Columbus Guatemala Travel

The team did an amazing job proposing itineraries based on our interests, timeframes and budget. The trip was incredibly! The guides were very friendly and knowledgable. The accommodations were wonderful.

We were very pleased with how you used the information you obtained about both our general and
specific goals for the trip, as well as our travel “style” and physical abilities and applied them to your
detailed knowledge of the country. We felt it worked very well. We were delighted with what we saw of
the country and very happy with the accommodation arranged (one exception below). The information
provided re: climate, tipping etc. was very practical and comprehensive.

We were very happy with Roberto with whom we spent hours of almost every day. He was unfailingly
punctual and always enthusiastic. His driving was always sensible, which was very important to us. He
was knowledgeable across a range of subjects from history and volcanoes to birds. He frequently
checked in to make sure we were doing OK. On multiple occasions he raised the suggestion of
additional activities, whether a hike down to the waterfall at Ram Tzul or a swim at another site, but
without creating any kind of expectation (we did pretty much all of these activities) or hinting in any way
that it would be an extra strain for him. He arranged much appreciated extras such as a walk to Santa
Catherina from Antigua and watching the release of the baby turtles on the last day. His English was
satisfactory; in my case I particularly appreciated the chance for extended conversations in Spanish.

Carlos, the guide for Tikal was also very knowledgeable, personable, resourceful and an excellent driver.

Smaller points: 1) wifi at Quinta May Hotel was totally useless. 2) the hotel on the last night was the
kind of place we would rarely if ever. The smaller, often family owned places we enjoyed on the rest of
the trip were much more our style.

I should point out that it wasn’t entirely clear when communication switched over from Kimkim to
Columbus Tours. I understand the logical hand over to local expertise, but there were times we weren’t
sure to whom we should be talking.

Thank you to Catherina and the team for planning my trip to Guatemala and making it an unforgettable experience. My tour guides Bobby and Luis were professional and knowledgeable about the culture, history, foods and terrain, that I was taking it in through all my senses. The most challenging activity was hiking up Acatenango, but it was so worth it because of the spectacular views. There was a point when I had some issues towards the end of my trip, but Catherina and her team resolved the issue as soon as possible, I was so grateful for their help.
Guatemala is a beautiful and underrated country, the people were friendly and so welcoming that I would definitely return. I highly recommend you book through Colombus Guatemala Travel because they helped create such a unique experience.

Activity Reviews

Villages Around Lake Atitlán by Boat

Guatemala

I learned a lot about the culture, how the people make their clothes, the different types of crops that they grow, the foods that they eat.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Going on the boats (lanchas) was a fun way to get around

DAY 2, Acatenango Descend

Guatemala

The views of Acatenango were incredible, with the lava flowing and sunsets at night to sunrises in the morning.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The care and attention we were given from the team at Columbus Guatemala travel and in particular from our link person Catherina throughout our trip was outstanding. Estovan and JJ our guides and drivers were always concerned, engaging and informative .
Guatemala is such a beautiful country and our visit was filled with exposure and discussion around culture, mythology, sightseeing alongside authentic inclusion in group activities and celebrations with Columbus Guatemala travel and the other companies booked by Catherina as part of our two week visit. In preparation for the trip, we received clear and detailed information about a whole range of useful tips on packing & preparation for our journey, which was invaluable.
Everyone we met at Columbus Guatemala travel proved to be helpful and inclusive and totally trustworthy.
Mostly the itinerary throughout Guatemala & briefly Belize was totally adhered to, occasionally pick up points were not totally clear but Catherina really was available for 24 hours a day as evidenced by her ability to always sort out a problem or clarify a confusion within a very short space of time.
We managed to see so much of Guatemala, the people, the temples and the beautiful countryside. I can recommend wholeheartedly KimKim and in particular Columbus Guatemala travel to others, I hope we will be able to make use of their services in the future.

Activity Reviews

Sumpango, Giant Kite Festival

Guatemala

Attending the Sumpango Giant Kite Festival was an incredible experience. The festival was beautiful but crowded, and the simple idea of having all group members in matching T-shirts turned out to be very clever for organization. This made a unique experience even more enjoyable and memorable.

Pacaya Volcano Hike & Picnic

Guatemala

The Pacaya Volcano Hike was quite the adventure, although I didn't realize it would be so uphill. Thankfully, there were horses to assist those who needed it, like myself. Despite my concerns about horse riding, we were well-catered for, making the experience delightful despite the initial challenge.

Halloween Walk and Chicken Bus Ride

Antigua

The Halloween Walk and Chicken Bus Ride in Antigua was the best Halloween experience I've ever had. It was such fun, with wonderful hosts and a fabulous evening. The local culture and festivities made it truly special.

The entire trip was really great! Catherine, Juan, Esteban, and the whole team were available anytime we had a question and regularly checked up on us. Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Tikal were all very different, so depending on what you’re looking for all are worth a visit.

Kudos! To all the team members of Columbus Guatemala travel! They are always there from the beginning of our journey til the end it was perfect! I will recommend this travel agency to al travellers they are very reliable, and trustful. All the team effort they did makes you feel comfortable in every way of the journey. They will create our journey memorable! I would like to thank all the team members from the drivers, tour guides and especially the group of the Columbus Guatemala travel. I really wanted to give you all 10 stars!!! Till we meet again , Muchos Gracia’s!!!

Hotel Reviews

Maya Internacional

Flores

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Utzjay Hotel

Panajachel

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Naif Boutique Hotel

Antigua

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

El Recreo

Lanquin

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Welcome to Guatemala

Guatemala

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer from San Ignacio to Tikal National Park

Guatemala

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Semuc Champey

Guatemala

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Pacaya Volcano visit

Guatemala

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Thank you

Guatemala

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tikal Maya Ruin

Guatemala

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Villages Around Lake Atitlán by Boat

Guatemala

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Esteban our tour guide for the week was not only professional, engaging, and knowledgeable, but also very attentive to all our needs. Our group included 4 middle aged adults, a young adult and an older teenager, with various activity levels. Esteban accommodated all our individual needs/interests with ease, so that we all had a marvelous time.
We also went on several different tours, such as the walking tour of Antigua with Street Food, Altamira, chicken bus tour of the surrounding villages, Pacaya volcano, and a trip to El Paredón on the Pacific coast. Would definitely go back to Guatemala as there’s so much more to see & experience!