We were a bit skeptical of the whole process ...
Mexico
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Dec 29 - Jan 6, 2023
We were a bit skeptical of the whole process at first, but went with it and now that we have returned and reflected on the experience it was amazing to have KimKim there for us every step of the way. We have traveled a lot in Mexico previously and wanted an authentic experience without the stress. Leslie was super kind and accommodating throughout the planning and booking process- I highly recommend using her and KimKim. Then, once we were on our trip Ximena was there on What’sApp to help with anything we needed - even sending reminders every evening for the next days activities which included things to think about doing on our free days. We were especially grateful to have Tere waiting for us at the rental car agency to help us navigate that after a long international flight, and to have her there at our departure to make sure everything was correct. It was just such a huge relief to have her and the entire KimKim team available for anything we needed!
Activity Reviews
We visited several cenotes in the area and this one was our favorite. It’s an hour drive from Valladoldid, but close to Chichen Itza. We drove to the cenote for an afternoon arrival and then did the Nights if Kulkulcan at Chichen Itza (to avoid the heat and my 5 year old whining). It worked out great for our family. The only odd thing was that the people who worked there seemed very confused about our entrance including a meal. We were given menus, then they were take away once they knew we had food included, but then they told us pretty much everything was available for us to order… it was a little confusing.
We enjoyed Coba - especially the biking and the more shaded cover Vs Chichen Itza. Our guide was just ok. We went on New Year’s Day so perhaps he was a little tired from the night before. We picked him up at the Pemex near the entrance and he helped us find parking. He slowly explained some things about the ruins before we went in (he was very patient with my kids asking a ton of questions). When we got the main ruins, we sat under a palapa area in the shade while he told us about the ruins. He then opted to stay in the shade instead of walking with us over to the main ruins. He said it was to allow us to walk around but it would have been nice to have him there (and to have a picture of all of our family in front of the ruins!). Selfies will work just fine.
We arrived in Nuevo Durango and Blanca and her family welcomed us in and showed us how to make hammocks. My son, who is 9, absolutely loved it and didn’t want to leave. Blanca offered lemonade and we took turns weaving. I speak fluent Spanish but no one else in my family does, and none of the other hosts spoke English. Thankfully I was able to translate for everyone but I’m not sure how it would work if someone was going that didn’t speak Spanish…? The food we ate was amazing, and my kids loved it. I was convinced they weren’t going to eat it but they did! And they loved it
This was the highlight of the trip for me! We loved floating in the canals carved by Mayans 2,000 years ago. Don’t book the ruins option - it’s an hour walk to get to the ruins. Stick with their most popular tour. Our guide Memo was amazing as was the food we enjoyed after. Highly recommend!
