Columbus Guatemala Travel

over all we are happy with service from KIMKIM team and had nice time and received timely help from team. All the drivers were nice and humble and tours arranged were fine and time saving.

The entire KimKim team worked harad to make our trip a success. Esteban was particularly helpful, rescuing us and our luggage which we forwarded along by the office not realizing that the AirBnB would not let us in before 3pm. Catherina also organized a birthday party for our daughter who turned 18 while we were in Antigua.

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.

Our Belize trip with Lesbifriends Travel was beyond amazing! From start to finish, everything was perfectly curated, thanks to our knowledgeable travel expert, Caterina.

The itinerary struck the perfect balance of culture, history, beach vibes, and relaxation. We explored ancient Mayan ruins, learned about Belizean history and culture, and soaked up the sun on pristine beaches. We loved cooking and drumming with the Garifuna people and be welcomed into their lovely community; we truly enjoyed this cultural immersion. The trip also included plenty of downtime, which allowed us to truly unwind and enjoy the serene beauty of the destination.

Our guide, Rene was also another highlight. He was very knowledgeable, patient, funny, and a joy to be around. He also did double time as our driver and kept our group safe.

Rene’s expertise and warm personality made every activity more engaging, and Caterina ensured every detail of the trip was seamless. Their teamwork brought everything together, creating an experience we’ll never forget.

If you’re looking for a trip that blends adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, this Belize trip is it!

Activity Reviews

Belize City Tour

Belize

The Belize City Tour was the perfect way to kick off our adventure. Our guide Rene shared fascinating insights about the city’s history, architecture, and culture, making the streets come alive with stories. We visited historical landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and even got a glimpse of the bustling local life. It was the ideal introduction to Belize, setting the tone for the rest of the trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Discover Xunantunich

Belize

Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich was a true highlight. The trek to the top of El Castillo rewarded us with panoramic views of Belize and neighboring Guatemala, a sight that took our breath away. Rene’s storytelling brought the site to life, weaving tales of Mayan civilization and its rich history. This experience was not only awe-inspiring but also deeply educational, leaving us with a profound respect for Belize’s ancient roots.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Maya Cacao Belizean Experience

Belize

Who knew chocolate-making could be so much fun? The Maya Cacao Belizean Experience was a sensory delight from start to finish. We learned about cacao’s historical significance, roasted cacao beans, and ground them by hand to create our own chocolate. The taste was heavenly, and the experience gave us a deep appreciation for the hard work behind every bar of chocolate.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Early Morning Yoga Class

San Ignacio

Starting the day with an early morning yoga class amidst Belize’s natural beauty was incredibly rejuvenating. Surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature, the session was both grounding and energizing. The instructor guided us through poses that were accessible for all levels, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and at peace. It was the perfect way to connect with ourselves before diving into the day’s adventures.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

San Ignacio Market

San Ignacio

The San Ignacio Market was a feast for the senses! The vibrant stalls overflowed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local spices, while vendors greeted us with warm smiles and stories about their products. We sampled tropical fruits and discovered unique handmade crafts. The market offered a genuine taste of Belizean life and culture, and it was an absolute joy to explore.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Garifuna Drumming Class

Hopkins Village

The Garifuna Drumming Class was an unforgettable cultural immersion. Our Garifuna instructors were not only talented musicians but also incredible storytellers, sharing the history and significance of drumming in their culture. We learned basic rhythms, danced, and even joined in a group performance. The energy was contagious, and by the end of the session, everyone was smiling, laughing, and feeling deeply connected to the Garifuna spirit.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kalipuna Island Farm to Table Cooking Class

Hopkins Village

The Kalipuna Island Farm to Table Cooking Class was a foodie’s dream. We harvested fresh ingredients straight from the farm and worked together to prepare an authentic Belizean meal. The chef guided us step by step, sharing cooking techniques and local traditions. The best part was enjoying the delicious meal we had created, surrounded by the stunning views of the island. It was an intimate and enriching experience that showcased Belize’s culinary and agricultural heritage beautifully.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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 Hike

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

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!

Our guide Esteban was absolutely amazing. He was with us in Antigua and Lake Atitlan, and was great with the kids and with the grandparents. The whole KimKim team was very accommodating. They were attentive to our initial requests and put together the perfect itinerary that wasn't too overwhelming and allowed for some flexibility. We were a relatively difficult group, as initially we had a party of 5, then a couple of weeks before the trip we added 2 more people. The team repsonded quickly, found bigger accommodations for us where necessary, and upgraded the vehicles used to transport us everywhere. Even during the trip, we encountered an issue with one of our accommodations in Lake Atitlan, and the team mobilized quickly to rectify all issues we had identified. I got sick on one of our days in Antigua, and Esteban and the KimKim team accommodated a last minute change to our itinerary for the day, providing us with alternate options for experiences, and also being kind enough to fetch me some electrolyte drinks to keep me hydrated thru my sickness. They even offered to connect us with a local doctor.
Esteban gave plenty of recommendations for places to eat and visit during our spare time, continuing to send us recommendations via WhatsApp even after we had parted ways. KimKim was the ideal tour company for us in Guatemala, and we would absolutely recommend them again.