someday, where we can introduce you to more of our incredible destinations!

Warmest wishes for a fantastic year ahead!
Best regards,
Wen

11 day trip to Medellin, Pereira and Cartagen...
Colombia | Apr 5 - Apr 15, 2023

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Amanda P.
Southampton, NY | Reviewed on Apr 17, 2023
11 day trip to Medellin, Pereira and Cartagena. The experience was wonderful. Wendy was extremely helpful and accommodating during the planning and in our communications while we were traveling. All of our guides were amazing! Lina in Medellin was so engaging and excited about us learning all about her city; she was so great with our 2 children, making the experience fun for them too! Natalia, in Pereira, was prompt and easy going for our relaxing time in the coffee region. Our private... Read more

11 day trip to Medellin, Pereira and Cartagena. The experience was wonderful. Wendy was extremely helpful and accommodating during the planning and in our communications while we were traveling. All of our guides were amazing! Lina in Medellin was so engaging and excited about us learning all about her city; she was so great with our 2 children, making the experience fun for them too! Natalia, in Pereira, was prompt and easy going for our relaxing time in the coffee region. Our private horseback riding tour at La Maria was an experience we will never forget! What a view! And Carolina in Cartagena was diligent in making sure we saw and tried everything the city had to offer. This was our first experience with Kimkim so we did not know what to expect; the experience was seamless! All of the transfers were waiting for us and there was never a single issue; everyone was so accommodating and cheerful. Thank you for our awesome family vacation!

Hotel Reviews
Medellin Marriott Hotel
Medellín

Very good hotel with good amenities. Great for traveling with children.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Boutique Sazagua
Pereira

The hotel is beautiful, the staff are great and very kind. The food at the restaurant is delicious! My only complaint was that our room had a strong odor of mold and the mildew caused me to have an allergic reaction.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Las Islas
Barú

This resort is breathtaking! We didn't like our bungalow that they first offered so they transferred us, with no additional charge, to the private island and their new bungalows. We had our own pool and the rooms were gorgeous! Everything was of the highest finishing touch! The staff was so kind and helpful and there seemed to be nothing that they would not accommodate. They even offered a helicopter transfer to Cartagena for no extra cost because there was not a return passenger booked. I can definitely recommend this hotel for anyone who loves the beach and loves luxury!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ananda Hotel Boutique - Hoteles Cosmos
Cartagena de Indias

It is a beautiful hotel in the middle of Cartagena's walled city. The breakfast and the accommodations are very nice. My complaint is that it was very loud for sleeping. There is a disco next door. Our shower had a shaft to the roof that was shared with the floors above so you could hear quite a lot from the other rooms. And, there was some sort of cleaning with a very loud motor going on at 530am. It was exhausting!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on Jul 17, 2023

Hi Amanda,
Many thanks for your feedback,
We are very happy you had a wonderful trip in our country!

Thanks for your trust and we we will be here for any trip you would like to do!
Have a great day!
Best,
Wendy

Unforgettable Colombian Adventure: A Perfectly Planned Trip with Exceptional Guides
Colombia | Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2023

Sangeetha
Sangeetha R.
Old Bridge, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 15, 2023

Wendy, our local operator, planned the entire trip flawlessly and made sure to stay in touch with us before, during, and after our visit to ensure our well-being. The guides, who were all exceptional, showed great flexibility and knowledge. Luis gave us a wonderful tour of Bogota, while Juan led us through Leticia and the Amazonas, preparing us well for hikes in the rainforest and going above and beyond to ensure our enjoyment. Our visit to Colombia was unforgettable, and we are grateful to Wendy, Luis, Juan, and the local guides in the forest for creating such wonderful memories.

Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on Apr 21, 2023

Hi Sangeetha,
We appreciate your feedback and uploading those beautiful pictures of your experience here in Colombia. We are very happy you came and visited us and had great moments not to forget.
We are always here to create the ideal itinerary for you and your family.
Regards from Colombia,
Best,
Wendy

Overall we enjoyed the trip thoroughly. ALL t...
Colombia | Mar 26 - Apr 3, 2023

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Philip F.
Boynton Beach, FL | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2023
Overall we enjoyed the trip thoroughly. ALL the staff including Wendy, Andrea, Andreas, Martin, and, everyone were knowledgeable, kind, caring and very attentive to our special needs. Aside from the physical strains of walking hills where unavoidable, we have no complaints. The hotel in Bogota (Sofitel) was a gem and we loved it. However, the same cannot be said for Park 10 (Medellin). This was one of the WORST places I have ever stayed. It was exactly the opposite of what we had requested.... Read more

Overall we enjoyed the trip thoroughly. ALL the staff including Wendy, Andrea, Andreas, Martin, and, everyone were knowledgeable, kind, caring and very attentive to our special needs. Aside from the physical strains of walking hills where unavoidable, we have no complaints. The hotel in Bogota (Sofitel) was a gem and we loved it. However, the same cannot be said for Park 10 (Medellin). This was one of the WORST places I have ever stayed. It was exactly the opposite of what we had requested. These people were very kind and tried to help, but have no idea how to operate a hotel. We had NO hot water most of the time, no one could adjust the A/C so that we were not cold all the time, no one could get the TV (Direct TV) to produce anything but Spanish speaking channels, numerous technical issues which never were resolved, etc. The original hotel would have been great except the brochure does not mention that most rooms could only be accessed by long, steep, dangerous stairways with no railings. When none of the rooms we were supposed to get were available they were of no help in accommodating us. Really ruined a good part of our stay in Medellin.
So after this long litany of complaints, let me conclude by thanking your entire organization for providing us with a wonderful memory of our anniversary in your beautiful country, with its kind people and welcoming spirit.

Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on Apr 06, 2023

Hi Dear Philip & Jo Ann,
Thank you for your feedback which is very important to us!
Your visit was a treasure for us and we are really grateful that you choose us to be with you on the trip and celebrate your anniversary.
We know that you make a big effort and thank you!
Thank you for doing the activities which we talked about by phone, thank you for your patience, and thank you for everything.
I am sorry to hear about the hotel in Medellín. Your feedbacks are really important to us and we will keep working to give our travelers a good experience.
Have a great night,
Best,
Wendy

Five stars!
Colombia | Mar 12 - Mar 23, 2023

Julia
Julia K.
Livonia, MI | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2023
I had a wonderful trip to Colombia, and I am so happy that I worked with KimKim to plan this experience. I had three wonderful city guides in Bogota, Santa Marta, and Medellin. I also had a number of hiking guides for various outdoor excursions in Bogota and on the trek to Ciudad Perdida. Each guide was extremely well-informed and did a great job sharing the history and culture of the place along with time for me to just enjoy and take it all in. The trip was a great balance between... Read more

I had a wonderful trip to Colombia, and I am so happy that I worked with KimKim to plan this experience. I had three wonderful city guides in Bogota, Santa Marta, and Medellin. I also had a number of hiking guides for various outdoor excursions in Bogota and on the trek to Ciudad Perdida. Each guide was extremely well-informed and did a great job sharing the history and culture of the place along with time for me to just enjoy and take it all in. The trip was a great balance between activities and free time: I was so happy to have a series of scheduled activities, but I was also glad to have plenty of time to myself to make my own plans or to explore the cities I was in. I wholeheartedly recommend booking through KimKim and working with Wendy and her team in Colombia!

Hotel Reviews
EK Hotel
Best Western Plus Santa Marta Hotel
Santa Marta, Magdalena
Quinta Ladera
Medellin
Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Wendy Romero
Wendy
Wendy Romero
Local specialist in Santa Marta | Replied on Apr 06, 2023

Hi Julia,
We are so glad you had a fantastic trip here in Colombia and that you come and celebrate your birthday with us! You made a mix of activities and we are really proud of the long hike that was done in Lost City.
We will wait for you here again for more adventures and to discover more places.
Best,
Wendy