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 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