As always with kimkim.com the planning and communication for our Chile trip was excellent. Tamer listened to what we wanted to see and do and made good suggestions for additions like fishing on the river. He took into account the limitations of our group and made sure our guides were well informed. We especially appreciated the responsiveness to our questions during the trip and the coordination for our transports and excursions.
Hotel Reviews
Excellent location, cool vibe, rooftop pool and restaurant with good food and live music. Service was top notch and rooms were comfortable.
Authenticity & Character
Modern and filled with video and are of Chile
Location
Walkable to many restaurants, shopping and activities. We felt safe and connected to the city.
Staff
Very responsive when my luggage didn't arrive and I needed to be contacted while on an excursion. Service with a smile and excellent English speakers.
Hotel Rio Serrano
Torres del Paine
This hotel is perfection, from the staff, to the views, to the meals and the common areas, it is first class.
We were recommended to get the full board plan which was all inclusive breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. It was excellent.
Authenticity & Character
It made you feel like you were in the middle of Patagonia with every view. Horses wandering through the property, riding available on site, birding from your chair!
Location
Perfect location in the park. Easy to get everywhere. Views of the mountains from everywhere in the hotel were breathtaking and ever changing.
Staff
Smiling, courteous service. Anticipating your every need.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless everywhere including pool, spa, common areas.
Solace Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas
Conveniently located just up the hill from town. Walkable to the lake, many restaurants and shopping.
Authenticity & Character
Beautiful location and property, could use better outdoor seating and make better use of their gardens. When the hotel was busy, there ae limited places to gather.
Location
Quiet and central
Staff
Always happy to make recommendations and reservations.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were nice size and comfortable. Carpets and bathroom could use upgrading.
Hotel Alma Sur
Punta Arenas
Comfortable, helpful staff and nice common areas with plenty of seating. Breakfast was good and the restaurant served 3 meals a day.
Authenticity & Character
Felt like a locally owned place, not a big US hotel!
Location
Just a 10 minute walk from town, near many restaurants and safe.
Staff
Super nice, helpful with storing luggage and answering questions
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were clean and well equipped, beds and pillow very comfy
AKA Patagonia
Puerto Natales
We didn't stay at this hotel. I put the rating in just to get through the review.
We stayed at the Best Western Patagonia. It was a very good choice.
Activity Reviews
Wine Tasting, Valparaiso and Viña del Mar- Private Tour
Chile
Juanito was kind and knowledgeable about our location and the area we visited. He didn't seem to know that we were having a wine tasting in the afternoon and had to set it up on the fly. This is a very long day in the car with not enough time to get out and walk the city / town.
Quality of Experience
Juanito was a good guide but his van was not good. If using him again, have an another driver. Janet's English and knowledge was fine and he was helpful and fun.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
When he talked while driving he slowed down ALOT on the highway. On the way home. he drove very fast and in the right lane scared us with a swerving to miss a slow vehicle.
Transport
The van was old, uncomfortable and didn't feel very safe on the highway. Had a low tire and this wasn't the first time it was low.
Visit the Saltos del Petrohue - Todos Los Santos Lake & Osorno Volcano
Chile
Excellent group tour, great timing to visit each place and enjoy the scenery.
Quality of Experience
Javier was very good and I highly recommend this trip.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Javier was excellent, knowledgeable and a good communicator. Kept us to a good schedule.
Transport
It was a very nice van but The van was over crowded with 1 extra person jammed in the back seat. Those in the back couldn't understand Javier over the mic system.
Full Day Private Tour to Chiloe - The Island of the Legends
Puerto Varas
Chiloe is interesting with a few historical attractions to see but they are very spread out once you get to the island and it is a VERY long drive. We wouldn't recommend it for a day trip.
Quality of Experience
I'm not sure other and its too long in the car for a day trip. We had a wonderful lunch experience at Mercado Delcahue watching our meal be prepared by a local family. It was delicious.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide, driver and transport were great.
Transport
Very comfortable
Magdalena Island - Penguin Encounter Half Day Tour
Chile
An amazing adventure to experience magellanic penguins. Excellent boat ride with dolphins and sea lions.
Quality of Experience
On time, well guided and breathtaking closeness to the penguins and gulls
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explore Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas
We learned a lot about the town, the history, the amazing cemetery and the explorers. Always a good way to be introduced to a new area.
Quality of Experience
Super windy day and the driver and Joaquín took very careful care of us
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable, clearly have a deep interest in history and culture, kind and helpful
Fishing in Maullin River - Half-Day (October to May)
Puerto Varas
Mateo and Paulo were amazing guides and fishing instructors. We had a beautiful sunny day on the river, learned to fish for trout and loved the whole excursion.
Quality of Experience
Unique float boat with guide navigating the river while we fished. Beautiful river with jungle on both sides!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very patient teaching us and helping us catch fish! Provided us a yummy lunch and drinks. Know so much about the ecology, flora and fauna and fish
Torres del Paine National Park - Private Panoramic Tour
Chile
Joaquin gave us a comprehensive tour of the park, beyond all expectations.
Quality of Experience
Every changing weather and wind made Joaquin's experience as a guide so important. We had plenty of opportunity to walk and explore at a pace that was just right for our group.
Food
Provided by hotel in a box lunch
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Joaquin was driver and guide and did an excellent job of telling us stories, answering questions and keeping us safely on the road!
Transport
super comfy van w captains seats
Full Day Private Grey Lake Hike - Glacier Navigation & Hike around the Lake
Chile
We did not end up taking this trip. The hike was going to be too difficult for us and the weather too rainy and cold. I had been advised by Tamer that because it was a private tour, we could customize the hike to meet our needs. I don't think he realized we would have been dropped off on an island and once the boat would have dropped us off, we would have had to stay on the island our in the elements for 8 hours until the boat came bak to get us.
Our local coordinator Jose Luis made us aware of the situation, that there was not way to do a gentle hike and so we didn't get to go.
I'm sure it's a great trip but it is difficult and remote with no flexibility to adjust for an easier trek. It never should have been recommended to us.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Chilean Food Tour & Picnic with a View of Santiago
Santiago
Angel was an excellent guide. We enjoyed the walking through the market, tasting local foods and the grand finale wine and local snacks on the hill overlooking the city. We learned a lot about the culture and Santiago in our very first day.
Quality of Experience
Professional, knowledgeable and fun!
Food
Local, fresh and yummy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Thoughtful and very interesting
Transport
Comfortable and safe
Local specialist: Tamer B. Obeid
